Mankato mag nov17

WONDER WOMEN! In case you haven’t noticed, women have taken over Old Town

An easier way to go

VEGAN JIM McGUIRE gets the call to the Hall

ECHO’s Shining DEISY

LIVING 55 PLUS

Exercise is Medicine Andrea Riebel NOVEMBER 2017 $2.95

The Free Press MEDIA

presents

NEW!

KIDZONE

OBSTACLE COURSE

sponsored by BounceTown

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2018 www.Climb2FeedKids.org Check us out on Facebook facebook.com/climb2feedkids

Speaking of Health:

Plan for the Season With cold and flu season upon us, now is a good time to plan ahead and seek preventive care.

Some reminders: Get your flu vaccine.

Verify all your family members’ immunizations and health care screenings are up to date. Make appointments if necessary.

Determine what services and treatments should be done before the end of year.

Identify prescription needs prior to holiday and/or winter travel.

Getting organized and planning in advance can reduce stress and help you and your family have a healthy holiday season.

Sandeep Kumar, M.D.. Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, is committed to keeping the youngest patients healthy.

To stay healthy, talk with your health care provider about preventive care recommendations specific to you and your family. Remember, handwashing is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to prevent illness.

— Katie Thompson, D.O., Mayo Clinic Health System

Seek preventive care Get your flu vaccine!

Flu vaccines are recommended for people ages six months and older. The flu vaccine is available during a visit with your primary care provider or at Express Care, located inside the hilltop Hy-Vee in Mankato.

Attend a Speaking of Health presentation.

“Exercise: Medicine for the heart and more,” Wednesday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to noon, VINE Adult Community Center, 421 East Hickory St., Mankato. Free.

Mayo Clinic Health System is proud to support health and wellness in our community.

mayoclinichealthsystem.org

» C OME JU DGE

for Yourself.

GOLFERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD COME TO CHALLENGE THE JUDGE and the two other golf courses in Prattville at RTJ Capitol Hill. Bring your clubs and come take on Judge hole number 1, voted the favorite hole on the Trail. Complete your day in luxury at the Marriott and enjoy dining, firepits and guest rooms overlooking the Senator golf course. With the Marriott’s 20,000 square feet of meeting space, 96 guest rooms and luxurious Presidential Cottage combined with three world-class golf courses, business and pleasure can definitely interact in Prattville.

THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT CAPITOL HILL offers three magnificent 18-hole championship golf courses.

The Marriott Prattville is part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Visit www.rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444 to learn more.

F EATURE S NOVEMBER 2017 Volume 12, Issue 11

16 Killer women It’s becoming a golden age of womenowned businesses in Mankato. The best part is: they’re all pulling for each other.

22

26

Ready for vegan?

Stay classy, Jim McGuire

A pair of women have made it their mission to make it easier to find vegan options at Mankato restaurants.

The legendary classical guitar player will be inducted this month into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.

ABOUT THE COVER Andrea Riebel might be one of the youngest business owners in town. The owner of the Budding Creations flower shop was photographed for our cover by Pat Christman.

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 3

DEPARTMENTS 6 From the Editor 8 This Day in History 9 The Gallery Painter Bob Williams

10 Beyond the Margin

9

November gray

12 Familiar Faces Deisy DeLeon Esqueda

14 Day Trip Destinations Willmar’s Holidaze

28 Then & Now Honest Abe

30 That’s Life Behind the wheel with Nell

32 Garden Chat

10

Sugar beet mishap

36 Living 55 Plus 53 Food, Drink & Dine 56 Food Thanksgiving traditions

58 Wine Red Chardonnay

59 Beer Cheers to running late

14

32

60 Happy Hour Become a coctailsmith

62 Your Style Giving thanks for childhood retail deprivation

64 Coming Attractions 65 Faces & Places 68 From This Valley Veterans Day reflections

Coming in December

54 4 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

62

We dive into the reason for the season by touching base with faith leaders around town.

Shop New Ulm THIS

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Fresh Floral Centerpieces Holiday and Home Decor Mankato and MN themed decor Poinsettias Spruce Tops and Pots Restored Furniture Great Gift Ideas Join us! November 9-12

The OrthoEdge joint replacement program offers superb care from your first visit through recovery.

The experienced surgeons from the Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic and the professional care team at River’s Edge Hospital provide personal and compassionate care to get you back to doing the things you enjoy.

Start your joint replacement journey at www.orthoedgemn.com

Annual Holiday Open House

and 885 E. Madison Ave. Mankato www.hilltopflorist.com 507-387-7908

Join the Club!

If you are age 50 or better and looking for some fun social events and great banking services then it’s time to join the Primetime Club. As a locally owned and managed bank, we enjoy planning fun events for our Primetime Members. Membership includes a competitive rate on your checking, free club checks and more.

Join the Primetime Club today!

Mankato • Amboy • Vernon Center www.cbfg.net MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 7

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Children’s Books, Coffee Table Books, Brochures, Annual Reports, Catalogs, Magazines, Posters, Yearbooks, and MORE! Corporate Graphics

By Jean Lundquist

Thursday, Nov. 4, 1909 A message from the Lake Crystal Union To the hunters who invade the sacred precincts of Lake Crystal Village: If Lake Crystal is a good place in the fall of the year for duck hunting for Mankato sportsmen, it is also a good enough place for the elite to spend their summers. We have no objection to that class of Mankato citizens coming here to enjoy themselves. But it is decidedly unfair to spend your money in one place, and get what you can here without paying any compensation to us.

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 1956 Northsider wants Elvis on the Supreme Court There would be rockin’ and rollin’ on Minnesota’s Supreme Court bench if one North Mankato voter had his way. A voter in the north side city on Tuesday cast a write-in vote for singer Elvis Presley for associate supreme court justice. This and other light spots showed up in returns gathered in the night by the Free Press news staff. One Vernon Center voter had some non-conformist ideas for the Supreme Court. He voted for Joe Smith. In Eagle Lake, a husband and wife each received one vote for city assessor.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 1936 Mrs. Susan Doolittle, 103, dies in St. James home Death today did close 103 years of life for Mrs. Susan Carroll Doolittle, one of the state’s oldest residents. The aged woman, who had lived here 45 years since coming from Madelia, died last night. One of her favorite hobbies was piecing quilts. During her 99th year of life, she completed five. Veteran of the pioneer days when Indians roamed this section of the state, Mrs. Doolittle also recalled how she unknowingly had fed the notorious Younger Brothers, train robbers and bank raiders, the day before they were captured, following the looting of a Northfield bank.

Friday, Nov. 16, 1990 Students and hospital workers filling up marines’ mail bags Mail call will be a happier experience from now on for one group of Marines in Saudi Arabia, thanks to the efforts of Mankato school children and hospital employees. Some of the Marines in Frank Brady’s combat unit weren’t receiving mail. He shared his concern with his parents, Frank and Joan Brady of Mankato. Each of the 36 Marines in Brady’s unit serving in Desert Shield will soon receive letters and care packages from students at Roosevelt School, and employees of Immanuel St. Joseph Hospital. Frank Brady visited the school to solicit letters, but the student council decided to also send small boxes including gum, instant oatmeal packets, pre-sweetened drink mixes, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, playing cards and snack items. Joan Brady is a supervisor at the ISJ Chemical Dependency unit, and she recruited staff members there to participate.

1750 Northway Drive • North Mankato, MN 56003 www.corpgraph.com

800-729-7575

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 1984 Soft drink bottlers will use more corn syrup Nicollet County corn producer Willis Anthony says recent decisions by both Coca-Cola and Pepsico Inc. are good news for area corn growers. Using high fructose corn syrup is a cost-cutting measure for the bottlers, but is likely to raise the price of corn for the producers.

Anthony says the decision to allow bottlers to use 100 percent high fructose corn syrup is welcome news. Up to now, the soft drink companies have been using 75 percent high fructose corn syrup, and 25 percent sugar in their beverages. Anthony raises corn west of St. Peter, and is currently the president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association

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A nudge to find the muse D

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espite having a background in art since high school, ȿɁʢú Øʢʼ Ê r«¼¼« ÂÜ « Ãʰã ¼ó ¹ «ÃãÊ ¨«Ü Ø ¡ã èÃ㫼 ¨ Ø ã«Ø «¢¨ã ú ØÜ ¢Ê ¡ØÊ 㠨«Ã¢ʈ ,ã ô Ü ¨«Ü ô«¡ ô¨Ê ¢ ó ¨«Â ¼«ãã¼ Ãè ¢ ú Ü ú«Ã¢ «ã ô Ü ã«Â ¡ÊØ ¨«Â ãÊ Ø «Ãó Ãã ¨«ÂÜ ¼¡ʈ "ØÊ A«Ãà ÜÊã Zã ã fëó ØÜ«ãú ãÊ ã¨ B óú à ¹ʃ r«¼¼« ÂÜ ô Ü èÜ ãÊ ¨ ó«Ã¢ ãÊ Ø «Ãó Ãã ¨«ÂÜ ¼¡ʈ ¡ã Ø ¼¼ʃ «ã was what he had to do early on in his career when he signed up for a newly developed course at Mankato Area Vocationala ¨Ã« ¼ ,ÃÜã«ãèã «Ã ȺɂɀȻʈ ʭ,ã ô Ü ù ã¼ú ô¨ ã , à ʃʮ ¨ Ü « ʈ ʭ,ã ô Ü «Ãã ÃÜ Ã ¡Ê èÜ Êà ó ¼Êիâ ܹ«¼¼Ü ¡ÊØ Â ¹«Ã¢ ¼«ó«Ã¢ ô«ã¨ úÊèØ Øã à «Ã¢ «Ã 㨠«Ã èÜãØú à «ã ô Ü ¶èÜã 㨠ث¢¨ã ăãʈʮ After working in advertising as an illustrator in studios in Sleepy Eye and Edina, as well as Jostens in Owatonna where ¨ Õ «Ãã «¼¼ Ê Ø Ü Ã Ü ã èÕ ã¨ Â Ø ØÊÊÂʃ r«¼¼« ÂÜ ÜÕ Ãã ã¨ Ø Â «Ã Ø Ê¡ ¨«Ü Ø Ø ã ZÊè㨠ÃãØ ¼ ʼ¼ ¢ ʈ ʭA Ãú ã«Â Ü , ô«¼¼ Õ« ¹  «è 㨠ã ô«¼¼ « Ãã«¡ú ô«ã¨ 㨠 㨠ãʰÜ ôÊع«Ã¢ʃʮ ¨ Ü « ʈ ʭa¨  «èÂ Ã Õ Ã «¼ʃ pastels; that was the beauty of having a job for 30 years at the Ü ¨Êʼ ã¨ Ø ʈ a¨ Ø ô Ü ÜÊ Âè ¨ ó Ø« ãúʈ , ¢Êã ãÊ ÃÊã Êüú ¢ØÊô ÂúÜ ¼¡ʃ èã ¨ ¼Õ Ê㨠ØÜ ¢ØÊô ãÊÊʈʮ r¨«¼ ¨ ¨ Ü ¼ «Ã  Ãú Øã  «èÂÜʃ r«¼¼« ÂÜ Ü « ¨ ¨ Ü Ã Ø ôà ãÊ Ê«¼ Õ «Ãã«Ã¢ʈ )«Ü Ø Ãã ôÊع ¨ Ü Ã ¼ Ø¢ ¼ú «ÃĄè à ú ¨«Ü ¡ «¼úʰÜ èÕ Ø«Ã¢«Ã¢ «Ã ÜÊè㨠Øà A«Ãà ÜÊã ʈ ) ó«Ã¢ ÜÕ Ãã Ⱥȹ ú ØÜ Êà ¨Ê ú ¡ Ø «Ã # Ø Ã «ãúʃ ô¨« ¨ r«¼¼« ÂÜ Ü Ø« Ü ÃÊ㨫â ܨÊØã Ê¡ à ú #Ø«Ĝã¨ʰÜ A ú ØØúʃ à 㨠à Ȼȼ ú ØÜ «Ã q ØÃÊà Ãã Øʃ ¼«ó«Ã¢ Êè㠫à 㨠ÊèÃãØú ô Ü Ü Êà à ãèØ ʈ ʭ, ôÊè¼ ã ¹ Õ¨ÊãÊ¢Ø Õ¨Ü ô«ã¨ Âú Â Ø Ã ã¨ Ã ã ¹ 㨠 ¨Ê ʃʮ ¨ Ü « ʈ , ¨ Üãè «Ê «Ã # Ø Ã «ãú à « ×è«ã «ã Ê¡ Õ «Ãã«Ã¢ Ê¡ 㨠¡ «¼ú ¼«¡ ô ¨ # Ø Ã «ãú à ÜÊ ʡ 㨠¡ ØÂ Ø Êó Ø ã 7è ÜÊÃʈʮ

