EXPERTS CARING FOR SOUTHERN MINNESOTA SINCE 1957. Originally founded by two pioneers in orthopaedics, Dr. Paul Gislason and Dr. Donald Meredith, the Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic now has athletic trainers, diagnostic experts, physical therapists and one of the most experienced group of orthopaedic surgeons in the state. All working together to provide world-class care to the people of southern Minnesota.
LOCALS
Blue Earth Litchfield
Dassel
Faribault
MANKATO
Farmington
Northfield
Hutchinson
Redwood Falls
Lakeville
St. Peter
Le Sueur
Windom
Silhouette® Window Shadings diffuse sunlight to create soft, beautiful illumination.
Where Smart Pets Bring Their People!
A room exposed to the sun’s harsh rays.
Transform harsh sun into beautiful light. Silhouette® Window Shadings help you manage incoming light on long summer days. Diffuse harsh glare into a soft, gentle glow. Filter damaging UV rays, while preserving your view. Tilt the vanes from open to closed, and create your perfect light. Ask for details.
$100
REBATE
WITH THE PURCHASE OF 2 SILHOUETTE WINDOW SHADINGS* (Plus $50 rebate per additional unit)
507.380.5019
Cat Annual Exams Are Needed • • • • •
Weight Loss Heart and Lung Disease Ear Infections Cancer Dental Disease
blindsandmore@charter.net Liz Goertzen Interior Designer
www.blindsandmoreofmankato.com
Brook Devenport Window Covering Specialist
Call or visit our website today!
* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 7/18/15 – 9/14/15 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of the product model set forth above in the quantity set forth above. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Offer excludes Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. © 2015 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas
2 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
507-720-6700
1765 Commerce Dr., N. Mankato northmankatoanimalhospital.com
FEATURE S august 2015 Volume 10, Issue 8
14
Animals EVERYWHERE!
Here’s to those furrier members of our families.
18
One lucky dog
Don’t pity Bruno the Labrador. The three-legged dog has the best home a pooch could ask for.
22
40 Shades of Purple
Free Press Sports Editor Jim Rueda reflects on four decades of covering the Vikes.
About the Cover Our cover model this month is none other than Henry T. Beagle, thief of unattended pizza slices and wedding cakes, lover of bananas and beer, and family pet of Mankato Magazine Associate Editor Robb Murray. MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 3
DEPARTMENTS 6 From the Editor 8 This Day in History 9 The Gallery
9
Creating a balance
10 Beyond the Margin 10 years of Mankato Magazine 12 Day Trip Destinations Red Wing’s River City Days 27 Food, Drink & Dine 28 Food
30 Wine
12
28
34
Bubble tea Proper pairings
31 Beer August brews 32 Food Make your own BBQ sauce 34 What’s Cookin’?
Pet pampering
36 Then & Now Bishop Whipple goes to Washington 40 Living 55 Plus 64 That’s Life Empty nest, part 2 66 Garden Chat Bounty time 68 Your Style Huge hair 70 Coming Attractions 73 Faces & Places 76 From This Valley A craftsman’s tools
Coming in September
68 4 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
76
Back to school! The Mankato region would be a far different community without its higher education institutions.
s WHITEORCHIDBOUTIQUES COM
) $ (( $ ' & & & $
&
s ENCOREMANKATO COM (OURS - & TO s 3ATURDAY TO 3UNDAY TO
)! % " "
! " " " "
ƪƘƳƱ ƷƬƩ ƥƶƶƳƧƭƥƷƩ ƩƨƭƷƳƘ $[ 4QDD /WTTC[ $8*867 ȧ 92/80( ,668( 38%/,6+(5 -RKQ (OFKHUW (',725 -RH 6SHDU $662&,$7( 5REE 0XUUD\ (',725 &2175,%87256 1HOO 0XVROI 3HWH 6WHLQHU -HDQ /XQGTXLVW 6DUDK -RKQVRQ /HLJK 3RPHUR\ %HUW 0DWWVRQ /HWLFLD *RQ]DOHV $QQ 5RVHQTXLVW )HH +HLGL 6DPSVRQ %U\FH 2 6WHQ]HO -LP 5XHGD 3+272*5$3+(56 -RKQ &URVV 3DW &KULVWPDQ 3$*( '(6,*1(5 &KULVWLQD 6DQNH\ $'9(57,6,1* *LQQ\ %HUJHUVRQ 0$1$*(5 $'9(57,6,1* -HQ :DQGHUVFKHLG 6$/(6 7KHUHVD +DHIQHU $'9(57,6,1* %DUE :DVV $66,67$17 $'9(57,6,1* 6XH +DPPDU '(6,*1(56 &KULVWLQD 6DQNH\
&,5&8/$7,21 'HQLVH =HUQHFKHO ',5(&725
0DQNDWR 0DJD]LQH LV SXEOLVKHG E\ 7KH )UHH 3UHVV 0HGLD PRQWKO\ DW 6RXWK 6HFRQG 6W 0DQNDWR 01 7R VXEVFULEH FDOO RU IRU LVVXHV )RU HGLWRULDO LQTXLULHV FDOO 5REE 0XUUD\ DW RU H PDLO UPXUUD\#PDQNDWRIUHHSUHVV FRP )RU DGYHUWLVLQJ FDOO RU H PDLO PDQNDWRPDJ#PDQNDWRIUHHSUHVV FRP
6 • $8*867 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
#NN ETGCVWTGU ITGCV CPF UOCNN ǔ Ǖǔ ŀ3 Ǖ ĨĿ ǔǕ — ǔ ǔ
Ǖ — ǔ \ ļ Ǖ
ǔ\ 1 \ % Ǖ Ǖǔ Ĩ ļ Ǖ
ǔ Ǖǔ \ 1 Ǖ Ĩ ǔ Ǖ ǔ Ǖ Ǖ Ňņŕ \ + Ǖ Ĩ ǔ ǔǕ
\ % Ĩ Ǖ Ǖ \ ŀ* Ĩ ļǔ Ǖ 3 Ǖ ĨĿ Ǖ \ ŀ ļ ű ĨĿ Ǖ \ ŀ$Ǖ ǔ \Ŀ + Ǖ Ĩ Ǖ \ + 3 Ǖ Ǖ Õ Ǖ Õ Ǖ \ Ǖ ļ
ǔ Ǖ Ǖ ǔ Ǖ ű Ǖ Ǖ
\ Ĩ
ǔ Ĩ Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ \ ŀ( ļ Ǖ Ǖǔ Ĩ * œĿ \ - ǔ Ĩ Ǖ ŀ- \Ŀ + ļ Ǖ Ĩ Ǖ ǕǔĨ ǕǔĨ Ǖǔ ļ Ǖ
\ ļ Ǖ Ǖ
Ĩ Ǖ ļ Ǖ ǔǔ ǔ Ĩ Ǖ ļ Ǖ Ǖ œ 3 ŕ Ĩ Ǖ Ǖǔ Ǖ Ǖ Ĩ Ǖ
Ǖ $Ǖ , . Ǖ \ * \ " Ǖ + Ǖ Ĩ Õ 3 Ĩ ļ
ļ Ǖ Ǖ ǔǕ
\ + " Ǖ Ǖ ǔǕ Ĩ
Ǖ ǔǕ ǔ \ 0 Ǖ ǔ Ǖ ǔ ǔ Ǖ
0
Ǖ Ňŕ ř ŕ Ĩ Ĩ Ǖ ŇĨŋņņ \Ś 0 ǔ Ǖ Ǖǔ ǔ Ǖ ǔ Ǖ Ű \ % Ĩ Ǖ ǔ Ǖ Ĩ Ǖ \ \ \ Ǖ \ 3 Ǖ — Ű Ŗ \ 0 ǔ Ǖǔ 3 Ǖ ) Ĩ Ǖ \ Ǖ
Ǖ Ǖ \ % ļ
Ǖ Ǖ \ 1 Ǖ ǔ $ $ Ǖ Ĩ Ǖ Ǖ
Ǖ
Ǖ Ǖ \ % Ĩ Ǖ Ǖǔ Ĩ ļ Ǖ Ǖ $Ǖ ,Ǖ Ǖ ő ļ Ǖ Ǖ ǔ Ǖǔ Ǖ ǔ Ǖǔ ,Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ ǔ ! . 0
Ǖ "Ǖǔ / \ !Ǖ Ĩ ű ŀ+ & Ŀ Ĩ Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ ǔ ǔ \ * Ǖ \ ( Ǖ MM , ' ǘ Ǘ ǘ Ǘǘ Ǘ 'ǘ ǘ 'ǘ ǘ Ǘ ? ǘ Ǘǖ ǘ 899H;8>; ǖ ǘ Ɛ ǖǘ ǘ ? ǖ? Ǘǖ . Ǘ Ɛ , ?
Know Your Risk
it!
Take charge of your health with monthly self-exams and annual mammograms
Mankato Clinic joins us in raising awareness of the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer and the importance of continued support for breast cancer research.
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 7
Relax! Let us do the work
This Day in history By Jean Lundquist
Monday, August 1, 1966 Storm Was Loud, But All we Got Was Promises A loud thunderstorm made lots of promises but didn’t fulfill many this morning in the Greater Mankato area, which was on the south east corner of a tornado watch area until 6 a.m. The storm flashed and boomed through about 3 a.m. It was thought by some to be the loudest of the season, although it produced only .20 inches of rain, according to local Weather Bureau observer Warren Heiser. Some minor power outages were reported by Northern States Power Co., mostly due to blown fuses. There apparently were no other difficulties aside from the fact that the storm woke a number of people up. Monday, August 2, 1909 Cars En Route North They Came From Oklahoma; Going To Minneapolis Three Big Autos From The South Convey Sightseers Through Mankato During Yesterday Afternoon Three touring cars from Oklahoma passed through the city yesterday going North. They were a Winton 6, a Pope and an REO. Each contained a family, and the party was having an enjoyable time. They came to Mankato from Spirit Lake, Iowa, and left for Minneapolis. Another outside car that passed through Mankato yesterday was a Model 10 Buick which a St. James man won in a newspaper voting contest at St. Paul. The winner was taking his car home accompanied by a chauffeur and made a brief stop in Mankato. Monday, August 15, 1892 They Drank Aconite Family Of Henry Lang Had A Narrow Escape From Death Saturday It will be remembered that on the night of July 4, Lang brutally pounded his wife and was locked up for it. Mrs. Lang went to Dr. Hilscher and got a liniment for her bruises and was given a mixture of one-half tincture of aconite and one-half diluted alcohol put in a bottle plainly labeled alcohol “Liniment.” Saturday Lang bruised a finger, and his wife told him to use some of her liniment. While applying it he smelled the alcohol and was so tempted to drink that he took a large swallow. Saying it was whiskey, he handed the bottle to his wife who also took a draught. Then they gave the baby a taste. Very soon all were writhing with pain and a neighbor sent for Dr. Webster. The parties are all right today. Thursday, August 2, 1984 Night With The Stars
Corporate Graphics Your Printing Solutions Company
1750 Northway Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 800-729-7575 www.corpgraph.com
Kay Grahams of Hanska and Marsha Seys of Mankato won an evening with Broadway star Michael Crouch, soap opera actress Colleen Zenk and her daughter Kelsey, and soap actor John Denos as part of a KEYCTV promotion. You didn’t need a telescope to spot the stars in the crowd. More slim, more chic than anyone else present, they posed for pictures without looking posed and tossed off one liners as they signed autographs. The actors were the grand prize in a KEYC sponsored contest Gala Evening with the Stars, with seven fans winning their company for the night of wining and dining at the Holiday House in St. Peter. Their visit was part of a CBS daytime TV push, said Hap Halligan, KEYC’s vice president and general manager. CBS was number one in daytime TV for the first time this year. Bringing the stars to Mankato for personal appearances is good exposure for daytime TV. “CBS is very careful to send out people who meet the public well,” Halligan said. “No alcoholics. No cocky Easterners. Colleen and John are nice, down to earth people,” he said. “In fact, Colleen was raised in Illinois, so she has a very mid-west attitude.”
The Gallery: Michelle Fineran Story by Nell Musolf
Creating a balance Artist living with arthritis and bipolar disorder finds solace in art
F
or many years, Michelle Fineran didn’t know that she was an artist. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Iowa State University and her master’s degree from the St. Catherine’s University. She spent her professional career as an occupational therapist. After an early retirement due to arthritis and bipolar disorder, Fineran found herself with time to pursue hobbies she had enjoyed throughout her life. A connection with the Carnegie Art Center’s overseers, Hope Cook and Janet Husak, brought the one-time hobbyist out into the open. “About four years ago, I was asked by a staff member of the Carnegie Art Center to present my work for consideration,” Fineran recalled. “I was immediately attracted to the Carnegie philosophy — that everyone should be able to own something beautiful that speaks to them — and the art center became a conduit between me and the community.” Fineran said the people at the Carnegie Art Center taught her valuable lessons about presentation and marketing as well as the value of risk taking and challenging comfort zones. “It was their response and the response of the public to my work that fostered my development as an artist,” Fineran said. “I have expanded to other avenues to sell my work and experiment with design techniques. I have become immersed in the culture of artists.” For Fineran, the creative process means engaging in the exploration of color, shape and texture. She has always been fascinated with the process of manipulating different colors, shapes and textures together while trying to bring materials to something cohesive and complete. “I create for many reasons,” Fineran said. “To build a bridge between myself and the rest of humanity; to provide others with new visual, tactile
and emotional experiences; to become more mindful of my own thoughts and emotions as I work as well as to maintain balance with bipolar disorder and arthritis.” The artistic impulse was formed at a young age in Fineran. She remembers being fascinated with blending properties when working with crayons and coloring books. Sandcastles and rock sculptures sparked an interest in shape. “I started out making handmade cards using die cuts, rubber stamps and a plethora of paper,” Fineran said. “I moved to beads and gemstones to make jewelry. Anything I saw someone do, I wanted to try.” Fineran became interested in knitting and fibers after an exacerbation of bipolar disorder and an injury. “I needed a task that would help me exercise my cognitive skills back to health,” Fineran said. Lessons in knitting turned into a heartfelt “search and seizure” of distinctive fibers. “I looked for the more luxurious, unique, organic and beautiful yarns that I now use in my projects,” Fineran said. “My fibers come from local yarn shops as well as farms that process the material from animal to skein. I also use fibers from places such as Italy, Nepal
and Peru.” Fineran plans to continue working on her art and has set other goals for herself including creating her own website, having a gallery show and becoming a master designer in fibers. Fineran, who also volunteers in the Carnegie Art Center’s gift shop, plans on continuing to do that as well. “I am so grateful to Janet and Hope and the people who come into the Carnegie Art Center and see my work as well as the other artists,” Fineran said. “I will be volunteering here forever.”
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 9
Beyond the margin By Joe Spear
Here’s to our first decade! M
ankato Magazine has entered its 10th year of publishing, a milestone that came quickly, but not easily. In winter 2006, The Free Press’ parent company Community Newspaper Holdings Inc., (CNHI) had begun publishing magazines with some success at its newspaper properties across the country. So from Anderson, Indiana to North Andover, Massachusetts, and from to Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Oklahoma and Texas, magazines were the latest way for newspapers to bolster their business. At the same time, newspapers were knee deep into something called the Internet with websites more broadly distributing the news through technology that didn’t involve a young person dropping a rolled up bundle of newsprint at your front step. Most of those magazines were put out by people who were used to writing, editing and designing a newspaper, a wholly different product than the modern American magazine. So our first challenge was to produce stories, photos and design that didn’t look like a newspaper. It was easier said than done. Magazines are also more about stories than the “news.” More about feelings than facts. It’s always dangerous, and humbling, to look back at something you wrote 10 years ago, but my inaugural editor’s column describing the purpose of the magazine remains relevant today. Unlike a newspaper, the focus of Mankato Magazine “tends to be simpler but deeper,” I wrote. At the time, we aimed to “give people a sense of the place they live, made up of people who have interesting connections that build community and make our cities more like neighborhoods.” The departments of the initial design were driven by demographic market research that showed lifestyles important to people who lived in the Mankato area. We featured sections on travel, fashion, gardening, wine, history and health. We carry many of the same features today. We worked to develop the features in the first issue that would make a big splash to launch a new magazine. How can you go wrong featuring the charitable works of Mankato billionaire Glen Taylor? Tim Krohn wrote about Taylor’s foundation and the myriad recipients of its generosity all over the world. There’s a picture of Taylor helping a small girl with a new hearing aid, through his work with the Starkey Hearing Aid Foundation. Taylor and numerous members of his family traveled to Guatemala and other parts of South and Central America helping people build schools and improve their lives. We featured a story on Dr. Steven Penkhus, longtime Mankato Clinic physician, and his practice that spanned three generations of the family of a labor and delivery nurse Gloria Brosnan, whom he met upon his arrival at his job back in 1976. We published a profile on longtime Minnesota State University theater director Dr. Paul Hustoles. But the cover of the first magazine posed a problem. We wanted to publish a cover that said “Mankato,” something everyone would instantly recognize and have a positive vibe about. We could have featured any one of the subjects and come up with a pretty good result. But we wanted something that would stand alone. We tried
a few pictures of city workers hanging flower baskets along Mankato’s tree-lined streets. That didn’t quite do it. It’s the kind of problem that follows you home from work. I remember trying to think over and over what we could get that would fit the bill, something that would say Mankato and everyone would recognize. It finally came to me. The Mankato Area 77 Lancers were just having their opening event of the 2006 season. And while it was a bit of a rainy, overcast day, and we were up against a tight deadline, we hit it. You can’t beat a marching band, and especially one like the Lancers that included all three Mankato high schools and for 25 years had been the pride of the hometown. And the rest, they say, was history. But a lot has changed in 10 years. Mankato Magazine has morphed into a couple of different designs with the latest one coming just this year. Our latest design was produced by a professional designer at our sister newspaper/magazine out of North Andover, Mass. People don’t think about magazine design as important but experts will tell you people will spend much more time with a magazine that is well designed. And we’ll put our design up against any of our competitors. Last year, Mankato Magazine won first place in the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s “Best Magazine” category, going against competition in bigger markets such as Rochester, Duluth and St. Cloud. While awards from your trade groups are nice, we consider the feedback from our readers as more important. Our readership survey in March 2014 showed that 80 percent of our readers spend more than a half hour on our magazine, with 54 percent from one half hour to an hour, 20 percent one hour to 2 hours and 4 percent over two hours. It averages out to about 52 minutes per reader, that’s about 25 percent higher than the general magazine average of 40 minutes. We believe that beats any magazine in our market as well. When we asked for comments in the survey, we received many appreciating the approach we have taken. As a newspaper editor who often gets negative feedback – the news isn’t always good – I’ve always been surprised how many people used phrases like “love it” and “enjoy it very much,” when they answered our survey. A sample of the hundreds of positive comments we received: “No improvements needed. It is vibrant, colorful, pertinent, informative, easy to read, filled with excellent, interesting information. Great job.” “Love it. Where else can you find articles about Mankato that are in depth, things that may never be in the newspaper...We have a wonderful city. Let’s let everyone know what is growing and going on...People Places.” “Enjoy it very much and look forward to receiving it each time.” We look forward to continuing to improve Mankato Magazine and make it an enjoyable reading experience.
