Mankato Magazine by Free Press Media

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MAY 2022

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FEATURES MAY 2022 Volume 17, Issue 5

Get busy! We scoured every website, community calendar and bulletin board to find the most comprehensive list for summer fun. You have NO EXCUSE to not have a great summer.

ABOUT THE COVER Our eye-catching cover is the bold work of graphic artist Christina Sankey.

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DEPARTMENTS 6

From the Editor

This Day in History

Faces & Places

12 Avant Guardians Markus Bean

14 Beyond the Margin Minneopa in May

16 Familiar Faces Alana Little

18 Day Trip Destinations Decorah, IA

34 Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging®

44 Let’s Eat!

Roll into the RoadHaus

46 On Tap

Hazes loaded

48 Community Draws Pollinator lawns

50 Lit Du Nord: Minnesota Books and Authors Great lakes, great poems

52 Ann’s Fashion Fortunes Ignoring trends

54 Garden Chat Jumping worms

56 From This Valley Brett’s

Coming Next Month

From Mexico to Minnesota: One immigrant’s story.

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FROM THE EDITOR By Robb Murray MAY 2022 • VOLUME 17, ISSUE 5 MAGAZINE Robb Murray EDITOR DESIGNER Christina Sankey PHOTOGRAPHERS Pat Christman Jackson Forderer

COPY EDITOR Kathy Vos CONTRIBUTORS James Figy Jean Lundquist Kat Baumann Leticia Gonzalez Ann Rosenquist Fee Pete Steiner Nick Healy Dana Melius Renee Berg ADVERTISING Danny Creel SALES Jordan Greer-Friesz Josh Zimmerman Theresa Haefner Tim Keech ADVERTISING Barb Wass ASSISTANT ADVERTISING Christina Sankey DESIGNER CIRCULATION Justin Niles DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER Steve Jameson EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Spear

Mankato Magazine is published by The Free Press Media monthly at 418 South Second Street, Mankato MN 56001. To subscribe, call 1-800-657-4662 or 507-625-4451. $59.88 for 12 issues. For all editorial inquiries, call Robb Murray 507-344-6386, or email rmurray@mankatofreepress.com. For advertising, call 344-6364, or e-mail advertising@mankatofreepress.com.

Southern MN — the BEST! G

o anywhere in America today — any city, any region, any state — and you’ll find some pride. People love to boast about the greatness of the place they call home, and in most cases, it’s for good reason. Beauty, fun and good times are, indeed, to be found just about anywhere in this country. Well, this month in Mankato Magazine, it’s our turn to do a little boasting. And, actually, I wouldn’t even call it boasting, per se. We’ve been saying for years that we’d love to put together an issue of this magazine that can act as a guide of sorts for anyone looking for some good, clean, family fun or a night on the town. (Are we boasting a bit in this issue about the bajillion things there are to do in southern Minnesota? Perhaps, but we’re professionals here at Mankato Magazine, and we wouldn’t use our platform here in braggadocious ways.) Like, if we were the boastful type, we’d say no other community in the region embraces the arts like we do. Unique sculptures dotting the city’s main corridor, a mural on every block, vibrant music scene, enough theater to delightfully litter your coffee table with playbills. But we’re not boastful. If we were braggarts, we’d talk for hours about the myriad opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature. The bike trails, the rivers, the lakes, the caves, the bison, the waterfalls, the fishing piers, the parks, the woods … but we’d never brag. A horn-tooting magazine might draw your attention to the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, Hermann the German in New Ulm, the Traverse des Sioux Park in St. Peter, Betsy’s and Tacy’s houses in Mankato, or that little spot near

Henderson where Prince shot a very memorable scene in his film “Purple Rain.” But as fans know, “That ain’t Lake Minnetonka,” and we’d never toot our own horns like that. We could go on and on, but Mankato Magazine simply doesn’t have room for bajillion ideas. So we whittled it down to 100. We think you’ll agree you’ve got no excuse to be bored this summer in southern Minnesota. We also think that you, like us, will see we’ve got so many reasons to be proud. It’s never a bad thing to take stock and appreciate the things that make this little slice of the world unique, quirky, spectacular, quaint and just plain fun. Elsewhere in this issue: Our Familiar Faces feature has gone to the dogs! Alana Little is the owner of Heartlund Kennels in rural North Mankato. Hundreds of pet owners have left their beloved fur babies in Alana’s care. Her bright smile and reassuring eyes have tamped down the stress levels of anxious pet owners heading out of town for a vacation without Fido. And right about now Alana’s online registration system is getting very busy. Summers are barking mad at Heartlund. And, while you need no excuse to spend a summer evening in Henderson, our Let’s Eat! piece this month gives you a great one. A tasty meal at the RoadHaus in Henderson could be the perfect beginning to a pleasant evening of good food, cool cars and a slice of small town Americana. Enjoy! Robb Murray is associate editor of Mankato Magazine. Contact him at 344-6386 or rmurray@mankatofreepress.com.

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY Compiled by Jean Lundquist

‘Tornado Towers’ once seemed innovative

Open bids on high-rise dorm at Mankato State

May 23, 1964 A new dorm was planned for students at Mankato State College in 1964. At 12 stories high, it would be the tallest building in Mankato. The dorm was designed to house 600 students, complete with commons area and dining facilities. It was hoped it would be ready for residents by the fall of 1965. It was also hoped a twin tower could be added to the structure, and indeed it was. The dorm became known as Gage Towers. It not only housed students, but in the summer became home to the Minnesota Vikings during training camp. The towers outlived their usefulness, and in the summer of 2013, they were imploded to make room for a parking lot.

11,161 polio shots given in county

May 22, 1956 Supplies of the Salk poliomyelitis vaccine had been unable to keep up with demand in 1955 and early 1956, so no second doses were available. But with the shipment of 11,161 doses to doctors in the county, it was now possible for people to get a second dose to boost the protection from polio. Not all doses were destined for Blue Earth County residents, however, as many doctors also treated patients from other counties. However, 80% of eligible first, second and third graders in Mankato had been vaccinated, and 72% of other county school children.

Mankato hosts Memorial Day program

May 27, 1898 A noble ceremony to remember and eulogize fallen heroes in Mankato was slated for the Normal School Park. Starting at 10 a.m. sharp, people were asked to dedicate the forenoon hours to honor all the vacant places in homes where loved ones had filled them. Remarks from local retired military officers, prayers led by several local religious leaders, songs sung by students from schools scattered throughout Blue Earth County, and a reading of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address by a high school student — and the laying of a wreath on the cross in memory of those fallen in the present war — were packed into the morning hours. The United States had declared war on Spain just a month earlier, following the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor.

Local contractor knighted at college fete

Saturday, May 23, 1964 “A landmark of international note” is how the Christ Chapel at Gustavus Adolphus College is described. It was designed by a firm in the Twin Cities, but George E. Carlstrom Co. of Mankato was the general contractor. For that, George E. Carlstrom received a knighthood from the King of Sweden. He received his medal at the Holiday House near St. Peter for the Order of Vasa. It was granted by the king of Sweden, Gustav VI Adolph, though the king was not himself able to be present.

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May 2, 1994 Valley Apartments, which came to be known as “Tornado Towers” was seen as a breakthrough in affordable housing. Built as student housing in Mankato, the towers of brown mobile homes stacked four high and held steady by concrete girders was not one of a kind; there was another just like it built in Vadnais Heights. The structures were built in 1972, designed by Mankato architect Harlan Schmidt. The Monks Avenue complex was built in just seven days. Though never considered a thing of beauty, it grew more dilapidated as it aged, becoming an infamous eyesore. It gained nationwide notoriety. Said the semi-retired Schmidt in 1994, “I’m not as embarrassed about the thing as I should be.” It was demolished in May 1994.

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FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports by David Faulkner

GMG Annual Meeting

1. David Wittenberg smiles as guests sit down for dinner before the business meeting. 2. Charlie Whitaker gives a speech on stage. 3. Jessica Beyer, president and CEO of GMG, gives a speech. 4. Valerie Johnson poses with her Greenseam Volunteer of the Year award. 5. Keynote speaker Kristen Brown closes out the evening with an inspirational speech. 6. Bruce Gratz poses with his Greater Mankato Growth Volunteer of the Year award. 7. Keynote speaker Kristen Brown gets the crowd to use the light of their cellphones in an interactive speech.

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FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports by David Faulkner

Mankato Home Show 1. Elysia Marquardt with Southpoint Home Mortgage smiles as she interacts with people. 2. Eric Geisthardt with GSW Exterior Specialists gives a demonstration. 3. Riley Lynch (left) and Keith Hamm (right) with Bomgaars pose at their booth. 4. Amber Chinn with Midnight Sun Spas poses. 5. (From left) Morgan Myers, Amber Bruender, Mr. Magoo and Zoe Browender pose at their True Real Estate booth. 6. Safe to say Mr. Magoo caught the eye of people walking by the booths. 7. The free event over the weekend gave people the opportunity to talk to vendors on home improvement.

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FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports by David Faulkner

St. Peter St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1

1. St. Patrick’s Day Parade queen Becca Kennedy throws green beads to the crowds. 2. Members from the John Ireland Catholic School marched in the parade, too. 3. Jamie Connor and his son Drew stop walking the parade to pose for a photo. 4. Hayden Thole poses for a portrait during the parade. 5. Miss Nicollet Olivia Whitmore smiles and waves to the crowds. 6. Kids wait with excitement knowing that they will fill their bags with candy. 7. The Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps Color Guard toss their rifles in the air as they make their way through the parade.

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AVANT GUARDIANS By Leticia Gonzales

Artist Markus Bean likes to incorporate connections to nature in his work.

‘A meandering path’ Markus Bean’s road to being an artist has been winding

arkus Bean, a visionary artist and owner of Markana Art, says he has always been passionate about the arts. “Starting as far back as pre-school and carrying through to high school, I took every opportunity to create and have continued to do so on my own time through adulthood,” said 35-year-old Bean. Even so, he didn’t ultimately choose art as a profession until much later. He spent a decade as a dog groomer, which he loved until his health became incompatible with the physically demanding job. After a series of more serious medical diagnoses, he was forced to quit working. With extra time on his hands, he turned to art, which he says sustained his sense of purpose and filled his time with joy, goals and constant learning.

“My art journey has had a meandering path, filled with detours into new styles, mediums, techniques, and subjects.” Bean says. “While I haven’t had formal schooling, as I come across new things, I incorporate them into my work and now my art is reflective of all the things I find most fascinating about life and nature.” His work, which can be found on Etsy, Instagram and TikTok under Markana Art, consists of acrylic painting, as well as ink illustrations, watercolor and some newly learned oil painting techniques. “Through personal extensive research of various art techniques and looking at the works of other artists, along with years of practicing for hours every single day,” Bean says, “I developed the knowledge and skills to make the art that I am making currently. I am expanding my knowledge and techniques even now.”