)«Ü Õ ÜÜ«Êà ¡ÊØ Õ¨Êã梯 ͬú Üã ÂÜ ¡ØÊ à à ÜãØú Õ «Ã ãØ «ã«ÊÃʈ ʭ, ¢è ÜÜ ô Ø ó Øú Üã Õ «ÃãÊ ã¨ r ¼ Ü è¼ãèØ ʃʮ Ü « r«¼¼« ÂÜʈ ʭr ¨ ó ¨ ¡ «¼ú ØÊèà «Ã ã¨«Ü Ø Ü«Ã ã¨ ȺɁȾȹÜʃ ÜÊ ¼Êã Ê¡ 㨠㠡 Ø à ¢Ø« è¼ãèØ ô Ü Ã «ÃĄè à ʈʮ r«¼¼« ÂÜʰ ¢Ø à ¡ 㨠Øʃ ô¨Ê  ãÊ ã¨ fʈZʈ ¡ØÊ r ¼ Üʃ Õ ÜÜ ô ú «Ã ȺɂȺɂ ¡ØÊ 㨠Ąèʈ ¡ã Ø ¨«Ü ã¨ʃ r«¼¼« ÂÜʰ ¡ ã¨ Ø ÜÕ Ãã ¼Êã Ê¡ ¨«Ü Üè ØÜ Ü ¨«¼ Êà ¨«Ü ÊèÜ«ÃʰÜ ¡ ØÂʈ a¨ ã«Â ÜÕ Ãã Êà 㨠㠡 ØÂ Ø ã ú Øëâ ¡ÊØ ¡ Ø ʡ ¨«Ü ÊôÃʈ ʭ Ü Âú ¡Ê¼¹Ü Ê㨠¨ ó Õ ÜÜ ÊÃʃ ô «Ã¨ Ø«ã ÃÊã Êüú ¼¼ 㨠«Ø Ãã«×è Ü Ã Â ÂÊØ «¼« ʃ èã ¼ÜÊ ¼¼ 㨠«Ø Õ¨ÊãÊ ¼ èÂÜʃʮ Ü « r«¼¼« ÂÜʈ ʭZÊ , ¨ «Ã 㨠¹ Ê¡ Âú Â«Ã Ü , ¢Ê ã¨ØÊ袨 㨫Üʃ «ã ôÊè¼ Ã« ãÊ Ü¨Êô Âú ʰÜ Ø Â Ê¡ ¨ ó«Ã¢ ¨«Ü Êôà ¡ ØÂʈʮ "ØÊ ã¨ÊÜ Õ¨ÊãÊÜʃ  㨠« ¡ÊØ Ã Øã ܨÊôʃ ô¨« ¨ ô Ü Â ÕÊÜÜ« ¼ ú ¢Ø Ãã ¡ØÊ 㨠SØ «Ø« ; ¹ Ü V ¢«Êà ¼ ØãÜ Êèà «¼ʈ r«¼¼« ÂÜ ¨ Ü ¼Ø ú ÊÂÕ¼ ã ÂÊØ ã¨ Ã Êÿ à ʡ 㨠ȼȾ Õ «Ãã«Ã¢Ü 㨠ã ô«¼¼ Êà «ÜÕ¼ ú ã 㨠Øà ¢« à ùã 7èà ʈ ʭ,ʰ 㨫ù«Ã¢ Ê¡ ã ¹«Ã¢ ¼¼ Ê¡ ã¨ Õ «Ãã«Ã¢Üʃ ÊØ ÜÊ ʡ 㨠Âʃ à Õèãã«Ã¢ ÜÊ ÕÊ ãØú ãÊ «ãʃ Ã Ü «Ã¢ Âú ¨ à 㠫ãʎ Ü «¡ Õ ÊÕ¼ ¼«¹ «ãʃʮ ¨ Ü « ʈ ʭ, Ãã«¡ú «ã ô«ã¨ 㨠¶ÊèØà ú 㨠ã Âú « ʃ ô«ã¨ 㨠ի ãèØ Ü Ã ã¨ Õ «Ãã«Ã¢Üʈ , Ãã«¡ú ¨Êô ¨«Ü Ø Â óʼó ʎ ÜÊ ʡ 㨠¨«¢¨Ü à ¼ÊôÜ Ê¡ ¡Ê¼¼Êô«Ã¢ Ø Âʈʮ Ü« ¡ØÊ ܹ ã ¨«Ã¢ Ã Õ «Ãã«Ã¢ ã¨ Ø Â «Ã Ø Ê¡ ¨«Ü Øã ܨÊô Ø ã«ÊÃÜʃ r«¼¼« ÂÜ ÊÃã«Ãè Ü ãÊ ÜèÕÕ¼ú Õ «Ãã«Ã¢Ü ¡ÊØ ã¨ è à S ã¨ÜãÊà ;«ó«Ã¢ V ã«Ø  Ãã " «¼«ãúʃ ô¨ Ø ¨«Ü ÂÊã¨ Ø Ø Ü« ¡ÊØ Ü¨ ¼ÊÜã ¨ Ø ãã¼ ô«ã¨ à Øʈ ʭ, ¹ Õ èÕ ã«Ã¢ Âú Õ« ãèØ Ü ó Øú ú Ø ãÊ ¹«Ã Ê¡ Ãã Ø㠫à 㨠¡Ê¼¹Ü ã¨ Ø ʃʮ ¨ Ü « ʈ ʭ, 㨫ù 㨠ú à « Ãã«¡ú ô«ã¨ 㨠 and they see their own life and appreciate who they are and ô¨ ã 㨠úʰó Êà ʈʮ MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 9

10 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

ĆŞĆĽĆąĆ­Ć°Ć­ĆĽĆ˜ ƪƼƧƊƜ ÄźĹ?ĹžĆœ Äź ;ğŏŌ ŞŚƊğĸČ ĆŚĆź ƼƹƼƲƨƼ ƨƟƜưƭƲ

Deisy De Leon Esqueda gets boxes of food out of a freezer at the ECHO Food Shelf in September. De Leon Esqueda has been the manager at the food shelf since 2003.

Feeding Mankato, many families at a time )H Â“ÂŤĂœĂŁĂ˜ÂŤÂŒĂ¨ĂŁÂ—Ăœ ČşĘƒČšČšČš aÂ¨Â ĂƒÂšĂœÂ˘ÂŤĂłÂŤĂƒÂ˘ ÂŒÂ ĂœÂšÂ—ĂŁĂœ ĂŁĂŠ ÂĄÂ Ă‚ÂŤÂźÂŤÂ—Ăœ ÂŤĂƒ ĂƒÂ—Â—Â“

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Photos by Jackson Forderer

n the fourth Thursday of this month, Deisy De Leon Esqueda and her husband will be doing the same thing as many other families do – making a huge meal to share with family and friends. Like many of us, she’ll also be giving thanks for all the blessings in her life.

But unlike many of us, Esqueda will have a fuller understanding of those blessings and exactly what it looks like when families are not as fortunate as her own.

12 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

As the manager of the ECHO Food Shelf of Mankato since 2003, Esqueda sees well over 1,000 families who need help putting food on the table.

And when Thanksgiving comes around, it would be almost impossible for many of them to afford a big turkey and all the trimmings to make the day special.

That’s why ECHO provides Thanksgiving baskets filled with many supplies needed to make the big meal to about 1,000 families every year.

Here’s a bit more about ECHO, the Thanksgiving basket program and Esqueda.

Mankato Magazine: What are some of the things you’ve learned about the Mankato community in your time at ECHO? Deisy De Leon Esqueda: Mankato is a great place to live and offers many opportunities to families. It’s a fantastic community, and I am glad to be part of it.

Even though I grew up only 45 minutes away, Mankato is home. There are so many caring people willing to donate their time or money to help those going through financial troubles.

MM: What are some things the general public might not know about the food shelf?

DDLE: We serve an average of 1,300 families and distribute more than 150,000 pounds of food each month. We (ECHO) would not be able to provide emergency food assistance if it were not for our amazing volunteers, staff, board members and the great community who believe in our mission and continually support us.

Even though ECHO only provides food to its clients, it plays a vital role in the Mankato community when our neighbors are going through financial setbacks. The volunteer opportunities at ECHO allow people to give back to their community and to learn about local current issues.

MM: Tell us about the Thanksgiving basket program.

How did that start, and how does it work?

DDLE: Since the early 1990s, families in Blue Earth

Deisy De Leon Esqueda Name:

Age: 36 City of residence: North Mankato Job title: Manager of )H "Êʓ Z¨—Ÿ¥ ĂŠÂĄ AÂ ĂƒÂšÂ ĂŁĂŠ Brief work history: )HĘƒ )Â Ă˜Ă˜Ăş AÂ—ĂşÂ—Ă˜ÂŤĂƒÂ˘ Â—ĂƒĂŁÂ—Ă˜Ęƒ "Êʓ SĂ˜ÂŤÂ“Â— Family: )Ă¨ĂœÂŒÂ ĂƒÂ“Ęƒ “ Âʎ Â?Â¨ÂŤÂźÂ“Ă˜Â—ĂƒĘ‚ )Â ĂżÂ—ÂźĘƒ Ⱥȝʎ ĂşÂ“Â—ĂƒĘƒ ȺȺʎ AÂŤÂ?Â Â¨Ęƒ Ȟʎ ;ÂŤÂ Ă‚Ęƒ Čť

County and the city of North Mankato can sign up and receive most of the supplies needed for a Thanksgiving dinner. We distribute the baskets at ECHO. The week before Thanksgiving Day, families from Blue Earth County and North Mankato sign up and pick up the items they need to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. We recruit many volunteers during this week because there are many families served in a short period of time. The priceless memories those families share at their Thanksgiving table make our hard work worthwhile.

MM: Is there a big demand for the Thanksgiving baskets?

DDLE: The number of Thanksgiving baskets had been increasing every year, but lately it has remained relatively the same. We usually distribute about 1,000 baskets to families each year. The need is not always obvious unless we become involved in the many organizations that exist within our community.

MM: For the readers who have the means to pay for their Thanksgiving meals, how can they help?

DDLE: Community members can donate money to help cover the cost of the Thanksgiving baskets ($20) or their time to help distribute them the week before Thanksgiving Day. MM: To give readers a chance to get to know you better, do you personally have any special Thanksgiving traditions?

DDLE: We have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all of the works. We prepare everything from scratch, except the gravy. My husband cooks the turkey while I prepare the rest of the meal.

It’s a time to experiment with new dishes and keep the great recipes as part of our Thanksgiving meal tradition. It is also a time to be grateful for all of our blessings, therefore we share our meal with friends and neighbors.

MM: What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

DDLE: My kids would probably say “hanging out with them.â€? Sometimes I feel that my hobbies are non-existent, but when the time is there, I like to bake, read, volunteer, work in the garden and make piĂąatas. My hobbies have turned into a family affair in order for me to be able to fit them in my schedule.

Left Deisy De Leon Esqueda (center) talks on the phone while helping volunteer Elaine Schoeneberger unpack boxes of food at the ECHO Food Shelf in September. Right Deisy De Leon Esqueda, manager at the ECHO Food Shelf since 2003, helps volunteer Francisco Esquivel stack a pallet of juice at the store in September.

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 13

ƨƥƼ ƷƘƭǫ ƨƩƶƷƭƲƥƷƭƳƲƶ rŐşşťĦźʰž )ŬşŐĸĦơļ ƦƼ ƮƥƱƩƶ ƪƭƫƼ

Celebrate

the Holidaze in Kandiyohi County W

A«Ãà ÜÊã ʰÜ ãèع ú Õ«ã ¼ Ê¡¡ ØÜ ¡èà ØÊèà Thanksgiving and year-round

ith Thanksgiving around the corner, many are starting to think about where they’ll get their turkey.

What they might not realize is there’s a good chance their bird will come from Kandiyohi County — the highest turkey-producing county in Minnesota, the highest turkey-producing state in the U.S. But many events, parks, shops and dining options prove there’s much more to the area.

A festive reason to visit in November is the Holidaze Parade 14 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

in Willmar, the Kandiyohi County seat. Now in its 11th year, the Holidaze Parade includes a festival that fills downtown Willmar from afternoon until nighttime, according to Beth Fischer, director of the Willmar Lakes Area Convention and Visitor Bureau.

The Holidaze Parade usually offers opportunities to play with animals at a petting zoo, go on a sleigh ride, visit with Santa and sit around fire pits to warm up with some hot chocolate and s’mores.

The parade runs through town in

the evening, with holiday-themed floats decked out in Christmas lights and waving residents in Santa hats. “It is a great celebration that kicks off the holiday season in the Willmar Lakes Area,” Fischer said.

Also, the Celebrate the Light of the World light display begins around Thanksgiving at 3903 60th Ave. NE in Willmar. “It is a beautiful light display that was featured on ‘The Great Christmas Light Fight,’” Fischer said. “A local couple has the display at their

)1 +( ;17

The 11th annual Holidaze Parade

Where: ÊôÃãÊôà r«¼¼Â Øʃ ô«ã¨ à «Ã¡ÊØ ã«Êà ÊÊ㨠ã 㨠«Ãã ØÜ ã«Êà ʡ ¹ Ø ó ʈ à Ƚ㨠Zãʈ When: BÊóʈ ȺɁʃ ȻʢȺȹ ÕʈÂʈ ô«ã¨ ã¨ Õ Ø ã ȿʂȼȹ ÕʈÂʈ Admission: Free Visit willmarlakesarea.com ¡ÊØ ÂÊØ «Ã¡ÊØ ã«ÊÃ

The 10th annual Holidaze Parade takes place in Willmar, Minn., with sleigh rides, s’mores and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photos by Dennis Benson. home, and all donations go toward the Salvation Army.”

The holidays bring plenty of cheer, but Kandiyohi County has no shortage of outdoor fun, including camping areas, city parks, hiking trails at Sibley State Park near New London and the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway. But Fischer said guests to the area should check out Willmar’s new 19,000-square-foot Destination Playground, which is fully accessible.

“There are the usual favorites such as swings, slides and monkey bars, but also ramps, a swing and zipline that accommodates those in wheelchairs. A rubberized surface was also installed to prevent big injuries,” she said.