Joe Spear is editor of Mankato Magazine. Contact him at 344-6382 or jspear@mankatofreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @jfspear. MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 11
Day Trip Destinations: Red Wing River City Days By Leticia Gonzales
River City Days in Red Wing is a great time to check out one of Minnesota’s most scenic towns.
Red Wing’s River City Days
R
Beautiful celebration, beautiful city
ed Wing is often recognized for Red Wing Shoes and its historic flair, but each year the town of about 16,000 draws in twice that amount in tourists and visitors for its annual Red Wing River City Days festival. In its 33rd year, the festival runs July 31 through August 2 at various parks throughout the city. “It was started by a couple of the business people in town wanting to promote Red Wing,” said Patty Brown, Executive Director of the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce. 12 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
The Chamber has been involved with the event off and on since its inception in 1983, as it changed hands from 2007 to 2014. This year the organization took the helm as the “umbrella organization” over the festival yet again. “It kind of grew as it developed,” Brown said. “We estimate about 30,000 people come to it, because it’s over three days.” With about 10,000 visitors per day, Brown said Saturday and Sunday are the main days of the festival.
The Red Wing River City Days parade takes place Aug. 2. “We provide free entertainment, which is unique to festivals,” she added. “So there is no charge to partake in any of the musical entertainment or stage shows that we have. That is all provided free.” Despite no cost, the festival touts a full lineup of entertainment and music during its three days. “If they just want to hear some good music, then they can go to Central Park,” said Brown. From old time music from the Boat House Band and rock ‘n roll songs from the Pearl Brothers, to several tribute bands who perform hits from Chicago and Bad Company, music is plentiful. “And we run lots of tournaments during the festivals,” shared Brown. “We have three-on-three basketball, a bean bag tournament. New this year is a human foosball tournament, which should be lots of fun,” The human foosball tournament, which takes place at Big Point Park, consists of 16 teams, each with six players vying to shoot the ball into the life-size goal. This year’s event also features a kite festival at Soldiers Memorial Park, with demonstrations from Mr. Kite, the Kite Flyer, as well as kite decorating and free kites for the first 30 kids. “This is only the second year – it’s a new activity that keeps growing,” said Brown. There is of course the standard festival parade on Sunday at 1 p.m., “and that’s got over 75 units, and that will continue to grow until parade day,” Brown said. With a craft fair at Levee Park and food vendors and commercial exhibits at Bay Point Park, there are many diverse venues for festival activities. “It brings thousands of people to our city,” Brown declared. “They are involved in various aspects of it.” Whether they come for the entire weekend or just partake in a few activities, Brown said, “You have people participating in the basketball tournament or the hockey shoot or all those different things that we have going on.” The influx of people makes for booked hotel rooms and bed and breakfasts filled to capacity. “It’s a huge economic impact for our city,” she said. “Of course we have the river, which is a huge draw for
many, many thousands of people.” The Mississippi River allows visitors the chance to explore the waters through boating, fishing, pontoon rides, or canoeing and kayak rentals. Along with several marinas, a water park and three golf courses, there are also many outdoor trails to explore. “We have a huge bike trail system here,” added Brown. “You can rent bikes. We have our Bluff hiking, which is very popular. We have hiking, as well as rapelling.” Red Wing is home to the Barn Bluff trail system, featuring four trails, which vary in difficulty. From vertical cliffs to scenic overlooks, hikers and rock climbers can venture toward elevated heights to reach the 340-foot bluff. The city also has quite the display of parks. “All very different and very beautiful,” shared Brown. “Some are right on the river and through the bluffs.” Festival-goers will definitely have the time to enjoy many of Red Wing’s green space. “They want to make sure they travel to all the different parks, because each park offers something different,” added Brown. And no matter what your interests are, “We have a little something for everyone.” MM
Go If you
What
33rd Red Wing River City Days Red Wing, Minn.
When July 31 through Aug. 2
Admission Events and entertainment is free, with food available for purchase. Visit www.rivercitydays.org for more details. MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 13
Ginny and Greg Bessler.
Animal Attraction For some, pets are more than just furry critters. They’re a part of the family. By Leticia Gonzales | Photos by John Cross
T
he concept of how a dog is a man’s best friend has been carried on through the ages. But for Ginny Bessler, a 48-year-old IT senior accessibility technology analyst in Mankato, the bond she shares with her six furry friends goes beyond walks in the park and stocking 14 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
up on kibble. “I literally tuck them it at night,” said Bessler. “They have their own baby blanket; they know what bed is there’s.” The dogs, Jonathan Cayman, Nikolas Christiaan, KatieMay, Charlie St. Cloud, Finley Rose and Diva
“At almost 50 ... we are buying diapers and wipes. It’s a big change, but it’s just like a kid.” — Ginny Bessler Nevaeh, share a room, with their beds lined up. “All of them have first and middle names, because they are our children,” said Bessler. “All of them are rescue animals, so if they came from a bad situation, like a bad owner type thing, or a bad place, then I gave them a new first name and gave them a middle name.” Bessler, who has always had a love for canines, began fostering rescue dogs about 10 years ago. She stays connected to many rescue networks on Facebook, which is how she found many of her dogs. Two of her dogs were rescued from Alabama; Charlie, four-year-old Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua, and Diva, a 9-year-old Italian Greyhound. “Both of them are paralyzed in the hind’s end — in the back legs,” said Bessler. “Diva was hit by a car, we know for sure.” As for Charlie, Bessler said they have received many stories as to how he received his paralysis, from being abandoned on a road, to possibly being abused. Due to his injuries at the time, Charlie was on nine different medications when Bessler took him in, but with her care, his health has greatly improved. Not only has he gained weight and muscle, he is no longer on any medications. “He is ornery, as ornery can be,” she said. However, Charlie still doesn’t have use of his back legs and is incontinent. “At almost 50, my husband and I, our kids are moved out, but we are buying diapers and wipes,” Bessler said. “It’s a big change, but it’s just like a kid.” At first glance, Charlie may appear immobile when you see the little pair of doggy pants that cover his infant size 3 diaper, or the tiny toddler socks that protect his tiny legs.
“If you ever saw him run, he doesn’t know his legs don’t run like the rest of the dogs,” said Bessler. “He takes off and goes.” Finley Rose, Bessler’s five-year-old Maltese Shih Tzu, was rescued from a hoarding situation, while her two poodles were rescued from a kennel in South Dakota. Nikolas, one of the dogs rescued, has neurological issues and arthritis. “He has no sense of time, but he is the most lovable,” said Bessler. The six special needs pets require a lot of vet care. Bessler has to take a half day off from work so she can take them in two shifts. “I have four out of the six that are on daily meds,” she said. “Some of them are on pain meds twice a day all the time now.” Despite the health challenges, Bessler wouldn’t have it any other way. “You don’t know what you are going to get when you get a rescue dog,” she said. “We commit to giving them the best life we could. They are part of our family.” And with family, comes the love and affection any human or dog would desire. “You can just get so much from them, so much acceptance and love, and they just want you to be there,” she said. “They just want you to be there and feed them, and pet them and love them. They don’t even expect a lot.”
BFFs
Like Bessler, Terry Porter, a sales associate for a car dealership, is an empty nester who adores dogs. She has four adult dachshunds; Toby, Kita, Tiggy and Mia, who are “spoiled rotten.” “They get treats, they go for rides, they have toys, MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 15
Horses are among the members of the Hogan animal family. that you think a two-year old lives at my house some days,” said Porter, 50, who lives on a farm between Otisco Township and New Richland. The four dogs also receive presents such as toys, dog treats or outfits on their birthdays or at Christmas time. It may seem frivolous to outsiders, but the companionship the dogs provide for her and her 82-year-old mother, who also lives with her, is invaluable. “I suffer from psoriatic arthritis, so I have infusions, and they are very calming for me,” she said. “They know when I am not feeling well. They’re my little caretakers, you could say.” Porter’s dogs are also very protective of her. “Tiggy, he cries every morning when I go to work,” she said. “The other ones, they wait for me when I come home from work, so it is nice to know there is someone enjoying when you are coming home.” As an avid member of the humane society for about 25 years, Porter has always had pets. Her oldest dog, Toby, is 16. “It’s all how you take care of your dogs and how you feed them, she said. Porter also ensures they go on their daily walks and sticks to a routine with her pets. Kita, who is 11, has to take medication for seizures. Outside of work, Porter said the dogs will go camping with her or to the races in Arlington during the summer months. “They’re my kids, you know,” she added. “They are my babies.” Dogs can provide a secure and loyal relationship when cared for by their owners. Just ask Sandra Fiedler, of Le Sueur, who has babied her white, Jack Russell/Westie mix, LeBell, 16 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
since she was born. “I fell in love with her the moment she came out of her momma,” said Fiedler, who said she really grew attached to LeBell when she found out she couldn’t have any more biological children after she had her son Blake, who is now 26. Fiedler has since taken on the role of mom to two children from a recent marriage. And although LeBell isn’t as pampered as she was when Fiedler first got her and took her on walks in a $300 doggy stroller, she is constantly in need of attention from her owner. “She doesn’t like when I pay attention to the cats,” said Fiedler, of her two rescue cats, Lilly and Blacky. Even with her own miniature armoire filled with more than a dozen tiny dog outfits, including a floral sundress, a tank top and jean skirt set, a cheerleader suit, and St. Louis Rams’ jersey, most of the attention Fiedler provides to her dog is physical and emotional. From kisses on her furry tummy, to caresses on the top of her head, LeBell relishes in the affection given to her. “She gives me all the love that I need,” said Fiedler. LeBell was there for Fielder when she was on bedrest while battling pneumonia. “She knows when you aren’t feeling good,” she said. Fiedler said she is amazed at “the therapy dogs have on a person.” “I love having her around,” she said. “I miss her when I leave.” The possibility of losing LeBell is something Fiedler doesn’t ever want to have to deal with. “If anything happened to her, it would be like
losing one of my kids,” she said.
Full House
Ducklings are one of Grace Thostenson’s favorite hobbies.
Come See The New Re-Imagined...
Patty Conlin, Goldsmith/Gallery Owner 420 N. Minnesota, St. Peter, MN • 507-934-5655 www.stonesthrowgallery.org
Dr. AngelA Schuck Dr. keith FlAck
You Deserve Comfortable Care Every Time. • • • • •
Sedation - Complete Relaxation with Just a Pill Invisalign - Clear Alternative to Braces Botox & Fillers Implants - Placement and Restoration Cerec - One Visit Crown Technology
• • • • •
Free Whitening Program 3D Imaging with Fewer X-Rays Cosmetic Dentistry Drill-Free Technology Emergency Care
1400 Lookout Drive, North Mankato 507-625-CARE(2273) • mankatodentist.com
061865612401
Denise Hogan, also from Le Sueur, is familiar with the loss that comes with animals. With a house in the country, she has five dogs, four cats, eight house birds, a house-trained pot-bellied pig, 30 chickens, a dozen ducks, five geese, a turkey, a wild peacock, two bunnies, a pony and a horse. “All our animals our pets,” said Hogan. “Loss is always hard, especially because it’s inevitable.” Hogan said her family forgoes family vacations and eating out to provide quality care and food for her pets. “To me, daily enjoyment is more than that one week in Mexico,” she said. “Plus, I like the responsibility it teaches our kids.” While the children have learned compassion and about creation from caring for their pets, Hogan said they have also benefited from the shared companionship. Her teen daughter, who suffers from various mental disabilities and struggles with social skills, has developed a connection with her longhaired dachshund, named Buddy. “That is her friend, that is her companion,” said Hogan. “That is who she can give love and affection to. Hogan was recently diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis (MS), but has found great comfort in the company of her pets. “There wouldn’t be anything that would make me feel more comfortable if I had pets around me,” she said. “There are a lot of people around like me who enjoy the comforts of animals and the joy they can bring to your life, and if you don’t have them, that’s a big deal.” It’s also more than just having the pets around that Hogan depends on. “There is just a bond that you create with an animal,” she said. “You can tell them anything, you can talk to them; they are very responsive.” MM
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 17
Jason Tompkins makes sure Bruno gets plenty of exercise.
One Lucky Dog A near-fatal crash left Bruno clinging to life. But as he recovered, the family that adopted him rallied around him and grew closer together. By Nell Musolf | Photos by John Cross 18 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Bruno was struck by a car while chasing a bird. His owners, however, nursed him back to health.
O
n a bitter-cold day in January of 2014, Jason Tompkins was playing in the yard of his Mankato home with his recently adopted Labrador, Bruno, when a crow, frozen by the sub-zero temperatures, fell out of a tree and landed across the road. This attracted Bruno’s attention. In an instant, he dashed out onto Victory Drive to investigate. One car was able to miss him. A second was not. A swiftly moving vehicle slammed into Bruno before Tompkins could get to him. And when Tompkins reached his side, he knew that his new friend was in big trouble. “When I got to him, I could see that his back legs were moving but his right front arm was not,” Tompkins recalled. “The accident looked pretty bad, it must have sent him 20 to 30 feet. We got him to Kind Veterinary Clinic as quickly as we could.” At the clinic, Tompkins learned the crash left Bruno with a severely punctured lung and no movement in his back legs. His right front arm was severely damaged and had no feeling. He stayed at the clinic for a day and a half before being moved to the Blue Pearl Emergency Veterinary and Specialty Animal Hospital in Eden Prairie — a place where he could receive more specialized treatment for his punctured lung. At Blue Pearl Bruno was placed in an oxygen chamber to help heal his punctured lung. At this point Bruno had no use of his back legs or right front arm.
As if they were already busy enough ...
Life was already moving along at a hectic pace for the Tompkins family at the time of Bruno’s accident. Tompkins was in the process of opening a new business, a fitness center called Ignition Fitness, and he and his wife, Vanessa, were awaiting the birth of their first child, due in a few weeks. Vanessa remembered the time surrounding Bruno’s accident as extremely stressful. “I remember getting the call from Jason that Bruno had been hit by a car,” Vanessa said. “Really, it was all a big blur to me. So much was happening so quickly.” Vanessa rushed home from her job as a teacher and met Jason at the veterinarian’s office. Once she saw Bruno, it became immediately clear that the family’s pet was going to take a lot of time and attention to heal. “There were moments when I was a little resentful of all the time that the dog was taking from Jason and me,” Vanessa said. “Jason was sleeping in the living room with Bruno every night to make sure he was sitting still and spending a great deal of time on his recovery. It seemed almost never ending.” But there was another moment that changed her feelings. Vanessa remembered a day when the couple was at the veterinarian’s office and Jason was discussing Bruno and his recovery with the veterinarian. “I had the sudden thought of how lucky our soon to be born child was going to be to have Jason for a father. A man who cares so deeply about his dog was obviously going to be a good and caring parent as well,” Vanessa said. MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 19
Bruno stuggled with rehabilitation until his amputation. Then he thrived. After four days in an oxygen chamber, Bruno’s lung healed and he was able to return home. His right front arm, though, was not recovering as smoothly as his back legs. Shortly thereafter, the Tompkins’ daughter, Lily, was born. In addition to having a new baby in the house and a new business to run, Tompkins also had a dog that needed a lot of rehabilitation. Since his business is fitness, Tompkins was determined to make working out with Bruno a top priority. “We went swimming at The Paw literally every day. Splitting time between the pool and the underwater treadmill,” Tompkins said. “Bruno became quite the water swimmer. It was his release. And as a fitness coach, I’m a firm believer in exercise making every situation better.” But in spite of all of the exercise and attention that he was receiving, Bruno’s damaged leg continued to give him trouble. Although Tompkins tried a variety of braces to support the ailing leg — and rehabilitation methods — it eventually became clear that Bruno might be better off if he had his ailing leg amputated. And that’s what Tompkins decided to do. After the surgery, Bruno immediately began to adapt to a three-legged walking gait. “He is so much better now,” Tompkins said. “It was the best choice to make for all of us. When you watch him run, you’d be hard pressed to realize that he’s running on three legs instead of four.” Vanessa agreed. “Having his arm amputated made 20 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
all the difference in the world. He was really dragging it around and it got in the way more than anything. He’s like a new dog.” As an added bonus, Vanessa reported that Bruno and Lilly are great companions and that he is very gentle and protective of her. “They are best friends,” Vanessa said. By January of 2015, a year after his accident, Bruno had fully recovered. “On Jan. 9 of this year, we took a walk together. It was the one-year anniversary of him getting hit. I videotaped Bruno running toward me,” Tompkins said. “He looked so well and happy. I think that videotape of the walk symbolized the end of everything we went through together. He has lost an arm but he’s whole and he’s constantly improving. We will continue to swim and take walks together. He’s a lucky dog and we are lucky to have him.” MM
Voted the Best Auto Body Shop in Mankato! Same Great People. Same Great Service.
Auto Body Repair | Windshield Replacement | National Lifetime Limited Warranty
Give Us a Call Today! 507.388.4895 1671 E. Madison Ave. Mankato, MN 56001
Jerry’s
abraauto.com fb.com/abraauto @ABRAauto
...Call me, Beth Leonard at (507) 508-2229 to find out your home’s value in this fast-paced market.
Make a Statement With Your Building
Kids finally move out? Time for a makeover. with Architectural Metals
design I build I repair I replace
The carpets you've always wanted are softer than ever. Come in and see our latest collection of luxurious floors from Shaw. Carpet | Area Rugs | Tile & Stone | Hardwood | Laminate | Resilient | shawfloors.com
FLOORING EXPERTS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE!