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These techniques play a larger role in how he gains inspiration for his work. “The overall theme of my art is ‘nature as sanctuary,’ meaning that nature is where solace, knowledge and joy come from. My palettes are in-your-face vibrant and almost always include magenta, turquoise, purple and gold.” The inclusion of nature leads to a deeper connection for Bean. He says that, through incorporating nature, spirituality and fantasy, he’s able to articulate his perspective on life while giving the viewer a glimpse of his inner landscape. He says dreams, mediations and nature inspire his work greatly. Other influences include henna designs, mandalas, scrollwork, rosemaling, arabesque design, sacred geometry and metaphysical symbols. Bean spends anywhere from three to 10 hours a day on his work. “So, it is primarily full time, and the more I grow, the more time I incorporate into my art practice and the business of being a professional artist.” The extra time has had a positive impact on Bean’s growth over the

past four years.. “In this time I have been able to continuously challenge myself and am now making work that truly fits under the banner of visionary artwork,” he says. “As a result, I have also learned to utilize traditional oil painting skills of grisaille and mische technique. These are things that I only daydreamed about learning and being able to do, but I have found that I am far more capable than I could have thought a few years ago. Most recently, I have been working on my illustration skills and learning to love drawing more and more.” Bean’s work is on display at the Ardent Mills building in Old Town in Mankato. “It is a piece titled ‘Community’ and features a magical tree that is growing out of honeycomb roots in front of a progress pride flag,” Bean says. He also has work for sale and on display at Christy’s Crystals and has showcased pieces at the Wine Cafe and the 410 Project. “Last August, I was part of the Selfhood Exhibit at the 410 Project. I was one of 15 women, nonbinary and trans artists that installed murals directly onto the gallery

walls. It was my first formal showing and the best experience. The piece I made was done in 22 hours over just three days and is one of my works of which I am the most proud.” Bean is working on a few projects, including one with Esther Marcella of E-Star Poetry for her poetry book, “Love Letters to Gaia.” “I happened to make a piece that works perfectly for the book cover at the exact same time that she began the project, which was a perfect moment of serendipity,” Bean says. “We also have a poster coming out soon and will create an Oracle deck.”

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BEYOND THE MARGIN By Joe Spear

Minneopa in May: Third oldest state park a local gem

he emergence of a chartreuse green landscape in May paints the historic Minneopa State Park and waterfalls in a way we shouldn’t take for granted. The May sun hits the falls just right for that glimmering sheen about 2 p.m. It’s a simple beauty but unique to the Mankato region in one of Minnesota’s oldest “rustic” state parks. The Legislature purchased the land around the Minneopa waterfalls in 1905, making Minneopa the third oldest state park after Itasca and Interstate. Minneopa comes from the Dakota word that means “two water falls” referring to the initial 8-foot falls that lead under the 1921 stone bridge to the larger falls that plummet about 40 feet. Minneopa State Park and the falls can be taken for granted by those who’ve become familiar with them, but others see them for the jewel they are. From gowaterfalling.com: “Minneopa Falls is the most scenic waterfall in southern Minnesota that I have seen. There is a fee to visit the state park, but it is worth it if you like waterfalls.” Years before Minneopa became a state park, hotels and train stops made it a resort-like area drawing people from around the state. Local residents keep Minneopa in the forefront with their “Friends of Minneopa” newsletter and caretaking of the 1855 Historic Minneopa Cemetery. A strong volunteer force serves as ambassadors for the park, and the herd of bison brought to the prairie side of the park in 2015 occupy a 300-acre fenced-in area. Residents show their affinity for the park through their generosity. Local landowners sold some 147 acres to expand the park in 2015 and took the Department of Natural Resources’ low bid instead of higher bids from a private party. In 2018, Minneopa was among the top 10 state parks with about 280,000 visitors a year, according to the DNR. The park has grown in visibility as a newsletter developed by park naturalist Scott Kudelka with the help of volunteers goes to more than 500 people, according to a report last fall in the Star Tribune. The New Deal’s Works Progress Administration constructed seven buildings at the park from 19371940. Workers built stairs to the waterfalls, hiking trails and seven buildings, including a shelter, maintenance buildings, restrooms and other structures. They were constructed with local sandstone and timbers.

The bison herd has been one of the biggest draws as the animals can be found roaming across the gravel bison road, sometimes weaving between the drivethru traffic, a thrill for vehicle occupants. The herd is raised for breeding stock in one of the few pure bison herds left in the country. There remains an abundance of fascinating details about the park that echo a different time in history, and the people of Minneopa’s history have inspirational stories. Louis Seppman, a stone mason, built a flour mill at Minneopa in 1862, completed in 1864. It could turn 150 bushels of wheat a day into flour with its enormous four-paneled windmill and beautiful stone silo. Two wings of the windmill were broken off in a lightning storm in 1873 and were rebuilt, only to be taken off again by a tornado in 1880, never to be rebuilt. After about 100 years of sitting in the elements, the stone silo was reconstructed, the window and doors fixed and the cap-like roof, reshingled in 1970, according to the DNR. Over the years, the 60-site campground has become popular with college students and local residents. I once witnessed a wrestling match between two college classmates at the campground. (Yes, there was alcohol involved.) The camper cabin sits just above a ravine where one can hear the trains cross the valley below. Friends of Minneopa holds a Winterfest event, complete with candlelit trails, a bonfire and cookout. The park offers a real sense of history sitting on the banks of the Glacial River Warren about 11,000 years ago. The park is completely contained in the old riverbed, and the DNR notes that large rocks cropping up in various places are not native to the area and were carried by the glacial river to rest near Minneopa. The DNR website describes the valley overlook at the park as one where the River Warren carved a 320mile valley, some 5 miles wide and 250 feet deep. Of course, the value of places in nature and parks grew with the onset of the pandemic. Thousands fled to the peace and quiet and relative safety of the outdoors. Many gained a new appreciation for what comes in May at Minneopa. Joe Spear is editor of Mankato Magazine. Contact him at jspear@mankatofreepress.com or 344-6382. Follow on Twitter @jfspear.

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FAMILIAR FACES

She’s all

Heartlund Your pet is Alana Little’s passion

Photos by Jackson Forderer

NAME:

Alana (Helget) Little AGE: 43 OCCUPATION:

Owner and operator of Heartlund Kennels

HOMETOWN: Sleepy Eye

FAMILY:

Frank, husband; Teagan, 6-year-old daughter; McKenzie, 3-year-old daughter; dogs, Goose, Maverick and MyLee

BEST PET NAMES:

Mustard, Grumpy, Dietrich, Vodka, Guinness, Rowdy, Tuff, Sole Sister, Bandit, Yuko just to name a few.

or most dog owners, their pet is part of the family. We celebrate them on social media, make room for them on the couch, give them nibbles of our supper. But there are times when they can’t be by our side. Rover simply can’t come along on that trip to Paris. Not all hotels allow pets. And who wants to bring pets along on a vacation only to leave them alone in a hotel room? In cases where you need help, you may call an animal boarding business. And in Mankato, you won’t find a friendlier animal lover than Alana Little. Owner of Heartlund Kennels in rural North Mankato, Little’s passion for animals is clear in the way she greets every customer. And the story of how she got into the business is as unique as the personalities of the pugs and bichons that come to her kennel. Mankato Magazine: Tell us how you got into the pet boarding business. Had you always dreamed of owning one? Alana Little: I did not always dream of owning a dog business but I always knew deep inside that I would be working with animals. How I got to be the owner of Heartlund Kennels was by one simple, yet nervewrecking, phone call. I called the previous owner and asked. When Roger answered the phone I recall saying to him, “I am not sure how to go about this conversation, but I am interested in buying your business. Is it for sale?” I was shocked to hear him say, “Yes, but it’s everything that is for sale: the house, the business, all 10 acres of it.” I actually pinched myself because I would have never guessed that it would have gone as smoothly as it did. This phone call was provoked by me being tired of working as a server. I wanted to get back into the “animal field” but I knew I didn’t want to work as a veterinarian technician in a vet clinic again. Years prior Frank and I boarded our dogs at Heartlund Kennels. Frank, my husband and Roger, the previous owner, had a short conversation that Frank remembered. As I was telling Frank how I want to do something with animals again but not sure what that is when he encouraged me to reach out to Heartlund Kennels. My thought was “Yeah right, who’s just gonna say ‘yes’ to something they worked hard on building?” I guess you never know if you never ask!

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MM: Dealing with a bunch of crazy dogs must produce a lot of crazy dog stories. Can you share a few of them with us? AL: I recall one owner telling me that he feeds his dog bacon every morning for breakfast. He wasn’t expecting us to do that, but I did. One morning I actually made a piece of bacon for every single dog that was in the kennel. There was no way I could feed only one dog a piece and not give the rest of them some. You know they can smell it. When we really get to see their personalities come out is the oneon-one, off-leash play time in the yard. Surprisingly, a lot of the dogs would rather we fetch the ball instead of them. It’s not uncommon to get a look of “Well, you threw it, so you go get it!” We get dogs that are police trained. Typically their reward is a toy. The hard part is getting them to release the toy. I had to call one of the sheriffs who owned the dog and put him on speaker phone giving the command for the dog to “release.” It worked!! A Belgian Malinois named Glenn by far has the most energy out of all the Belgians we have had here. He jumps at least 6 feet waiting for his turn to go and play. I know it’s 6 feet because when he jumps his head hits the top of the kennel. A small bichon frise named Gi-Gi likes to be carried like a princess when she believes she is done with her walk. When it comes to her meals, she likes to have her treat placed in front of her inside her crate that sits in the kennel. A Boston terrier named Millie likes to hit the brakes when she is done walking. She will not move. She stares at you and only God himself knows what she is thinking while she is staring at us. She will do this until we pick her up and carry her inside. MM: And I’m guessing there might be just as many zany pet owner stories. Care to share any of those? AL: One funny story that sticks out to me is any time one particular owner boards their dog, that dog holds a grudge against the owner. For 20 minutes the dog will not look at or acknowledge the owner. That dog will growl at him until two treats are offered. Then the dog will accept his presence. The dog will also do this if the owner goes out for groceries. We sometimes ask the owners how they came up with their dog’s

Alana Little got into the dog boarding business the old fashioned way: She called the owner and asked him to sell it to her. name. Typically a child of theirs named their dogs. Hence the name mentioned above, Mustard. We hear a lot of stories on how they got their dog or how they rescued the dogs. Each and every dog and owner has a story. Sometimes I wish the dogs could tell us theirs. MM: What’s the most challenging part of running a pet-related business? AL: The most challenging part is not being able to help board e v e r y c u s t o m e r ’s d o g s . T h e other challenge is helping a dog understand when they have anxiety of whatever sort is that they are going to be OK. They are safe and nothing will harm them. If they could only understand what we say and I am sure it’s vice versa. Heartlund has never closed for a single day that it has been open. With that being said, it’s not always easy to find that employee who is willing to be up and at it by 5:30 a.m. I have amazing staff that works for me now. We couldn’t do all of this without them! MM: How do you keep from getting emotionally attached to every beagle or Lab that comes through the door? AL: It’s absolutely impossible for me to not get emotionally attached. My heart has been wrapped around animals since the day I saw the vet, Dr. Eckstein, come to the farm where I grew up. I recall the moment very well to this day. I followed the vet around as if I was his very own shadow absorbing everything he did with the cattle

in the barn. He let me listen to my dog Rusty’s heartbeat with his stethoscope. I recall at that moment wanting to do what he does. Be an “animal doctor.” I had to have been about 6 years old when I had this experience. From that day forward wanting to work with animals has never left my thoughts or feelings. What drives me to do the best I can with each and every dog at the kennel is to help that dog feel comfortable with us and being at the kennel. If I treat them like they are my own, then I know I am doing it right. MM: Tell us about your family. Are you husband or kids involved in corralling all these dogs? AL: Frank and I have owned Heartlund kennels for seven years already. During the week, Frank works in Hutchinson as a construction manager. On weekends he will help wherever it is needed whether that is in the house with the kids while I go out to the kennel, working in the shop teaching our girls how to fix something, or helping out in the kennel while I help out with the kids. There is never a chance to be bored here. I do have the girls come out to the kennel every now and then, depending upon how busy it is. It’s good for them to see us work and be a part of it and to grasp a work ethic right away in life. That is one thing that both Frank and I encourage with our kids is to work hard and to learn to grow. Compiled by Robb Murray MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2022 • 17

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rom f s g n i t e e Gr DAY TRIP DESTINATIONS

Gardeners shouldn’t miss a stop at the Seed Savers Exchange when they visit Decorah. Credit: Seed Savers Exchange

Make a run for the border! Decorah is a retail and recreation hub

By Renee Berg | Photos Courtesy Decorah Chamber

etween a robust downtown, a dynamic physical landscape and many unique features, Decorah, Iowa, is the place to go for your weekend get-away. “This corner of Iowa is very different from the rest of the state,” said Jessica Rilling, executive director of the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce. “Generally speaking, we have a very robust downtown experience. It’s very walkable, and we see lots of visitors who pair a recreation opportunity with a visit downtown.” If you’re starting downtown, be sure to stop into the Visitor Center at 507 W. Water St. There you can nab a map of downtown, highlighting all of the businesses.