In the colder months, visitors might prefer the Barn Theatre’s productions, shopping boutiques in New London or enjoying local food and drinks, Fischer said.

“Our area is home to two breweries, the Foxhole Brewhouse

in Willmar and Goat Ridge Brewing Company in New London; the Glacial Ridge Winery in Spicer; and a variety of unique dining places that includes locally owned restaurants, Italian eateries,

Hispanic and Somalian restaurants, as well as national chains,” she said.

While Kandiyohi County is Minnesota’s turkey capital, it almost became the state capital.

Congress’s 1849 act that created the Territory of Minnesota named St. Paul “a temporary seat of government,” stipulating residents should vote on a permanent location.

After receiving statehood, Minnesota created a commission in 1858 to choose a new capital. The commission picked a spot between lakes Kasota and Minnetaga in the town of Kandiyohi. Representatives wrote two bills in the 1860s to move the capital. The first failed, and the second was vetoed by the governor, who said Minnesotans didn’t feel strongly and never held a public vote.

Anyone who’d like to see this spot can find a marker on County Rd. 134 south of U.S. 12. A visit the Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum and Depot in Willmar provides more about the area’s past.

Whether folks are interested in history, fishing or festivals, there’s plenty to do year-round in Kandiyohi County, according to Fischer. “We have a broad range of festivals and events that take place throughout the year, including the June Willmar Fests celebration, the September Celebrate Art/Celebrate Coffee event, the November Holidaze Parade and Spicer’s Winterfest in January,” she said. “There truly is an event or festival taking place weekly throughout the year.”

Sibley State Park is located in Kandiyohi County near New London, Minn., and offers a variety of outdoor activities. Photos by Andrew Webster.

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 15

Jessica Fischer (left) and Danielle Fischer Marti channeled the grief from losing their brother to a start a successful business.

The sisters own Gallery 512 Boutique stores in Mankato and New Ulm.

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L

et’s take a leisurely stroll through Mankato’s Old Town, shall we?

Salvage Sisters, CuriosiTea House, Mary Lu’s, Whimsy and Weathered, Denco Lighting, Gallery 512 Boutique, Budding Creations, Pins and Needles, Vagabond Village, Sticks & Stones, Midtown Tavern.

A little further down the road, Farm Girl Junk, Artifact, Coffee Hag, Cactus Tattoo, Mecca Tattoo (a little outside of Old Town), Encore, True Real Estate, Radiance Salon, Primp, WYSIWYG, Bluebird Cakery, Julee’s Jewelry.

Further yet, R. Craig Leatherworks, the Jewelry Bench, Allure Salon.

What’s the common thread?

16 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

Each is owned by — and thriving because of the hard work of — women.

“I just think it’s so excellent all these women are taking the risk,” says Heather Fisher, owner of Salvage Sisters Mercantile. “I personally know what it feels like to have people in my life tell me what I wanted to do wasn’t a good idea. … I’m glad I followed my instinct and took that risk.”

The above list is by no means complete. There are others in town, and it’s not limited to the Old Town or downtown areas.

But it seems Mankato, and Old Town in particular, are seeing an explosion of women-owned businesses.

Danielle Fischer Marti helps a customer at their Mankato Gallery 512 Boutique store.

The trend has enhanced retail variety and fostered a sense of community that, some of the women say, might not be there otherwise. Women are rallying around each other and embracing a spirit of cooperation.

“By having the opportunity to connect with so many different women in the business community, a larger sense of wisdom is being carried through,” says Natalie Pierson, owner of Vagabond Village. “Women aren’t afraid to talk about the struggle and celebrate the positive without judgment.”

Haven’t been into one of these stores before?

You should. Talk to them. You might be surprised at the stories you hear.

512

They get the question all the time: “What does the name mean? After all, this isn’t 512 Riverfront Drive ...”

No, it isn’t. The name Gallery 512 Boutique — which has locations in both New Ulm and Mankato’s Old Town — has a deeply personal meaning for

sister owners Jessica Fischer and Danielle Fischer Marti.

It’s a reference to their brother, Shane Fischer, who took his own life. He was a man burdened with personal demons, and in the end, the sisters say, those demons played a part in Shane taking his own life.

One of the things of which Shane was proudest was his membership in the Ironworkers Union. The number of the Midwest chapter is 512. How proud? He had the number tattooed on his arm. An avid outdoorsman who loved his daughter and his dogs, Shane Fischer died Feb. 17, 2013.

As his sisters struggled to deal with the loss, they came upon a business opportunity that sort of allowed their personal dreams and their whirling emotions to mesh.

“Our grief was still pretty raw at that point,” Danielle said. “We wanted to do something with our angst.”

Added Jessica, “We were all in kind of a fog. We needed a change.”

They’d been steadily growing a business refinishing furniture.

Then they attended a business start-up workshop during Crazy Days in New Ulm and decided to take the plunge.

“We thought it would give us a chance to spend our time together doing something healthy,” Jessica said.

It worked.

Their first location in downtown New Ulm required an extensive renovation that relied on family support. But when it was over, it was worth it.

“It was the first time my dad laughed in seven months,” Jessica said.

After two years and one location move, they opened a second store in Mankato. Another good move.

“There’s a really good collaborative climate here,” Danielle said. “It’s energized.

They’ve all been really supportive.”

They said they’ve had some help from Heather Fisher, who has served as an adviser.

“She was probably one of the biggest factors in us coming to this location,” Jessica said.

Today, the Mankato store is doing about as much business as MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 17

the New Ulm store. And they said they came to town at a time when the area as a retail hub was already picking up steam. Now, things are even, well, steamier.

“We’re excited to ride that wave,” Danielle said.

GMG

The spirit of collaboration mentioned by several women business owners isn’t merely a casual business owner observation. Meghan Flanagan of Greater Mankato Growth says she’s been noticing it, too.

“A lot of the women business owners that I work with tend to be really collaborative and generous with their time and talents to help others,” she said.

The phrase “A rising tide lifts all boats,” applies to the way the women are approaching this community. Newer business owners are looking to established ones as mentors and as models of entrepreneurial spirit.

Even the 512 sisters said they’ll decline stocking a clothing or gift line if another nearby store already stocks it. There are too many attractive lines to go head to head on something with another small business trying to be successful in town. Why not complement that store instead of compete with it?

“I’m seeing these womenowned businesses very much looking for what’s going to be good for everyone,” Flanagan said.

Among the role models in the area, Flanagan says, are women such as Linnea Ortley-Yetter, owner of Denco Lighting, and, of course, Fisher.

“If you think longevity, how about Linnea over at Denco Lighting. Talk about long-term business; she found her niche and is doing well,” Flanagan said.

“And Heather Fisher, she’s someone I look to for marketing ideas.”

Flanagan says more women are getting business degrees. And while pay equity hasn’t happened yet, she says women are making strides. More of them are juggling multiple responsibilities, as well. Some are starting businesses while still holding down full-time jobs with benefits.

And while more balance has come to parenting roles, women

18 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

Budding Creations began in Andrea Riebel’s home. are typically still the ones taking the lead on raising children.

“Now so many of us are juggling parenthood or arranging our lives and our businesses so we can be a little more flexible,” she said. “Heather’s not scared to close the store if something comes up with her kid. She’ll post to social media, ‘Sorry!

Something’s come up!’”

Blooming Biz

If you could sneak into Andrea Riebel’s home and find her notebooks full of dreams — which are a real thing — you’d probably find a teenager’s blueprint for the business she’s growing today.

Budding Creations is a flower shop in Old Town. For now, being relatively new to the storefront, the space is sparse.

But the 28-year-old Riebel is a young woman who dreams in vibrant color. And her knack for creating breathtaking floral arrangements and installations is undeniable.

So is the beauty of the Budding Creations origin story.

When she was little her parents would take her to church at St. Henry’s. Afterward, they’d usually head to her grandparents’ greenhouse, which was like a community gathering place. She remembers walking through the greenhouse, which would be full of family and friends, and marveling at the stunning growth of bougainvillea. (Her

grandfather was a bit of a pioneer in the petunia segment of the flower market. He managed to produce a new strain of petunia, a unique and beautiful shade of green that petunia growers hadn’t seen. He earned a patent for that strain.)

Her mother, Mary Ann Riebel, worked at that greenhouse, and would bring home flowers often.

Andrea’s world was colored with the fruits and flowers of her grandfather’s labor. And eventually, though she’s not sure exactly when, it was written down in her notebooks of dreams that someday she wanted to own a flower shop.

Fast forward to 2017. Here she is. Storefront in hand, since May. Clients are coming. She’s a busy business owner in one of Mankato’s fastest-growing retail areas. (Actually, truth be told, clients have been coming for four years, which is about as long as she’s had the business. And Mom, by the way, is a business partner.)

Andrea, who has a full-time day job at ADM, got into the flower trade by, well, going to flower school. After completing the course, she was able to get to work, and started the business out of her home.

By her best estimate, she says, she would have been ready to have a storefront about a year later than she actually did. Why’d she take the plunge early?

Heather Fisher. Funny how that name keeps coming up.

Mary Ann and Andrea Rieble moved in to their Old Town store in May. “She put a call out to see if anyone knew of any good florists,” Andrea said. “She wanted a florist downtown.”

Riebel moved in last May, and it’s been a whirlwind ever since.

“I don’t even know where the summer went, to be honest,” she said.

Risky business

Starting up a business means taking risks. The risks Natalie Pierson at Vagabond Village took have been huge.

Pierson lived a vagabond’s life, traveling the country collecting friends, life lessons and loads and loads of stuff. She’d always wanted to own a shop to sell that stuff, and a couple of years ago she did just that. Her first effort ended when her landlords had a different vision for the space. But she regrouped and reopened a few months later down the street.

The struggle was real, but Pierson says the space she’s in now better suits the dream she has of creating a vintage shop that doubles as a gathering space for all ages. She’s also got room for weekend flea markets.

The community of women who own nearby businesses, she says, has been helpful.

“Everyday, I choose to work with people who want to be engaged, who believe in a larger vision and aren’t just showing up to make money,” Pierson says.

“My vision and practice for an open platform has helped connect me with others who also have a voice and want to share what they’ve found, whether it’s an artifact or an idea.”

Fisher agrees, and says success generally — not just for womenowned businesses — is a good thing for everyone in town.

“I feel like the density happening in Old Town in general is helping,” she said.

“There’s a tea shop, a clothing shop, a gift shop, a painted furniture shop. The density is helping us all gain foot traffic which is helping us all succeed.”

Tea, anyone?

Heidi Wyn, owner of CuriosiTea House, was born and raised in Mankato. But that’s about where the ordinary part ends in her life story.

She attended college at Dakota State University near Rapid City, S.D. She wanted to be a teacher, and that’s what DSU did best (along with computer science, but we’ll get to that in a minute).

After graduating, she struggled to find a full-time teaching job. She subbed for a while until, finally, a call came. A one-room school house 70 miles from the nearest laundromat needed a teacher.

And she needed a job. She took it.

Wyn taught K-12 students in the morning and slept in the school house’s humble basement apartment at night.

After a stint at another oneroom schoolhouse, she taught for five years in a Hutterite colony, teaching kids who may or may not have spoken English (they spoke “Hutterish,” and “high German”).

She returned to southern Minnesota where she learned it was a good idea to have taken advantage of DSU’s switch, in the middle of her college career, to a school that specialized in computers.

As she was working for the MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 19

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Heidi Wyn owns CuriosiTea House in Old Town.

Maple River School district, a high school renovation ushered the computer era in, and they needed someone who knew computers to help them through the transition. Wyn was there and ready. Eventually, because of her computer skills, a job offer came from South Central College, where she started teaching in the computer careers department.

Later she’d transition again to a new position at SCC, director of student life.

“It’s about being open, open to what’s in front of you,” she said of that decision to embrace DSU’s computer careers focus. “What’s the world offering you that you can take advantage of?”

Eventually, though, she decided she needed a change. And while she was still employed at SCC, she began researching business opportunities. One thing that had

stuck in her mind was tea. She’d been fascinated by it since discovering a Lipton brand of iced white tea. So that’s where she focused her efforts.

Every bit of research she did, she said, pointed to tea being a coming trend in the United States. It already far outperforms coffee on the global scale. Plus, it was a good personal fit.

“I got into tea because I never could drink coffee,” she said.

But in this country, coffee still reigns.

Despite being told by some advisers that it was a risky proposition, she went for it after getting some trusted advice from SCC colleagues. She rented a storefront on Riverfront Drive (the former Enchanted Forest location) and spent the next year renovating it and dealing with building accessibility issues. She

did retail sales during that time, too — which covered her business expenses — but wasn’t able to serve tea. Finally, about a year after opening, CuriosiTea House as you can see it today was serving tea, hosting live music and tea tasting events, and generally just being one of the cutest shops in Old Town.

All along, she knew she’d have to be in the tea education business. After all, you’ve always been able to buy tea in the grocery store. What’s the difference?

There’s a world of difference.

Wyn says the tea you get in most grocery store tea bags is the stuff swept off the tea-making room floor. The stuff she sells is a higher quality tea, and she’s got dozens of varieties. She’s happy to explain everything about tea to anyone who cares to listen.

“I wanted it to be an experience,” she says of how she envisioned CuriosiTea House.

“We’re continuing to grow every month. Still see 60-70 percent new customers each month, and I want that. And we have regulars that come in.” MM

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Nicole Olsen (left) and Erika Boyer-Kern launched Mankato Vegan in 2015, and they’ve since reviewed many local restaurants and consulted Pub 500 on menu updates. Photo by James Figy.