RICKWAY CARPET 507.625.3089
1107 Cross St. | North Mankato
330 Poplar Street, Mankato, MN I 507-387-3101 I schwickerts.com
Mon-Thurs 9am–8pm | Fri 9am–6pm | Sat 9am–4pm | Closed Sun.
www.rickwaycarpet.net
frandsenbank.com
Member FDIC
Senior Vice President NMLS 1321033
Nick Hinz
President NMLS 769578
Cole Nelson
Assistant Vice President NMLS 815774
NORTH MANKATO NORTHRIDGE MANKATO 507.345.5043
507.345.5039 507.345.5455
CA063015
Shane Van Engen
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 21
Purple Haze
Quarterback Fran Tarkenton signs autographs for fans during his first training camp back with the Vikings in 1972. The QB went on to get elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Free Press Sports Editor Jim Rueda has been covering the Vikings for 40 years. A few memories have been made along the way. By Jim Rueda
T
he year is 1968. Queens, N.Y. My junior year of high school. All the NFL buzz is about “Broadway” Joe Namath and the New York Jets. Me? I was having none of it. My allegiance was to the New York Giants and their quarterback “Frantic” Francis Tarkenton. I idolized the guy. He had arrived in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings and it was pure joy watching him play. 22 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
He ran, he created space, he ran some more, he was just plain good. So good that, 17 years later, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But it was Namath and the Jets were the darlings of New York. They reached the Super Bowl and Namath made good on a guaranteed victory as the Jets beat the favored Baltimore Colts 16-7. As most of my friends rejoiced, I was secretly miserable. “Frantic” Francis has been overshadowed
Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Tice walks into Blakeslee Stadium from the football practice fields as fans look on. The former tight end coaches the team for four-plus seasons in the early 2000’s. by “Broadway” Joe again. In my heart, I believed Tarkenton was the better quarterback. Problem is, few others agreed. Flash forward to 1975. After a year of junior college in Florida and then a three-year stint in the U.S. Army, I had enrolled at Mankato State College to continue my studies. During a service hitch in Thailand, a buddy who had noticed my love of sports off-handedly said I should be a sports writer when my enlistment was up. I took it to heart. That’s why I was at MSC. But that wasn’t the main reason I found myself in Minnesota. With the G.I. Bill in my back pocket, I could have attended college almost anywhere. Mankato was where the Vikings held their annual summer training camp. And the starting quarterback of the Vikings was one Fran Tarkenton, who had been traded from the Giants back to Minnesota in 1972. So there I was, a New York-raised cub sportswriter for the MSC Reporter who had decided to stick around for the summer after his initial year of school in Minnesota. I took classes, wrote stories for the paper but, really, I was just biding my time until the Vikings showed up in the middle of the summer. So training camp finally opens and I saunter onto the practice fields. There he is, dressed in his allwhite uniform. The sun seems to radiate from his body. He is working out on his own on a field separate from where his teammates are stretching. He gallops helmetless, stops, twists his upper body
as a slight breeze ruffles his hair. It’s Fran the Man, my idol, and he’s so close I can almost touch him. If there is one moment I will remember forever from all the training camps I have covered in the last 41 years, it is that one. The rookie reporter finally gets to see his football hero up close and personal.
The rest of the story ...
Of course, reality sets in soon after as I learned that being a sportswriter means you have to put you’re feelings as a fan aside. We are trained to be neutral, to be objective, to keep whatever emotional attachments you might have to a player or team in check. As time goes by I also learn that Tarkenton’s distance from his teammates is not by accident. As with many great players, he also has a great ego. His aloofness means he’s not the most well-liked by his teammates. He hangs out more with the coaches. He and head coach Bud Grant spend a lot of time together on the practice field. They pick each other’s brains and that helps Tarkenton remain an elite quarterback for most of his career. As for the media, ‘Frantic’ Francis doesn’t have much time for the local boys. He talks to Sports Illustrated or The Sporting News whenever they show up but the college newspaper doesn’t get oneon-one interviews with the man who would hold every NFL passing record at the completion of his MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 23
18-year career. died of heat stroke under his watch during the 2001 There are plenty of other memories from training training camp. Stringer was eulogized as a nice guy camp. The members of the famed Purple People with a great sense of humor and every bit of it was Eaters were more accessible and it was a kick to true. Although he was one of the better offensive interview the members of the most feared defensive linemen in football, he never took himself too line in football. seriously. He was invariably upbeat and had an everIn the late 70s, toward the end of his career, future present smile on his face. Hall of Fame defensive end Alan Page was at odds You could sense the Vikings’ enthusiasm for the with Grant about the players’ weight. Page had season had diminished after Stringer’s death and the gotten into running and, as a result, it was difficult team went from 11-5 in 2000 to 5-11 in 2001. Green for him to keep weight on. was fired before the final game and Mike Tice took I remember seeing Page running the streets of the over. upper campus after practice and could just sense Tice was almost the exact opposite of Green. He Grant steaming up as the tall, lithe lineman passed was more forth-coming with his comments and by. Page was probably already thinking about his observations. He seemed more like a blue-collar, post-football career. Within a year or two he was out everyman’s coach rather than somebody who was of football and on his way to perched on a pedestal. Not becoming a Minnesota Supreme including the final game of 2001, Court justice. Tice lasted four unremarkable When Grant retired the first seasons. The team never did better time after the 1983 season, than 9-7 and, while we media-types Vietnam Vet Les Steckel was appreciated his candor, his lack of promoted from receivers coach to success resulted in his departure head coach. He emphasized after the 2005 season. discipline and training camp The Brad Childress era began in resembled more of a boot camp 2006 and will forever be the following summer. remembered by who didn’t show The Vikings dominated in their up to training camp rather than first preseason game under Steckel who did. In 2008, second year and everybody jumped on his running back Adrian Peterson and bandwagon. By the end of the year, quarterback Gus Frerotte led the Minnesota had finished a team to a 10-6 season, but not until disastrous 3-13 and Steckel was after the Vikings had been cleared gone. of tampering charges relating to Grant took over on an interim retired quarterback Brett Favre. basis the next season before Jerry Favre indeed signed with the Burns became the head coach for team the next season but never the next six years (1986-91). Of all showed up to training camp. the Vikings head coaches (with the New Vikings head coach Les Steckel did Despite “sightings” of him driving some calisthenics with the team during possible exception of Norm Van around town in an SUV and staying the summer of 1984. Steckel and his Brocklin, whom I never met), at Justin Morneau’s house in Lake boot-camp style methods were gone Burns was the most colorful — Crystal, he never set foot in before the 1985 season. particularly his language. Mankato. With Favre under center, He would swear like a sailor off camera but the team had its most exciting season since 1998. managed to clean up his prose during interviews. Despite a series of seemingly miraculous comebacks Wade Wilson was the QB for most of Burns’ tenure. the team lost to New Orleans in the NFC He was a nice enough guy who willingly granted championship game. Favre was injured in the loss interviews but never rose above the level of secondand the contest led to the uncovering of the tier quarterback. “Bountygate” scandal. When Burns went 8-8 and 6-10 in his final two Favre retired and then unretired before the start seasons, his fate was sealed. Dennis Green took over of next season but, again, he never showed up to in 1992 which began a 10-year reign of secrecy, training camp. Favre broke down his second year sometimes bordering on paranoia. with the team and, after going 3-7 in the first 10 The summer of 1998 was fairly uneventful as far games, Childress was fired and replaced by Leslie as training camps go, but the regular season Frazier. definitely was not. Brash, young receiver Randy Frazier may be the nicest guy to ever wear the Moss was paired with veteran Cris Carter to give the head coaching mantel for the Vikings but he made team one of the best receiving corps in the league. the playoffs only once and was fired after three full Along with running back Robert Smith and seasons. He was replaced by Mike Zimmer, another quarterbacks Brad Johnson and Randall colorful coach ala Jerry Burns, who appears to have Cunningham, the Vikings put together the best the franchise headed in the right direction. offensive season in NFL history. It all came crashing The 2015 training camp should be an interesting down in the playoffs when Minnesota lost in one with Peterson back in the fold, second-year overtime to Atlanta in the now infamous “take a quarterback Teddy Bridgewater behind center and a knee” game. young defense that made major strides a season ago. Green was always guarded in his comments and it It may be just the kind of environment that didn’t help that offensive lineman Korey Stringer produces more lasting memories. MM 24 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
BEST DENTIST: Eagle Lake Family Dentistry
Word of mouth
I
t was 34 years ago this month that Dr. Brad Holmberg founded Eagle Lake Dentistry. Since that time he has seen many changes in the field of dentistry. “There has been a lot of growth and a great deal of improvements in dentistry over the years,” Holmberg said. “Going to the dentist is a much more comfortable experience than it used to be and hopefully a lot more enjoyable.” Holmberg believes that keeping patients comfortable and getting to know them are the key factors that contributed to Eagle Lake Dentistry being named “Best Dentist” by the readers of Mankato Magazine. Eagle Lake Family Dentistry’s motto is: Family Focused, Patient Centered. Holmberg said those are words that his practice lives by. “Our philosophy has always
been to try to help the patient to the best of our ability,” Holmberg said. “We always put the patients first, we don’t rush and we are as gentle as possible. We also have a wonderful, extremely dedicated staff. Some of my hygienists have been with the practice for almost as long as I have.” Holmberg has enjoyed getting to know his patients and their families. Often he will see one member of a family and by word of mouth the rest of the family becomes his patients as well. Since opening his practice he has had the privilege to watch several of his patients grow up. “The other day I was talking to a patient about her daughter who has been a patient of mine all her life. It was great to hear about her and how well she’s doing now that she’s in college. It’s getting to know the families so well that’s been a real pleasure,” Holmberg said.
Working alongside Holmberg are Sean Vostad and Andy Vostad, brothers from South Dakota. “Sean joined the practice many years ago and his brother, Andy, joined us four years ago,” Holmberg said. “When Andy came on board we purchased a second dental office in St. James, St. James Dentistry, and that is where he works out of.” To keep teeth in tip top shape Holmberg recommends people try to live a healthy lifestyle, eat nutritiously and have regular dental care. “It’s much better to see your dentist regularly as opposed to waiting until there’s a problem,” Holmberg said. — By Nell Musolf
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 25
5HDG XV RQOLQH BUILDING AUTOMOTION AND INTEGRATION CONTROLS HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS SECURITY
SPLISH SPLASH We’re having a blast! It’s a Doggie Pool Party at the Paw!
“Todays leading experts to help you for a better tomorrow”
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE ONE
507-625-7070
thepawmankato.com 26 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Please call for a free consultation and estimate
307 McKinzie Street So. Mankato, MN 56001 507-345-4828 507-289-4874 www.paape.com
How great is August for people who like to eat and drink? Consider this … • If it’s August in Mankato, that most certainly means RibFest! The annual event attracts thousands to Riverfront Park each year to gnaw on the bones of some of the most delicious culinary content this town sees all year. • Outdoor grilling! By August, those amateur grillmasters out there have ironed out the BBQ kinks that accumulate over the course of 8 months of hard, Minnesota cold. Sure, some folks grill year-around, but most of us are exclusively summer grillers, and by August we’re humming along nicely, able to grill almost anything with the skill and zeal of Bobby Flay. • August is prime sit-on-your-deck-and-have-a-beer season. While those coals are heating up to a nice glow, what’s better than sitting back on a warm August evening, sipping a few cans of Summer Shandy or polishing off a growler of Mankato Brewery’s Haymaker? Nothing.
Enjoy! — Robb Murray, Associate Editor, Mankato Magazine
southern mn style
The Food, Drink & Dine section of Mankato Magazine hopes to add a little bit to your August routine. Beer expert Bert Mattson’s column will make you want to pack the car with camping gear and hit the road today with your favorite six-pack in tow. Leigh Pomeroy shines a spotlight on local wineries, and Sarah Johnson makes sure you’ve got plenty of ideas to feed the furrier members of your family this month. Plus, tips on making your own BBQ sauce!
food, drink & dine
August is the time to rejoice in great food and drink
Food southern mn style
On the Bubble Tea purveyor seizes on drink’s rising popularity By Sarah Johnson
I
ntroducing a drink that’s fun to eat: bubble tea. Move over trendy coffee drinks, and make way for the bubble tea trend spreading across the country. Over the last few years, bubble tea has moved beyond its roots in the predominately U.S. Asian areas and gained in popularity across the United States. Bubble tea is especially popular with young adults in larger U.S. west coast cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle, in the Canadian cities of Vancouver and Toronto, and in the Hawaiian islands, as well as New York City. Now this crazy-delicious beverage is available in Mankato, too, at Annie’s Bubble Tea on Madison Avenue. Owner Josh Moldstad offers it in a wide variety of flavors, including the usual strawberry, chocolate and vanilla, but also more intriguing ones such as papaya, honeydew, coconut, mango, pomegranate, green apple and guava. Not to mention chai, avocado, taro, lychee and sweet red bean. (Regular coffee drinks and hot tea and iced tea are also available.) The fruit-flavored teas are obviously going to be tasty, but what about … avocado? “Avocado is lighter than most of the other teas,” Moldstad said. “It’s very healthy-tasting. ‘Green’, in a good way.” He also recommends trying the chai flavor, a personal favorite, along with kiwi-pomegranate, although lately he’s been into pomegranatestrawberry-blueberry-banana. A coworker swears by the green apple. Everybody has an opinion. Whatever flavor, you really can’t lose. Bubble tea is the umbrella term for a seemingly endless assortment of names for this drink, such as tapioca pearl drink, tapioca ball drink, pearl shake, pearl tea, black pearl tea, big pearl, boba tea, boba ice tea, boba nai cha, milk tea, bubble drink, zhen zhu nai cha, momi, momi milk tea, QQ, BBT, PT and many others. Don’t worry about it. Around here it’s bubble tea. Describing this drink to the uninitiated is difficult as it is far from the plain-looking tea that you are familiar with. Non-alcoholic and non-carbonated, the tea is sweet, although it has less sugar than a typical soft drink, with a large variety of flavors to try. The drink is usually a mix of tea, milk, sugar and some sort of slurp-it-up boba or “pearl,” traditionally made from tapioca. Lately these bobas are also being made from gummy-like materials. The “bubble” actually refers to the foam created by shaking the freshly brewed tea with ice (the drink must always be shaken and not
28 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
stirred, much like James Bond’s martini). The tea is likely to be in pastel colors of pink, green or yellow. The unique ingredient of bubble tea is the bobas. About the size of real pearls, they are soft and chewy; being heavier than the drink, they tend to hang out near the bottom of the glass. These drinks are usually served in large, transparent plastic containers with an extra-wide straw to sip these jumbo pearls. The bobas at Annie’s Bubble Tea come in a variety of flavors such as mango, strawberry and yogurt. Bite into one and it pops like a fresh pea full of sweet juice. If the bobas aren’t your style, you can alternatively get jellies on top in flavors like mango, coffee, coconutpineapple or green tea. And in the future? “Bubble pops,” Moldstad said, “with a frozen shell on the outside and liquid on the inside.” Just sucking on the translucent straw creates a spectacle, with pearls floating up in succession. Children like to blow the balls out from the straw to shoot at targets or at each other. Some people find the balls bizarre and repelling. The bubble tea craze has taken Taiwan and other parts of Southeast Asia by storm over the past decade. The drink originally started as a childhood treat in Taiwan in the late 1980s at small tea stands in front of schoolhouses, where schoolchildren looked forward to their after-school tea just as American children look forward to their afternoon snacks. Someone came up with the idea of adding tapioca pearls as a bit of novelty, and the idea spread. At Annie’s Bubble Tea, customers can of course order their favorite flavor of bubble tea, but they can also get those little blobs of joy in an American-style smoothie, shake or slushie at no extra cost. Tuesdays are busy days: Two bucks off any drink. The store is in the same building as India Palace Restaurant but is not affiliated with that or the previous restaurant or any franchise. “I heard it was for sale,” Moldstad, a former banker with deep Mankato roots, explained, “and I like to seize opportunities.” Deliveries are handled by Speedy Singh’s Delivery, making Annie’s Bubble Tea the only beverage shop available for delivery in Mankato. Speedy Singh’s also handles deliveries for Shogun Sushi, Bull Chicks, India Palace, Burrito Wings, China Star, Weggy’s On Campus, Dickey’s BBQ Pit and Mazatlan. You can easily make bubble tea at home, but preparing the tapioca pearls is a bit tricky as they must be consumed immediately to maintain freshness and not lose their soft, gummy texture.
In the market for Health Insurance? At Community Insurance we know shopping for health insurance can be overwhelming. Let our agents match you with the perfect plan. Whether you need individual, family, or group coverage, we’ll work with you to provide you with insurance that meets your needs.
“Classic” Bubble Tea Recipe
QUALITY INSURANCE WITH PERSONAL ATTENTION
1/2 cup chilled, cooked large tapioca pearls (see below on how to cook) WHERE YOUR POLICY COMES WITH AN AGENT
1 cup crushed ice 1 cup very strong, chilled black or orange pekoe tea
MANKATO 507.385.4485 AMBOY 507.674.3355 I VERNON CENTER 507.549.3679
1 cup milk or to taste
INSURANCE OFFICES LOCATED IN THE COMMUNITY BANK BUILDINGS
Brittany Linder
Honey or granulated sugar to taste Place the tapioca pearls in a large parfait glass. Combine all remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously until the mixture is frothy. Pour into the glass, and serve with extra-thick straws. Yields one (16-ounce) drink.
How To Cook Tapioca Pearls:
www.cimankato.com
You and your baby
8 cups water 1 cup large tapioca pearls (check Asian grocery stores for the right kind) In a large pot (make sure the pot is big enough so boiling tapioca water will not spill over) over high heat, add water and bring to a boil. Slowly stir in the tapioca pearls so that they do not stick together (after one minute, the tapioca pearls should float). Reduce heat to medium and let boil, covered, for approximately 15 minutes; turn the heat off and let the tapioca pearls sit, covered, for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from heat, rinse the tapioca pearls in cold water, and drain.
The most important members of our team Our obstetrics team provides specialized care for you before, during and after your pregnancy. We offer comprehensive services to ensure you and your baby receive exactly the care you need, close to home.