Retail here is exceptional. Stores to visit include Big Driftless Supply Co., J. Tupy’s Clothing, Margaret’s Boutique, Modish and Rendered Unique. If you park or stay downtown — Rilling suggests the historic Hotel Winnishiek — you can walk to all of these unique treasures and more. Then if it’s time for some activity, do as Rilling suggests and rent or bring some outdoor gear. Many visitors like to rent bikes, a canoe or a kayak. If renting bikes, get what you need at Decorah Bicycles and then enjoy the 11-mile paved loop on Trout Run Trail. Or if you want to get out on the river in a canoe or kayak, take yourself to the Upper Iowa River and leisurely float the afternoon away.

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Once it’s time to eat, you can remain outside at Pulp Rock Brewing Co, which is supremely located next to the Upper Iowa River and has scenic outdoor seating. You can also consider Goliath Brewing Co., which is close to downtown, or Toppling Goliath Brewing Co, which started small and has expanded by serving beer in 25 states and features a large taproom just outside Decorah on Highway 9. For fine dining, check out what Rilling describes as “fine dining award winners” at either Rubaiyat Restaurant or La Rana. Are you ready for some dessert? You’re in luck. You can choose between soft and hard ice cream at Decorah’s two ice cream shops. Right by the river is town staple Whippy Dip, where you wait in line at the windows to get your treats. If hard ice cream is your preference, check out the Sugar Bowl, where they’ve started offering “rolled ice cream” with food chopped and rolled into your dessert. When it’s time for some caffeine, duck into coffee shop Impact Coffee, which is housed in a large historic building previously home to JC Penney’s. Impact Coffee is an example of Decorah’s revitalization efforts, Rilling said, as it’s a beautiful coffee shop with multiple levels. There’s also an independent bookstore across the street called Dragonfly Books, “which is a big win,” she said. Don’t overlook what Rilling describes as “anchor attractions,” including the Vesterheim Museum, an indoor and outdoor Norwegian-American museum with more than 30,000 artifacts, 12 historic buildings and a ship inside the main building; Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm, which is a winning stop for gardeners; and the Decorah Bald Eagles, a raptor resource project that draws numerous visitors. If history is more your thing, you are in the money. While Decorah is now known as a popular enclave of Norwegians, the original settlers who established Decorah were from New York state, Ohio, New England, Pennsylvania and England. Those original town settlers built the stately homes you’ll

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. is a favored spot for Decorah diners. Credit: Jennifer Olsen see on Broadway Street and in other areas of town. An 1856 census shows there were then 759 Decorah residents, with only 90 Norwegians and 12 Germans among that number, said Elizabeth Lorentzen of Decorah’s Winneshiek County Historical Society. She urges you to venture outside to explore “Decorah: A Walk in the Past,” which is a set of trails. One is in the business district on Water Street and beyond, and the second along the Broadway-Phelps Park Historic District. “Whether you travel the whole historic trail or choose to do just

a part of it, we encourage you to learn more about Decorah’s past and enjoy the legacy that remains,” Lorentzen said. “The town you experience today is the sum total of efforts by a variety of people, and has been enriched by many ethnic groups, their vision and creativity over the past 173 years.” Renee is a reporter for a weekly newspaper in Kasson. She also contributes freelance work for area newspapers and magazines. A graduate of Minnesota State University, Renee is mom to two teenagers and has two cats, Frankie and Hazel, whom she can’t tell apart so she calls them both Frazel. MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2022 • 19

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s g n i h t 0 0 s i 1 h t do

to ummer s

in southern M innesota U

p north they’ve got a big lake they call Gitche Gumee, as well as enough pine trees and wildlife to keep any outdoors lover happy. In the metro, you can hear the siren call of the city’s skyscrapers, and the hip music venues, restaurants and shopping malls can keep you busy for months. Down here in southern Minnesota, we don’t have a great lake or a megamall. And we may not be the state’s top tourist destination — but there’s really no good reason why we shouldn’t be. Gorgeous state parks and biking trails … Quaint small towns full of personality and quirks … Public art, locally crafted beer and wine, goofy landmarks. In southern Minnesota, the variety of recreation options sends the mind reeling. (Hyperbole? Perhaps, but work with us here.) We proudly offer our “100 Or So Things To Do In Southern Minnesota” this summer. Do we expect you to hit them all this year? No. Do we encourage you to give it a hardy Minnesota go? You’re darn tootin’. Consider it a challenge, or a bucket list. Hit one or 100. Doesn’t matter. We just want you to have a great summer, and this is our way of helping you get there. MM

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FESTIVALS e n u J July

t s u g Au

EVENT

DATE

CITY

Bullhead Days Bago Fun Fest ArtSplash Art Fair Railroad Days Friendship Days

June 10-12 June 17-18 June 18 June 20-26 June 24-26

Waterville Winnebago North Mankato St. James Nicollet

Red Hot Boom Lakefest Old Fashioned 4th Paddlefish Days Farm and City Days Park Days Festag Giant Days Hay Daze Waseca County Fair Watonwan County Fair Bavarian Blast Eagle Lake Tator Days Kolacky Days Faribault County Fair Blue Earth County Fair Blues on Belgrade

July 4 July 4 July 4 July 4 July 8-10 July 8-10 July 9-10 July 8-9 June 17-19 July 13-17 July 14-17 July 14-17 July 15-16 July 22-24 July 27-30 July 28-31 July 30

Mankato Waseca St. Peter Madison Lake New Richland Madelia Minnesota Lake Blue Earth Janesville Waseca St. James New Ulm Eagle Lake Montgomery Blue Earth Garden City North Mankato

Sibley County Fair Brown County Fair Nicollet County Fair Kernel Days Extravaganza Sleepy Eye Summerfest Le Sueur County Fair

Aug. 3-7 Aug. 10-14 Aug 10-14 Aug. 19-21 Aug. 11-14 Aug. 18-21 Aug. 18-21

Arlington New Ulm St. Peter Wells Gaylord Sleepy Eye Le Center MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2022 • 21

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Trails

Few activities have grown in popularity in the past 10 years as biking. Seems everyone picked up a Giant, Gary Fischer, Trek or Schwinn lately, especially when the pandemic hit. And for folks in southern Minnesota who did so, they had plenty of places to ride them. When you’re ready to move on from the Sakatah and Red Jacket trails (hopefully you made it out to Rapidan for a slice of Dam Store pie) consider graduating to Seven Mile Creek Park. Or maybe try to hit all the routes on the city of Mankato’s bike route map, which includes treks to St. Clair or around the lakes in Le Sueur County. Feeling strong and robust? See if you can make it all the way to Faribault and back (and when you’re in Faribault, fuel your body and soul at the Depot Bar and Grill).

n Few area trails are as beautiful as the Red Jacket. With its adjoining parks, it’s the kind of attraction that can keep you busy for hours. If you’re biking, take it all the way to the Dam Store for a slice of pie. n The Sakatah Trail cuts through pristine landscape and a collection of oh-so-Minnesotan towns such as Waterville and Elysian. n The walking trail along the Minnesota River in Mankato is vastly underrated. For many in town, the river — the reason this city is here, by the way — is unseen because of the flood wall. The walking trail allows you to get close enough to throw stones at it. Which is fun.

n Mountain biking. If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker or just like riding a mountain bike, try the trails at Mount Kato, Seven Mile Park, Kiwanis Park and near the Blue Earth River landing in LeHillier. And wear a helmet! n Bluff Park. Perhaps the most underrated of all the parks. There are deer there. Like, all the time. Go see for yourself. n North Mankato’s newest park is Benson Park, carved out of 70 acres of green space nestled around the body of water with the cutest name ever: Ladybug Lake.

n Mary Circle Trail. The city of North Mankato did us all a favor and upgraded the trail that leads from lower to upper North Mankato. It’ll just take you a few minutes — the last few in goat mode — but you should do it. The views are stunning. 22 • MAY 2022 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

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County Fairs Who doesn’t love to gaze upon a lovingly grown and cared-for heifer? Exactly. No one. And the best way to do this and not be trespassing on some poor farmer’s property is to attend one of our region’s county fairs. Cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, goats — all on display, and all the result of a youngster’s hard work and dedication. In addition to animals and carnival rides, most county fairs boast something unique. Blue Earth County’s takes place among the towering oak trees in Garden City. Nicollet County has world-class harness racing (as well as a demolition derby). Sibley’s got a ranch rodeo in the horse arena. And in Waseca, they’ve got bull riding and a beer garden. There’s nothing quite as American as an afternoon at the county fair. Grab the kids, buy them some ride tickets and enter a pie-eating contest.

n Goat and chickens and cows, oh my! County fairs are the best. And they’re usually free. See our full list of dates and make plans to hit a few. n Farmamerica. Established by the state Legislature in 1978, it’s a great place to teach your kids that steaks don’t come from the grocery store.

n Tourtellotte pool. OK, sorry Tourtellotte pool. We know you’re the OG water spot in Kato. We just need you to up your game a bit. Until then, we’ve still got your back.

n If you’ve never accepted the challenge of growing a vegetable garden, this is your perfect chance. You can get it started in May, and reap the rewards beginning mid-summer. n You say you like quilting? If so, you probably already know this, but hit up the trio of quilt shops in New Ulm. Stock up on supplies and get quilting! n North Mankato Swimming Facility. Hate to say it, Mankato, but when it comes to cool pools, North Mankato is king.

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Festivals

You like ribs? Music? Of course you. Stupid questions. So the only thing for you to do if you like ribs with a side of music is to make plans to attend Mankato’s annual RibFest in August. The four-day BBQ extravaganza — featuring a highly anticipated band lineup — is just one of the many festivals and outdoor events around the region you’ll want to put on your calendar. Others include ArtSplash in North Mankato, Bullhead Days in Waterville, Lake Crystal’s Battle of the Bands, Thunder of Drums at Blakeslee Stadium and many, many more.

n Blues on Belgrade. One of the most beloved music events in the region. And it’s free! n Y’s Club Annual Corn Roast in early August in the nearby Mankato West parking lot. They do corn right. Dee-lish. Look for dates in August. n West Mankato 4th of July Kiddie Parade. Who doesn’t love little kids in a neighborhood parade? n In June, Songs on the Lawn kicks off at the civic center plaza. Each Thursday at 11 a.m., food trucks roll in and musicians start musicianing. It’s a nice respite from the work day. n Much like songs on the lawn, Alive After 5 at the same plaza brings in food trucks and music and, gasp, beer! Thursday evenings in August. n Vetter Stone Amphitheater. We don’t know what events are taking place in the amphitheater yet, but it doesn’t matter. It’s one of the best live music venues in the state, and no summer is complete without at least one visit.