Plant-powered restaurant reviews The duo behind Mankato Vegan become tastemakers through social media

By James Figy 22 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

T

he premise was simple: Erika Boyer-Kern and Nicole Olsen would visit one restaurant each month and then post a review on Facebook with photos of the food and comments on the menu’s veganfriendliness. They didn’t expect to get wrapped up in a larger conversation about eating habits and changing menus in Mankato.

Before launching Mankato Vegan, Boyer-Kern and Olsen regularly met for a beer and a bite to eat. at. However, the friends often lamented mented local restaurants’ lack of vegan options, as well as the lack of resources to help people, whether area residents or visitors, find vegan eats. The Facebook k page started in 2015 after Boyer-Kern yer-Kern and Olsen pulled up p Google, typed in the words “Mankato Mankato Vegan,” and hit search.

“Nothing ing came up,” Boyer-Kern yer-Kern said. “And nd we were just like, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool ol if something ng came up when n you Googled d that?’”

Since launching ng g in 2015, Mankato o Vegan has as reviewed d many local restaurants, taurants, including ng Shogun Sushi and nd Hibachi,, La Terraza Mexican d Bar, Grill and lace, Pho India Palace, d New Anh and a.

Bohemia. r, one However, nt important review happened g 2016 in spring y a total when, by ey decided to go to Pub fluke, they ey regularly ordered 500. They beers there, ere, but a closer look at the menu that h day d revealed l d few f vegan options — little more than fried pickles and pub chips.

Boyer-Kern and Olsen framed the review as positively as possible since they really enjoyed the restaurant and its atmosphere. To their surprise, the restaurant responded.

Pub 500 management didn’t get defensive, but instead asked for help. It was already planning to add vegan and increase vegetarian options, and if the Mankato Vegan duo was willing, the restaurant wanted them to try a few dishes.

“We’ve brought that group in a couple of times to test things on them,” said operating partner Jay Reasner, adding that Mankato Vegan tried half a dozen items for the restaurant’s latest menu.

It has really worked out well for “It us.”

What does going vegan mean?

Like vegetarians, vegans eat a plant-based diet. While both do not eat meat, vegans also avoid dairy, eggs or other foods that come from animals. Vegans also do not wear clothes made from leather, wool or other animal products.

Nearly one in 10 adults in the U.S. identify as vegetarian or

vegan, according to a 2016 Pew Research Center study. “Younger generations (ages 18 to 49) are more likely than others to identify as at least mostly vegan or vegetarian,” the study says. “...

Men and women are equally likely to be vegan or vegetarian.

There are no differences across region of the country, education or family income in the share who is vegan or vegetarian.”

Many become vegans out of a concern for animals and the acc environment, according to s Boyer-Kern, but she felt that the poin was the health main selling point cam across the benefits. She came “Fo Over documentary “Forks Knives,” and soon quit meat cold turkey.

“I watched that, and I was just m like, ‘I can’t eat meat anymore. I just can’t,’” she sai said. “I learned abou the impact on about my health, and t a was the major th that t i th thing that changed m When I found me me. o that the risk of ou out c ca n cancer could be p pr e pretty much not nothing — and Typ 2 diabetes, all Type i — I was like, ‘I of it wan to live a long want tim time.’”

A the time, At Bo Boyer-Kern and Ols Olsen worked toge at the together Com Committee Against Dom Domestic Abuse, and Boyer-Kern “br “brainwashed” her frie friend into going vega too. Olsen was vegan alrea already a vegetarian, thou though, so she didn’t take much conv convincing.

Ol Olsen took med medicine for acid reflu reflux and heartburn back then, but that changed after she became vegan. “It completely went away, so for me, that was a big selling point,” she said. “I just felt so much better.”

While some say eating vegan costs more, Olsen disagrees. She committed to eating less processed, prepackaged foods, even if they’re plant-based. The ingredients to cook most vegan dishes — fresh vegetables, beans MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 23

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“If you’re going to eat all of the (fake meat and dairy) replacements, then it’s going to be expensive. But if you’re eating whole foods, it’s not going to be,” she said.

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However, the goal of Mankato Vegan was not to try to convert people to veganism. If they want, people can learn about plantbased diets through numerous resources and documentaries, such as the recent film “What the Health,” Boyer-Kern and Olsen

said.

They hope Mankato Vegan helps people eat less meat, but they don’t want to be “the vegan police,” busting people who eat cheese every now and then. “That stereotype exists. But it’s not something I come across very often, and it’s definitely not how we are,” Olsen said.

The two want to build a community of people who already share an interest in eating a plant-based diet — whether they’re strict vegan, mostly vegetarian or just starting a meatless Monday. So far, that has mostly taken place over Facebook. But Boyer-Kern and Olsen hope eventually to host restaurant meetups for people who follow Mankato Vegan.

Plant-based options keep growing

Restaurants throughout Mankato have been adding vegan options in recent years. Mom & Pop’s has started carrying more dairy-free ice creams. Jake’s Stadium Pizza offers vegan “cheese” and crumbles, and is working on a vegan crust.

Friesen’s sells vegan cakes, soups and breads. And using that bread, Curiosi-Tea House offers sandwiches with plant-based “meat” from the Herbivorous Butcher in Minneapolis.

“Tea is such an environmentally friendly drink that it made sense to look at serving foods that are more environmentally friendly,” said Heidi Wyn, owner of Curiosi-Tea. As a vegetarian moving toward veganism, Wyn said she has browsed Mankato Vegan, but it can still be difficult to find options at southern Minnesota restaurants. “Mankato has definitely got better options than even three years ago, but it’s hard sometimes,” she said.

Restaurants should listen to vegan customers to create tasty dishes that herbivores and omnivores alike would enjoy, Reasner said. It’s similar to accommodating people with gluten or dairy allergies.

“It’s not like our menu is 100-percent vegan now. We haven’t changed our entire philosophy, but having options for almost everybody is what we’re trying to do,” he said. “Our

CuriosiTea House serves vegan ham and pastrami sandwiches with plant-based pepper jack cheese from The Herbivorous Butcher in Minneapolis and marble rye from Friesen’s Family Bakery. Photo by James Figy.

Mom & Pop’s general manager Erin Gatchell became a vegan in February, which he admits is ironic, but he tries to fill one freezer with plant-based ice creams and Italian ice. Photo by James Figy. new menu items have been selling well, and I don’t know if it’s because they’re vegetarian or vegan or because they’re fun.”

There’s always some risk that customers won’t respond to new items, but not because they’re vegan. A burger or steak could flop, too, Reasner said. Based on how well the new veggie items are selling, he believes they’re here to stay.

And Mankato Vegan thinks they have a pretty good case for restaurants to keep adding plant-

based entrees. When Boyer-Kern and Olsen go out to eat with a group of friends and family, the vegans always get asked to pick a restaurant that will have something they can eat.

“What we want restaurants to know is there might not be 10,000 vegans in Mankato, but even when there’s one, … you’re not just serving that person,” Boyer-Kern said. “You’re serving their entire circle of family and friends because they’re following us to wherever we go.” MM MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 25

Stay classy A ù ãÊ ¢è«ã Ø ¼ ¢ à 7«Â A #è«Ø ¢ ãÜ ¨«Ü è ã¨«Ü ÂÊÃã¨ Ü ¨ ʰÜ «Ã è ã «ÃãÊ ã¨ A«Ãà ÜÊã AèÜ« ) ¼¼ Ê¡ "  Story by Robb Murray | Photo by Pat Christman

J

im McGuire is nothing if not a humble man.

“It was kind of a surprise,” the legendary Mankato musician said.

“It just didn’t occur to me that I’d be nominated.”

26 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

This month, McGuire will take his place next to Prince, Bob Dylan, Bobby Vee, Judy Garland, the Trashmen, Michael Johnson and the Andrews Sisters (among many others) as an inductee into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in New Ulm. McGuire, who was around when Rock ‘n Roll came into its own in Mankato in the 1960s, has spent a lifetime playing and teaching others to play guitar. His specialty is classical guitar, the lesser-known, nylonstringed sibling to the steel-stringed guitar.

McGuire is also a composer, having written a suite of compositions that, in the classical guitar world, have been played by some of the greats.

He’s taught at the University of Minnesota, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Olaf College, Carleton College, and performed with some of the biggest names in southern Minnesota music history.

Not too shabby for a Loyola kid, right?

Thanks, big brother

McGuire says his early days as a musician were heavily influenced by his brother.

“He gave me a chance to try a lot of different things musically,” he said. “He played piano. He’d try out different things and then he’d give me an instrument. The first one was an accordion; in those days everybody played the accordion, Ed Sullivan always had an accordion player. Then he gave me a banjo, and that sort of started me on the plucked string path, and I really took to that.”

This was all taking place during the 1950s, during the beginnings of rock ‘n roll, back when area jukeboxes were filled with Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley, but also Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.

Hearing guitars everywhere, McGuire says he craved having one in his hands.

“So my brother made a guitar available to me,” McGuire recalled. “I was maybe 11 or 12 when I first encountered a guitar, and it really took hold.”

He played and played and got better and better.

By his early teens he was able to land paying gigs,

and was a member of the Rockin’ Whitecaps, one of the area’s earlier rock bands. He also taught guitar lessons at Backlund’s music store, a place he used to frequent. Backlund’s, a sort of ground zero of the burgeoning Mankato music scene, was the kind a lived-in place music lovers gathered, and McGuire was among them, stopping in after school to gaze upon the Fender Telecasters and using the store’s turntables to play Beatles records and plot with friends to take over the music world.

And as he grew into his late teens, the older-guy bands his younger-guy band opened for would ask him to step in. So he began playing with those bands, even on barroom gigs late into school-night evenings.

He attended Minnesota State University, where he studied music. Only, he couldn’t study guitar. At the time, classical guitar wasn’t considered worthy of academic pursuit in higher education. At least not in Mankato. He “specialized” instead in cello. And after a brief stint teaching orchestra in St. Cloud, he found a teacher at the U of M willing to mentor him in classical guitar studies.

He cobbled together a program and earned another degree through MSU, this time in guitar performance. That led to a career of teaching people around the region to play classical guitar.

“Mankato State was very helpful in letting me do that that way,” he said. “I completed that in 1974 and immediately started teaching classical guitar at MSU and the U of M. Then at Gustavus, and St. Olaf, and a little bit at Carleton.

“It was great for me because I could do what I loved doing, and have my work centered around music,” he said.

Classic Jim

One of the more consistent jazz combos in town as been the Jim McGuire Jazz Trio. McGuire says he’s been playing jazz since high school “I got into jazz before, during and after college,” he joked.

Many people know that about him. What people might not know, however, is that he’s an accomplished composer of music for classical guitar.

“I started in the 1970s started writing pieces for classical guitar, and some of those pieces became pretty well known,” he said.

Today, if you do a Google search on “Jim McGuire classical guitar,” you’ll find plenty of results, including online sheet music retailers willing to sell you McGuire’s book, or videos featuring people around the country performing his works.

In addition to McGuire, the 2017 inductees into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame are the Apollo Club, Minneapolis; John Denver, St. Peter; Jim Johnson and the Underbeats, Minneapolis; the Meire Grove City Band, Meire Grove; Myron Wolf, Cleveland.

Awards will be presented Nov. 3 at a ceremony at Turner Hall in New Ulm. Since 1989, the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame has inducted 168 individuals, groups and organizations.

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The Words of

November

â€œâ€ŚLet us neither express, nor cherish, any harsh feeling towards any citizen who, by his vote, has differed with us. Let us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country, and should dwell together in the bonds of fraternal feeling‌â€? - Abraham Lincoln (November 20, 1860)

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resident-elect Abraham Lincoln made these remarks to a group of his campaign supporters (“Wide-Awakes�) that paraded past his home in Springfield, Ill., on their way to a Republican victory celebration, shortly after Lincoln won the presidency, in the Nov. 6, 1860 election. Even in his moment of greatest triumph, Lincoln was well-aware that not all Americans supported his election (exactly one month later, South Carolina would secede from the Union).

He made a conscience effort to reach out to those who had opposed his elevation to the nation’s highest office by reassuring these people that while he 28 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

[Lincoln] and the Republican Party he represented may disagree with them in principle, their [the political opposition’s] views would be taken into consideration when formulating public policy.

We would be wise to emulate Lincoln’s example. It has been a year since the 2016 presidential election was held, and rallies are still being held in major American cities to protest the result. Politicians are still licking their wounds and publishing “tell-all� books to try and explain away their own failures to connect with the American electorate, as either a “fluke,� or “somebody else’s� fault. It would behoove

the victors of the election to allow this process to take place, as Lincoln admonished his own supporters to do. Only then, will the divisions so apparent in the recent election cycle begin to recede and the nation will be able to heal itself—“to bind up” its own wounds, as Lincoln himself stated.

Almost exactly three years later (Nov. 19, 1863), Lincoln once again made a series of profound utterances when he stood on the battleground at Gettysburg and reminded his listeners (and us) that there were ideas worth fighting and dying for — namely “the proposition that ‘all men are created equal.’” It was the original “Veterans’ Day” oration, delivered decades before Nov. 11 was designated as such.

In his now famous address, Lincoln deliberately left out mention of “North” or “South,” or even the name of the battle, as a means of conveying the fact that regardless of where they came from, where they fought, or even what they believed, the soldiers who fought were all Americans.