Call 1-877-412-7575 (toll-free) to schedule an appointment.
mayoclinichealthsystem.org
4.95x4.95
Mankato Magazine August 2015
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 29
Wine & Beer
wines
By Leigh Pomeroy
With wine and food, just go for it
I
southern mn style
’m kicking myself. We were staying overnight in San Luis Obispo on a trip between the San Francisco Bay Area and southern California. San Luis Obispo is a nearcoastal city on the northern end of Edna Valley, known for its fine Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. It is also home to Mankato-raised Stephen Dooley and his semi-eponymous winery, Stephen Ross Wines. San Luis Obispo is not unlike Mankato, with a population of 46,000; a large state university, Cal Poly; and a strong reliance on agriculture for its economy. Alas, Mr. Dooley was not there for us to visit as he was traveling in Italy — you see, being a winemaker is a tough life. But what was there was a fine little New Orleans-style restaurant called Bon Temps Creole Café, which we stumbled upon after a long day of driving too many coastal back roads in search of remote California missions and new vineyards. We had a wonderful (and surprisingly reasonable) dinner at Bon Temps. But this is why I’m kicking myself: Instead of enjoying breakfast there the next morning and selecting from such menu options as Eggs Sardou, Fried Green Tomato Benedict or Faitdodo — known to be the New Orleans answer for hangovers (look it up) — against my wife’s better advice I opted for the world’s worst free hotel breakfast. Two lessons here: First, never let a good food opportunity slip by. Second, always listen to your spouse’s advice, especially when it comes to choosing a quality eating experience over saving a few bucks. The same can be said about wine. We are blessed with having so many choices these days. And judging from all the new vineyards I passed by in California’s central coast region, we will have even more. Add to these all the new plantings in Oregon, Washington, the southern hemisphere, China — yes, China! — and, of course, Minnesota, I don’t see options shrinking anytime soon. But the real challenge for us wine lovers is getting the small and unique labels onto our store shelves and into our favorite restaurants. At too many liquor stores, while there may be a plethora of labels, 75 to 90 percent of those are owned by a handful of international wine conglomerates. And then there are restaurant wine lists, about which I have very few good things to say. In Europe, if you go to a small, local restaurant the family owners will feature, when they can, locally produced foods and wines, the latter usually very good and very reasonable. In the U.S., restaurant wine prices are often marked up 100 to 200 percent above retail. Why? Just so the customer can use the restaurant’s glasses? How appropriate is it that a restaurateur, who has
30 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
had nothing to do with making the wine, is profiting far more on a bottle than the grower or winery that produced it? One fortunate exception is the Amboy Cottage Café, located less than a half-hour south of Mankato in Amboy. Chef/owner Lisa Lindberg does not have a wine and beer license but instead encourages guests to bring their own bottles — and she does not charge a corkage fee either! Not to mention the fact that the food is outstanding and reasonable. One caveat emptor, however: Because the Café is small, make a reservation before you head there, otherwise you may be out of luck for finding a seat. For menus, hours and contact info, go to amboycottagecafe.com. Fortunately, Mankato has some wonderful wineries in its own backyard, all of which serve good food with their wine offerings. As we move into the end of summer and the beginning of the harvest season, it is time for you to try them if you haven’t yet or revisit them: • Morgan Creek Vineyards. Located two miles west of Cambria, Morgan Creek features woodfired pizza and unique events combining food, wine and sometimes beer (in conjunction with Schell’s Brewery). Summer-fall hours are Thursday through Saturday 11 to 9 and Sunday 11 to 5, with Sunday brunch served 11 to 2. Website: morgancreekvineyards.com. • Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery. On Hwy 22 just south of St. Peter, Chankaska Creek serves antipasti and pizza to go with their broad range of white, rosé, red and dessert wines. Hours through December are Monday through Thursday 11 to 8, Friday and Saturday 11 to 10, and Sunday 11 to 7. Website: chankaskawines. com. • Indian Island Winery. Located five miles south of Smiths Mill on County Road 37, Indian Island offers elk and bison burgers, soups, pizza and other snacks to with their 100 percent Minnesotagrown wines. Hours through September: Tuesday through Thursday 12 to 6, Friday and Saturday 12 to 9, and Sunday 12 to 5. Website: indianislandwinery.com. In addition to their regular hours, all three wineries offer special events and unique venues for weddings and other gatherings. Leigh Pomeroy is a Mankato-based writer and wine lover.
Campy views and august brews
M
inimalist camping is compelling in principle. There is the reward of remote scenery absorbed in reverent silence. The serenity of settling in under a sky of stars whose proximity appears greater than that of fellow campers. Absent are even occasional smells and sounds of “civilization” wafting in from adjacent sites. Whatever risks run on the paddle or footpath are worthy without doubt. Someone smart once suggested leaving the horse at home to avoid its thirst standing in the way of stopping somewhere with the choicest view — odds are it was Hank Thoreau. The point is, sacrifices must be made. I draw the line, however, at beer concentrates and powders. Inventions of science fiction? No. They exist. And someone, somewhere, is excited about them. I am inclined to strike a different compromise. Some folks pack booze or boxed wine. All fine and good, but not my bag. Hand me a hike-in site, heck a walk-in site, and I’m content to leave the bottles behind… But I’ll cling to my beverage of choice in some identifiable form. Aluminum cans being relatively lightweight (and compact, particularly when crushed) give more mileage than glass — for the hike in and the haul out. Anyway, glass is restricted from some areas. It’s not ideal by shorelines, for example. Among beer snobs, canned beer was once somewhat stigmatized, but smaller brewers increasingly put their best in cans. Once past the packaging there’s hardly any compromise. In fact, cans keep out sunlight, which can pose quality problems. Leaving the cooler behind saves some weight but poses a technical problem. Not so bad if the campsite is near a stream
in which to plunge cans. It’s a fairly common misconception that refrigeration is a matter of applying cold. Rather, it is the process of removing heat. As a (thermodynamic) rule, heat flows to a cooler body. Stream water carries it away from warm cans. Absent a stream, try stuffing warm cans in a wet sock then hanging them in the shade to let the breeze blow the heat away. I harbor the irrational view that beer tastes a touch better being brewed in the same state as one’s campsite. An attitude due, possibly, to all the Hamm’s adds aired in the 70’s. I’m also sentimental and enjoy a hotdog around the fire. Schell’s Deer Brand, developed prior to prohibition, contains alcohol levels commensurate to camp chores and suits tubesteak solidly. While cooking is in my wheelhouse, my wife has the knack for s’mores and I don’t stand in the way. Her method is to melt the chocolate on a graham cracker while its underside toasts in a pie iron over open flames. My job is to fetch cans of Bent Paddle Brewing Company’s Black Ale. Roasty, chocolatey elements in the Ale reflect that quality in s’mores. Carbonation and bitterness mellow the rich sweetness of marshmallows. For an ultralight feast, freeze dried Neapolitan ice cream (weighing in at around an ounce) and this Ale also make a nice match.
Bert Mattson is a chef and writer based in St. Paul. He is the manager of the iconic Mickey’s Diner.
Minnesota Valley Pet Hospital P.A. 507-345-5900 505 Madison Ave. Mankato, MN
www.mnvalleypet.com
072265746201
By Bert Mattson
1235-031864443501
Beer
{ A PLACE FOR GATHERING }
Pub 500 Patio Dining The perfect place to gather outdoors on warm days or cool nights. Check www.pub500.com for great food, drinks and events.
CITY CENTER MANKATO www.pub500.com MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 31
Food southern mn style
Make the perfect barbecue with your own sauce By Daniel Neman | St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Y
ou may talk about your barbecue. You may even brag that your barbecue is world-famous. But knowing how to cook meat at just the right temperature is only a small part of the barbecue experience. Making a rub is merely the first step. If you are going to claim credit for world-beating barbecue, you can’t cover it with something that comes out of a jar. Real masters of the barbecue make their own sauce. To be sure, plenty of great, commercially available barbecue sauces are out there. And buying one at the store is easier than making it yourself. But when you get right down to it, it’s not that much easier. Most barbecue sauces are a mixture of sweet tastes and tart, of rich flavors and acid, of spiciness and salt. The key lies in selecting the appropriate ingredients and using them to create a breathless balance among the competing flavors. To get an idea of where to start, I turned first to Steven Raichlen. Of course, I turned to Steven Raichlen. Raichlen has written more than 25 books, many of them about barbecue, including the irreplaceable “The Barbecue! Bible.” I took a couple of his books down from the bookcase and eagerly paged through them. That’s when I saw that most of his barbecue sauce recipes contain liquid smoke. I’ll still swear by “The Barbecue! Bible” as an unimpeachable source for recipes about international methods for grilling meat, but I have always held that using liquid smoke is cheating. So instead I pulled out a recipe I have been making for 15 years. It’s from Texas, and therefore meant to go with barbecued beef brisket. But this is such an all-purpose sauce that it would go just as well with pork ribs, chicken and even lamb. It is the ultimate expression of a perfectly balanced barbecue sauce. It begins with a base of ketchup and tomatoes. For sweetness, it calls for equal measures of molasses and brown sugar. Aromatic notes are provided by onions, garlic and Worcestershire sauce. An unexpected depth comes from a half-cup of coffee. And the required heat comes courtesy of Dijon mustard and a couple of chipotle peppers _ which also create the smokiness (but not the liquid smokiness) that is so desirable in barbecue. A sauce such as this one should be used judiciously, and only at the end of cooking. In fact, if you are making it for brisket, it should only be served on the side of the already cooked meat. For other uses, such as ribs or chicken, it should only be added in the last few minutes over the fire. Any longer than that and
32 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
the sugar and the molasses will burn. This Texas sauce, besides being a Texas sauce, also might be considered a Midwestern sauce because it has some sweetness to it and a tomato base. It’s what people in most parts of the country consider a barbecue sauce. But not the good folks of North Carolina. In North Carolina, or at least in eastern North Carolina, they don’t want to talk about tomatoes in their barbecue sauce. They don’t even want to hear about tomatoes. Barbecue sauce in eastern North Carolina is made from vinegar, with peppers in it and maybe a few other spices. A vinegar-based sauce cuts right through the richness of pulled pork. But it also makes a spectacular barbecued chicken. My favorite bottled vinegar-based sauce is called Scott’s Barbecue Sauce. It is sold throughout the southeast but is made in a tiny little restaurant in Goldsboro, N.C., a midsize town that is not particularly near anywhere else. Naturally, the company is not about to release its secret recipe. So I set about to try to re-create it. Mine might not taste exactly like Scott’s, but it is awfully good in its own right. I began with a mixture of two vinegars, white and apple cider. Then I tossed in 1 { tablespoons of cayenne pepper _ how much you add depends on how hot you want it _ and equal amounts of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Why equal amounts? I wanted to keep it simple. My version had a wonderful, surprisingly complex flavor, a pleasant tang, plenty of heat and no sweetness whatsoever. It is not what a lot of people think of as barbecue sauce; it is thin in texture and tastes more like a vinegary hot sauce. It can be used as a marinade or as a finishing sauce, served on the side once the pulled pork is cooked or basted over chicken while it is on the grill. I tried it with chicken and loved it. I can’t wait to use it again. But I still wasn’t done with vinegar-based sauces, because I wanted to make Frank’s Famous Barbecue Sauce. I have no idea who Frank is. I don’t even know if his sauce is, in fact famous. It lacks the garlic and onion powders and paprika of my version, but it compensates with mustard. And instead of cayenne, it uses Texas Pete hot sauce. That’s how you know it is truly a North Carolina sauce. Made in Winston-Salem, N.C., Texas Pete is practically the national dish of North Carolina. But here is the catch: It is not available anywhere near
\ ǔ Ǖ \ 1 Ǖ ǔ Ǖ ! ļ \ Ǖ ǔ Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ \ $ ǔ Ŋņ Ĩ Ǖ Ǖ \ + ļǔ Ǖ ǔ Ĩ Ǖ ů Ǖ \ Ǖ Ǖ ǔ ǔ Ǖ \ Ǖ ǔ Ĩ ǔ Ǖ \ Ǖ ǔǕ Ĩ Ǖ Ǖ \ 1 ǔ Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ ǔ\ & Ǖ Ĩ Ǖ Ǖ ŕ ǔ Ǖ Ǖ
Ĩ Ǖ \
0 3$/ ' -%0 *$.* '1 /$1' 3Ǘ A 8 ň
Ǖ ŝ Ǖ Ĩ Ǖ
ʼn Ǖ Ĩ ǔ
Ň ǔ Ň Ň Ű ʼn
ǔ ň
*Ǖ ǔ
ʼn
Ň
3 Ǖ ň Ǖ Ĩ ( A Ǘ ǘ Ǘ ǖǘ ǘ Ǘ "Ǘ ǘ Ǘ Ǘ ǖ
Ň\ . Ǖ Ǖ ǔ ǔ Ǖ ǔ
Ǖ Ǖ \ (
Ǖ Ǖ ǔ Ĩ ʼn ǔǕ Ĩ Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ Ǖ \ %
ǔ Ǖǔǔ ŏ ǔǕ \ %
Ĩ Ĩ ǔ Ĩ Ĩ 3 Ǖ Ǖ Ĩ Ǖ Ǖ Ĩ Ǖǔǔ Ňŋ ǔǕ \ ň\ . Ǖ
\ 0 Ǖ Ǖ \ * L7 ǘ M Ǘ A 8= ǘ Ǘ B 6 ǘ B ǘ ǘ ǘ B B Ǘ B < ǘ ǘ B < ǘ B ê B 6<< ǖ Ǘ ǖB = ǖ ǘ Ǘ ǖ? , Ǘ $ǘ ' ǘ Ǘ @ Ǘǘ (
MANKATO MAGAZINE • $8*867 • 33
Food
What’s Cooking By Sarah Johnson
southern mn style
Q:
Is cooking for your pet a sign you are a pet pamperer?
A: Yes, but it sure beats these guys:
• The Florida yoga instructor who offers “doga” for dogs at $100 a pop. • The high-end wedding shop that offers doggie haute couture for that glamorous walk down the aisle. • The Manhattan spa that offers $700 champagne doggie parties for up to 20 guests and their canines. Deejay available for a few hundred more. • Pet furniture makers who offer $2,000 cat trees, $10,000 dog houses and $12,000 dog beds. And pet strollers, a whole new category of … thing.
Are these people taking advantage of our natural and benevolent urge to pamper our pets? Yes, and I think it is disgusting! That I did not think of it first and make a lot of money off rich wackadoodles with fancy poodles. So I say, don’t feel bad about making your pet’s day a little brighter, friendlier and perhaps healthier with some delectable treats that will neither fatten your pet nor break your bank. We are Minnesotans, after all, frugal even in our pampering. Here are some ideas on the cheap side.
Droolin’ Goulash (for dogs)
Many cats like greens, but indoor cats usually don’t have access to the grass they crave. This special treat should satisfy your cat’s craving for something green any time of the year.
1 pound of any kind of ground meat 2 cups of cooked brown rice 2 cans of vegetables, or 3 cups of fresh green veggies (kale, spinach, green beans) – not corn 2 chopped hard boiled eggs (very well-crushed shells optional) 1 can mackerel (look next to the tuna in the grocery store) 6 ounces of chopped chicken livers or gizzards Pulverize vegetables in a blender or food processor, then mix all of the ingredients together in a large pot. Cover with water and mix well. Cover pot and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. (Open a window, ‘cause this ain’t gonna smell too good.) When cooking is complete, let it cool; separate into small baggies or containers, then freeze until needed.
Kittycat Salad 1/4 cup grated zucchini 1/2 cup chopped alfalfa sprouts 1/8 cup chicken or fish stock 1/8 teaspoon of minced catnip for garnish Combine the first three ingredients in a bowl and toss. Serve sprinkled with the minced catnip on top. Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Kitty Kisses 1 (3 ounce) can wet cat food 1 teaspoon catnip Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place the cat food and catnip into a blender. Cover and puree until smooth and looking a little like frosting. Spoon pureed cat food into a resealable plastic bag. Cut a small hole in the corner of the bag. Squeeze ½-inch kisses onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake 15 minutes. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Sarah Johnson is a cook, freelance writer and chocolate addict from North Mankato with three grown kids and a couple of mutts.
34 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Let’s not forget our feathered friends, who were tweeting long before tweeting was cool.
Human Foods Your Bird Can Eat 1. Fruit: Grapes, oranges, bananas, melons -- just about any kind of fruit is good for your bird. 2. Cooked Dry Beans: Beans are an outstanding source of protein for your feathered friend. Use canned beans, or boil a bean soup mix without the seasoning. 3. Vegetables: Wild birds feast on an amazing variety of vegetables in their natural habitats, so it only makes sense that fresh veggies are good for captive birds as well. Try offering your pet some broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, peas or greens. 4. Pasta: No matter whether it’s cooked or uncooked, birds love energy-enhancing pasta. Try boiling some bowtie pasta or fill a few raw macaroni noodles with peanut butter for a fun crunchy snack. 5. Bread: Whole-grain breads taste great and are a good source of fiber. Plus, who doesn’t have an old bread heel laying around? Double bonus. 6. Cereal / Grains: Grain farmers often complain when flocks of wild birds descend on their crops to feast. A hungry group of birds can strip a field of grain in no time. Try serving your bird rolled oats or shredded wheat, and watch your own feeding frenzy begin. 7. Nuts: Use unsalted, and use sparingly because they are as high in fat as they are in deliciousness. 8. Peppers: Our avian friends lack the taste receptors that pick up on a pepper’s heat, which makes them a favorite of birds around the world. Try giving your bird a fresh pepper and watch it chomp its way to the seeds inside.
Three Time National Award Winners 20765 Foley Rd., Mankato, MN | 507.387.2434 | 507.726.2411
AU G U ST 2 01 5
R EC E I V E F R E E CO R D L E SS L I F T
ON A COLLECTION OF POPULAR SIGNATURE SERIES BLINDS AND SHADES*
S AV E ON
SAFETY WITH SELECT SIGNATURE SERIES PRODUCTS
QUALIFYING PRODUCTS: Cellular, Pleated, and Unison Shades; and Wood Composite, and Faux Wood Blinds.** *Applies only to Signature Series products manufactured by Springs Window Fashions. Excludes contract and large volume discount quotes economy faux wood blinds, economy aluminum blinds, and Graber Simple Selections. **Bottom Up/Top Down shade option surcharge still applies. Cordless lift option at no charge.