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Historical landmarks

When it comes to history, southern Minnesota is a treasure trove of sites and landmarks. It all starts in St. Peter and Mankato where the conflict between the Dakota and white settlers is well documented. The Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter tells you everything you need to know about the region’s rich Native American history. And the monuments in Mankato, including the structures in Reconciliation Park near the Blue Earth County Library, help it all sink in. Beyond that, you can head west to the Comfrey area where the Jeffers Petroglyphs, estimated to be between 7,000 and 9,000 years old, remain one of the area’s oldest signs of human life. And if you’re down for a delicate dose of cute, the Betsy and Tacy houses, which offer tours and info sessions about the Maud Hart Lovelace books that made Mankato famous, are just a short walk from downtown.

n Get to know Betsy and Tacy. The books by Maud Hart Lovelace that made Mankato famous are great reads. So read them. And then make a plan to tour the homes of Betsy and Tacy in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. When you do, you might meet someone from out of town; the sites attract folks from all over. n Treaty Site History Center. The site of the Nicollet County Historical Society, no where will you find a better record of the contributions of Native Americans to our area than here.

n If you’re from Mankato, the Hubbard House may seem passé. But it’s still a gem, lovingly preserved by the Blue Earth County Historical Society. The flower gardens themselves are worth the trip. n SPAM Museum in Austin. Everyone’s favorite mystery meat has its own museum. Just don’t ask about the meat packers strike. They don’t talk about that. n Read. Don’t order a book on Amazon. Visit your local library, which is vastly underrated in terms of the non-phone-related resources it offers. Or, visit the Once Read Bookstore in downtown ‘Kato. You’d be surprised what you may find. n Ever heard of the Mayo Clinic? Dr. W.W. Mayo established his first medical practice in the bustling metropolis of Le Sueur. They give tours. It’s worth your time.” n Nestled in a quaint St. Peter neighborhood, the Cox House is maintained by the Nicollet County Historical Society. Tours run all summer.

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State & County Parks In terms of state parks in southern Minnesota, it’s hard to beat Minneopa. The third-oldest of the 66 state parks in Minnesota, Minneopa was established in 1905. With gorgeous scenery year-round, Minneopa was a destination for decades. Then, the bison came. A game changer. Suddenly everyone wants to hit up Minneopa (and post their bison pics to Facebook, of course). It’s a true gem. But it’s not the only great public park. Blue Earth County’s Indian Lake Conservation Area boasts 120 acres of nature along with walking trails. In Nicollet County, it doesn’t get much better than Seven Mile Park. With numerous trails and areas for gathering, Seven Mile is truly one of the most beautiful assets in southern Minnesota’s arsenal of cool.

n Camping. There is no shortage of places to camp, including nearby county and state parks along with the city of Mankato’s Land of Memories campground along the Minnesota River. n While it’s maybe not for everyone, give hiking a try. It’s tough to beat Seven Mile County Park. If you’re not exhausted after that, you’re doing it wrong. n When was the last time you whipped up a few PB&Js and hauled the kids out for a picnic? Exactly. It’s been forever. Need a great place? Minneopa. Once inside the park, Instead of turning left to enter the bison area drive through, turn right. Within a few minutes you’ll find the perfect place to lay out a blanket, eat those PB&Js and enjoy the great outdoors. n Kayaking down a crazy river sounds risky, right? Well, fear not. The rivers here are tame. The lakes are even tamer. You can rent a kayak at Bent River Outfitters, or pick up an inexpensive one at Scheels. Ask your doctor if kayaking is right for you.

n The city of North Mankato shows movies outdoors at Spring Lake Park. And even if they don’t, you can rent a projector for cheap, hang a bed sheet off the side of the house as a screen, call your buddies and boom! It’s movie night, backyard style. n Minneopa State Park, just a few minutes from Mankato, has some of the most scenic waterfall views in Minnesota. n Minneopa State Park. Where the buffalo roam (which are actually bison) — you can’t let a summer go by without visiting at least once. Drive through or try the walking path. n Minnemishinona Falls. Amazing in the summer, and its viewing bridge gives you zero excuses to not check it out. n Truly one of the gems of the Mankato community is Sibley Park, and the cornerstone of that gemness is the farm. It’s a fun seeker’s dream. n Volleyball at Spring Lake Park. Admit it, you’ve driven by and seen those folks playing sand volleyball and wondered how to join in. Well, call the city of Mankato parks department — which organizes and runs the leagues — and sign up for a team. It’s easy. It’s fun. It’s sandy.

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Public Art

When it comes to public art, you need look no further than Mankato. Sure, some cities might say they embrace the arts, but few communities have done so on such a dramatic scale. The silo mural created by Guido von Helten has become Exhibit A when discussing Mankato’s status as an arts-friendly community. Exhibit B might be the CityArt Walking Sculpture tour, which each year ushers in a new batch of sculptures and dots around the downtowns of Mankato and North Mankato. From there we can point to murals, live music, grassroots arts galleries and pop-up festivals celebrating artists of all skill levels.

n CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour. There’s a reason busloads of school kids and groups of retirees can be seen walking up and down Second Street every summer. The sculptures are a community treasure. Make it an annual thing. The new ones arrive this month. n Last summer, some fun-loving young folks were using sidewalk chalk to spread messages of love and goodwill. What if a bunch of us did that? Just imagine the love … n Carnegie Art Center. If you’ve never been to the Carnegie, you really should go. There are hundreds of Carnegie buildings around the country, this one is ours. The architecture reminds you of days gone by, and it used to be the library where Maud Hart Lovelace got inspired to write the Betsy and Tacy books. n Speaking of the BECHS … The largest collection of Marian Anderson’s work is there, and many of her best works are on display. n If you’ve wondered what it would be like to actually sit at the potter’s wheel and create a coffee mug for the ages, go to MakerSpace. They’ll show you. n Volunteer. Whether it’s the humane society or food shelf, you can find a place to do good deeds all summer long. n Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. A grand repository of some of the state’s best musicians. Several southern Minnesota faves are members, including Mary Jane Alm, Dick Kimmel, Jim McGuire, John and Sara McKay, Billy Steiner and the late Steve Murphy.

n Linnaeus Arboretum. Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter does a lot of things well, and maintaining this picturesque arboretum is certainly one of them. n Speaking of the Gustavus campus, it’s never a bad idea to walk around and just appreciate one of the most beautiful campuses in the state. While there, make sure to check out all the Paul Granlund sculptures. And if the Hillstrom Museum is open, definitely check it out.

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REFLECTIONS By Pat Christman

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t’s always nice to see the world spring back to life after a long winter. Everything seems a little bit brighter in spring. The sun seems to shine just to make the flowers grow. The tulips glow in bright yellows, reds and purples. The grass beams a solid shade of green. Sometimes we forget how vibrant the world can be as we suffer through a monochrome winter. All it takes is a little sun and some warmth to remind us how bright the world is. MM

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n Patrick’s on Third in St. Peter. If you like tasty burgers, tap beers and the world’s largest collection of Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps memorabilia, Patrick’s is your jam.

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n Pizza. Pizza. And more pizza. We here in Mankato have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to pizza. Pagliai’s, Jake’s, Dino’s, Gary’s, Marco’s … the list goes on and on. Make a sport of it. See how many different slices you can consume in eight hours. n Ice cream. Obviously. Start at Mom & Pop’s, then grab a few Dilly Bars at DQ West. Head out to Elysian grab a cone at Scoop’s. Then, hightail it over to Henderson and grab some more at Toody’s Sweet Treats. And then ask yourself why on earth you ate all that ice cream. n Fly a kite. It’s not just for kids. And it’s darn fun. Don’t forget, inside we’re all just 12-year-old kids looking to have a good time. And kites, my friends, are a good time. n We’ve already advised you to try camping. But have you ever just camped in your backyard? It’s a blast, and the bathroom is just a few steps away. Much better than a tree.

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n You don’t need a fancy boat to enjoy the pastime of fishing. There are fishing piers at Spring Lake Park, Hiniker Pond, Madison Lake, Lake Washington and others. Grab your rod and reel, pick up some nightcrawlers and see if you can get lucky.

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k is t b

L b “

Good Eats

When it comes to food, more than a few places around the region are worth the trip. So we’ll limit our list here to things that are one-of-akind but also stellar. On the eastern edge of our region is a little drive-in place in Waseca called Barney’s. Pro tip: Get the fried chicken with fries and homemade root beer. Takes a little longer but it’s worth the wait. Around St. Peter there’s the St. Peter Food Co-op. Lovingly made sammies, elite salad bar, world-renown burritos (OK, maybe not “world renown,” but definitely “renown.”) And over in New Ulm, you can’t go wrong at Kaiserhoff, but maybe give Lola-An American Bistro or George’s Fine Steaks and Spirits a try, too. Good eats.

n Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. It’s a hoot, no matter how old you are. Small fee to get in, but super worth it. Check the website for hours. n The Dam Store. If you’re not down for riding your bike from Mankato to Rapidan, just drive there. Eat pie. Behold the dam. Smile.

n Pickleball. Yep, that name conjures images of hardto-open jars and funny tasting potato chips, but pickleball is a growing phenomenon. The public courts at Tourtellotte Park can get you started. n Ever tried “hammocking”? Stroll through the MSU campus on a balmy day and you’re likely to see armies of college students lounging in hammocks. (Sure, they’re all still on their iPhones, but they’re doing so VERY comfortably.)

n One of the best things about being a college town is using the colleges for recreation. You don’t have to be a student to hang out on campus. Spend a Saturday at MSU, get to know the sculptures, eat lunch in the student union, stroll through the library. There’s a surprising amount to do there, and no one will ask you to hand in your assignment.

n There’s a really good chance you’ve never tried disc golfing. Most people haven’t. But it’s actually a delightful way to kill a few hours. And we’ve got one of the best disc golf courses in the region right here at Land of Memories Park.