They deserved respect for what they had done from those they had fought to defend. “…It is for us, the living…” to do the same thing.

Instead of tearing down Confederate war memorials because we claim these memorials no longer reflect our social views, let us instead reflect on how our social views have “…thus far, so nobly advanced.”

How did we evolve from being a nation where slavery was tolerated to one in which it was condemned and civil rights for all was embraced? In order to move forward, we must first look back and see where we came from.

History provides that road-map perspective for us; but only when it is given the respect it deserves.

Statues, monuments, books, paintings and other examples of historical evidence need to be preserved and made available for future generations to study, and in some cases, debate their legitimacy. Only then will we ensure that representative democracy itself or “…government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” These are the words of November.

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By Pat Christman

34 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

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ã Ø ÃÜ ú ô Ü ăØÜã Ê Ü Øó «Ã 㨠United States in 1938 as Armistice Day, Ê ÂÊØ ã«Ã¢ 㨠ú ă¢¨ã«Ã¢ ăà ¼¼ú ceased during World War I and dedicating a day to world peace. It’s name was changed to “Veterans Day” in 1954 and observers began to honor veterans of all wars. a¨ fëã Zã ã Ü Ą ¢ ¨ Ü Ê ¡Ê ¼ ÕÊ«Ãã for Veterans Day observances. It has also become a focal point in the country’s political rhetoric.

Veterans Day helps remind us that there are men à ôÊ à ¨«Ã ã¨ ã Ą ¢ ô¨Ê ¨ÊÊÜ ãÊ Ü Øó their country in the armed forces, and gives us an opportunity to thank them for their service. MM

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 35

LIVING

fifty-five

plus

A Legacy of Volunteerism

at

Pathstone Living: Musically Yours – Everyone Can Sing

Exercise is Medicine 36 • LIVING 55 PLUS • NOVEMBER 2017 • Special Advertising Section

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Submitted by Laura Templin

f o y c a g e AL m s i r e e t n u Vol

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e n o t s h t a P : g n i v Li

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cumen Pathstone Living is unique in so many ways. We have deep roots in the Mankato community and have been serving seniors for over 80 years. Our non-profit, faith based foundation sets us apart from the rest. We offer senior services to over 500 people every single day. In fact, we serve more people outside our walls than inside. Our mission statement reads, Ecumen empowers older adults to lead fulfilling lives by providing innovative services and housing solutions. Our Vision reads, we

38 • LIVING 55 PLUS • NOVEMBER 2017 • Special Advertising Section

envision a world without ageism.

Our four Values are: Serve, Innovate, Empower and Honor. Our campus is home to over 150 residents. We have approximately 150 team members that fulfill our mission, vision and values every day.

We are so proud of the volunteers that we have here at Pathstone Living. We call them, “The Friends of Pathstone.”

This dedicated, fun-loving group of individuals truly is what makes Pathstone such a special place. In 2016 we had over 265 volunteers collectively donate over 5,000 hours of service.

This number is a true testament of how

good it feels to give back. We have a strong connection to Grace Lutheran Church. Our partnership with Grace Lutheran Church goes back to our roots and the beginning of The Mankato Lutheran Home, now Pathstone Living.

Many of our volunteers come from Grace Lutheran Church. We value this partnership.

The Friends of Pathstone partner with other area groups and clubs to assure that they are always bringing the most value to Pathstone Living and most importantly enriching the lives of those that live here. Here are a few examples of partnerships here at

Pathstone Living: Mankato Downtown Kiwanis Club, MSU Student Groups, Graduate Student Volunteers, area churches and our very own Kiwanis Aktion Club, made up of Pathstone Living residents here at Pathstone Living. This group gives over 1500 volunteer hours per year in service back to the community. Pathstone Living was the 2nd Kiwanis Aktion Club in a Senior Living Community in the United States!

The Friends of Pathstone have an Advisory Council. This group of individuals meet monthly and find ways to enhance the lives of the residents of

Special Advertising Section • NOVEMBER 2017 • LIVING 55 PLUS • 39

of Pathstone Living. They host annual fund-raising events here at Pathstone such as Cards for a Cause and our semi-annual Purse & Jewelry Party. Their signature event is a time-honored tradition and is called the Scandinavian Experience. This event takes place this year on Saturday, November 18th from 9am-11am in the chapel of Pathstone Living.

This event is celebrating it’s 25th year this year. This “Experience” is so much more than a bake sale. We have fresh made lefse, krumkake, sandbakkel, Scandinavian specialty breads and so much more. We also have demonstrations, crafts and live music. This event reflects our history and our heritage.

This event started in 1992 when a couple of volunteers and employees wanted to celebrate the rich Scandinavian culture of the area. It has since turned into a holiday tradition that attracts people from miles away. All proceeds that are raised from this event are donated back to Pathstone Living to enhance the lives of the residents that we serve. Please come for yourself and experience this wonderful event! Don’t forget to call and pre-order your lefse by 11/10/17 to guarantee availability!

These photos show groups of volunteers, many of whom, have been getting together for 25 years to celebrate their history and heritage through a true Scandinavian Experience. These volunteers help bring this experience to life through demonstrations, crafts and live music.

The volunteers make and sell fresh lefse, krumkake, sandbakkel, and other Scandinavian specialty breads and so much more. All of the proceeds that are raised from this event are donated back to Pathstone Living to enhance the lives of the residents they serve.

If You Go:

Scandinavian Experience Saturday, November 18 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Pathstone Living Chapel 708 Mound Ave, Mankato 507-345-4576 *Don’t forget to call and pre-order your lefse by 11/10/17 to guarantee availability!

40 • LIVING 55 PLUS • NOVEMBER 2017 • Special Advertising Section

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Special Advertising Section • NOVEMBER 2017 • LIVING 55 PLUS • 41

Musically Yours – Everyone Can Sing

By Marianne Carlson ichelle Sedivy loves to sing.

She always has.

Even when her junior high music instructor told her she should just “lip sync”, she was determined to sing. After starting high school, Michelle began taking voice lessons and by sophomore year she was taking advanced vocal training under the tutelage of Prof. Diana Moxness at MNSU. Michelle continued her vocal training in college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocal Music. She has gone on to sang in many groups including Mankato’s Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, MN Valley Chorale and vocal groups One Voice and Calliope in Minneapolis.

She is now a vocal coach at Riverfront Performing Arts.

Over the years, Michelle has worked with both trained and untrained singers. She uses a variety of techniques including vocal imagery and body movements.

“Music is simply another language,” Michelle said. “You just have to learn how to speak it. Once you learn the

M

breathing support and learn that every single note has a place in the mouth, and you can find those places, then you can sing.”

After directing the choir at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Mankato for 13 years, Michelle decided to organize a non-auditioned community choir meant to bring together all ages and abilities. The new community choir is called, “Musically Yours.”

“I had this one student who had a hard time holding on to a single note,” Michelle recalled. “I worked with him every week for three months and because of his hard work and determination he sang a solo on Christmas Eve.” Quite a few people that have “blossomed like that,” said Laura Bealey, longtime friend and choir member.

“A lot of people have come to practice and said that someone in their lives, told them they can’t sing,” Laura said.

“No matter how they come in, they leave having been inspired by the joy of singing and that really is the point of a

42 • LIVING 55 PLUS • NOVEMBER 2017 • Special Advertising Section

community choir.”

Michelle works hard to find music that appeals to everyone and at the same time challenges every singer no matter their skill level.

Right now Michelle is trying to work paperless and truly teach people how to sing. She often begins by stringing together long phrases that are simply repeated and layered.

Many of the community choir members don’t know how to read music. And they stand shoulder to shoulder with members like Laura who have not only been with Michelle since her days at the UU, but who grew up in a household full of music.

“My mother taught music for a while and was the choir director in the churches we grew up in,” Laura said.

“Music has always been a big part of my family going up.”

Musically Yours is meant to be a safe haven, a sanctuary, Michelle said.

“I always tell them ‘Drop your baggage at the door and be set free,’ “ she laughed. “We don’t sing political songs or religious songs. Although we have been talking about doing some

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Hope Interfaith Center 114 Pohl Road, Mankato caroling for the holidays. There seems to be some excitement about that. But there is never any pressure to perform.

You can just come and sing.”

One of Michelle’s favorite parts of teaching a community choir is seeing people of all ages come together.

This can be an activity that mothers and daughters or grandmothers and granddaughters can share together. And “we need men too,” Michelle said with a chuckle.

They are working hard to get more community members to join their choir.

“The more voices we have, the more parts we can add,” Michelle said with a smile. “Then we can really start to layer and that is so much fun.”

Local community choirs are popping up all over the world right now. With so many divisive things happening, these community choirs and music in general “are part of those things that bring all people together,” Laura said. “For those of us who are in the choir, if it is not happening for some reason, we really miss it. “It is special.”

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Special Advertising Section • NOVEMBER 2017 • LIVING 55 PLUS • 43

Exercise is Medicine

By Marianne Carlson

44 • LIVING 55 PLUS • NOVEMBER 2017 • Special Advertising Section

en years ago, 28-year old Theresa Sedivy was driving down a rural Iowa highway and needed to turn left. Just as she signaled her turn, a Dodge Ram pick-up truck decided to pass her.

The truck tore into the driver’s side door of her Ford Tempo.

She broke all 12 ribs on the steering wheel and her head hit the dashboard resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury.

Theresa was flown to Creighton University Hospital in Nebraska where she spent the next 20 days of her life in a coma.

After waking from her coma, Theresa spent 2.5 months in a wheelchair because 60% of her muscles didn’t work right due to nerve damage she sustained from the accident.

“After the accident I had months and months of physical therapy before I could even try to walk again,” Theresa said.

Three years after the accident, Theresa found herself overweight and suffering from anxiety and depression. She knew it was time for a change.

“I was obese and I knew I needed to do something about it, so I joined the YMCA,” Theresa said. “I could only stand to be on the elliptical for about 10 minutes.”

It didn’t take long before Theresa could easily use the elliptical machine for more than an hour at a time and could see

T

her strength growing.

“Exercise was my medicine,” Theresa said with a smile. “I set 8 of 9 Nebraska powerlifting records post injury. I could have gone on to Nationals but I felt like I had reached my personal goals, so I decided to retire in 2014.”

Before the accident, Theresa was a junior high and high school science teacher. However, after four years as a teacher, she decided to return to school and get her graduate degree in kinesiology. The accident interrupted the pursuit of her degree but it didn’t stop her. She got her master’s degree in exercise science in 2010.

Although, she still battles with things like poor short-term memory and recalling basic vocabulary, she has decided to put her energy and passion for exercise to work helping others.

“I learned so much with everything I went through,” Theresa said. “I just decided that I wanted to help people.”

She went to the Mankato Family YMCA to see if she could volunteer for social events with active older adults and she came out with a job offer to teach exercise classes. She started out teaching Simple Stretch and it is still one of her favorite classes today … almost two years later.

Theresa now teaches 10 sections of 5 different types of classes completely tailored for the active older adult. She is Special Advertising Section • NOVEMBER 2017 • LIVING 55 PLUS • 45

known for being able to adapt or modify any exercise or stretch for everyone in her class no matter their ability.

“I bring mats and chairs, whatever we need,” Theresa said referring to her Simple Stretch class. “If you can get down on the floor, then I find a way so you can do it standing. I’m really big into flexibility, because it automatically increases strength.”

Susan Stevenson said she loves all of her instructors because each of them offers “something different, something special.”

“What I like about how Theresa teaches, is that, she explains everything to us,” Susan said. “She tells us what muscles we are working and how each of the exercises are benefiting us.”

Susan moved to Mankato four years ago and said she has made some great friends from classes at the YMCA. When talking about the people in her Water Aerobics class, Susan talked about them like they were family.

“The exercise is great but we make friends here,” Pam Oster added with a smile. “I moved here 12 years ago and some of my very best friends are people I met here at the Y. I had a kidney transplant and it was from someone at the Y who didn’t even know me. A lot of great things happen at the Y.” Pam does water aerobics every morning and usually adds in a Simple Stretch class or yoga as well.

“We have amazing teachers here at the Y,” Pam said.

“We are really lucky to have such great teachers. They really care about the people and always try to help you do your best and if you can’t do something, they will modify it for you.”

Ever since she started working with the older active adults at the YMCA, she had an idea to create a new type of class for them and on September 8, Theresa was able to bring that idea to fruition.

“That was the first day of our Exercise is Medicine small group personal training class,” Theresa said with a big smile. “It is a 12-week class for 6-8 people.

Before we started the class, I tested everyone’s strength, flexibility, cardio, respiratory, and pain threshold. Based on these results, I create individual exercise programs each week for them.”

Exercise is Medicine is a medically based wellness program for adults experiencing at-risk chronic health conditions such as hypertension, obesity, depression 46 • LIVING 55 PLUS • NOVEMBER 2017 • Special Advertising Section

or arthritis. Although most of the classes Theresa teaches at the YMCA are free with a membership, there is however, an additional cost for Exercise is Medicine.

It’s $240 for the 12-week program.

“It’s totally worth it,” Theresa encouraged. “The programs I design can be used well after the class itself is over and it is much cheaper and less dangerous than prescription drugs.”

Exercise is Medicine is a training initiative from American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM and as far as we know, this small-group personal training program is the first of its kind at any YMCA in the United States.

Theresa is constantly pushing herself to learn more so she can be the best instructor that she can be.

“I turned this whole transformation of my own disabled body and all of this completely otherwise useless information about exercise science into something good for helping people,” Theresa said with a smile. “And I plan to do it for the rest of my life.”