BUDGET BLINDS OF MANKATO Call Today for your free measure and consultation
Toll Free 877-373-8535 | budgetblinds.com
Dan Doesn’t Sell Houses
Dan Sells HOMES (507) 381-4747 One of Mankato’s Best
DAN WINGERT
422 Park Lane, Mankato, MN | www.NuStarMankato.com MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 35
Then & Now: U.S.-Dakota War By Bryce O. Stenzel
Bishop Whipple Goes to Washington T
he U.S.-Dakota War is one of southern Minnesota’s darkest times. It resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives, created a deep divide between two cultures and resulted in the largest mass execution in our nation’s history. That final event, however, could have been much worse were it not for the efforts of Bishop Henry Whipple of Faribault. Whipple’s communications with President Lincoln likely cast doubt in the president’s mind about the veracity of the convictions that came out of the criminal trials. The fact that the total number of Dakota executed was whittled down from 303 to 38 is likely due to the compassionate view Whipple took regarding the treatment of the Dakota. The U.S.-Dakota War began on the afternoon of August 17, 1862, with the killing of five white settlers near Acton by four young Dakota warriors. They had been part of a larger, unsuccessful hunting party of 20 men that had broken up into at least three smaller groups earlier that fateful morning. All four of the braves lived in or had a connection to the Rice Creek Village, a settlement at the confluence of Rice Creek and the Minnesota River on the Lower Dakota (Sioux) Reservation. Due to its proximity near the Lower Sioux Agency (a federal outpost designed to administer to the reservation’s inhabitants by distributing food and annuity payments under the provisions of the Traverse des Sioux and Mendota Indian Treaties of 1851), this village had a reputation among other Dakotas and whites as a place that attracted young, disgruntled men. Loss of their land and cultural identity to white settlement, coupled with crop failures and the lack of indifference on the part of the U.S. government to pay the Dakota what it owed them, created a burning resentment on the part of
36 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior in Faribault, beneath which Bishop Whipple is buried. many young warriors that only needed a catalyst to spark a full-scale uprising. That catalyst came in the form of a dare, in which one of the Indians turned his gun on the settlers to prove his manliness after one of his companions had earlier called him a “coward” for refusing to steal a nest of hen’s eggs belonging to one of the white men. When the braves returned to Rice Creek from Acton (about 40 miles away) that night and reported what they had done, it was decided at a war council lasting most of the night to mount an all-out military offensive to drive the white settlers out of the Minnesota River valley permanently, beginning with the hated traders and other officials stationed at the Lower Sioux Agency. The decision to go to war was not an easy one; however, Dakota leaders realized that white retaliation for the Acton killings would be swift and terrible. Why not strike first and gain the advantage of surprise? Attacks began in earnest on the morning of Aug. 18 — lasting about six weeks. Before it was over, approximately 486 white settlers (360 civilians and 126 soldiers) and untold numbers of Dakota were killed. Fleeing white settlers crowded into Fort Ridgely and New Ulm (both attacked) and on to Judson, Mankato, St. Peter, and points east. Some never returned to the state. Eventually, a military expedition under command of Colonel Henry H. Sibley (for whom Mankato’s Sibley Park was named) launched a counter offensive and the Dakota rebellion was put down. Never fully united in its support for the war, a peace faction emerged on the Dakota side that sought a negotiated settlement to the hostilities. Sibley used this division among the Dakota to his advantage. The war ended, but it was a disaster for the Indians. They
Bishop Whipple’s carriage is on display at the Blue Earth County Historical Society. lost both of their reservations along the Minnesota River, lost the annuity payments of food and cash promised to them for the original sale of their land, and were shamefully deported from the state. In a series of sham military trials, 303 out of 392 convicted Dakota prisoners were sentenced to be hanged. All that was required to carry out the execution was the president’s signature. Abraham Lincoln surprised everyone by delaying the planned execution until he could have the trial records sent to him in Washington and have them carefully reviewed by his own legal team. Lincoln knew he was taking an unpopular stand among the people of Minnesota and risked losing both the state’s military and political support at a desperate time during the American Civil War (the North was losing the war, while at the same time, Lincoln was considering issuing his preliminary Emancipation Proclamation). But Lincoln himself stated: “I cannot hang men for votes.” It was the persuasive nature of Bishop Henry Whipple of Faribault which, more than anything else, influenced Lincoln’s decision to intervene. Whipple had been appointed Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota in 1859. He had worked among the Dakota for several years, earning both their trust and respect. On March 6, 1862, Whipple wrote a letter to the president, arguing that the root cause for so many of the current problems the Dakota were facing was due to the wide-spread corruption running rampant in the federal government’s Office of Indian Affairs. Whipple’s letter recommended that in order to ensure the Indians were being treated fairly, Lincoln should appoint Indian agents and other officials competent in their understanding of Indian matters, instead of simply rewarding loyal party followers — as was the current custom, dating at least as far back as the “spoils system” of political patronage established
by President Andrew Jackson. Whipple believed that honest agents would make sure that the annuity payments of gold and food were administered on time, control the liquor traffic on the reservations and prevent unscrupulous traders from taking unfair advantage of the Indians under their jurisdiction. “When I came to Minnesota, I was startled by the degradation at my door,” Whipple wrote in his letter. This bold document marked the start of a formal relationship between the bishop and the president — a relationship that culminated in Bishop Whipple going to Washington in late September of 1862 to plead his case for his plan to reform the Indian system. By then, word had reached both men that the Dakota had taken to the warpath; in fact, by this time, the fighting phase had all but ended, and the military trials were just getting underway. Although the final results of those trials were still months away, Whipple must have known that the singular purpose of the trials was to severely punish the Dakota. Execution was certainly a strong possibility. Whipple was not mistaken. When Lincoln learned the full extent of the military’s decision to hang 303 Dakota men, he too was appalled. Recalling everything the Bishop had already told him, Lincoln was “anxious to not act with so much clemency as to encourage another outbreak, on one hand, nor with so much severity as to be real cruelty on the other …” He then ordered the “full and complete record of their convictions,” as well as a “careful statement” of the trial records, indicating “the more guilty and influential of the culprits.” Lincoln determined that murder and rape be used as the criteria necessary to earn a prisoner the death sentence. Lincoln’s actions culminated in his pardoning of 265 Dakota prisoners. The remaining 38 were hanged in Mankato — the site of the nation’s largest massexecution — on December 26, 1862. MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 37
Reflections By John Cross
38 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Ê 7èà à 7è¼úʃ ¡ã Ø ¼Êâ ô«Ãã Ø Ã ÜÕثâ à ô«ã¨ 㨠ÜèÂÂ Ø Ü ÜÊà ¡Ø ܨ à à ôʃ 㨠¼èØ Ê¡ ô ã Ø «Ü ÜãØÊâ ¡ÊØ ÂÊÜã ¼ ¹ ʢ¼Êó«Ã¢ A«Ãà ÜÊã ÃÜʈ èã Ü ã¨ Ü ú«Ã¢ ¢Ê Üʃ ʭ¡ «¼« Ø«ãú Ø Ü ÊÃã ÂÕãʈʮ ú 㨠ã«Â è¢èÜã Øʼ¼Ü ØÊèà ʃ ¡ã Ø «¢¨ã ô ¹Ü Ê¡ ¨ ãʃ ¨è« ãú à Üèà èØÃʃ Âè ¨ Ê¡ ÊèØ ÕÕ ã«ã ¡ÊØ ÜèÃʢ ÕÕ¼ ô ã ØÜ ¨ Ü Ã Ü ã ʈ BÊô Êà 㨠Êô諼¼ Ü« Ê¡ 㨠Üè Øʃ 㨠¨ Üʃ Ê ã ¼ à «Ã¢Ü à ¡ óÊØ«ã ăܨ«Ã¢ ÜÕÊãÜ ã¨ ã ¶èÜã ¡ ô ܨÊØã ô ¹Ü ¢Ê ããØ ã ÃÊ«Üú ØÊô Ü Êà ¢ «Ã Ø ×è« ã Õ¼ Ü ô«ã¨ Õ¼ Ããú Ê¡ ¼ Êô ØÊÊÂʈ HØ «Ã ã¨ Ü Ê¡ ¢ â¼úʃ ¢Ø ã ¼è ¨ ØÊà Üã ¼¹«Ã¢ 㨠ܨÊØ ¼«Ã ¡ÊØ Ø ¹¡ Üãʃ ¼«ãã¼ ¼ ¢ ØÊÊÂʈ MM
MANKATO MAGAZINE • $8*867 • 39
Living
fifty-five
s u l p
y g o l o n Tech
Helping People Of All Ages Stay Connected, Share Stories and Insights Trauma often leads to long-lasting grief How to handle an old 401(k) How to build and maintain strong bones
How to protect your vision over the long haul 40 • Living 55 PLUS • August 2015 • Special Advertising Section
s !PPLIANCES
s &OOD $RINK
s /FlCE 0RODUCTS
s !RTS #RAFTS &ABRICS
s (AIR 3ALON
s 0AIN #LINIC
s #AR #ARE
s (EARING !ID #ENTERS
s 0HYSICAL 4HERAPY
s #HIROPRACTIC #ARE
s (OME (EALTH 3ERVICES
s 0OST /FlCE
s $ERMATOLOGY #LINICS
s )NSURANCE .EEDS
s 0ROSTHETICS
s $IALYSIS #ENTER
s ,AW /FlCE
s 2ELIGIOUS #ENTER
s %MPLOYMENT 3ERVICES
s -EDICAL #LINICS
s 3EWING #ENTER
s %STATE 0LANNING
s -EDICAL 3UPPLIES
s 3HOPPER 3ERVICES
s %YE #ARE 3ERVICES
s 4RAVEL #ENTER
Special Advertising Section â&#x20AC;¢ AUGUST 2015 â&#x20AC;¢ LIVING 55 PLUS â&#x20AC;¢ 41
y g o l o n h c e T Helping People Of All Ages Stay Connected, Share Stories and Insights
S
By Marianne Carlson
ome experts believe technology is driving a wedge between people – making relationships more difficult and even killing the art of face to face conversation.
As people rely more and more on texting as their preferred form of communication and family members sit across from one another in a restaurant, each, separately experiencing the world on their own electronic devices, experts wonder – what will become of the human race?
42 • Living 55 PLUS • August 2015 • Special Advertising Section
Cover: Carol Hanson looks out over Sheridan, WY during a trip to the Big Horn Mountains. LEFT: Carol Hanson’s 99-year-old mother, Helen, shares a moment with her great-grandaughter. Right: Carol and Helen pose for a quick photo.
Although the younger generation might be consuming and/or being consumed by technology, 69-year-old Carol Hanson and 68-year-old Beverly Stoufer said technology has actually helped them stay connected to friends and family. It has even helped them make new friends, find compatible partners and support people and causes they believe in.
When the Future is Now
Hanson is friends with her great nieces and nephews on Facebook and as a result, she gets to watch and share in their everyday lives, from the mundane to the outrageous.
Video conferencing, Skype and Facetime have made it possible for people from around the world to participate in the same event in real time.
“I feel like technology has brought us all so much closer,” Hanson said. “I have been watching and communicating with them all year long so when we get together at Christmas, I feel like we share this strong connection. They worry about people not talking to each other anymore, but for me, having a serious conversation via message on Facebook is no different than visiting with them face to face. We are sharing intimate personal information and without this technology I might not get a chance to know these kids.”
“My son Tony and his family live in Maine so we Skype all the time,” Hanson said. “I love being able to see them, not just hear them over the phone. It is so cute.”
Hollywood movie makers have been dreaming about what today would look like, imagining teleportation devices and video phones. Scientists and engineers may not have perfected teleportation … yet. However, being able to see the face of the person you are calling, has been around for ten years.
Hanson’s mother is 99-years-old and the first time she had her over to Skype with the great-grand kids, Hanson said, her mother was “pretty dumbfounded.” “The kids started talking to her and she looked at me and she looked at the screen,” Hanson said with a laugh. “She was totally silent for five full minutes. I think she was trying to wrap her head around what was happening.”
Hanson’s mother lives in LeCenter, but Skyping with her grandson and his family is now a tradition that Hanson upholds every time her mother visits her in Mankato.
Keeping Up Stoufer has been a fan of computers and technology, in general, since 1976, when the first computers arrived in the Mankato School District. She and her husband were both teachers. In fact, Roger Stoufer taught Hanson’s sons. “In 1985, they hired Doug Johnson as the computer coordinator for the district,” Stoufer said. “The Internet was just coming out and he wanted every teacher to have a computer on their desk. He told us that parents would be contacting us and we would be using the computer for grading. He was so visionary. He knew it was going to happen and it happened.” When personal computers came onto the market, Stoufer said her family bought one right away. “The neighbor kids used to come to our house and use it to type up their papers,” Stoufer recalled with a smile. “From there we just kept updating everything and adding to it.”
Special Advertising Section • August 2015 • Living 55 PLUS • 43
Feeding the Facebook Addiction Hanson recently used Facebook to help organize her 50th high school reunion. “Ten years ago, I was impressed that we were able to find all 52 of our classmates using whitepages. com, but using Facebook was even easier,” Hanson said. ”People were posting all kinds of old photos it was really fun. I actually started a second Facebook page called Growing Up in Le Center, Minnesota. We have over 400 members.”
Top: Carol Hanson used this photo as a profile picture on Facebook. Bottom: Carol posted photos for Throwback Thursday of herself with a self-inflicted haircut, performed the day before 2nd grade pictures & her senior photo.
Stoufer was a teacher in the Mankato School District for over 20 years so technology has simply been a part of her everyday life. She retired 10 years ago, but Stoufer continues to attend classes at the Lincoln Community Center in order to keep up with all of the changes. “When the new Microsoft Office came out, I went back to school,” Stoufer said with a laugh. “They keep making everything better, so I figure, if I am going to buy something, I better learn how to use it.” For Stoufer’s husband, Roger, who is eight years older than her, keeping up with technology has been more of a struggle. He was also a teacher in Mankato for many years, teaching first at Lincoln Jr. High School, then West High School and finally finishing his career as principle of the alternative
school. He retired 14 years ago. Although, Roger might not be quite as savvy with the Internet as his wife, he uses email and Microsoft Word on a daily basis. “He writes stories everyday and he just published a book called, “Tale of a Teacher,” Stoufer said with admiration. When it comes to keeping up, Hanson is also no stranger to the Internet and everyday technology like email and texting. She was an office coordinator for many years and still uses email every day. When Hanson’s son gave her a laptop, he encouraged her to play with her new toy and have fun. “He told me there wasn’t anything that I could do to it, that he couldn’t fix,” Hanson said smiling at the memory. “So now I am totally addicted to Facebook.”
44 • Living 55 PLUS • August 2015 • Special Advertising Section
Being able to see pictures of friends and family members, is one of the best things about Facebook, Hanson said. Stoufer agreed, “I take some many more pictures now and I love being able to share them right away.” Everyone has stories, some people are just better at telling them than others and Hanson is a born story teller. “The craziest things happen to me,” Hanson said with a laugh. “I use Facebook as a way to share all of my crazy adventures. One day last year I was riding on a bus from Portland, Maine to Boston and I had to ride all the way there sitting next to this very stinky gentleman. When I got off the bus at the airport and had to take off my shoes at security, I realized that I had an inch thick pile of dog poop stuck to the bottom of my shoe. It was so embarrassing. I had been at a bonfire the night before at my son’s house so that is where it must have come from. Then, I had to find a way to get it off my shoe so there I am in a bathroom stall with a self-flushing toilet. It was so funny!” A few years ago, Stoufer has several friends that said they were never going to get a Facebook account and they didn’t need a computer.
“Now almost everyone I know is on Facebook and has a smartphone or a tablet of some kind,” Stoufer said. “We all do pretty well getting around this new technology, but there have been a few times, when we’ve had to have our kids come over and find something for us or fix something for us.” For Stoufer, Facebook is a simple, quick way to communicate. “There is no reason for people not to know what is going on in your life, if you want them to,” Stoufer said. One of Hanson’s greatest passions is an organization called Operation Minnesota Nice. This organization also has a Facebook page that they use as a way to reach volunteers. These volunteers adopt service members and send them care packages full of their favorite treats. The mission statement for Operation Minnesota Nice reads: “We provide support and comfort to those serving in our armed forces. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of those that are serving abroad in a time
Beverly & Roger Stoufer pose for a photo while on vacation.
We Create home for older adults, wherever they choose to live. The Ecumen St. Peter team is proud to provide independent living, assisted living, memory and respite care at Ecumen Prairie Hill, and assisted living at Ecumen Sand Prairie. We’d love to meet you. Please call Lisa at 507-484-2203 for a tour or more information.
Ecumen Prairie Hill 1305 Marshall Street St. Peter, MN 56082
Ecumen Sand Prairie 700 Knight Street St Peter, MN 56082
www.ecumenstpeter.org Front row: Nicki Rehnelt, Housing Director; Melanie Marti, RN, Sand Prairie; Heidi Lohre, RN, Prairie Hill. Second row: Becky Tapper, Sand Prairie Life Enrichment Coordinator; Janet Geisler, Life Enrichment Director; Rachel Hauschild, Human Resources Representative. Third row: Joyce Wilcox, Prairie Hill and Sand Prairie Food & Beverage Manager; Tami Brandt, Business Office Manager; Lisa Hofferbert, Sales & Marketing Manager. Fourth row: Doug Mehlhaff, Environmental Service Director.
Special Advertising Section • August 2015 • Living 55 PLUS • 45
Roger Stouffer signing copies of his new book “Tale of a Teacher.”
of conflict. Operation Minnesota Nice does not take a position on where or why the troops are deployed. We are simply here to offer a reminder that they are our heroes.” Hanson’s favorite part is communicating with the soldiers when they are deployed. She actually “chats” with them during their deployment and over the years has kept in contact with five of them after they have returned home, Hanson said. “The wife of one of the soldiers adopted my 99-year-old mother as a pen pal,” Hanson said with a smile. “It is so cute. Usually the letters are sent in the actual mail, but sometimes I will get a letter in the form of an email, but either way, I always print them and read them out loud to my mother. She loves it.”
The Texting Phenomenon – Not Just For The Young Nowadays, no matter where you go, everyone seems to have their eyes on an electronic device. Whether you are waiting in line at the DMV or waiting for dance practice to wrap up, people of all ages can be seen looking at their phones almost constantly.
Nephew sharing photos with Roger.
Coffee with friends at HyVee.
“Every time you get upset at something, ask yourself if you were to die tomorrow, was it worth wasting your time being angry?” “I like texts because everyone is so busy,” Stourfer said. “With a text, it sends the person an alert and they can read it when they have time. I like to text to my kids because there is no tone to give away. I think we get into fewer arguments that way.
Thoughtful Sharing Eight years ago Hanson lost her husband. They were married for 36 years.
Stoufer’s son owns a car dealership and Stoufer uses her phone to take pictures of cars at auctions and sends them to him.
Losing the person you’ve built a life with, raised children with and shared your heart and soul with, is indescribable – something that can only be truly understood if you’ve experienced it.
“I can’t imagine what we ever did without cell phones,” Hanson said. “I feel a lot less vulnerable with my cell phone. If I forget it, I will turn around and go home, no question.”
As the hours turn to days and days into weeks and weeks into years, the inevitable happens … getting older. With age comes loss, whether it is a spouse, children, parents or friends.
“Now that so many people have smartphones or phones with cameras and texting capabilities, people are taking so many more pictures. I know I am,” Stoufer said with a laugh. “We meet with a group of our neighbors for coffee on Friday mornings and we are always passing our phones around and looking at pictures of each other’s grandkids.” Stoufer is a big fan of texting, not just for sharing pictures, but as a quick form of communication.
Local And Long Distance, Climate Controlled Warehouse, Self-Storage Units or “Pods.”
46 • Living 55 PLUS • August 2015 • Special Advertising Section
One of the first things Stoufer does when she wakes up in the morning is post a positive message on Facebook, she calls it, “thoughtful sharing.”
9 HOLES + 1/2 CART $ Coupon good for up to 4 people Mon., Wed., Thurs. or Fri. before noon. Not good with other offers. Expires 8-21-15.
She recently posted this quote, “Grief never ends, but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, not a lack of faith … It is the price of love!”
Three years after her husband had passed away, Hanson decided to take a chance and start dating again. She signed up with Match.com. “It was scary … really scary,” Hanson said. “I was pretty specific about what I wanted. I wanted to meet someone who was already here in Mankato and I did. We’ve been dating for five years now.” Inspiring friends to believe in themselves and be a blessing to others is the kind of energy that Hanson and Stoufer send to all their friends and family members, through their Facebook posts. Then someone likes it and shares it with their group of friends and family members and so on. They are slowly creating a cycle of positivity that knows no bounds. “I truly believe that we should love and respect everyone -- not shine a flashlight in other people’s faces and tell them that they have to believe what you believe,” Stoufer said. “We need to listen to each other. We need to hear what the other person has to say and then contribute our feelings. I think the world would be a lot better off, if we all did that.”