Baseball

Do yourself a favor some summer night. Grab your sweetie and head over to New Ulm. Grab a pre-game beer at the Lamplighter and then head over to the ball field and watch the town team play, oh I don’t know, Hanska or someone. Then grab another beer at the game (Schell’s Deer Brand) and sit back and enjoy one of small-town Minnesota’s great underrated pleasures: town team baseball. And no one does it better than New Ulm. And if Mankato is more your speed, a night at a Mankato MoonDogs game rarely disappoints. Concession stand hot dogs, baseball under the lights, the dulcet tones of Stunt Monkey shouting “BEER!” at the top of his impressive lungs … doesn’t get any better than that. n Some experiences just ooze the Mankato vibe, and MoonDogs Baseball is one of them. n Does a warm summer evening watching softball under the lights sound like a good time? Yes. Yes it does. Caswell Park in upper North Mankato is busy most nights in June and July. Better yet, join a team! MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2022 • 31

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Oddities and curiosities

Looking for a few oddities to liven up a summer weekend? Start in Blue Earth, home of the ginormous Jolly Green Giant statue. He’s big, he’s green, and every season they do a little something different to him to spice up his effect. A mask for COVID, a scarf for winter, stuff like that. In downtown Henderson, Prince fans can marvel at the life-sized statue of the purple one. (And if you’re feeling adventurous, head out of town to the northeast on that gravel road. Look for the purple fence, then walk out to the bridge. If you’ve seen “Purple Rain,” this is where Appolonia purified herself in what she thought was the waters of Lake Minnetonka. But as we all know, “That ain’t Lake Minnetonka.”) And as long as we’re talking about statues, we can’t forget Hermann the German in New Ulm. A climb to the perch of the Hermann monument should be required for all southern Minnesotans. n In the city of Blue Earth stands the tallest man. He’s big, he’s green and he’s the best marketing tool a vegetable company could ever hope for. He’s the Jolly Green Giant. The city also boasts a Green Giant museum. Haven’t been there, but it’s most likely worth the trip. n Go to Henderson and behold the life-sized statue of Prince, one of the greatest musical artists who ever lived. There’s also a mural, bench, mailbox and more all dedicated to Prince, who filmed part of “Purple Rain” near Henderson. n Hermann the German in New Ulm. Go there, climb to the top. Salute him. n Zipline at Kerfoot Canopy Tour near Henderson. We’ve never ziplined. But we’re guessing it’s a blast. n Drive a Tank. It ain’t cheap, but just up the road in Kasota is the only place in Minnesota where any civilian with a few hundred bucks can literally drive a military tank in the woods.

n Kato Escape Room. Escape rooms are still great places to figure out who the dumbest person in your group of friends is. And while one of Mankato’s escape rooms is gone, we’ve still got Kato Escape. n Jump out of an airplane. Seriously. If you’re a crazy person, Northstar Skydive in Waseca will guide you through your first tandem jump, or train you for solo jumps. n Kasota Zoo. Yep, it’s a thing. Well, sort of a thing. It’s a residence with goats and a sign that says “Kasota Zoo.” Just quirky enough to make our list. n A few miles north in Belle Plaine sits a true marvel of architecture. Anyone who appreciates the nuances of early American ingenuity will love the double-decker outhouse at the Hooper-BowlerHillstrom House. The geniuses who built this thought of everything, including a skyway leading to its second floor. Tours available.

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Breweries & Wineries

The world is still crazy about craft beer, and southern Minnesota is no exception. While Mankato Brewery, which just turned 10 years old, was among the first in our region, it’s certainly not alone. Locale in Mankato consistently cranks out some of the most inventive and tasty brews, and their taproom is well lit and inviting. Lost Sanity in Madelia, u4ic in Belle Plaine, Montgomery Brewing in Montgomery and Half-Pint Brewing in Waseca are just a few of the small craft breweries worth a visit. And don’t forget the vino. Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery, Morgan Creek Vineyards, Indian Island Winery and Javens Family Vineyard and Winery are just a few options to quaff some pinot noir or chardonnay.

YOUR LOCAL

AUTO

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n Mankato could use a few more, but the breweries we have are stellar. Locale is right downtown. Mankato Brewery is just across the river. Great brews at both. n Wineries. If wine is more your speed, there’s plenty to choose from. Indian Island, Morgan Creek, Javens, Chankaska … all fine places to sip. n Of course you’ve been to the Schell’s Brewery. But have you tried their other creation, Starkeller? Specializing in sour beers, this unassuming pole barn might not look like much from the outside. But inside? You’re transported to another dimension where you sip sour beers next to the giant barrels they’re aged in.

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UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY RESOURCES A Guide for Older Adults and Their Families

The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA) is the designated area agency on aging for 27 counties in Southwest Minnesota. MNRAAA’s vision is to assist older adults to thrive. MNRAAA provides advocacy, information, resources, and assistance so that older adults can maintain the lifestyle of their choice. Visit www.mnraaa.org to learn more. 34 • RESOURCE GUIDE FOR OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES • MAY 2022 • Special Advertising Section

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WHERE DO I START? There are many specialized services available to help older adults live independently and productively in their own homes and communities. If you would like to learn more about the services available to older adults and their families, this guide will provide you with helpful service information.

WHAT SERVICES CAN HELP ME STAY IN MY HOME? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services may be modified or restricted for health and safety reasons. For more information and to find the latest COVID-19 guidance go to the Stay Safe, Minnesota website at mn.gov/covid19. The choice of whether to stay in your home or to move somewhere else is an important, personal decision. The following services allow older adults to remain in their homes for longer and more satisfying periods of time.

Vision loss, due to conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other age-related eye conditions, can be a frustrating and difficult part of aging. The good news is that while it may require learning some new skills and making some adaptations, vision loss need not destroy quality of life, ability to live independently, or ability to be involved in the community. For more information, contact Minnesota State Services for the Blind at mn.gov/deed/ssb. Adult day services/centers are organized, supportive care provided in a group environment supervised by trained individuals. Services typically include meals, snacks, recreational activities, and medication reminders. Sometimes upon request, they will provide additional services such as bathing, grooming or transportation. Caregiver consultants/specialists offer professional services to help caregivers maintain their health and wellbeing. They advocate for caregivers, provide them emotional reassurance, and assist them with accessing information, support, and community services.

Caregiver support groups provide opportunities for those who care for a loved one to get together with others experiencing similar situations, to share information and learn from each other. Case management involves case managers serving as a substitute family member when family cannot be there. Services vary per client need but may include transportation, coordination of services and appointments, assessments, advocacy, companionship, and emergency contact services. Chore services help with heavier housekeeping or routine home maintenance tasks, such as snow removal, lawn mowing, yard work, wall washing, changing storm windows and minor home repairs. Emergency response systems can be beneficial for older and disabled persons who need help during an emergency. The units transmit a signal that sets a response plan into action. Some systems are compatible with cell phones and can also use GPS to share the user’s location. Some systems monitor daily activities and deliver voice messages to users and caregivers. Energy Assistance Program can help pay for fuel or heating bills for eligible people. Eligibility is based on income, assets, and family size. Evidence-based programs include health promotion programs that are proven through research and real-world testing to produce positive outcomes. The following are some of the evidence-based programs provided in Minnesota: Living Well with Chronic Conditions, A Matter of Balance, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, Living Well with Diabetes, Living Well with Chronic Pain. Faith in action programs are non-professional volunteer assistance through partnerships with local faith communities. Services may include transportation, shopping, friendly visiting, yard work, household chores, mail management, meal preparation, respite care, telephone reassurance, referral, etc. Generally, programs do not charge fees for their services but may provide a suggested fee schedule for a service and encourage participants and families to give a donation.

Caregiver education includes workshops and training to help families anticipate, plan for, and provide care that may be needed as family members grow older.

Moving Forward in a New Direction The search for senior living is about finding a new home, building new friendships, rediscovering purpose, and enriching one’s life. We’re here to guide you through this important process. Together, let’s move towards a brighter future for you or your loved one.

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Special Advertising Section • MAY 2022 • RESOURCE GUIDE FOR OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES • 35

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Want to improve the way you feel? PEARLS is a mental health care program for late-life depression to improve the way older adults feel with guided coaching. PEARLS is funded by a Live Well at Home Grant from the MN Dept. of Human Services.

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Food shelves/Nutritional Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS) offer food and

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Food support/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a county-run federal

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program that helps Minnesotans with low-income get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. SNAP benefits are available via a debit card that can help stretch a household’s food budget. People must meet income and asset guidelines to be eligible for this program.

Grocery delivery is available to those who have difficulty shopping for themselves. A delivery fee is usually charged.

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We know community. For information on your Benedictine Living Community, go to blcstpeter.org or call (507) 931-8545.

Health insurance counseling

helps older adults and their families understand their medical bills, Medicare, supplemental insurance policies and long-term care insurance. Trained counselors can help with tracking and/or appealing claims, completing application forms for government programs, and comparing health insurance options. They can also assist with Medicare Part D plan research/enrollment and identify other programs that may help with prescription drug costs. This free service is provided by the Senior LinkAge Line®. For more information, call 800-333-2433.

Home health care includes a variety of services that help people to remain in their own homes. It can include personal care, such as bathing and grooming, personal care services, such as laundry, housekeeping and meal preparation, chore services, providing heavier housekeeping or routine home maintenance such as mowing, snow removal, yard work, wall washing, changing storm windows, or minor repairs, respite care, which provides short-term care to enable those caring for a loved one in their home to get a break or time away and other in-home

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other grocery items to low-income people or those in an emergency or crisis. NAPS is a federal food program designed to provide healthy commodity food each month at no cost to eligible older adults over age 60.

Friendly visiting refers to regular in-home visits to isolated or homebound older adults to provide companionship and socialization.

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services.

Homemaker services help with general household activities, which may include light housekeeping, laundry, meal planning and preparation, assistance with money management, performing errands and shopping. Home delivered meals are nutritionally balanced meals delivered to homebound older adults who are unable to regularly or adequately prepare their own meals. Special diets are often available. There are also frozen meal options for people living in rural areas.

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and services to help those who are terminally ill, as well as their loved ones. Hospice can be provided in one’s home, a hospital or nursing home or a freestanding hospice center.

help to older adults living within a defined geographic area to help them live independently and safely by providing affordable, in-home services and volunteer support. In-home services may include homemaker/home health aides, skilled nursing, post-hospital care, long-term illness management, medication management, nutrition, and exercise education. Volunteers provide friendly visiting, chore help, transportation, shopping assistance, managing mail, telephone reassurance, peer counseling and caregiver support.

Loan locker/closet is the use of low-tech equipment such as toilet seat risers, shower seats, wheelchairs, and walkers to help people maintain their independence. Long-term care options counseling offers information and

assistance to consumers and their family members about available options to meet their long-term care needs. Consumers and family members receive help in setting goals, making choices, and planning for in-home services in keeping with their own individual strengths, needs and resources. To find out more, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433.

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MinnesotaHelp.info® is a helpful

website located at MinnesotaHelp.info that provides individuals, their families, and caregivers personalized assistance to find and access services.

needs, and family support. They make recommendations about service options that meet identified needs, how much they will cost and ways to pay for services.

MnCHOICES is an assessment done by local county staff to provide information about community services that match an individuals’ needs and preferences. A public health nurse and/ or social worker conducts an assessment to determine a person’s general health, ability to take care of routine daily activities, home environment, social

Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on the relief of pain and other symptoms of serious illness. The goal is to prevent and ease suffering and offer patients and their families the best possible quality of life. Palliative care is appropriate at any point in a serious or life-threatening illness. It is not dependent on prognosis. It can be

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provided at the same time as curative and life-prolonging treatment.

Parish nursing services can vary from church to church, depending on the parishioners’ needs, the resources available and the nurse’s area of expertise. Examples of services include health counseling, health resource referral and health education. Peer counseling involves trained older adult volunteers who help and support other older adults coping with loss, grief, loneliness, isolation, depression and/or caregiving issues. Respite care is short-term care to enable those caring for a loved one in their home to get a break for rest and relaxation or time away to do errands. Respite care may be provided in the home through a formal home care agency or an informal volunteer program, in a day care setting or via a short-term institutional placement.