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Exercise Can:

• Reduce your chance of getting heart disease.

• Lower your risk of developing hypertension and diabetes.

• Reduce risk for developing cancer.

• Improve your mood and mental functioning.

• Keep your bones and muscles strong and your joints healthy.

• Help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

• Help you live independently well into your later years.

Previous Page: Theresa Sedivy leads a group of older active adults thorough an array of different exercises during her Simple Stretch class held in Racquetball Court #2. Although this might seem like a strange place to hold a class, Sedivy said everyone likes having the walls for balance and resistance when stretching.

Sedivy also teaches a wide assortment of water aerobics classes and that can help build cardiovascular endurance in a low impact environment. The average 30 minute workout burns approximately 300 calories and Sedivy would be proud to say that everyone in her classes burn more than that.

Photos by Marianne Carlson

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Older adults can overcome

gym intimidation

egular exercise and a nutritious diet are two of the best things seniors can do to maintain their health. Exercise can delay or prevent many of the health problems associated with aging, including weak bones and feelings of fatigue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a person age 65 or older who is generally fit with no limiting health conditions should try to get two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, while also including weight training and muscle-strengthening activities in their routines on two or more days a week.

Individuals often find that gyms have the array of fitness equipment they need to stay healthy. But many people,

R

48 • LIVING 55 PLUS • NOVEMBER 2017 • Special Advertising Section

including older men and women who have not exercised in some time, may be hesitant to join a gym for fear of intimidation. Some seniors may avoid machines and classes believing they will not use the apparatus properly, or that they will be judged by other gym members. Some seniors may feel like gyms do not cater to their older clientele, creating an atmosphere that is dominated by younger members and loud music.

Such misconceptions are often unfounded, as many gyms welcome older members with open arms. But even if seniors find gyms intimidating, they should still sign up for memberships. In such situations, the following tips can help seniors shed their fears and adapt to their new gyms.

• Start the process slowly. Shop around for a gym that makes you feel comfortable. Get fully informed about which classes are offered, and the benefits, if any, afforded to older members.

• Get a doctor’s go-ahead. Make sure to clear exercise and gym membership with your doctor prior to purchasing a membership. He or she also may have a list of gyms where fellow senior patients have memberships.

• Build up gradually. Begin with exercises you feel comfortable performing. Spend time walking on the treadmill while observing other gym members. Tour the circuit of machines and other equipment. Find out if you can sample a class to see if it might be a good fit.

• Find a gym buddy. Working out with a partner in your age group may encourage you to keep going to the gym and increase your comfort level.

You each can offer support and enjoy a good laugh through the learning process.

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• Don’t get discouraged. Anyone working out for the first time, regardless of age, will feel somewhat out of place until exercise becomes part of a routine. Give it some time before throwing in the towel. Once you catch on, you may discover you enjoy working out.

• Choose a senior-friendly gym. Some gyms cater to senior members. They may offer “SilverSneakers” classes at their facility. Other niche gyms may only accept members of a certain age group. Investigate these gyms if working out with a younger crowd is proving too great a deterrent.

Fitness is important for healthy seniors. It can prolong life, help seniors maintain healthy weights and reduce their risk of injury.

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How to avoid ending up on charity mailing lists iving to charity is a selfless act that is often inspired by donors’ compassion for their fellow man. Helping the less fortunate is its own reward, but after donating, donors may find themselves on charity mailing lists, an unfortunate consequence that oftentimes is preventable.

Solicitations from charities are not intended to annoy past or prospective donors. However, such requests can prove to be a nuisance, making donors feel as if they’re being punished for helping their favorite charities. While donors might not be able to guarantee they will avoid ending up on charity mailing lists, the following tips can make such a development less likely.

information will not be shared, sold or traded to other charitable organizations or entities. While reading a charity’s donor privacy policy might seem dull, it’s the only way for donors to ensure they won’t end up on a mailing list.

G

• Properly vet charities before donating. Read the fine print before donating to a particular charity.

Many charities promise prospective donors that their personal

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• Opt out of information sharing when making donations. Donors may have to opt out of information sharing during the process of making their donations. Before signing off on a donation, make sure you have opted out. Charities may ask online donors to check a box at checkout, while others may ask donors to notify them of their wishes to opt out via phone, snail mail or email.

• Avoid making small donations to various charities. The charitable giving resource Charity Navigator notes that donors who make many

MEDICARE PLANS TO FIT YOUR LIFE You deserve a Medicare plan that meets your needs. I can help. As an independent agent, I can answer questions and help you find the right Medicare coverage.

Matt Barnes 1704 N. Riverfront Dr., Suite 102 Mankato, MN 56001 507-388-2968 TTY 711 barnesmatthew@yahoo.com

Blue Cross offers Cost and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these plans depends on contract renewal. Plans are available to residents of the service area. You can also call Blue Cross for plan information or to enroll.

Call 1-877-662-2583, TTY users call 711, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Central Time daily.

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small donations to various charities are almost certain to end up on mailing lists. Charity Navigator recommends donors who want to avoid ending up on mailing lists conduct careful research into charities they like, as doing so might compel them to concentrate their giving to a particular charity, thereby reducing the likelihood that they end up on mailing lists.

• Make anonymous donations.

Anonymous donations can shield donors from unwanted mailings and solicitations. Donors should still read a charity’s donor privacy policy to make sure that anonymous donations are protected. In addition, prior to donating donors should confirm that anonymous donations are still eligible for potential tax deductions.

Unwanted mailings can make donors feel as if they’re being punished for donating to their favorite charities. But there are ways to donate without ending up on mailing lists.

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ccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each week women who are 65 years or older, are generally ďŹ t and have no limiting health conditions should combine at least two days of muscle-strengthening exercises with at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.

Women capable of more strenuous cardiovascular activity can substitute one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity with their two and a half hours per week of more moderateintensity exercise. The CDC notes that distinguishing between moderateintensity exercise and vigorousintensity exercise is pretty simple.

Women can use a 10-point scale in which sitting is zero and working as hard as is physically possible is 10.

Moderate-intensity aerobic activity will make women breathe harder and elevate their heart rates, but should not make them feel completely drained at the end of a workout. These activities will register as a ďŹ ve or six on the 10-point scale. Vigorous-intensity aerobic activity includes those exercises that women would deem a seven or eight on the 10-point scale. Such activities should elevate the heart rate considerably and get women breathing hard enough that they will be unable to say more than a few words without pausing to catch their breath. No two women are the same and age must be considered when developing a healthy exercise regimen, but brisk walking may qualify as moderateintensity aerobic activity while jogging or running would be considered a vigorous-intensity activity.

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How to promote healthy kidneys K

idney disease is a widespread issue made all the more disconcerting by the fact that many people are unaware they have it. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million American adults have kidney disease, and most don’t know it. And the problem of kidney disease is not exclusive to the United States, as the Canadian Kidney Foundation notes that the number of Canadians being treated for kidney failure has tripled over the last quarter century.

Healthy kidneys are something many people take for granted. But those who want to do everything they can to keep their kidneys healthy can consider the following tips, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic.

• Stay hydrated, but avoid overhydration. Many people are familiar with the benefits of drinking water each day, and adequate hydration definitely promotes healthy kidneys. But overhydrating has not been proven to enhance kidney function. The Cleveland Clinic recommends adults drink between four and six glasses of water per day.

• Exercise. Regular exercise benefits various parts of the human body, including the kidneys. High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the biggest risk factors for kidney disease, and regular exercise can reduce a person’s risk of both conditions. However, overexertion can strain the kidneys, so adults who exercise, especially novices who need to improve their conditioning, should avoid going too hard at the gym.

• Speak with a physician before taking vitamin supplements or herbal remedies. Vitamin supplements and herbal remedies have become very popular in the 21st century, but excessive supplementation

can harm the kidneys. Discuss any supplements or herbals remedies with a physician before taking them.

pressure and diabetes. Adhering to a healthy diet and controlling portion sizes can help control weight and blood pressure and contribute to healthy kidneys as well.

• Quit smoking. Just as exercise benefits the body in myriad ways, smoking harms the body in myriad ways. Smoking decreases the blood flow in the kidneys, decreasing their ability to function at optimal capacity. Smoking also increases a person’s risk of high blood pressure and cancer of the kidneys.

• Get screened. Adults who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes should make sure their physicians screen for kidney dysfunction during routine appointments.

Learn more about kidney disease at www.kidney.org.

• Eat healthy. A healthy diet decreases a person’s risk for high blood

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Enjoy!

— Robb Murray, Associate Editor, Mankato Magazine

SOUTHERN MN STYLE

hen it comes to holiday memories, it’s tough to beat Christmas.

Jolly old St. Nick and his team of flying reindeer, homes festooned with strings of lights illuminating the winter night, and neatly wrapped packages — with all their potential and sense of anticipation — tucked under tinselcovered trees.

Yeah. I get it. Christmas brings a lot to the table.

But for my money, it doesn’t bring as much as Thanksgiving.

Where Christmas seems forever linked to the shopping mall, Thanksgiving seems forever rooted in the stomach.

Everything about the holiday takes place at my favorite location in any house: the dinner table.

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the fact that every family (well, most families … OK, a lot of families) sit down to the same meal — turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie — but they all do it a little differently. Each family’s nuances, idiosyncrasies and preferences meld together to form their own unique version of our national holiday.

And from that, we have our food feature in this month’s Food, Drink & Dine. We’ve asked readers to give us a peek into their Thanksgiving traditions and give us a few recipes.

Check them out. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something you can mix into your own feast this year.

food, drink & dine

Food is king

MANKATO M ANK A AN NK N KATO ATO AT OM MAG MAGAZINE AG GAZ AZ AZI ZIIN NE E • NO NOVEMBER NOV N OV V EM EM MB B ER R2 201 2017 01 0 17 • 55 55

Wine & Beer

ƺƭƲƩƶ

By Leigh Pomeroy

The fascinating case of the red Chardonnay

SOUTHERN MN STYLE

W

e recently visited Keith Adams, founder of % ǔ ( ( ǔ Ǖ $ Ĩ

has since retreated to Sebastopol, Calif., in the heart of the Russian River viticultural area, just west of Santa Rosa and north of San Francisco.

There he has decided to set up a cheesery — a word I am committed to bring into ordinary usage — focusing on British-style cheeses like cheddar and Ǖ \ Ǖ 3Ǖ Ǖ ǔ ( ű

Cheesemakers, a made-up name, but heck, so is “Google.”

Alemar Cheese Company, as I hope you already know, produces French-style cheeses such as Bent River, their Camembert homage, and Blue Earth, their Brie homage.

Keith is originally from Davis, California, where his father was a professor at the university, which is one of the foremost institutions in the world for the study of viticulture (grape growing) and enology ř Ǖ ǔ Ǖ Ś\

$ Ǖ

and sometimes painful story, which I won’t go into, ǎ Ǖ Ǖ

Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ

companies and working for others, he decided to return to northern California to attempt another ŗ Ĩ 3Ǖ Ǖ ǔ ( ű ( ǔ \ Ǖ Ǖ 3Ǖ Ǖ ǔ ( ű Ǖ / Ĩ winemaker and winery consultant, which is what an established winemaker becomes when he or she no longer wishes to work for corporate America but desires to help small, struggling vintners. In the past, Rob has delivered his time to the CORPORATE $%-Ĩ Ǖ Ǖǔ

paycheck, the other half in the hope that he could (&/.&/%1 $%- \ + Ǖ not to be.

The straw that broke the winemaker’s back was

$+% ŗ ŕ

with impressive academic credentials (read “Harvard”), but who didn’t know Boone’s Farm

ǔ ( ű ŗ Ǖǔ ǔ ŀ

Chardonnay.”

What?

American wine has faced this odd dilemma before.

At one time Gallo made a “Pink Chablis,” which in its ǔ Ű

] First, there are no “pink” or rosé wines produced in the Chablis region of France. Second, Chablis wine comes only from that region and no other. That a Ǖ Ǖ $

Ĩ ( Ǖ \Ĩ ŕ Ǖ

Ǖ

ǕŰ ǔ ( Ǖ Ĩ ! Ĩ

even consider labeling its wine “Pink Chablis” was considered by the French as no less than fraudulent.

58 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

5

$+% /

produce a “red Chardonnay.” Why? Because, they deduced, many wine drinking guys liked Chardonnay, but they didn’t want to be caught drinking a wine that appealed to middle-aged soccer moms. Guys are supposed to be drinking brawny, beefy reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, right? Not wimpy, fruity white wines like — gasp! — Chardonnay.

3 $+% ǔ Ǖ Ǖ

drink a red wine that tasted like Chardonnay without being embarrassed; thus, their brainstorm of red Chardonnay.

Rob, like anyone educated in the history of wine, objected. “This is ridiculous,” he said. ŀ( ļ ǔ (

œĿ $+% asked.

“Of course,” Rob said. He knew he could add the juices of deeply colored red grapes like alicante bouschet or carignan if he wanted, or even — horror of horrors! — the highly pigmented and sweetened underpinnings of cheap Pinot Noirs and other red Ǖ $ . \

Ǖ $+% Ǖ Ĩ suggested another challenge: He would make a “red Chardonnay” if one of the corporation’s sister wineries, also a Napa Valley legend, did the same.

In that way, the sin, in his mind, could be spread ǔ

\ $+% ļ ǔǕ Ĩ Ǖ chance to practice their philosophy of market competition.