Whole-person care at every stage of life
rson per pe pon u o with c
Highway 22 South, Mankato, MN Only 2 miles south of Mankato on Hwy. 22
Call the Pro Shop for Tee Times
G29508370001
Many of Stoufer’s friends have told her that they find comfort in her messages that are full of compassionate wisdom.
13
507-625-7665
Specializing in Memory Care
Different by Design...
• 4 small neighborhoods • Very cozy home-like community • Accessible gated courtyard with circular walking path • Intimate family style dining • Creative caregiving approach • Hospice care available to assist with end of life
Celebratirsng 20 Yea in 2015 Enriching lives. Supporting families. To learn more about our quality care and home-like environment, please call 507-345-8787 300 Bunting Lane | Mankato, MN | cottagewoodseniorcommunities.com
Mayo Clinic Health System offers comprehensive care to patients of all ages. We listen to your needs and care for more than just your symptoms — we treat you as a whole person To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-412-7575. mayoclinichealthsystem.org
Special Advertising Section • August 2015 • Living 55 PLUS • 47
Trauma often leads to
long-lasting grief By Jessie Wolf
A
traumatic event often causes deep-rooted, profound feelings. Depending on the nature of the event, those feelings may be fear, confusion, grief or a combination of emotions. Feelings of traumatic grief are complex and encompass many challenges and reactions — both emotional and physical. In order to effectively support someone who is grieving, you must first understand grief’s nuances.
Q A
What is traumatic grief?
. Traumatic grief is a period of experiencing sorrow, numbness, guilt and anger and can be the result of a loved one’s death. This can be through illness, accident or violent act, such as domestic abuse or murder. Experiencing numerous deaths of close family or friends or the death of a child — no matter the age or cause — leads many people into a state of traumatic grief.
Q A
How is traumatic grief felt?
. Traumatic grief can be felt in the body, such as an increase in sensitivity to sight, sound and touch, as well as a decrease in appetite and sleep changes — inability to sleep and nightmares. Emotionally, those grieving may experience an increase in aggression or irritation in addition to deep feelings of sadness, guilt or self-blame. Their memory may not be working well, so they forget things, are late for appointments or don’t remember details for weeks or months after their loved one’s death. People frequently describe their grieving period as a blur or being in a fog. Often, people experiencing traumatic grief feel time moving very slowly or stopping altogether.
48 • Living 55 PLUS • August 2015 • Special Advertising Section
Q A
What should I say?
. An individual experiencing traumatic grief may become isolated because talking to people is too difficult. Many people offer condolences by saying, “They are in a better place” or “Everything happens for a reason” or “Don’t feel guilty” or “It’s not your fault.” The sentiments are intended to help the bereaved person feel better. However, these statements minimize the person’s feelings and don’t allow for further conversation. Alternatively, ask questions and create an environment that fosters dialogue.
Q
How can I support a grieving person?
Comfort & Independence
Whatever your personal mobility needs you’ll find the right fit for you in our line of Pride Scooters and Lift Chairs. Pride’s lift chairs feature multipleposition recline, removable cushions, and attractive fabrics. And Join activities on a Pride Scooter. Free Delivery
A. Goals for support:
• Offer a supportive presence, and don’t try to fix the situation. Acknowledge their feelings, and avoid telling them not feel what they’re feeling. Prescribing their emotions can result in them no longer being comfortable with sharing. It’s OK to feel the feelings. • For children, answer questions that are appropriate for the age level. If uncertain, consult with their parent — if the child isn’t yours — for direction before answering. Just like adults, allow the child to share their feelings, acknowledge how feel and simply listen. Don’t try to fix everything. • Avoid accelerating the grieving period. Grief knows no timeline and can’t be rushed. The loss of a loved one will always be part of them, but as time moves forward, grief may feel differently. For some individuals, grief may not feel differently for many years. • Allow the person to memorialize or remember their loved one in a manner in which they are comfortable. Funeral rituals, spiritual practices, having a picture in the home, talking about their loved one, writing a letter to their loved, lighting a candle in memoriam or scrapbooking are some common practices. • Seek out a mental health professional if you or someone else needs or wants a professional to process the situation or if there are concerns for safety.
Jessie Wolf is a Mayo Clinic Health System licensed independent clinical social worker.
We Carry • Adjustable Beds • Wheelchairs • Scooters Senior • Canes Discounts • Walkers
16 N. German St., Downtown New Ulm 354-2716 or 1-800-9NU-FURN www.ulmfurnature.com Hours Monday 8-8; Tues - Fri 8-5; Sat 8-4
MANKATO PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC, PLC • • • •
Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Child, Adolescent and Family Services Adult and Geriatric Services Individuals, Families and Couples •
P R O F E S S I O N A L S TA F F
• A21515569101
• Ensure basic needs are met, but don’t try to force the person to eat, sleep or drink. Let them know those options are available when they’re ready.
Convenient Credit terms
Peggy Sue Hesse, PhD, LP • Allan Coursol, PhD, LP Melissa Groskreutz, MS, LP • Sandra Walsh, MA, LMFT Lisa Weir, MA, LMFT • Lisa Bard, MA, LPCC •
209 SOUTH SECOND STREET, SUITE 306, MANKATO
•
507.387.1350 • www.MANKATOPSYCHOLOGYCLINIC.com
You’re invited! 15 TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE Sunday, August 30 from 3 – 6 p.m. • Delicious food and drinks • Activities and door prizes
• Live music • Community tours
507.344.0059
2135 Lor Ray Drive, North Mankato, MN vistaprairie.org/monarchmeadows Special Advertising Section • August 2015 • Living 55 PLUS • 49
How to handle an
U
pon making the transition to a new job or retiring, many people are unsure about what to do with their 401(k) or other retirement plans linked to their employer. Handling this transition can be costly, and many men and women might benefit from the advice of a professional financial advisor to help them navigate these waters without breaking the bank. Some men and women may think they’re forced to cash out their retirement accounts when moving on to new companies. But, depending on a person’s age, that’s a potentially costly option that can incur heavy penalties. Fortunately, cashing out is not the only option men and women have as they try to figure out what to do with their retirement accounts after retiring or moving on to new companies.
old 401(k)
Keep the money with your former employer
Some employers allow former employers to keep their retirement savings in their plans. This allows men and women to avoid early withdrawal penalties and lets them continue to defer paying taxes on retirement savings accounts until they reach retirement age and need to start withdrawing money. Another benefit to keeping money in an employer retirement plan even after you leave the company is it protects you if there are rollover restrictions governing any additional accounts you might have transferred the money into. Employers who do allow former employees to keep their money in retirement plans likely included certain language in those plans that govern how the account is managed after employees leave the company. For example, former employees may no longer be able to contribute to the plan or take out
50 • LIVING 55 PLUS • AUGUST 2015 • Special Advertising Section
plan loans. In addition, when the time comes to withdraw money, you may or may not be allowed to make partial withdrawals from accounts linked to former employers. Read the fine print to determine if keeping the plan with a former employer makes the most sense for you.
Rollover into your new employer’s retirement plan Some people have the option to rollover a 401(k) from a previous employer into their new employer’s plan. But not all companies allow this. If you are allowed to do so, this can make the transition that much easier while still allowing tax-deferred growth on your assets. In addition, if you can rollover into your new employer’s plan, you may be allowed to take out loans based on the amount of your combined plan instead of just loans against new contributions. Rollover and plan loan
Join the NCB Saints for this delightful 5-day tour which includes lodging at the Hilton Sedona Resort, RT airfare, professional tour director, 6 meals, hotel transfers and baggage handling and more! The sightseeing will include Grand Canyon National Park-South Rim, Oak Creek Canyon, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Jerome State Historic Park, Old Town Scottsdale, Cameron Trading Post, Tlaquepaque & Uptown Sedona, Chapel of the Holy Cross and a couple free evnings to enjoy Sedona on your own! Call us at 931-3310 for more information! Aug 26… “Prohibition: The Grand Misadventure!” David Jones, Speaker @Legion Club Sep. 16… Old Log Theater, “The Velocity of Autumn” Dec. 1… Sedona Arizona Tour (thru’ the 5th)
eligibility should be confirmed with your new employer.
Turning 65? Retiring? Call us for direction!
Before rolling over money into your new employer’s plan, confirm your investment options under the new plan. If they pale in comparison to an IRA, you might want to rollover your retirement assets into an IRA that offers more investment options.
Rollover into an IRA Many men and women look to rollover an old 401(k) into an IRA, as traditional and Roth IRAs may offer a wider variety of investment options than a previous or current employer’s retirement plan. Taxes differ depending on which type of IRA you choose to roll your funds into, so discuss your IRA options with your financial advisor to determine if this is the best way to go. This article provided by Metro Creative Connection
L to R: Jordan Carver, Robert Oshel, Denise Deike, Nancy Goettl, Brent Friedrichs, Tamera Phillips, Barb Schwartz, Jesse Schilling,Thomas Deike.
1409 N. Riverfront Dr.
507.388.1000 migmn.com
Special Advertising Section • August 2015 • Living 55 PLUS • 51
How to
build and maintain strong bones O
steoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become weakened and brittle over time, affects millions of people across the globe. The International Osteoporosis Foundation says an osteoporosis-related fracture occurs roughly once every 3 seconds, accounting for more than 8.9 million fractures a year.
Younger individuals typically heal from fractures more quickly than older adults, who often discover that fractures greatly impede their mobility and quality of life. Bone health is important at any age, but it is particularly crucial as a person gets older. Without a strong framework of bones, the body collapses on itself and rates of fracture increase. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep and maintain strong bones. Bones are largely made up of a protein called collagen, which is bound together by calcium and other trace minerals. Vitamin D and calcium work in concert, with vitamin D helping the body to absorb calcium so it can find its way into bones. Experts advise getting the right ratio of calcium, protein and vitamin D to safeguard against osteoporosis. The Institute of Medicine suggests that adults get between 600 and 800 international units (IUs) of vitamin D every day, and between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams of calcium daily. Dairy products, such as lowand nonfat milk, yogurt and cheese, are high in calcium. Dark green vegetables and almonds contain calcium in smaller amounts. Obtaining calcium and vitamin D through natural sources is always preferable, but doctors may suggest supplementation if foods are not providing what a person needs to meet the minimum recommended levels. Exercise is another important component of building strong bones. The National Osteoporosis Foundation says 30 minutes of exercise each day can help. Higher-intensity exercises should be mixed with lower-intensity workouts for the best results. Weight-bearing exercises, such as hiking, dancing and stair-climbing, can build between 1 and 3 percent of bone. An exercise regimen also should include lifting weights or using resistance bands. Activities that promote good posture and flexibility can help improve balance and alignment of the body. Perform stretches smoothly and slowly after exercising to maintain your range of motion. Quitting smoking also can promote strong bones. Smoking has been linked to poor skeletal health in both men and women, and the longer one smokes, the greater one’s risk for fracture. This article provided by Metro Creative Connection
52 • Living 55 PLUS • August 2015 • Special Advertising Section
My Grandma can afford to spoil me. She knows where the good deals are!
Located conveniently across from Cub Foods, 464 Raintree Road • Mankato 507-344-8799 Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun 12-5 www.onceuponachildmankato.com
G29515685201
Platinum Service® • Scheduled transportation • Robust calendar of activities • Health and wellness programs including a heated indoor pool • Chef prepared meals Exceptional Senior Living 301 South Fifth Street, Mankato, MN 56001
OldMainVillage.com
Call Kate at 507-388-4200 to learn more today!
Pet Friendly Community!
A Platinum Service® Community Managed by The Goodman Group.
MANY MEDICARE OPTIONS Help to make tHe RIGHt CHoICe
As your local licensed agent, I can help you make a plan for Medicare. Just want health coverage? Need a prescription drug plan? A plan that covers both? You have options with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota: ➜
➜ ➜
Platinum BlueSM with Rx (Cost) has three medical plan choices and optional prescription drug coverage Senior GoldSM lets you build our most comprehensive health coverage MedicareBlueSM Rx (PDP) gives you three options for stand-alone prescription drug coverage Sheri K. Fedson 226 N. Broad Street Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 625-4322 <agency/agent Name> (866) 806-8846 <agency/agent contact information> TTY 711 ttY 711 sheri.fedson@sherwingroup.biz [agent/agency e-mail address] www.sherwingroup.biz [agent/agency website URl] Blue Partner ]
Contact me today learn more.[agency logo/ Contact metotoday agent photo] to learn more.
[
Blue Partner ]
[
e l I t e
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. H2461_091514_T08 CMS Accepted 09/21/2014 S5743_ 091514_K01_MN CMS Accepted 09/21/2014 Authorized independent agent/agency for Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus®, nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Special Advertising Section • August 2015 • Living 55 PLUS • 53
How to protect your vision over the long haul A
ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eye diseases related to aging are the primary cause of vision impairment in the United States. Many people consider vision loss a natural side effect of aging, but there are ways men and women can protect their vision and reduce their risk of vision loss as they age.
• Quit smoking. According to the
National Eye Institute, smoking doubles a person’s risk for age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in men and women over the age of 50. It causes damage to the macula, which is the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision. If the macula is damaged, vision may be blurry, distorted or dark.
• Protect eyes from ultraviolet light. The
American Optometric Association notes that UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse effects on
54 • Living 55 PLUS • August 2015 • Special Advertising Section
a person’s vision. A short-term effect of excessive exposure to UV radiation is photokeratitis, a painful condition that can lead to red eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Long-term effects of such exposure include a higher risk of developing cataracts and damage to the retina, which is the part of the eye used for seeing. When spending time outdoors, always wear sunglasses that provide protection against UV-A and UV-B rays.
•Maintain a healthy blood pressure. High
blood pressure, often referred to as HBP or hypertension, can contribute to vision loss as a person ages. The American Heart Association notes that HBP can strain blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to narrow or bleed. HBP also can cause the optic nerve to swell, compromising a person’s vision as a result. Eye damage that results from HBP is cumulative, which means the longer it goes untreated, the more likely the damage to the eye will be permanent. Men and women can maintain a healthy blood pressure by eating right, exercising regularly and sustaining a healthy weight.
24/7…Rain or Shine…
L-R: Deb, Emilee, Mary, Brenda, Lisa, Bridget
Your local, independent agent will be there.
C.O. BROWN / MCCLURE AGENCY 325 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato 888/507-387-5460 • 507-345-4747 www.northriskpartners.com
Voted 3rd Best Insurance Agency by the Local Community
Southern Minnesota’s Finest Senior Living Choices!!
•Take breaks from work. Computer vision
syndrome, or CVS, is a legitimate condition that can develop when a person spends ample time staring at a computer screen. Adults and kids alike are susceptible to CVS, which can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, eye irritation, and headaches. One way to reduce risk of developing CVS is to take frequent breaks from staring at the screen. A handful of 20-second breaks over the course of an hour can help prevent CVS. In addition, change lighting in the room where you work so you can reduce glare on the computer screen.
This article provided by Metro Creative Connection
• Lovely Apartment Homes • Located on Heritage Park • Independent & Assisted Living Services • Bistro Café • Customized Services to maintain independence • Refreshing hospitality • Health and Wellness programs • Housekeeping and Laundry services • Daily meal service • Urgency call system • Secured building
• In-house & Out Patient Rehabilitation – P.T., O.T., and Speech Therapy • Respite Care • Hospice • Long-term Staff • Therapeutic Recreational Director • Local Physicians who make weekly rounds • 24-hour Skilled Nursing • Wound Care Management • Secure Care Safety Program • Medicare/Medicaid • Private and Semi-private Rooms • Recreational Outings • Ecumenical Services • In-house Beauty and Barber services • Special Care Suite and Family Room
www.mapletoncommunityhome.com 303 Troendle St. • Mapleton, MN | 301 Troendle St. • Mapleton, MN
507-524-3315
Special Advertising Section • August 2015 • Living 55 PLUS • 55
Willow Brook Cooperative 55+ Active Living
Picture yourself here! Enjoy Maintenance Free Ownership Community. Convenience. Tax Advantages Call us! 507-388-2886 www.willowbrookcoopmankato.com
700 Agency Trail, Mankato
Popular sports for seniors A
ge doesn’t have to stop older men and women from enjoying their favorite sports. In fact, remaining active can improve physical and mental health. If a doctor has confirmed that it is okay to participate in sports, these activities can help men and women 50 and older enjoy friendly competition and physical activity.
56 • Living 55 PLUS • August 2015 • Special Advertising Section
Ultra Comfort Lift Recliners
& Adjustable Beds • Low voltage electric motor system • One master control wand for easy operation • Available in extra long twin, full, queen and dual king • Wireless remote option Made in the USA
Starting at
599
$
with coupon below
Fishing Fishing is more than just a leisurely day at the lake. Casting and reeling in your catch provides a good workout for the arms, legs and core muscles of the body. If you fish on the water, rowing out to your lucky spot provides additional cardiovascular exercise.
Golf Golf is enjoyed by people of all ages. Requiring a combination of strategy and skill, golf also pays several physical dividends. Play at your own pace, taking your time walking from hole to hole so you can enjoy the sunshine and soak in the beauty of the course.
Swimming A few laps around a pool works your whole body. Swimming is attractive to seniors because it works the muscles and provides a cardiovascular jolt without putting any strain on the joints.
Cycling Many seniors are avid cyclists. You can ride a bicycle in competition or for pleasure. You can even vary your route depending on how physically intense you want the ride to be. Seniors need not abandon their love of sport just because Father Time is catching up with them. Many sports can be enjoyed by athletes of all ages. This article provided by Metro Creative Connection
$
Hand held remote lifts you into a standing position or makes chair fully recline. 12 display. 15 lift lift recliners recliners on display.
999
with coupon below
G29504677001 A21504677001
Now from only
Save an additional www.earljohnsonfurniture.com Sun. 12-4; Mon. & Thur. 9-8; Wed., Fri. & Sat. 9-5
507-345-3223
2nd & Cherry Street, Downtown Mankato
100
$
off Bed off any any Lift Lift Recliner Recliner or or Electric Electric Adjustable Adjustable Bed with this coupon 2015. with this couponthrough throughFebruary August 9,15, 2015. Not purchases. Notgood goodwith with any any other other offers or previous previous purchases.
Call Today!