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Contact us today to learn more about how downsizing can actually lead to bigger living. CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY AND ASK ABOUT OUR $3,500 MOVE-IN SPECIAL

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Return to Community is an

initiative of the Minnesota Board on Aging and Minnesota’s area agencies on aging that helps people who are not on Medical Assistance who could benefit from support planning, regardless of their current setting. Staff are available to help people in nursing homes or in the community to return to or stay in the community setting of their choice. They help compare options available in the community, get those options set up, and follow up to ensure people have the help they need. To find out more, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-3332433.

Reverse mortgages allow older homeowners 62 and over to borrow against the equity in their home without selling their home, giving up the title, or making a monthly payment. Cash advances from this federally regulated loan are considered “tax-free” income and do not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. Reverse mortgages provide older adults the personal and financial independence to live a more comfortable retirement in their own homes. Senior dining/congregate dining offers nutritionally balanced

meals to older adults in a group setting. Special diets are available. Social and volunteer opportunities, as well as informational and educational programs, are often part of the senior dining program. Meals are usually subsidized with federal and state funds. People age 60+ and their spouses donate toward the cost of the meal.

Senior LinkAge Line is a free, statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with Minnesota’s area agencies on aging. The Senior LinkAge Line helps older Minnesotans and caregivers find answers and connect to the services and support they need. For more information, call 800-333-2433 or visit mn.gov/senior-linkage-line. Support groups offer mutual support and education for those dealing with common concerns and issues. Examples include grief, caregiver, and Alzheimer’s support groups. Telephone reassurance is regular phone contact to isolated homebound persons to ensure their well-being and provide social support.

Transportation programs are

van, bus or volunteer driver rides to various locations. Rides may be provided for medical appointments, personal business, shopping, visiting senior centers, congregate dining, etc. Some transportation programs also offer assistance or escort services for those who may need additional help.

WHAT KIND OF HOUSING OPTIONS DO I HAVE? If you need to move from your home, there are various housing options to choose from. Please note that the term “assisted living” is widely used and includes various residential alternatives.

Adult foster care is a home that provides sleeping accommodations and services for one to five adults and is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The rooms may be private or shared and the dining areas, bathrooms and other spaces are shared family-style. Adult foster care homes can offer a wide array of services. Assisted living Assisted living is a housing option for people who cannot or who choose not to live independently in their own home. Assisted living settings offer not only a place to live but also help for those who need it. Help can range from getting support when needing to take a bath or shower, assistance with taking medications or help from a nurse if needed. Meals can also be purchased for those who are interested and assisted livings offer a variety of social programs. In Minnesota, before someone moves to assisted living, they are required to call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800333-2433 and discuss their options. The Senior LinkAge Line specialist will make sure someone has looked at their options and decided the move is the right one for them. The goal is to make sure a person’s needs are met and that the number of times they need to move is limited. Some settings offer memory care support needs, while others don’t, as someone ages they may need these services, so limiting their moves is

something discussed. At the end of the discussion, they are given a verification code. The code means they talked about their choices and any questions they had were answered. The code is good for life and should be shared with the business office when they move.

Board and lodge refer to licensed facilities that provide sleeping accommodations and meals to five or more adults for one week or more. They offer private or shared rooms with a private or attached bathroom, with common dining areas and other activities. They vary greatly in size; some resemble small homes and others are more like apartment buildings. A variety of supportive services (housekeeping or laundry) or home care services (assistance with bathing or medication administration) are offered to residents. Boarding care refers to homes for persons needing minimal nursing care that are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health. They provide personal or custodial care and related services for five or more adults or people with disabilities. They have private or shared rooms with a private or attached bathroom, there are common areas for dining and for other activities. Condominiums are residentowned real estate. Residents also have a share in and a right to use common areas within the structure. Most condominiums require a monthly payment to an association for expenses incurred in maintaining the common areas. Cooperatives are leased units or apartments. Residents of cooperatives do not own a specific unit in the building or development but own shares of a cooperative housing corporation that owns the building and all the units. Residents are shareholders in the whole building. They lease an apartment or unit from the corporation of which they are a shareholder. Visit coophousing.org for more information. Market rate rentals are housing establishments that have no government subsidy. The real estate market determines the rent level. Some marketrate rentals offer a broad range of services, including meals, housekeeping and transportation.

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Nursing homes are long-term care facilities that offer a full array of personal, dietary, therapeutic, social, spiritual, recreational, and nursing services to residents.

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Subsidized rentals are buildings that serve low-income individuals. They are established by Housing and Urban Development and vary with each county. They are owned by private or non-profit organizations and their construction and operations have been financed with federal and state resources. Visit hud.gov for more information.

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3-17-22 VISIT: SIESTAHILLSLIVING.COM Depictions of Siesta Hills made in this ad through renderings, specifications and planned amenities are based on current proposed development plans and are subject to change without notice.

HOW DO I PAY FOR SERVICES? When purchasing services, a combination of the following funding sources may be used.

Consumer cost-sharing is the financial contribution a consumer makes toward the cost of services. This may be in the form of a sliding fee scale, donation, or a set fee.

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Consumer-directed community supports give older adults and

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County human services is the access point for many county, state and federal programs like SNAP, Medicare Savings Programs, Medical Assistance, waivered programs, and adult foster care. Many of these programs have income and asset limits that must be met to qualify.

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their family caregivers greater control, flexibility, independence, and responsibility over the services they receive and who provides them. This helps to enable them to continue living at home.

Essential Community Supports (ECS) program includes

community-based services for people age 65 or older who do not meet nursing facility level of care criteria and are not eligible for Medical Assistance. You must meet Alternative Care financial eligibility criteria and need one or more ECS services. For more information, contact your local county human service office.

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Housing Support (formally known as Group Residential Housing) pays for room and board for seniors and adults with disabilities who have low incomes. The housing provider receives payments to pay for rent, utilities, food, household supplies and other necessities. Long-term care insurance

are benefits for prescribed long-term care, which can include nursing home, assisted living and/or home health care services. Most policies have a variety of features and do not restrict coverage to nursing homes. Consumers should look for a policy that is tailored to their needs and individual situations.

Long-Term Care Partnership insurance is a public/private

arrangement between long-term care insurers and Minnesota’s Medical Assistance program. It enables Minnesota residents who purchase certain long-term care insurance policies to have more of their assets protected, if they later need the state to help pay for their long-term care. Learn more at mn.gov/dhs/long-term-carepartnership.

Medical Assistance (MA) is a federal program that helps low-income individuals pay for medical, in-home, hospital and/or nursing home costs. Known as Medicaid in other states, MA has income and asset limits people must meet to qualify for the program. Medicare is a federal health

insurance program for people age 65 and over and some people with disabilities. Part A is hospital insurance, Part B is medical insurance (doctor and clinic visits), and Part D is prescription drug insurance. The premiums for Medicare are typically deducted from Social Security payments. Deductibles and co-payments are the enrollee’s responsibility. There are Medicare Savings Programs for those who meet certain income and asset limitations. Medicare Advantage Plans are also available in many areas of the country.

Medicare Savings Programs

include the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, the Service Limited Medicare Beneficiary program and the Qualified Individual program. These programs help people at various income levels to pay the cost of their Medicare Part B premium. People must meet income and asset limits to qualify for these programs.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance is available to people who

are enrolled in Medicare. Supplemental policies are individually purchased from insurance companies on the open market as Basic, Extended Basic or SELECT plans or plans provided by employers for retirees sold through groups. Policies cover most or all the co-payment and deductibles associated with Medicare. Some companies offer additional plans with limited coverage (similar to plans F, K, L, M and N).

Medicare Advantage Plans are a type of Medicare health plan option. If you join one of these plans, you generally get all your Medicare-covered health care through that plan, which can also include prescription drug coverage. These plans may include extra benefits and have lower co-payments than Original Medicare. However, you may have to see doctors that belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to receive services. Medicare Cost Plans are a type of Medicare health plan available to people in certain Minnesota counties. Cost plans allow beneficiaries to go to a non-network provider if they choose to. The services are covered under Original Medicare. Medicare Cost Plans are only available in certain Minnesota counties. For more information, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433. Private pay refers to people who purchase services with their own funds. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program for

people over the age of 65, blind or disabled. Individuals eligible for SSI may also qualify for other programs, such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medical Assistance.

Waivered Services, including

Alternative Care and Elderly Waiver, provide community services to people at risk of nursing home placement and meet specific financial guidelines. For more information, contact your local county human service office.

HOW CAN I BE MORE INVOLVED IN MY COMMUNITY? There are many opportunities for you to become active in your community.

Active service includes work groups, committees, and other assignments (most are time-limited), where individuals’ skills, experience and support will help shape services for older adults in the future. Education includes opportunities for older adults to enhance their knowledge and is available throughout Minnesota in various settings. Foster Grandparent Program

is a volunteer program for people age 55 and over to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth. Foster grandparents positively influence children and youth in various settings, including elementary schools, preschools, shelters, childcare centers, and juvenile detention centers.

Senior centers and clubs offer a variety of recreational, educational, and informational programming for older adults. Some senior centers also sponsor direct services such as congregate dining, volunteer programs and tax assistance. Senior companion program

is a volunteer program that provides a stipend to volunteers who befriend older adults who need support when family members cannot be there and provide a regular presence to isolated people.

Senior employment programs

include training, counseling, and employment opportunities for older people with limited income and assets. Programs often provide job training and support with the goal of moving individuals into the regular job market.

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Senior living that will make you say WOW! Because Everyone Deserves a Great Life!

Move in Specials May 2022!

WHAT HELPS ME PROTECT MY RIGHTS?

Call today! (507) 933-4240

In Minnesota, your rights are protected by the law. The following describes advocacy and legal means to assist you.

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Durable power of attorney is written authorization for someone to handle property or financial matters for you that continues beyond your incapacity.

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allows an adult to state their wishes for health care in the event of incapacity and the inability to make decisions. Sometimes known as a living will, the health care directive does not need to be prepared by a lawyer. A proxy can be named to make decisions on

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one’s behalf. Copies of the completed document should be distributed to proxies and health care providers.

order forms that communicate a patient’s end-of-life health care wishes to health care providers during an emergency. The form serves as a tool by which providers can discuss endof-life treatment options with patients diagnosed with a serious illness.

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Food & Beer

LET'S EAT! By Dana Melius

SOUTHERN MN STYLE Gathering in downtown Henderson for classic car roll-ins is a city tradition. If you visit, start your evening at the RoadHaus restaurant.