Rob is proud to say that his “red Chardonnay” proved superior in the blind tastings that followed.

But what kind of a victory was this? His labcontrived wine was better than that produced by his colleagues just 12 miles down the road. Perhaps his colleagues had decided, as he had, that this competition was bulls**t, and that they were going to purposely create a wine that in no way was going

Ĩ ŕ Ǖ

$+% who ruled them.

Anyway, the upshot was that no “red Chardonnay” was ever produced for the market (at least so far), and for that we can all be grateful. \

Leigh Pomeroy is a Mankato-based writer and wine lover.

ƦƩƩƘ

By Bert Mattson

Cheers to Running Late W

eather is ripe for running in October, but November is not too late. Some of the state’s more notable trots take place this month. It’s not uncommon for runners to travel for events,

Ǖ Ǖ $Ǖ Ǖ opportunity to keep an eye out

ǔ \ Ǖ ǎ shorter runs, the time might be right for a recovery beer.

While for a 5K a recovery beer is certainly not out of the question, conventional wisdom is divided on the concept itself.

The merits of post-race suds are disputed, but the bottom line is that beer has made an imprint on the running scene. The pillars of run recovery are re-hydrate, repair, refuel. Beer may be mostly water but it’s a stretch to claim it hydrates — alcohol is a diuretic. Start with water. It’s safer to claim a place for beer’s carbohydrates down the line, Ǖ \ $

Ǖ

should be the mantra.

In the repair phase, protein is important. In the professional kitchen, when my brain needed

Ĩ

ǎ

eggs or salmon, rich sources of protein. In the context of recovery, these are items that can easily help compose a post-run

\ 1 Ĩ ǎ ŕ Ĩ Ǖ ǔ Ű \ I like the idea of Butterbrot, which translates to buttered bread but really refers to an open-faced sandwich — quick to assemble, easy to eat. Its Danish cousin is called Smorrebrod

ǎ Ǖ

Ĩ cooked in assorted ways, and salmon, usually smoked, but also poached or even grilled.

These convenient little beauties coincidentally also pair well with lighter, lower-alcohol beer styles that suit the occasion.

Steam beer, AKA “California

Common,” is a singularly American style that, sometime in the 19th century, was developed in adaptation to temperatures warmer than those available in traditional brewing regions. The classic example is Anchor Steam

by Anchor Brewing out of San Francisco. Wagonparty is a local iteration from Bauhaus Brew Labs, which retains the malty character and earthy aroma, but leans from a pomaceous fruit

ű Ǖ Ĩ Ǖ

drupe — in my mind making it friendlier to these open-faced sandwiches.

This style can carry the intensity of salmon; it’s got just enough carbonation to cut through a creamy spread, and elements of malt to mate up to a slice of quality bread … perhaps made with a sourdough starter?

It might not sound like much, but it’s hard to beat Smorrebrod of a smashed medium cooked egg and freshly prepared remoulade with a swig of Pilsner.

Pilsner is a style that’s surging in this state, so it’s too easy to forget that Schell’s Brewery blazed the trail 30 years by brewing Schell’s Pils.

3 Ǖ ļ $ Gobble Wobble (hello Brau Brother’s), the Rochester Turkey Trot (oh, Forager Brewery… beer and pizza), or the Stride & , ŋ# ǔ Ǖ $ Ĩ it’s not necessarily a bad thing to be running a little late.

Bert Mattson is a chef and writer based in St. Paul. He is the manager of the iconic Mickey’s Diner. bertsbackburner.com

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MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 59

Drinks

ĆŹĆĽÇŤÇŤĆź ƏƳƸĆ&#x2DC;

By M. Carrie Allan | Special to the Free Press

SOUTHERN MN STYLE

You want to make good cocktails at home.

What you need to get started.

R achel Duggins got interested in cocktails early, from watching old movies in which the glamorous witty women and debonair men always seemed to have a drink in hand. When she was little, her family visited the iconic Pera Palace Hotel in ^ * Ç&#x2022; Ĺą

by the beautiful bar there. She asked her mother if she could get a drink, and her mother agreed, with rules on what she could order. So Duggins climbed up and politely asked for a Shirley Temple, with extra cherries.

She was 5. And those early stars in her eyes never went away.

Everyone starts somewhere different, with different goals. $

host, ready for any drink request.

Or maybe thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a particular cocktail that you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind having at home from time to time.

We can help. Starting up doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be overwhelming. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to become a temple of mixology, creating your own syrups, infusing your own bitters,

Ç&#x2022;

Ç&#x2022;

Ĺą Ç&#x2022; on a Paris runway. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a graduate degree in potions or

Ç&#x201D;

Ĺ°

collection that requires its own wing. Just take it step by step.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how Paul Clarke, author of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Cocktail Chroniclesâ&#x20AC;? and executive editor of Imbibe Ç&#x201D; Ç&#x2022; Ĩ Ç&#x2022; Ç&#x2022; Ĺą

into cocktails around 2003, via a dinner party where everyone was laying claim to making a dish.

Clarke figured he could either make a cocktail or wash dishes.

He found a punch recipe, and everyone at the party liked it. It felt great, he says, joking that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the 60 â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ MANKATO MAGAZINE

heavens opened and the Jesus light came down.â&#x20AC;?

With a birthday coming up, he allowed himself a present: William Grimesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; classic cocktail book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Straight Up or On the Rocksâ&#x20AC;? and bottles of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, because â&#x20AC;&#x153;I realized I had probably never had rye whiskey in my entire life, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d

$ \Äż He laughs recalling his early creations: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I dutifully measured out my Wild Turkey rye and my $ Ç&#x2022; Ç&#x2022; Ĺź / Ç&#x2022; Ç&#x201D; Ĩ shook the [hell] out of it, got â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em nice and foamy . . .â&#x20AC;? (The $ Ĩ

Ĩ Ç&#x2022; a stirred cocktail.) !

$ notwithstanding, Clarke was in. But he was also a responsible working dad, and so he set limitations: Each paycheck, he would allow himself one new bottle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The idea was expansion - with this check, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look for a nice bottle of gin. Next check, I need to explore daiquiris, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go look for a white rum.â&#x20AC;?

These days, even his broom

Ç&#x2022; Ĺą Ç&#x2022; \ Ĺ&#x20AC;1 only places I have not stored it in my house are in the bathroom thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gross - and the kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rooms.

Though I did think about that when they were littler and I was like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hmm, maybe on the top shelf . . .?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153; (â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have no idea what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about,â&#x20AC;? I told Clarke, eyeing the ever-expanding mass of bottles that threatens to become autonomous and roam, bloblike, through my home, absorbing the couch and the dog.)

But if Clarke were to start over, he would reclaim his broom closet. I heard the same from

several passionate cocktailers who went down the rabbit hole in the early days, acquired hundreds of bottles, then realized they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really need all of them. Some have kept collecting, but they are more disciplined in curating what they acquire. Others have downsized.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a recommended course to grow your home cocktailing collection in a way that each round of purchasing will enable you to make new drinks. This list doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t include such items as sugar/simple syrup and fresh citrus fruits, which youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to keep on hand. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also smart to keep a decent bottle of Brut-style sparkling wine chilled for whenever you need it.

By the end, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a versatile, guest-friendly and manageable collection - and hopefully, a good sense of whether you want to expand it further.

TOOLS

You need: A cocktail shaker (which can double as a mixing glass), a measuring jigger, a long spoon, a julep strainer You could also get (but can manage without): a mixing glass, a muddler, a fine-mesh strainer Glasses:A Collins glass, a rocks glass and a coupe (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d advise against V-shaped â&#x20AC;&#x153;martiniâ&#x20AC;? glasses, which seem to be designed to spill drinks.)

Round 1

A good mid-price rye (such as Dickel or Redemption) or

Ĺ&#x2122; + Ĺ° 1

$ Äź $ Ĺ&#x161;^ % Ç&#x2022; ^ club soda

Round 3

A good white rum (such as Banks 5 Island or Havana Club) Budget: $30 You can now make:Daiquiri

Round 4

Campari (if you like it); a good silver or reposado tequila (such as Siembra, Ocho or El Tesoro) Budget: $60-$70 You can now make: Negroni, %Ç&#x201D; Ç&#x2022; Ĩ $ Ç&#x2022;

Round 5

Orange curacao (such as Pierre Ferrand); maraschino liqueur (such as Luxardo), grenadine Budget: $60-$75 You can now make: El Presidente, Hemingway daiquiri, $ Ç&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2122; Ç&#x201D; Ç&#x2022; sweeter Old Tom gin, but works with dry gin)

Round 6

A good rye or bourbon (whichever you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get in Round 1), absinthe, Peychaudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bitters Budget: $80 (good absinthe is expensive; a small bottle will last a long time)

Budget: $50 You can now make:Whiskey & soda, Old-Fashioned

You can now make:Sazerac

Round 2

A good dry gin (such as Beefeater or Plymouth); sweet and dry vermouth (Dolin Dry, Cocchi vermouth di Torino for the sweet); tonic water (Fever Tree is good); orange bitters Budget: $65 5

Ç&#x201D; ]$ Ĩ $ Ç&#x2022; Ç&#x2022;Ĩ )Ç&#x2022; 1 Ç&#x2022; Ĩ Ç&#x2022;Ç&#x201D; Ĩ Tom Collins, Gin Rickey, French 75 (assuming you have sparkling wine)

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ƼƳƸƘ ƶƷƼưƩ

By Ann Rosenquist Fee

An open letter to the parents N

The ones who said “No” to turquoise shoes because they match nothing

o, I get it.

We a l l d o , we’ve all been there, in the blurry soggy moment when everybody’s done with this shopping trip but the kid still needs shoes and you’re trying that autonomyteaching thing of letting them choose, except the choice is clearly totally driven by impatience, and you know your child well enough to know they are never ever ever going to wear what they just picked out. You promised they could pick. But you know that those turquoise shoes, which match not a single thing in that matchy-matchy kid’s purple explosion of a closet, you know these shoes are nothing but a catalyst for daily battles in which the phrase “Well, you picked them out!” will ¨ ó ù ã¼ú ÿ ØÊ ė ãʈ ù Õã ãÊ Â ¹ it worse.

And yes, you’re aware that anybody in earshot, anybody overhearing your calm-but-actually-clenched voice say, “But honey, everything you have is purple,” you know they’re thinking, “Wow, what a soul-crusher of a parent.

What an in-the-box thinker, that parent, that anti-creativity monster,” and good luck with the therapy co-pays 62 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

when your matchy-matcher grows up and can’t yank themselves out of some personal style rut or job rut or relationship rut, because you shut down their sense of agency and risktolerance in the shoe aisle.

I get it. And I’m writing to tell you it’s not that bad, what you did. What ×è ¼«ă Ü Â ãÊ Ü ú ã¨«Ü «Ü 㨠ã , ÂúÜ ¼¡ am a survivor of childhood retail deprivation. I’d be like, “Mom, can I get these Gloria Vanderbilts that everybody

h a s a n d t h a t a re distinguished by multiple golden seams down the sides?” and she’d be like, “No, but you can get this completely awful knockoff pair that have boring white/not golden seams and look nothing like Gloria Vanderbilts.”

In hindsight, of course, I understand.

There were three of us to shop for, and there was peace and equity to think about, and if one sister gets Gloria Vanderbilts, they all do, and our household income could not sustain that kind of opulence.

In the moment, though, the feeling was sheer cold anguish. I had no choice but to spend the ride home fuming, hunched, picturing the social humiliation ahead.

That’s when things would turn around. The ride home from the mall was long enough for me to go from angry to just medium-grade brooding, which is basically the most fertile possible foundational state for childhood creativity. At least in my experience. I am not a psychologist, or any kind of human service professional at all, but I can tell you that that exact level of brooding (plus my mom’s ample supply of fabric scraps and fabric paint

ƪƥƧƩƶ ǫưƥƧƩƶ SōŬƅŬž Ɯ ZSw ZŷŬźƅž

OLD TOWN ART FAIR

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1. Alice and Ted Miller of the “Ted and Alice Band” get caricatures drawn

by Casey Christianson.

2. Matthew Harding, one of the many local artists, standing in front of his large paintings.

3. Washington Street was filled with color from the work of local artists.

4. Travis Friedrichs and Nate LeBoutillier of “Jim the Harpooner” performed at the fair, filling Washington Street with upbeat music.

5. Children showed their creativity at one of the vendor tents.

6. Splashes of color and sound filled the street during the Old Town Art Fair.

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MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 65

ƪƥƧƩƶ ǫưƥƧƩƶ SōŬƅŬž Ɯ ZSw ZŷŬźƅž

, V HB ;#V 1. (From left) Andy Halbur, Garrison Spangler and Ben Freyberg relax with their beers at the North Mankato event Biers on Belgrade.

2. Deb and Tom Maus volunteer together at 1 one of the many beer stands.

3. Tom Maus volunteers his time behind the counter at a beer cart.

4. Trevor Rome (left) and Dave Ahlostrom enjoy the closing minutes of day light playing a game of cornhole.

5. The well-known drinking game Hammerschlagen, or “Hammer-Striking,” was a big hit. Players took turns trying to drive a nail all the way into a stump with the thinnest side of the hammer.

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66 • NOVEMBER 2017 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

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Faces & Places: Photos By SPX Sports 1

BAD PROM 5K 1. Paul Mackie sports a purple tailcoat as he powers though the Bad Prom 5K in North Mankato.