507-388-3660 118 Raven Court, Mankato
MEMORY CARE
Autumn Grace is an all-inclusive assisted living for your loved one to call home. We have maintained advanced quality care, without sacrificing the feelings and comfort of a true home, which extends far beyond simply meeting medical needs.
autumngraceal.com
Assisted Living | Memory Care | Adult Day Care
Attend Our Alzheimers Association Fundraiser 7pm August 29 at Crossroads in North Mankato Grace Senior Services
Special Advertising Section • August 2015 • Living 55 PLUS • 57
'012#75' &+'6U H
ealthcare professionals note that the foods women eat can affect how they feel during menopause. Some foods may reduce or eliminate troublesome symptoms, while others actually may make conditions worse. Weight gain, hot ďŹ&#x201A;ashes, lack of energy, and mood swings are some of the more widely known symptoms of
menopause, which is the time when a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menstrual cycle permanently ceases due to the natural depletion of ovarian follicles and oocytes. Elevated follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH, and low estrogen levels are consistent with menopause and can cause any number of symptoms. While hormone replacement therapy is one option, women may ďŹ nd that changing their diets is enough to make them feel better
58 â&#x20AC;˘ LIVING 55 PLUS â&#x20AC;˘ AUGUST 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Special Advertising Section
and may even help them reduce their risk for certain diseases and better manage some of the negative side effects of menopause. â&#x20AC;˘
Osteoporosis:
Menopausal women are at a greater risk for osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weaker and more brittle. Increasing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intake of foods rich in calcium and vitamin
•
•
•
Weight gain
: It’s possible to gain some weight during menopause. Data from the International Menopause Society and the Mayo Clinic point to decreases in metabolism as the source of menopausal weight gain. Women should cut back on fatty foods and trim any visible fats from the foods they cook. Eating foods high in complex sources of fiber can help a person to feel full on less food.
20%
Off
ANY LIQUOR & WINE
Every Monday with this reusable coupon! No limit. Must present coupon. Reusable coupon good for age 60+ on Mondays only thru 10/31/15
340 Stadium Road, Mankato
625-KEGS
Mood swings
: Hormone fluctuations may lead to mood swings and feelings of anxiety or depression. Improve mental wellbeing by increasing intake of foods rich in B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming whole grains, lentils, flaxseed, and oily fish can help.
Risk for other diseases: Women who
are menopausal are at an elevated risk for breast cancer and even cardiovascular disease. The North American Menopause Society says such women should cut down on alcohol consumption, which can contribute to increased risk for both of these conditions. Women who have between two and five drinks per day are one and a half times as likely to get breast cancer than women who don’t drink at all. •
Monday Is Senior Day!
G29503623801
D can help. Calcium-rich foods include low-fat yogurt, sardines, broccoli, and firm tofu.
Fatigue
: Foods can control how the body sustains energy levels. Sugary foods may provide a fast jolt of energy, but that boost often dwindles shortly thereafter. Look for carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, as such carbs provide longer-lasting energy. Boosting iron intake also may provide more pep and may even boost metabolism.
Smart food choices can help women reduce the severity of some uncomfortable symptoms and side effects of menopause. This article provided by Metro Creative Connection
Over 50? Curious? Love the joys of learning and fellowship? 12+ Classes a Quarter. Great Decisions. Dining Groups. Special Events. More
You get it all with a membership in Mankato Area Lifelong Learners. Now in our 18th year! For more information, visit our website MNSU.edu/LifelongLearners or call 389-2011 M-F, 9-12
Oak Terrace Senior Living The best retirement lifestyle is the one YOU choose! www.oakterraceliving.com
507-387-2037 Independent u Assisted u Memory Care Special Advertising Section • August 2015 • Living 55 PLUS • 59
Travel benefits for those ages
50 and up O
ne of the best things about aging is being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor without as many obligations as you might have had when you were a younger adult. For example, many men and women have a lot more freedom to travel once they turn 50.
Many of today’s older adults have a wealth of discretionary time, and those who focused on retirement planning from an early age have the money to fund a recreational lifestyle. Travel companies and other businesses understand that Baby Boomers and other seniors are valuable customers and are rolling out the red carpet with a bevy of discounts and perks.
60 • Living 55 PLUS • August 2015 • Special Advertising Section
AARP Services, Inc. has long been a trusted resource in senior-based information and resources. The organization continues to broker relationships with various companies to arrange deals on travel-related services and products for older men and women. Members of AARP can link directly to deals through the organization’s website.
G29590540501
Washington, DC.............................September 12-19 .............................. $1189 • Guided tour of Gettysburg • Gettysburg Battlefield • Guided city tour of D.C. • Arlington National Cemetery • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier • Changing of the Guard • George Washington’s Home
• Tour of the Capitol • Embassy Row • The White House • Ford’s Theatre • Petersen House • Kennedy Center • National Cathedral
Memorials: World War II Vietnam Wall Korean Iwo Jima Lincoln Roosevelt
Branson Christmas Tours
Branson, Eureka Springs........... November 4-8...................................$659 • 2nd Largest Statue of Christ • Eureka Springs, Arkansas • Thorn Crown Glass Chapel • Guided tour of Eureka Springs
• Shopping in Eureka Springs • Hughes Brothers • Jonah the Play • Puttin’ on the Ritz
• Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede • Charlies Daniels
Branson, MO............................... November 11-15...............................$659 • Billy Dean & Jarrett Dougherty • Clay Cooper
• Osmonds & The Lennon Sisters • Showboat Branson Belle
• Shoji Tabuchi • Mollie Busta
Branson, MO............................... November 18-22...............................$659 • The Lettermen • The Oak Ridge Boys
• Dutton Family Show • Showboat Branson Belle
• Brett Family • Wynonna Judd
Branson, MO............................... December 2-6...................................$659 • Clay Cooper • Mel Tillis
• Christmas Wonderland • Presley’s Country Jubilee
• Brett Family • Jonah the Play
Call today for a detailed brochure or a current mailer. 507-529-8687
1-866-277-8687 Toll Free / Rochester, MN. All prices above based on double occupancy. All of our tours depart from: Albert Lea, Austin, Rochester, Dexter, St. Charles, Winona, and La Crosse, WI.
www.jagtours.com
In addition to companies that work with AARP, many other travel companies have discounts or other perks available to men and women over 50. All consumers need to do is inquire about such benefits. When in doubt, log on to the company’s website or give their customer service department a call.
(Travel must be completed in the same day)
Here are some other ways to secure deals on travel and other services. •
Do some networking
. Fellow seniors who log in to chat rooms or who are members of social clubs may have the inside scoop on age-based travel deals. Learn the ropes from others who have been there before you and take notes on which companies offer the best deals. Special Advertising Section • August 2015 • Living 55 PLUS • 61
•
•
Read the fine print
. Understand the details of senior discounts and compare them to other promotions offered to anyone, regardless of age. You may be able to get a better deal or combine offers if you’re not locked into a senior plan. Also, check the dates when deals are valid to ensure you can travel when you want to.
Learn about your Medicare options and the affordable plans from Medica® by attending one of the FREE Medicare Workshops listed below. 18th, August, 6:00 P.M. Blue Earth County Library 100 East Main St. Mankato, MN 56001
Always carry proof of age. Whether it is a driver’s
license, AARP card, passport, or birth certificate, carry proof of your age at all times. You do not want to miss out on a discount because you cannot verify you are 50 or older. Though being mistaken as younger could be a boost to your ego, it will not benefit your bottom line. •
•
7th, October, 2:00 P.M. Blue Earth County Library 100 East Main St. Mankato, MN 56001
Call me at the number below to RSVP for the
Explore airline perks.
Men and women 55 and older may be eligible for “golden-agers” discounts at major airlines. Such deals are not typically advertised, so you may need to speak with an airline representative to secure the discount. Seniors also can request special services, such as baggage assistance, priority seating and a ride to the gate, at the airport.
FREE Medicare Workshop of your choice
MEDICA Medicare plans made simple.
507-345-7591
8:00am-5:00pm or by appointment – Monday - Friday
Scott Gross. Licensed Insurance Agent Midwest Financial Services Inc.
sgross@scottgrossinsurance.com 1704 N Riverfront Dr. Ste 104, Mankato, MN 56001
Try negotiating with vendors. If you cannot find a
senior discount, consider negotiating with vendors for deals. Local hotels or businesses may prove more flexible than national chains. It never hurts to ask for a senior discount. •
Embrace flexibility in scheduling. Unlike students
or business travelers, seniors tend to have freedom with regard to the days of the week when they can travel. You have the flexibility to go and come as you please without having to coordinate with vacation time or school breaks. Use this to your advantage and travel during off-peak times when crowds will be small and rates may be lower. Don’t feel down if you’re approaching another milestone birthday. Entering into your golden years gives you access to a variety of perks and discounts that can save you time and money on travel.
Mark your calendars for the Key City Senior Breakfast Club! Have you been to a Key City Breakfast yet? Come and join us... your first time is FREE! The club meets on the first Thursday of each month from 8:30 am – 9:30 am at Primrose Retirement Community. The club gives those 55+ the opportunity to meet new friends and visit old ones, socialize with Key City Officials, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked breakfast! To visit a Key City Senior Breakfast, please call (507) 388-9292. Mark your calendar for these breakfast dates! Thursday, September 3, 2015
This article provided by Metro Creative Connection
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Thursday, November 5, 2015
®
1360 Adams Street • Mankato, MN Independent & Assisted Living
PrimroseRetirement.com
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
62 • Living 55 PLUS • August 2015 • Special Advertising Section
Life is full of little squeezes…
…Rivers Edge can help you with one of them River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic in St. Peter presents Mammogram Monday a no appointment needed program designed to encourage women to have their annual screnings. Mammograms are performed by Mammography Certified Radiologic Technologists in a safe and comfortable envirnomnet.
Mammogram Monday - 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | No appointment needed
1900 North Sunrise Drive, St. Peter
507-931-2200 | www.rehc.org
That’s Life By Nell Musolf
The Empty Nest R
Part Two
ecently our second son got the notion that he, too, was entitled to move out and start living his own life, leaving Mark and me with something we weren’t sure we’d ever experience — an empty nest. After a few months of getting used to it, this empty nest thing has become less daunting. So less daunting that I now feel capable of telling future emptynesters about a few of the things they have to look forward to:
1. You will enjoy grocery shopping much more. Especially when you pay your bill. It has been downright shocking to wander through the grocery store every week and no longer have to purchase such essential items as Monster energy drink, Axe deodorant and Double Stuff Oreos. Since both of our kids grew up believing that generic items were end products from the devil’s workshop, we have spent the past two decades buying brand names. It is a true joy to once again be able to get store brands of potato chips, bread and cookies, all of which taste just like the “real” thing in my opinion. It becomes a double joy when you realize that since you are saving so much money not buying what your kids like, you can now buy yourself some of the goodies that you’ve been denied lo these many years, such as sirloin steak, fresh flowers and wine that doesn’t come in a box. 2. You will clean your house on Saturday and it will stay relatively clean all week. I’m not saying that either of our sons are slobs but I am saying that neither of them see anything wrong with hanging their clothes on the floor or vacuuming once a season. With them in their own digs, our place is looking perpetually tidy. 3. On that same note, you will discover the latent slob inside of you. Now that Mark and I have more room to spread out, I have noticed that we are really spreading out. The areas around Mark’s recliner and the sofa I call home have grown exponentially. We keep within arms distance all of the necessities of life like three remote controls, the TV guide, and everything else we’re too lazy to put away. If we keep this up, I can kiss the perpetually tidy look goodbye in approximately six months.
4. Depending on how lonely one of you are, the odds are very good that you will adopt a pet. I’m not naming names but someone in our marriage decided that the house was too empty without kids and that we needed a dog which is how Rocky came into our lives. Rocky is a 70 pound black Labrador who prefers peanut butter and crackers to kibble and who has more toys than our sons did when they were babies. All right, I will name names: Mark wanted Rocky and swore up and down that he would be fully responsible for him. A few days after his adoption, Rocky and I went for our second stroll of the day when a friend drove by and shouted at me, “I like your husband’s dog!” Ah, yes. My husband’s dog but somehow while Mark and Rocky bond over peanut butter and crackers during the cocktail hour, I am the one who has gotten stuck with nightly walks. 5. ALL of your utility bills will go down. Every single one. It wasn’t so long ago that I had to brace myself before opening the monthly water bill or eyeing just how much Xcel Energy wanted from us. That is no longer the case. With no one playing video games 24/7 or taking 20 minutes showers, it is shocking how little energy Mark and I use. You’d think we were dead or something close to it. 6 . When your kids come home to visit, you will discover that they are really fun people to be around. Now that our sons no longer live with us, they are delightful guests. They praise every mouthful of food I serve them, carry their plates to the dishwasher after meals and do something they rarely did when we all lived together: converse. Whenever I see one of their cars in the driveway my hearts leaps like we are about to have a visit from the Publisher’s Clearinghouse crew. Only better. 7. And finally, you are going to miss them more than you ever imagined. That said, anytime our sons want to move back home, they are more than welcome. Their rooms and their mother are waiting for them. Nell Musolf is a mom and freelance writer from Mankato. She blogs at: nellmusolf.com
Business is complicated. Banking shouldn’t be. Are you looking for ways to streamline your banking? Community Bank’s Small Business Checking is free when you maintain $200 in your account. Online banking services are available for no additional charge - including our payroll processing service. This service provides a great benefit to your employees and reduces expenses for you business. Making the switch is easy. Stop by and get started today. MONEY MATTERS. WORK SMART. LET COMMUNITY BANK HELP YOU BRING THE TWO TOGETHER.
SHAWN NELSON
RETAIL BANKING OFFICER
MANKATO - SAINT ANDREWS DR. 507.385.4444 MANKATO - MADISON AVE. 507.625.1551 VERNON CENTER 507.549.3679 AMBOY 507.674.3300
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 65
Garden Chat By Jean Lundquist
August: The most bountiful
time of the year B ounty is so easy to take for granted when we have it. In the month of August, garden bounty surrounds us and even threatens to smother us sometimes. I wonder how many times I have walked out to the garden in search of one tomato for a salad, a BLT or to sauté with a zucchini. I see dozens of ripe and ready tomatoes; I see dozens of zucchinis (at least), and I pick one of each and walk back to the house, leaving the rest of the bounty behind. I mean, I just don’t need any more than I picked! But next winter … When even the pretty hydroponic tomatoes grown in Owatonna will taste like cardboard, and the “fresh” (if somewhat-shriveled zucchini are HOW many dollars a pound?) I will think back to these days and wonder how I could imagine that I didn’t want to enjoy more tomatoes, zucchinis, eggplants and more. There is no good way to preserve a zucchini so that you can pretend it’s fresh come winter time. Ditto for eggplants and cabbage. We just have to enjoy them now if we want them fresh. Still, there are ways to prepare now for the long winter days ahead. First way is to SHARE. True, your altruism will be called into question when you share a couple of dozen zucchinis with an unsuspecting stranger who left a car door unlocked. But trust me, you’re doing good! When everyone has a huge surplus of vegetables, it may seem no one wants your extras, but trust me, they do. Food shelves throughout the County will take every any cucumbers, peppers, green beans and tomatoes you can give them. Imagine if you didn’t garden, and didn’t have access to a vine-ripened tomato that grew in a garden under the summer sun. You’re wondering if I’m telling you that you should toil in that same summer sun and sweat an extra half hour to gather the bounty of your garden to give away. I’m telling you, “Yes. Trust me, you should.” I’m not opposed to selling produce
66 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
– not at all. I have gone to Farmers’ Market, myself. I had a driveway cart near the highway, though there, p e o p le j u s t stole from me and I never made a dime. Still, however you can do it — for money or for charity —share the bounty! Now, about ways to preserve some of the garden bounty, as opposed to letting it go to waste … Yo u w i l l n e v e r have a winter BLT with the tomato the same consistency as a summer BLT. Yet, there are ways to make the most of it. I love to dehydrate tomato slices, but they never reconstitute well for a sandwich. Instead, I take the sturdiest, meatiest tomato I have (usually a Black Krim). I slice it thickly, place the slices on parchment paper or waxed paper on a cookie sheet, and freeze them. When the slices are frozen, slide into a freezer b a g , a n d ke e p frozen. Next winter, when the BLT bug bites, you may not have the best tomato for the sandwich, but you’ll have the best tasting tomato
available. Use it still frosty, and just eat fast before it melts all over your toast. But speaking of toast — I’m told it’s a Great Depression-era meal, but have you ever had warmed (stewed) tomatoes and eaten them on buttered bread? It truly is a meal all in itself. This meal is a great way to use the garden bounty in August, too, when it’s too hot to cook. In addition to shredding zucchini for sweet breads next winter, you can also slice them and freeze them individually like the tomatoes. I like to hide them — I mean USE them — in lasagna. They add flavor, nutrition and color to the dish. My brother caught zucchini in my lasagna once, and pulled it all out. He’s always been a picky eater, and has never known what tastes good. (He’s mostly on a salt and butter diet.) This is also a good time to start drying herbs. For most herbs, all you need is to pick them in the morning, when their oils are most plentiful, wash them quickly, bind the stems together (a twist tie works great) and hang them upside down inside a small paper bag in the basement or another dark place. This month is a good time to scout out the varieties of garlic you want to plant this fall, as well. I always wait until September to plant my garlic, but don’t wait or everything you want will be sold out. Enjoy — and share — the bounty!
Jean Lundquist is a master gardener who lives near Good Thunder.
Moving?....Call Karla and Start Packing! Top Listing Agent in the Greater Mankato area for 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011*
507•345•4040 510 Long Street, Ste. 104 Mankato, MN www.MankatoRealEstate.com
Dress in
*RASM MLS 1/1/11 to 12/30/14
Karla Van Eman, Broker/Owner ABR, CRS, GRI
Comfort…
…work in
Style!