Roll into the RoadHaus

New ownership looks forward to busy summer schedule

arrell and Jessica Eckblad have operated a trucking business in Henderson for over 20 years. But when the opportunity arose to purchase the Henderson RoadHaus restaurant, the couple didn’t hesitate. Why? “Basically, it was the right place at the right time,” Darrell Eckblad said. “I don’t like to have a lot of free time on my hands. I’d be so bored if I didn’t have the restaurant.” But there had to be more, right? The bar-restaurant business is tough, often with thin margins and

Photos by Dana Melius labor struggles. And their trucking business had expanded into Florida, where the Eckblads reside for several months of the year due to Darrell’s health battles. Digging deeper, Eckblad saw “a very thriving business” and an opportunity to help a community that has grown into a major smalltown tourist attraction through a busy summer schedule in the scenic Minnesota River Valley. “And I also bought the RoadHaus because I care about the town,” he said. Still, he got a good taste of the

restaurant business earlier in life that provided some confidence to purchase the RoadHaus, which includes two historic downtown buildings and the adjacent Henderson Event Center. “I’ve been taking risks my whole life,” Eckblad said. Henderson’s historic downtown draws thousands every summer to this eastern Sibley County community, as the Classic Car Roll-Ins have become a mustsee attraction for motorcyclists and vintage vehicle enthusiasts. Henderson’s proximity to the Twin

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What: Henderson RoadHaus Pub & Eatery Where: 514 Main St., Henderson What they’re known for: Historic downtown bar and grill; Classic Car Roll-Ins (and Biker) When: Daily hours vary; www.facebook.com/hendersonroadhaus Summer roll-ins: Tuesdays from May 31-Sept. 27 Cities doesn’t hurt, nor does the growing Kerfoot Canopy Tour zipline business down the road on Sibley County Road 6, labeled the Scenic Byway. The Roll-Ins’ continued growth spells plenty of opportunity for any downtown Henderson business. But for a restaurant in a town of just 900 people, that increased summer traffic means business. Big business. And it sure doesn’t hurt that the casual, people-watching, laissez-faire attitude of frolic and libations is welcomed on the streets of Henderson. Eckblad also credits town officials and a dedicated citizen volunteer effort for the success of the Roll-Ins. “The town allows it, is the best way to put it,” he said, as volunteers help steer cars and motorcycles to dedicated parking spots, control traffic downtown, and keep a lid on mischief on the sidewalks and streets. Jeff Steinborn, owner of Evolution Shirts on Main Street and an active Henderson Chamber member and Roll-In volunteer, said the RoadHaus plays a critical role during the community’s busy summer schedule. “The RoadHaus is the hub that binds Henderson’s Main Street,” Steinborn said. “Many organizations use the Event Center for gatherings, meetings or fundraisers. With its food and drink specials, the RoadHaus is a popular hangout during the Henderson Class Car Roll-In.” Eckblad turned to eight-year RoadHaus employee Ang Youngren to take over the daily management side of the business. Youngren, just 23, was at first skeptical about change, all the while having worked through the pandemic and reopening. But she’s seen Eckblad’s passion and looks forward to this summer after having worked through two previous shutdowns. “I’m actually really excited about it,” Youngren said. “We’ve been

working a lot (through the changes). Now, we’re gonna be put to the test. I’ll be excited to have all the bikes and people back.” For Youngren, it’s the best of both worlds. She gets to see the regulars who make it a habit of hitting Henderson’s Roll-Ins but also to “see some new faces.” Youngren doesn’t expect huge changes to the RoadHaus’ summer offering but does hope to reopen the restaurant’s patio business, which was not offered last year. And she appreciates the community volunteers who keep the Classic Car Roll-Ins so successful. “We’re so fortunate here,” Youngren said. “The Roll-In committee does a great job.” Eckblad admits that change can be difficult for a staff and notes his style is much different than past ownership and management. He’s staying out of the kitchen and daily operations, still dedicating time to his trucking business. “When you change from one owner to another, there’s always changes,” he acknowledged. And while he loves to come up with ideas, specials and events like the RoadHaus’ growing trivia nights, he’s handing over the daily reins to Youngren. “I’ve known Angela her whole life,” Eckblad said. And while the universal labor shortage hits the restaurant industry particularly hard, he and Youngren are gearing up for the busy summer schedule. “It (the labor shortage) is tough,” he said. “You have to have people who want to work for you. Trucking is no different.” Eckblad said an owner must create a comfortable work environment and be ready to pay good employees. “It’s a cool place,” Youngren said. “There’s a lot of heart here. The people that we have here are like no other. They take a lot of pride at what they’re doing here.” MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2022 • 45

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ON TAP By James Figy

Hazes loaded Photos by James Figy

aseball season is in full swing. The Twins avoided a lockout. The St. Paul Saints are as entertaining as ever. And the Mankato MoonDogs will blast off with a season opener later this month. I love enjoying a beer at the ballpark, and what I reach for is hazy. That cool, citrusy offshoot of the IPA family is unequivocally refreshing, with mild bitterness and ABVs that often swing for the fences.

Nowadays, every nanobrewery up to macro corp. is making at least one. You can find them at LocAle and Mankato Brewery, Lost Sanity in Madelia, Half Pint and Ward House in Waseca — and the list goes on. But it wasn’t always this way. Not long ago, the head brewer at a Minnesota brewpub confessed to me a hatred of hazies. This individual only saw production flaws, signs of incorrect clarification, in all that dank murkiness. Other brewers believed the Northeast IPA (NEIPA)

Piano Lessons exemplifies the unexpected tastes of BlackStack: an 8.1% DIPA with Citra Cryo, El Dorado, Mosaic Cryo and a smidge of Sabro.

would be a fad. How did we get to the ubiquity of haze in a few years? Let’s look at how the rapid rise of IPAs slid this way, then use two Minnesota breweries to show the spectrum.

Bitter up

First off, I lean heavily on “The Beer Bible: Second Edition” for any brewing history. And as author Jeff Alworth writes, IPAs are really an American invention — at least, as we know them today. The Indian pale ale was a marginal style even during the height of the British empire, when brewers started using higher hop quantities to stabilize ales to survive transport to India. Briefly, breweries tried to market them in Great Britain as something exotic and elite to little success. In the 1970s, ales started to emerge with early craft brewers in the U.S. But the IPA really wasn’t reborn until the ’90s, and at that time, it was a brutally bitter, malty concoction that most considered niche and a passing fad. Fast forward about two decades, and the most popular style in the world is having an identity crisis. On the one hand, the West Coast IPA offered a clear, piney, moderately bitter affair, while this emerging style without a single name — the hazy, juicy, Northeast, milkshake IPA — began to muck up taplines across the nation. In some cases, the hops and malt bill are extremely similar between the two styles. But West Coast IPAs follow the traditional process of adding hops during the boil, while hazy IPAs rely on dry-hopping — adding hops to the ale after primary fermentation. This decision essentially makes the style. Dry-hopping reduces bitterness, builds that dank, citrusy aroma and causes the characteristic cloudiness. Early on, the haze was seen as a side effect of chemical reactions during dry-hopping. In this view, there once was some

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Who wins the ballgame of Summit’s Slugfest vs. BlackStack’s Local 755? Better make it a double header to help decide. truth to haziness being accidental. In reality, brewers are as careful as club owners with their lineups. They’ve drafted various hops: Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe, Amarillo, Galaxy, Strata, Vista and, one of my favorites, Cashmere, among many others. They’ve amped up haziness, often adding oats and wheat.

Today’s ballgame: Summit at BlackStack

On the visiting team is Slugfest from Summit Brewing Co. The sessionable 4.7% ABV IPA checks all the boxes — great citrus flavor from Huell Melon, Azacca and Mandarina Bavaria hops — but with a fairly clear appearance.

The brewery itself describes it as “unfiltered” and “juicy” rather than hazy. This aligns closely with Summit’s traditional approach to brewing and offers mass market appeal but is riding the same trend. The hazy home team would have to be BlackStack Brewing in St. Paul. The brewers serve up a solid NEIPA, Local 755, as a flagship. The beer is vibrant in color and taste, owing to generous portions of Azacca, Amarillo and Citra, and clocks in at 6.8%. And that’s just the beginning for the “murk merchants,” as they proudly call themselves. At any time, you can find a wide variety on the menu at BlackStack — or its sister brewpub in Burnsville, Bricksworth

Beer Co., which serves well-crafted Detroit-style pizza. They continue to innovate and collaborate with like-minded operations, including Toppling Goliath. So which brewery is the winner? It depends on who’s drinking and what they’re in the mood for. I’m a loyal fan of BlackStack, but you can’t bench a solid crusher like Slugfest. On the right day, either team can knock it out of the park. James Figy is a writer and beer enthusiast based in St. Paul. In Mankato, he earned an MFA in creative writing from Minnesota State University and a World Beer Cruise captain’s jacket from Pub 500.

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LIT DU NORD: MINNESOTA BOOKS AND AUTHORS By Nick Healy

Great Lakes and great poems

he poet Moheb Soliman o f f e re d s o m e a t y p i c a l advice when he penned the June 2021 installment of “Writers Recommend,” an online feature of Poets & Writers magazine wherein authors share details about what inspires their work and practical tips to help others along. Authors often use the column to recount significant learning experiences or explain what they do when the going gets tough. Sometimes they suggest simple solutions like taking a walk or a run or even pausing to do the dishes. And sometimes they share anecdotes about how they endured dark stretches. Soliman reminded his readers, a group composed mostly of aspiring and publishing authors and poets, that “writing and art aren’t the be-all and end-all rewards of life.” He described a sense of ambivalence about writing, something he’s aware of even when he’s enjoying a creative high. “Because I want to just run outside and say, ‘I’m done, I did it, I finally described the streets, the woods, the life,’ and live, really just live then, and not render and translate everything into words constantly,” he explained. For his main point, he delivered an interesting bit of wisdom. “This is my call: Stop writing, and go get into something nonrepresentational,” he advised. “No streaming, no art show, no friendly phone catch-up even. Instead, go inhabit some place and perceive all, or do yard work, or sure, shop even (physically), do it. Get away from the arts, if you can, if you dare.” Yo u c a n ’ t h e l p b u t l i k e somebody who is willing to remind everyone, including himself, to knock it off from time to time — to stop thinking

Moheb Soliman about how they might present or translate an experience and instead to “do many meaningful things, and never write about them.” The poems in “HOMES,” Soliman’s debut collection, provide a sense of him as both the writer who finds delight in nailing a line that describes the world as he has encountered it and the person who seeks to experience for their own sake. The title of Soliman’s book comes from the mnemonic device long used to help school kids remember the names of all five Great Lakes, and Soliman’s journeys in and on and around the lakes provide raw material for poems that can be stark, challenging and beautiful at once, much like the places he visits and considers. The book has been described as something like a travelogue of the poet’s trip around the Great Lakes. It often has that feel, with Soliman reporting on the nature, history, people, towns and ruins he has seen and

The poems in “HOMES,” provide a sense of him as both the writer who finds delight in nailing a line that describes the world as he has encountered it. considered during years of living and traveling in the Great Lakes region and, especially, during a four-month road trip around the lakes in 2015. Soliman’s poems depict many sights — from the mouths of rivers and bodies of lakes to the World’s Best Donuts and industrial ruins on the waterfront. His poems also consider homes and the notion of home in a straightforward way, calling our attention to the people to whom the lakeshore belongs, so to speak, and those to whom it once belonged. Broader notions of belonging and not belonging also ripple through the book. Again and again, he captures the way the majestic and the mortal reside alongside one another on the shores of lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior. In the closing lines of a poem recalling a ferry ride across Lake Superior on a return from Isle Royale, he

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writes: “One is not long enough for this world / Life is two handfuls borne to everyplace / I post my constellation over the dark choppy passage / I call for delivery tonight.” Soliman is an interdisciplinary poet who lives in Minneapolis, where he formerly served as program director for the Arab American literary journal and arts organization Mizna. His book was released in 2021 by Coffee House Press, a much-admired literary press based in the Twin Cities, and it was a finalist for a Minnesota Book Award this spring. If you plan to travel along the Great Lakes this summer, keep an eye open for Soliman’s poems. Through an installation called “Attention Visitors Attention,” they hide in plain sight, disguised as official signage at several national parks, including Isle Royale and Apostle Islands. And while you’re out there, enjoy a chance to do meaningful things you won’t write — or post — about. Nick Healy is an author and freelance writer in Mankato.