2. Runners gather outside of Midtown Tavern after a hard run around North Mankato before going in for food and drinks.

3. Although it was a rather cool and cloudy day after running a 5K, participants gather to rehydrate and cooldown.

4. Dresses are clearly in season for everyone at the Bad Prom 5K event outside of Midtown Tavern in Mankato.

5. Leading the pack of poorly dressed prom goers, Callie Sonnek comes in first.

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MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017 • 67

ĆŞĆ&#x2DC;Ƴƹ ơƏƭƜ ƚƼưưƊƟ

By Pete Steiner

A Boomer reflects on Veterans Day â&#x20AC;&#x153;LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;HELL, NO, WE WONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T GO!â&#x20AC;?

I

t was not a time o of compromise.

ZĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁ Ă&#x160;ÂĄ ŸšÂ&#x2014; Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Ă´Ę&#x2C6; r ZĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁ Ă&#x160;ÂĄ ŸšÂ&#x2014; Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Ă´Ę&#x2C6; r ãÂ?¨Ă&#x192;¢ 9Â&#x2014;Ă&#x192; èĂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x153;Ę° Â&#x2014;Ă&#x2022;ÂŤÂ? S Z Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â?ÂŤÂ Âź Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192; ã¨Â&#x2014; èĂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x153;Ę° Â&#x2014;Ă&#x2022;ÂŤÂ? S Z Ă&#x153; Vietnam War took m me back to those daunting days of soc social cataclysm between 1964 and 1973, when th the nation was ĂŁĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;  Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁ Â&#x152;Ăş Â&#x201C;ÂŤĂ&#x153; ¢Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x201A;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x192;ĂŁ Ă&#x160;ĂłÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x2DC;  ô Ă&#x2DC; Ă´ ĂŁĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;  Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁ Â&#x152;Ăş Â&#x201C;ÂŤĂ&#x153; ¢Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x201A;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x192;ĂŁ Ă&#x160;ĂłÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x2DC;  ô Ă&#x2DC; ôã¨ ŸŸʢÂ&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Ä&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201C; objectives. It was a good time for tear-gas tear-ga manufacturers, marching in the with police trying to control thousands m streets on both sides of the war war.

AÂŤĂ&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x160;ĂŁÂ ZĂŁÂ ĂŁÂ&#x2014; fĂ&#x192;ÂŤĂłÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x153;ÂŤĂŁĂş ¨ Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x201C;èÂ?Â&#x2014;Â&#x201C;  Ă&#x192;Â&#x2014;Ă´ Â&#x201C;Ă&#x160;Â?èĂ&#x201A;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x192;ĂŁÂ Ă&#x2DC;Ăş Ä&#x192;ÂźĂ&#x201A; Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192; ã¨Â&#x2014; Â&#x2014;ĂłÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x192;ĂŁĂ&#x153; Ă&#x160;ÂĄ ČşÉ&#x201A;É&#x20AC;Čš  Ă&#x192;Â&#x201C; ČşÉ&#x201A;É&#x20AC;ČťĘ&#x192; ô¨Â&#x2014;Ă&#x192; Ă&#x153;ãèÂ&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x192;ĂŁ Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;ĂŁÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x153;ĂŁÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201A; Ă&#x2DC;Â?¨Â&#x2014;Â&#x201C;  ŸŸ ã¨Â&#x2014; Ă´Â Ăş ĂŁĂ&#x160; )¢¨ô ú 169 to shut it down in protest over the mining of North Vietnamese harbors. With the war still raging in Vietnam, we were also at war with ourselves here at home. We Boomers were children of the Greatest Generation, who had fought and won the last â&#x20AC;&#x153;gloriousâ&#x20AC;? war, World War II â&#x20AC;&#x201D; although the reticence of those who fought it to recount what they had seen hints that no war is glorious.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve written here before about my Dad, a forward observer for artillery on Iwo Jima, and how my even being here today is remarkable, given the casualty rates on Iwo. The Boomers were saddled with Vietnam. About one-third of the 27-million eligible men of that era ended up either enlisting or being drafted, and most of those who served ended up having their lives permanently changed or Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201C;ÂŤĂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Â?ĂŁÂ&#x2014;Â&#x201C;Ę&#x2C6; AĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014; 㨠Ă&#x192; ČžÉ Ę&#x192;ȚȚȚ ¢ óÂ&#x2014; ã¨Â&#x2014;ÂŤĂ&#x2DC; ŸóÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x153;Ę&#x2C6; While it hurt that there were no parades for Vets returning from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nam, much has been done in the intervening 45 years to rectify that situation. I just got Â&#x152; Â?š ÂĄĂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201A; r Ă&#x153;¨Ă&#x192;¢ãĂ&#x160;Ă&#x192;Ę&#x192; Ę&#x2C6; Ę&#x2C6;Ę&#x192; ô¨Â&#x2014;Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014; , óĂ&#x153;ÂŤĂŁÂ&#x2014;Â&#x201C; ã¨Â&#x2014; qÂŤÂ&#x2014;ĂŁĂ&#x192; Ă&#x201A; Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Memorial for the fourth time. Ă&#x153; ĂşĂ&#x160;è Ă&#x153;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2014; ĂşĂ&#x160;èĂ&#x2DC; ÂĄÂ Â?Â&#x2014; Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Ä&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â?ĂŁÂ&#x2014;Â&#x201C; ÂŤĂ&#x192; ã¨Â&#x2014; Â&#x152;Ÿ Â?š ¢Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x192;ÂŤĂŁÂ&#x2014;  Ă&#x192;Â&#x201C; try to comprehend the enormity of panel after panel listing the 58-thousand names of those who died, it becomes a religious experience. Locally, annual events at the local qÂŤÂ&#x2014;ĂŁĂ&#x192; Ă&#x201A; Ă&#x201A;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x201A;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;ÂŤÂ Âź Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192; ZĂŁĂ&#x160;ŸãÿĂ&#x201A; Ă&#x192; VĂ&#x160; Â&#x201C; Â&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; ô Ÿ Ă&#x2DC;¢Â&#x2014; Â?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă´Â&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ę&#x192;  Ă&#x192;Â&#x201C; Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2014; Â? Ă&#x192; ÂĄÂ&#x2014;Â&#x2014;Âź ã¨Â&#x2014;  Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Â?ÂŤÂ ĂŁÂŤĂ&#x160;Ă&#x192;Ę&#x2C6; qÂŤÂ&#x2014;ĂŁĂ&#x192; Ă&#x201A; qÂ&#x2014;ĂŁĂ&#x153;Ę° Â&#x2014;Ä&#x2014;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁĂ&#x153; to overcome a lack of societal appreciation for soldiersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ă&#x153; Â?Ă&#x2DC;ÂŤÄ&#x192;Â?Â&#x2014;Ă&#x153; ¨ Ă&#x153; ÂźÂ&#x2014;Â&#x201C; ĂŁĂ&#x160; Ă&#x201A;èÂ?¨ ¢Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014; ãÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;èĂ&#x2022;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁ ÂĄĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2DC; ĂŁĂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x153; serving in our more recent wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and ZĂşĂ&#x2DC;ÂŤÂ Ę&#x2C6; A couple more comments from veterans quoted in the 68 â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ MANKATO MAGAZINE

Burnsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TV epic really struck me â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one, about what a savage species humans can be, and the other about how thin is the veneer of civilization that tries to suppress that savagery.

ZÂŤĂ&#x201A;Ÿ Ă&#x2DC; ĂŁĂ&#x160; ã¨Â&#x2014; óŸ r Ă&#x2DC;Ę&#x192; ã¨Â&#x2014; qÂŤÂ&#x2014;ĂŁĂ&#x192; Ă&#x201A; r Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201C; Ă´Ă&#x160;èĂ&#x192;Â&#x201C;Ă&#x153; 㨠ã Ă&#x153;㍟Ÿ ¨ óÂ&#x2014; Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;ĂŁ ¨Â&#x2014; ŸÂ&#x2014;Â&#x201C;Ę&#x2C6; Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201A;Ă&#x201A;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192; Ă&#x153;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x153;Â&#x2014; Ă´Ă&#x160;èŸÂ&#x201C; ÂŤĂ&#x192;Â&#x201C;ÂŤÂ? ãÂ&#x2014; that we should compromise for the good of all, but that does not appear to be the spirit of our times. Tribalism, us versus them, seems dominant. Maybe if more of our Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;¢Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;ÂŤĂ&#x160;Ă&#x192; Ÿ Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x153;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x192;ĂŁÂ ĂŁÂŤĂłÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x153; ¨ Â&#x201C; Ă&#x153;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x2DC;ĂłÂ&#x2014;Â&#x201C; ÂŤĂ&#x192; ã¨Â&#x2014; Ă&#x201A;Ÿã Ă&#x2DC;ĂşĘ&#x192; they would have learned that you survive and thrive by â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as Gopher football coach P. J. Fleck puts it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all rowing the boat together. You learn that lesson fast when someone is shooting at you.

Nov. 11 marks Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day, a day to honor those who have served. It originally began as Armistice Day, to mark the end of World War I, when at the 11th hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;all quiet Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192; ã¨Â&#x2014; rÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x153;ĂŁÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x192; "Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;ĂŁĘ&#x2C6;ĘŽ a¨ ã Ă´Â Ă&#x153; ã¨Â&#x2014; r Ă&#x2DC; ĂŁĂ&#x160; Ă&#x192;Â&#x201C; ŸŸ r Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x153;Ę&#x192; they said, a notion soon proven to be naive.

Unfortunately, it seems war is endemic in human nature Ę Â Ă&#x153; ã¨Â&#x2014; Ă´Ă&#x2DC;ÂŤĂŁÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x2DC; ¨Ă&#x2DC;ÂŤĂ&#x153; )Â&#x2014;Â&#x201C;¢Â&#x2014;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2022;èãĂ&#x153; ÂŤĂŁĘ&#x192; Ę­r Ă&#x2DC; ÂŤĂ&#x153;  ¥Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x2014; 㨠ã ¢óÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x153; èĂ&#x153; Ă&#x201A;Â&#x2014; Ă&#x192;ÂŤĂ&#x192;¢Ę&#x2C6;ĘŽ Z㍟Ÿ Ă´Â&#x2014; Â? Ă&#x192; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2DC; ú 㨠ã Ă&#x160;èĂ&#x2DC; ĂŁĂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x153; 􍟟 Ă&#x153;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192; Â&#x152;Â&#x2014; Â?Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201A;ÂŤĂ&#x192;¢ ¨Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201A;Â&#x2014; ÂĄĂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201A; ã¨Â&#x2014; AÂŤÂ&#x201C;Â&#x201C;ÂźÂ&#x2014;  Ă&#x153;ĂŁĘ&#x192;  Ă&#x192;Â&#x201C; ,  Ă&#x201A; personally praying that macho posturing does not lead us ÂŤĂ&#x192;ĂŁĂ&#x160;  Ă&#x192;Â&#x2014;Ă´ ZĂ&#x160;èã¨Â&#x2014; Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă&#x153;ÂŤÂ Ă&#x192; Ă´Â Ă&#x2DC; ôã¨ BĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;㨠9Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014; Ę&#x2C6; There will no doubt be times when military force is Ă&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2014;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ăş  Ă&#x192;Â&#x201C; ϏĂ&#x153;ĂŁÂŤÄ&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201C;Ę&#x2C6; fĂ&#x192;ÂĄĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;ãèĂ&#x192; ãÂ&#x2014;ŸúĘ&#x192; Ă&#x153;ÂŤĂ&#x192;Â?Â&#x2014; ã¨Â&#x2014; Â&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; ¥ã ended in 1973, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve reached the point where a very small percentage â&#x20AC;&#x201D; maybe 1-2 percent of our families â&#x20AC;&#x201D; have a son or daughter serving in the military. A decade ago, 9 ã¨ú VĂ&#x160;ã¨ʢ Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2014;èÂ&#x2014;ĂŁ Ă´Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;ĂŁÂ&#x2014; ÂĄĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;  Â&#x152;Â?Ă&#x192;Â&#x2014;Ă´Ă&#x153;Ę&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201A;  Â&#x152;Ă&#x160;èã  èšÂ&#x2014; University study showing that â&#x20AC;&#x153;it matters whether civilian decision makers have military experience, that a review Ă&#x160;ÂĄ fĘ&#x2C6;ZĘ&#x2C6; ÂĄĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;¢Ă&#x192; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x160;ŸÂ?Ăş Ă&#x160;ĂłÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x192;Â&#x2014; Ă&#x2DC;Ÿú ĂŁĂ´Ă&#x160; Â?Â&#x2014;Ă&#x192;ãèĂ&#x2DC;ÂŤÂ&#x2014;Ă&#x153; ÂŤĂ&#x192;Â&#x201C;ÂŤÂ? ãÂ&#x2014;Â&#x201C;Ę&#x192; when we have the fewest number of veterans in leadership  Ă&#x192;Â&#x201C; Ă&#x153;ĂŁÂ Ä&#x2014; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x153;ÂŤĂŁÂŤĂ&#x160;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x153; ÂŤĂ&#x192; Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;¢Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;  Ă&#x192;Â&#x201C; ã¨Â&#x2014; Â&#x2014;ĂšÂ&#x2014;Â?èãóÂ&#x2014;Ę&#x192; Ă´Â&#x2014;  Ă&#x2DC;Â&#x2014; most likely to engage in aggressiveâ&#x20AC;? wars. In the elections a year from now, maybe we should ask, did you serve in the military?

Peter Steiner is host of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Talk of the Townâ&#x20AC;? weekdays at 1:05 p.m. on KTOE.

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