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ANN’S FASHION FORTUNES By Ann Rosenquist Fee

Ignoring trends is the new trend

DEAR ANN: How can I embrace spring/summer fashion trends without being a mindless puppet with no signature style of my own? DEAR READER: You’re in luck because never in the history of caring about style has there been a season in which the trends are so closely tied to actual for-real individuality. Specifically I’m referring to what Harper’s Bazaar (February 2022) called “fashion’s current preoccupation with the body,” which sounds goofily redundant until you think about “the body,” i.e. the lines and shapes and angles of our actual bodies, as different from “old ideas about who gets to wear what.” Bazaar notes that, compared to the usual forces driving a style wave, this one “… seems to be driven less by designers reasserting old codes of sexiness and what body type is deemed ideal or desirable,” and more by “a greater cultural shift in how we relate to those ideas in a post#MeToo, post-COVID-19, postgender world.” How this translates to reallife clothes-wearing this spring and summer is that whatever combination of revealing-vs.coverage makes you feel strongest and most ready and most like yourself, that’s what’s in style. Honestly. There’s no brandname silhouette reigning over it, no single dominating aesthetic you’re supposed to know about more than you know your own mind. Which is jarringly exciting if it’s true, and I say we test it. Q u o t i n g H a r p e r ’s B a z a a r quoting designer Bryn Taubensee, “… everyone feels confident in a different type of clothing: covered, naked, formal, casual, chaotic … a wide variety of looks that could all be considered sexy depending on

Who would you be if everything you clutched walking into a fancy event was the same stuff as what you’d clutched to get there? (Foreground: Dinghy bag. Background: All the bags needed to get there.) your personal definition of what that means.” Get clear on what makes you feel confident, let yourself be drawn to that as the foundation of your spring/summer wardrobe, and you’ll be spot-on with the trendiest of trends. DEAR ANN: Is there a word for the outfit you want people to see you wearing once you’ve arrived at some fancy place versus all the stuff you’re wearing just to get there? I’m thinking about coats and

boots, of course, but also the big bag full of everything you might need which you bring along but then leave in the car versus the smaller bag you bring into the event to hold nothing but your phone and some gum and some lip gloss and some tissues? I am a list maker, and so when I’m packing lists for a trip, I like to keep these two things separate. It would be easier if I knew the term. Thank you. DEAR READER: Why not your car key as well in that tiny dinghy bag?

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Do you know why that’s not on your list of essentials that come into the event with you? Because your husband has the key. Your man-husband has the key in his heteronormative man pocket. I point this out not to devalue your perspective as a straight, married, purse-clutching woman, but to point out that it’s a very specific thing. I think you might be assuming it’s just the way things are for people in general, which is not true, but you kind of have to step outside yourself to see it. Try: Ask yourself who you’d need to be, coming from where and doing what, if everything you wore and carried on your person walking into a significant event was the exact same as everything you’d worn and carried while getting there. Would you live in a palace, where your dressing room and your events take place in the same building? Or would your events take place in wilderness, which is also your home? Either way, you can see how the “big bag/little purse, outer outfit/real outfit” demographic is a subset smaller than you realized. It’s very possible there is no terminology to differentiate “outfit we’re really wearing vs. the one we want people to see” because anybody who’s tried to define it thus far has quickly realized the problems inherent in the question and fashioned themselves a solution comprised of deliberate new choices in fashion and life. Whatever you figure out, do report back, because there are few things in our style community more exciting than a major life overhaul that can be traced (as they often are) to a moment of epiphany about a certain lip color or moisturizing routine or hairstyle rut or or purse/bag combo or some other thing just not working anymore. Good luck. Pursuit of your truth looks super cute on you.

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Got a question? Submit it at annrosenquistfee.com (click on Ann’s Fashion Fortunes). Ann Rosenquist Fee is executive director of the Arts Center of Saint Peter and host of Live from the Arts Center, a music and interview show Thursdays 1-2 p.m. on KMSU 89.7FM. MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2022 • 53

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GARDEN CHAT By Jean Lundquist

Jumping worms? They’re real, and you need to be aware of them

’ve finally figured out that social media is a bad thing in many ways. I limit myself to Facebook, but often find that, too, to be depressing. I follow some birding sites, and I’m distressed to see all the common and hoary redpolls at others’ feeders this past winter. Ditto for the pileated woodpeckers in other people’s feeders. Alas, as winter wanes and spring springs hopeful, I turn to gardening pages. Last year I started winter sowing some seeds, following what I thought were the rules. The rules called for milk jugs cut in half, soil applied, seeds implanted, milk jugs taped shut and … Voila! Super-hardy plants to put in the garden. Nowhere did I see in those rules that those jugs were to be watered. I thought they took care of that themselves! I was so naive. But now, the average last frost date is upon us, and those outdoor beds are looking in need of attention.

My winter depression is lifting along with the seasonal affective disorder from not enough sunlight. I’m ready to rock and roll in the dirt! OK, soil. Remember: Don’t treat soil like dirt. I want to remind you again about taking precautions against jumping worms. Someone told me I’m being too alarmist about jumping worms. But they have been found here in Blue Earth County and surrounding counties. And once you have them, you keep them. As yet, there is no known way to get rid of them. Perhaps we were not alarmist enough about zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil, Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borers, and look where it got us. How many elm trees are growing in your neighborhood? When you get a plant at a nursery, fundraising sale, from a friend, yard sale or market, check the soil it is planted in. If it looks like coffee grounds, don’t buy it. If you don’t see what looks like coffee grounds, it still

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may not be safe. I know it sounds alarmist, but the University of Minnesota and others recommend you remove the soil from the roots of your plant, and rinse the roots in a sink that does not empty to the ground. Also, put the soil in the trash, not on the ground. Jumping worm eggs may be involved. Another source of jumping worms is a worm composting bin. I kept one for nearly 20 years. Back in those days, I’d never heard of a jumping worm. Now, I know that they were in my bin the whole time. Kids would reach into the bin and pick up a worm, and sometimes it would writhe violently. I thought maybe the kid had hurt it. I now recognize it as a jumping worm. Use that compost in your house plants, but not in your garden. Almost all compost worm orders contain a jumping worm or two, so beware.

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■■■■ Although I have seen snow fall on Memorial Day weekend, most often snow is done and likewise frost by the middle of this month. Your garden beds are prepared, and you’ve just brought home more flowers and veggie plants that you need. Be sure you handle them properly so they live. Even if you purchased them from a nursery or store, don’t assume you can take them home and plant them in your beds that day. Seedlings need to be “hardened off.” Hardened off means they are ready to sway in the wind, thrive in the sunshine and not need excessive amounts of water. Instead of placing them in the garden right away, put them in a shaded spot, where the wind can make friends with them, and keep them well-watered. Do this for a week before you put them in the garden. In my beginning years, I lost many a plant by not hardening it off. Back then, I figured if someone took my money for a plant, it was ready for the garden. As we embark on the summer of 2022, remember that every garden is an experiment. Let’s see what we can learn this year!

Jean Lundquist is a Master Gardener who lives near Good Thunder. gardenchatkato@gmail.com

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FROM THIS VALLEY By Pete Steiner

BRETT’S: Three decades gone

learly visible from Second Street, the landmark brickand-stone exterior rises three stories above downtown Mankato Place mall. The large script sign to this day proclaims to the eastern horizon: BRETT’S! But even if London still has its Harrods and New York still has its Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, Mankato no longer has Brett’s. It was 30 years ago this month that our own iconic department store announced it would be closing for good, joining the list of other beloved “places that are no more.” ■■■■ George E. Brett founded a dry goods store downtown in 1868. As the store evolved and expanded, by 1910 it had moved to its ultimate location at the corner of Front and Jackson streets, where it anchored the downtown business district for eight decades. But after 124 years, Mankato’s retail scene was changing dramatically by 1992. For a quarter century, Brett’s had weathered the challenge of Madison East Shopping Center, which had taken Sears and Woolworth’s out of downtown. Now, however, there was a newer, larger mall, River Hills. And oh yes, there was the Halloween Blizzard of 1991 and then more bad-weather weekends during that crucial holiday shopping season. “That cost us a million dollars during our most important time,” said Nancy Zallek, the great-great granddaughter of George E. Brett. She and her brother Scott had joined their dad, Brett Taylor Jr., at the head of the company. “We probably held on longer than we should have,” she told me recently in her offices at the Mankato Area Foundation, where she is now president and CEO. “We were fifth generation, but we were aware (the business model)

would not survive the test of time. Shoppers were enamored with malls. You keep hoping it will turn around. … We were family, many of our 100 Mankato employees had been with us for decades.” In May 1992, the announcement of the pending closing was finally made. ■■■■ Never much of a shopper, I still have fond memories of wandering through Brett’s departments, not just the men’s clothing section, but watching the elegant women at the cosmetics counter, checking out household items and, of course, gazing at the window displays. There was a third-floor lounge, a respite space for women to take a break from shopping. And did you know that Brett’s installed the very first escalator in Minnesota? “But it only went UP!” Zallek joked. You had to use the stairs or take an elevator to come back down. Elaine Schoeneberger started out as an elevator operator — you know, the kind you see now only in movies on TCM. She rose to become a vice president at a time when women still struggled against the glass ceiling in most businesses. Donna Strand was another female vice president for marketing. Zallek said she couldn’t ever mention key employees without bringing up the effervescent Dixie Johnson. For nearly 30 years Dixie directed Brett’s Teen Board, staging fashion shows and charity events with high school girls interested in fashion and retail. And then there was John Turner, a true creative artist, and as Zallek said, “a hippie before there were hippies.” Even if you didn’t intend to shop, you were intrigued and impressed by Turner’s elaborate window displays, especially the ones with animated figures at Christmas. Turner was nationally recognized for his efforts

to make the store visually appealing. ■■■■ By 1992, it was not only malls that were changing retail. For 30 years, Walmart and Kmart and Target had been building big-box stores and had begun locating in Mankato. Amazon would ramp up the online retail onslaught in 1994. By 2001, even Minneapolis’ iconic Dayton’s downtown store was forced into merger, eventually closing altogether in 2017. Zallek said that while she can still get nostalgic reminiscing about “when it was good,” and despite many fond memories, all those changes she and her brother foresaw quickly remind her “how incredibly difficult retail is to be in now. … Over the last 30 years, there’s not many times I’ve said, ‘I wish I was still in retail.’” The pandemic put further pressure on brick-and-mortar stores. Yet it appears recently some shoppers, perhaps eager to shed “COVID fatigue,” are happy to get back to making purchases in person. And Zallek noted there are many boutique-type retail stores opening even now, in Old Town and elsewhere, a sort of “back-to-thefuture” trend. ■■■■ In a front-page article of the May 21, 1992, edition of The Free Press, reporter Sue Menton quoted former Brett’s employee and Teen Board alumna Kris Connors as feeling “awful” when she learned the store was closing. Connors, who would go on to found her own women’s clothing store, told Menton: “Brett’s always supported the community. We won’t appreciate for a long time how easy they made it for us.” Longtime radio guy Pete Steiner is now a free lance writer in Mankato.

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Mankato Magazine

Articles inside

Ann’s Fashion Fortunes

Beyond the Margin

Garden Chat

This Day in History

Let’s Eat

From This Valley

Community Draws

On Tap