C & S Supply has a great in-stock selection of quality uniforms and footwear. Special orders also available at no extra charge. EMPLOYEE OWNED Mon-Fri: 8am-7pm Sat: 8am-5pm Sun: 11am-5pm
1951 N. Riverfront Drive • Mankato, MN 507-387-1171 • 1-800-879-1938 MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 67
Your style By Ann Rosenquist Fee
Huge hair for humid times
A
few months ago I had the privilege of performing a leading role in a world premiere where the audience was invited to give feedback after the show. The survey yielded something I’d like to address in the interest of public service: “Ann’s hair isn’t big enough.” At first, this hurt. I’d ratted and sprayed to the best of my abilities. Also, during the show, I shoved my hand up against my head now and then to stay volumized. Obviously my techniques were in vain. Obviously my volume situation is not what it used to be, specifically not what it was circa 1986, which is the time setting of the piece. The show is “The Best of Hank and Rita: A Barroom Operetta in One Act” by Joe Tougas. It’s the final concert of a fictional husband-wife country-pop duo who hit the Top 10 briefly in the 1970s. The premiere took place in the basement of Poor Farm Studios, which is also the home of Brian and Wilbur Frink. The Frinks had granted me access to their private vanity where I spent about an hour ratting and curling and recurling. I worried it was over-the-top, too big to be believable. Guess not. And that mattered, going forward, because the show was scheduled to tour at venues such as the Grand Kabaret in New Ulm and Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis. Intimate spaces. Engaged audiences. High stakes for Joe’s original
work of art and for my hair. And sure, I could wear a wig, but I am a method actress (last demonstrated in my high school’s production of Grease) and my scalp cannot be constricted in latex. My scalp requires the crunch-crunch feel and the sweet aerosol smell of something sprayed hard and fast right out of 1986. So the research began. I started with Mark Hill’s Love Big Hair! Volume Shampoo. The bottle says BIG IT UP! and ADD BODY, THICKNESS AND BOUNCE FOR BIG, BEAUTIFUL HAIR, EVERYDAY. Apologies for the caps. I’m just showing you the confidence with which this product presents itself. I washed at night, added Nexxus New York Salon Care Volumizing Mousse Plus at the roots, slept on it wet and woke up with hair that was its usual limp self but with a nice dry silicone feel. Plus some crunch from the mousse. To that, I added BIGSEXY Root Pump Plus. About six sprays aimed carefully scalp-ward, nothing to weigh down the rest of the hair. Product at the roots! Nothing along the shaft! Anybody who’s anybody in big hair knows that’s the secret to lasting volume. Then I fired up the iron. Curl. Rat. Feather. Yes. YES. But then, just like at the premiere, it looked good for about ninety seconds until I walked into another room and came back and looked in the mirror again. Humidity and my own natural limpness had taken hold and the survey response came hurtling back. Not big enough. NOT. BIG. ENOUGH. It was time, then, to pull out the spray of sprays. The invincible All-Weather Aqua Net. “More than 50 years,” the can claims. That is a lot of hairdos. So I trusted. I went for it. I flipped my feathered head upside down, sprayed. Head back up, sprayed. Stood in the cloud and waited for the Aqua to dry into a complete and total Net. And did it work? Yes. The big stayed big. Could it have worked without the other products? I think so. I think Aqua Net laughs at cans with names like “bigsexy.” Who is that can kidding. As if “bigsexy” could provide structural support for decades of bouffants and beehives. Was it a shape that would last through more than a oneact play? Through a beach party, a warm moonlit walk? Probably. And, also, any time you pushed your hair from your face before smacking the volleyball, your fingers would come away crusty. If your moonlit walking companion were to come close and inhale, they’d suck in some mighty pretty toxins. So yes. Aqua Net is queen of the big, and I’m keeping mine because the show has a long run. But as for your hair during the dog-days of summer, I say go ponytail. Or baseball hat. Or bandana or buzz-cut. And if anybody tells you it’s not big enough, bring them to the show to see for themselves what kind of sticky tragicomedy Aqua Net hath wrought. Ann Rosenquist Fee is executive director of the Arts Center of Saint Peter and a vocalist with The Frye. She blogs at annrosenquistfee.com.
68 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
You’ve done it. You’ve finally reached the “best years”. At Ecumen Prairie Hill and Ecumen Sand Prairie you’ll enjoy private apartment homes, life-enriching programming, delicious home cooked meals, tailored care services, and a friendly service staff. Come explore our difference.
Call Lisa at 507-484-2203 for a personal tour, or ask about a complimentary overnight stay in one of fully-furnished homes. Independent Living, Assisted Living, Respite & Memory Care.
Ecumen Prairie Hill 1305 Marshall Street St. Peter, MN 56082
Ecumen Sand Prairie 700 Knight Street St. Peter, MN 56082
www.ecumenstpeter.org
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 69
August Events & Fall Activites
! ,& ( &*% * , ,&* '* * -- ! & % % * % * % !, & * $ % " -'# + ' && & !* % -*
!
! !
! !
¤|üü
?aÂ&#x2030;Ă&#x201E;Â?Â&#x2122; Ă&#x153;jÂą Â&#x153;Ă&#x201D;ĂĽĂ&#x201D; V
"# # # % " " " % " $ " " $ $ $
! ! %%% ! ! & !
" $ #
70 â&#x20AC;˘ August 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ MANKATOâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;MAGAZINE
" " & # & ) % " % " & " % ) * ** ! & # ) ## # ( #%&
" & # ) # #
" % ( ( % " ' % &
& & ' # ' # "
Coming Attractions: August 1-15 Vikings Training Camp
The 2015 Verizon Vikings training camp will be held once again on the campus of Minnesota State University. For more information, visit www.vikings.com/schedule
1 All Jampt Up
6-8:30 p.m.— Indian Island Winery — 18018-631st Ave. — Janesville, 507-234-6222
4-5 & 8 Vines, Wine and Good Times
6-9
Ribfest Award-winning rib chefs will be showcasing their best recipes at Riverfront Park for the annual celebration. Live music by Smash Mouth, Clay Walker, Cheap Trick, Chris Hawkey and more — For more information, go to www.visitgreatermankato.com
6 Drag the River w/ Pocket Genius
8 p.m. — NaKato Bar and Grill — 253 Belgrade Avenue — North Mankato — 507-388-8999
12-9 p.m. — Music by Rock of Ages, Amy Scagges and Just Us and Jenae Perry and the Wild Ride — Indian Island Winery —18018-631st Ave., Janesville — $2 — 507-234-6222
8 Music at the Grand: Stephanie Nilles
5-9
15 Cooper and Scheidel
Nicollet County Fair Events include: Midway rides, live music, beer tasting at Jaycee’s beer garden, demolition derby, talent show, RAD reptile zoo and more — for a full list of events, visit www.nicolletcountyfair.com
8 p.m.— The Grand Kabaret — 210 N Minnesota St. — New Ulm — 507-359-9222
21 Hot Jazz For Decent People:
The Dan Duffy Orchestra 7-9:30 p.m.— Arts Center of St. Peter — 315 S Minnesota Ave. — $10, 507-931-3630.
22 The Best of Hank and Rita: A Barroom
Operetta featuring The Frye 8 p.m.— The Grand Kabaret — 210 N Minnesota St. — New Ulm — $10 Members and $15 nonmembers — 507-359-9222
28
Hairball 7 p.m.— Vetter Stone Amphitheater— $15 advance, $20 day of show — www.ticketmaster.com
6-8:30 p.m. — Indian Island Winery — 18018-631st Ave. — Janesville — 507-234-6222
21 Charlie Daniels Band
7 p.m.— Vetter Stone Amphitheater — $35 advance, $40 day of show, reserved gold circle seats $45 — www.ticketmaster.com
Powered by:
BLUE EARTH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CLAY WALKER THURSDAY 6TH THURSDAY
5 PM – 11:30 PM $5 until 7 pm $10 after 7 pm
FRIDAY 7TH
CHEAP TRICK
5 PM – 11:30 PM $10
FRIDAY
SATURDAY 8TH
WITH THE SUBURBS
11 AM – 11:30 PM $5 until 7 pm $10 after 7 pm
SMASH MOUTH WITH FASTBALL
SATURDAY
SUNDAY 9TH NOON – 5 PM FREE
Celebrating 50 Years of Vikings Training Camp: A Mankato Tradition July 18 – September 4, 2015 Blue Earth County History Center 424 Warren Street, Mankato
Photo Courtesy of Minnesota Vikings Public Relations
SPECIAL EXHIBIT
Check www.BlueEarthCountyHistory.com for more event details. • 507-345-5566
Minnesota’s Largest County Fair August 18-23
CHRIS HAWKEY SUNDAY
FREE Parking in Downtown Ramps For more information, call (507) 389-3000. Entertainment subject to change. Rain or shine. No outside food/beverage, recording devices, pets or grills.
FOR DETAILS AND TICKET INFORMATION, VISIT
www.vetterstoneamphitheater.com
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 71 Owatonna, MN • www.scff.org or 800-423-6466
World-class & local:
EXPERIENCE MARRIOTT’S TOP SPAS WITHOUT LEAVING ALABAMA From relaxing massages to invigorating facials and body treatments,
Montgomery and the Spa at Ross Bridge are in the Top 7, followed closely
Marriott is known globally for having great spas. In North America, five of
by the Battle House in Mobile. All five of these spas are part of the RTJ
the top Marriott and Renaissance spas are found in Alabama. For guest
Resort Collection and feature innovative treatments inspired by Southern
satisfaction, the Spa at the Marriott Shoals in Florence remains the top
Hospitality. Clearly great golf and spas work well together in Alabama.
ranked Marriott spa in North America. The Spa at the Grand Hotel in Pt.
Come experience them for yourself.*Renaissance and Marriott spa guest
Clear also is in Marriott’s Top 10. For Renaissance Hotels, both the Spa at
satisfaction rankings in North America, as of Oct. 1, 2014.
FLORENCE · HOOVER · MONTGOMERY · MOBILE · POINT CLEAR The
Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail · rtjresorts.com/spacard
72 • $8*867 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Faces & Places: Photos By Sport Pix
Art Splash art fair
1
1. Unique techniques were used to create differnt pieces of art. 2. Face painting was popular at the ArtSplash Art Fair in North Mankato on May 20. 3. Children enjoyed making different crafts at the art fair. 4. Many people enjoyed playing and learning chess. 5. Weiner dogs had their day in the sun at the art fair, each wearing different outfits in the costume contest. 6. A folk art flower basks in the sun. 7. Richard the T-Rex greets visitors at the Endangered Steel stand.
2
3
4
5
6
7
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 73
Faces & Places: Photos By Sport Pix
Mankato Twins at the town ball classic 1. The Mankato Twins escaped with a 3-2 win over the Shakopee Indians at the Town Ball Classic. The victory also improved the Twins standings in Section 3B. 2. Twins third baseman Geno Glynn just misses the catch and tag on a Shakopee runner. 3. The Mankato Twins celebrate their win at Target Field. 4. Jovan Rodriguez (27) waits on deck as Taylor Branstad takes a pitch. 5. Mankato Twins manager/catcher Steven Helget connects for a hit at the inaugural Town Ball Classic, held June 27 at Target Field. 6. Steven Helget congratulates pitcher Bryce Bellin after his complete game gem. 7. Taylor Branstad watches his hit as he follows through. 8. Shortstop Zach Rowles fires to first base for an out.
3
5
1
2
4
6
74 • August 2015 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
7
8
Faces & Places: Photos By Sport Pix
2015 minnesota air spectacular 1. USAF Thunderbird support staff finish their show in formation. 2. SSgt Matthew Welter of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds greets the crowd after a successful show. 3. Thunderbird pilots number five and six form a perfect mirror image while flying. 4. A beautiful sunrise lights up the morning sky with the USAF Thunderbird F-16’s in the foreground. 5.The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Mankato in full formation. 6. Pilot Dave Dacy turns his Model 75 Boeing Stearman upside down with wing walker Tony Kazian still on top of the plane. 7. A B-25 bomber flies overhead as the Tora! Tora! Tora! bomb squad pyrotechnic team lights up the show with fire.
1
2
3
4
5 6
7
MANKATO MAGAZINE • August 2015 • 75
ƪƘƳƱ ƷƬƭƶ ƹƥưưƩƼ $[ 2GVG 5VGKPGT
H¡ à ú VÊÊà úʃ Ü ×èÊ« Ü Üʃ à ÜÊÃÜ Ê¡ ,ôÊ 7«Â
)
Ø ô«ã¨ ã ¼ Ê¡ Ø Ã ÊÂà ÜÜ Ã ã¨ ÂÊ ÃãÜ ã¨ ã ܨ Õ ¼«¡ ʈ ¡ÊØ , ¢«Ãʃ ¼ ã Â Õ ú ¨Ê ¢ ãÊ ã¨ ¼ ã à ú VÊÊà úʈ a¨ Ø ÃÊôà èØÂè ¢ Êà à ô Ø ÊØØ ÜÕÊà Ãã ãèØà aq Õ ØÜÊà ¼«ãú ¨« ó ¨«Ü ¢Ø ã Üã ¡  ô«ã¨ 㨠ܨÊØã ô ¹¼ú Ü ¢Â Ãã Êà Zʰ ʭȿȹ A«Ãèã Üʮ ¼¼ ʭ ¡ ô «Ãèã Ü ô«ã¨ à ú VÊÊà úʈʮ Aú ô«¡ à , Ø óÊã Ü Ê¡ 㨠ܨÊôʃ à , ¼ô úÜ ¨ Ø ô¨ à VÊÊà ú ôÊè¼ ¡Ê èÜ Êà ÜÊ ʡ 㨠«ã ÂÜ èÂè¼ ã«Ã¢ «Ã à Êà ¨«Ü «Ü¨ ó ¼ ʛ Ã ã¨ ã «Ü ãÊÊ Â«¼ Ü Ø«Õã«ÊÃʜ ܹʈ ʭ;Êʹʅʮ , ôÊè¼ «Ãó Ø« ¼ú ù ¼ «Â ãÊ 7 Ãà ʃ ʭ¨«Ü ܹ «Ü  ÜÜ« Ø ã¨ Ã Â«Ã ʅʮ Ü «¡ 㨠ã ÜÊ ¨Êô ¶èÜã«ă ã¨ Õ ØÕ ãè ¼ ¨ ÊÜ ÜèØØÊèà «Ã¢ Âú ôØ«ã«Ã¢ ÜÕ ʈ èã «ã  ãÊ Â «Ã Ą ܨ Ø Ãã¼ú ã ¨èØ ¨ʃ 㨠ã 㨠¼  ÃãÜ Ê¡ 㨠㠨 ÊÜ Êè¼ ã¨ Üè ¶ ã Ê¡ ã¨«Ü ÂÊÃã¨ʰÜ ʭ"ØÊÂ ã¨«Ü q ¼¼ úʈʮ ¨ «ã  㠼ʢ ¨ Ø Êè¼ ʃ à ÜÊ ú «¢¨ãʃ «¡ , ¨ ó ÃÊã¨ Ø «¢¨ã ú ØÜ ¼ ¡ã «Ã ã¨«Ü ÜÕ ʃ ãØ«¢¢ Ø Ü Õ Ø ã ÜÜ úʈ a¨ ã ,  à « ã ¡ÊØ ã¨ Ø ¼«ãú ܨÊô ʭ)Ê Ø ØÜʮ ô«¼¼ Ê ó« Ããʈ Z㫼¼ʃ ô Ø Õ¨úÜ« ¼ «Ã¢Üʃ Ã ã¨ Ü Õ¨úÜ« ¼ Ê ¶ ãÜ «¼¼è«à ã Âú Êôà ¶ÊèØà úʈ ZÊ úʃ 㨠úʰ¼¼ à èÕ «Ã ¢ Ø ¢ Ü ¼ ÊØ ã¨ ãØ Ü¨ʃ èã ¡ÊØ ÃÊô 㨠úʰØ ÜÕ « ¼ ãÊ Â ʈ ZÊ ¼ ãʰÜ Ê à ô«ã¨ 㨠 ë¡ Üã Ê¡ ã¨ Ü «ã ÂÜ Êà Âú ܹʃ ØØ Ã¢ ØÊ袨¼ú «Ã Ü Â«ʢ «Ø ¼ ØÊèà à ÊÕ Ã ÜÕ ¶èÜã ¼ Ø¢ ÃÊ袨 ãÊ ¼¼Êô Õ¼  Ãã Ê¡ 㨠¼ ¢ ¼ Õ Êà ô¨« ¨ ,ʰÂ Ü Ø« ¼«Ã¢ʈ BÊô ăØÜãʃ Ü Ø« ¼ Ø Ã Ü ôØ«ã«Ã¢ ãÊʼÜʃ à ܫà , ¨ à ʢôØ«ã ÂÊÜã ăØÜã Ø ¡ãÜʃ , ¨ ó Õ ÃÜ Ã Õ Ã «¼Üʈ ;ÊãÜ Ê¡ 㨠Âʈ ZÊ ô«ã¨ ÜÕ « ¼ Ü«¢Ã«ă à «Ã ¼è Ã Ã¢Ø ó V Ą ã«ÊÃÜ Øʼ¼ Ø ¼¼ Õ Ã Âú 袨ã ØÜ ¢ ó  ʃ #ʼ ØÊÜÜ ¼¼ÕÊ«Ãã ¢«ó à ãÊ Â ú Êô Êú Ê ʃ à r ¼Ü¨ Ø ¢ÊÃ Õ Ãʃ ¡ØÊ r ¼ Üʃ ¢«ó à ãÊ Â ú Âú ô«¡ ʈ a¨ Ø ʰÜ Ü ¼¼ "«Ü¹ ØÜ Ü «ÜÜÊØÜ Ü ¼ó ¢ ¡ØÊ 㨠¹« Üʰ ¹Õ ¹Üʃ Üã Õ¼ Ø Ã Z Êã ¨ ã Õ ʈ ʭ èã Ã Õ Üã ʮ ¨ Ü ÂÊØ ¼«ã Ø ¼  ëâ ¡ÊØ Â ã¨ Ã «ã Ê Ü ¡ÊØ ÜãØ« ã¼ú «¢«ã ¼ óÊã Üʈ Z Ø« ¼ ØÜ Ã «ÃÜÕ«Ø ã«ÊÃʃ ÜÊ ¶èÜã «Ã Ü ʃ , ¨ ó Êãã¼ Ê¡ à à ùã 76 • $8*867 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
ãÊ ã¨ ó«Ãã ¢ ã ¼ ¼ ÂÕʈ ,ʰó à ôÊع«Ã¢ ÊÃ ã¨«Ü Êãã¼ ¡ÊØ Ã Ø¼ú ãôÊ ú ØÜ — «ãʰÜ Ü«Õիâ Üãèėʎ ,ʰó ¹ Õã Êà ¨ à ú Ü«Ã ¡Ø« à ¢ ó  Êà ʡ 㨠ܨ Õ ¼ú ØÊôà ¼«ã ØÜ Ü ¢«¡ã Ƚȹ ú ØÜ ¢Êʈ a¨ Ø ʰÜ Ã èÃÊÕ Ã «Ø¼«Ã ʢÜ«ÿ Êãã¼ Ê¡ ÊèØóÊ«Ü« Øʃ ¼ÜÊ ¢«¡ãʃ 㨠ã ,ʰÂ Ü ó«Ã¢ ¡ÊØ Ü ó Ø Ü Ê¡ ôØ«ã ØʰÜ ¼Ê ¹ʈ à ʃ ÃÊã ãÊ ¢«ó úÊè 㨠ôØÊâ « Ãã«Ø ¼úʃ èã ã¨ Ø ʰÜ ÕÊ ¹ ã Ą ܹʃ ¼ÜÊ ¢«¡ã ¡ØÊ Âú ô«¡ ʃ ă¼¼ ô«ã¨ 9ÊØ ¼ʃ , 㨫ùʃ à «ãʰÜ «ÃÜ Ø« ʃ ʭaÊ ÊØà r ¼Ü¨ «Ü ãÊ ÊØà ÕØ«ó«¼ ¢ ʃ ÃÊã ô«ã¨ Ü«¼ó Ø ÜÕÊÊà «Ã úÊèØ ÂÊèã¨ʃ èã ÂèÜ« «Ã úÊèØ ¼ÊÊ Ã ÕÊ ãØú «Ã úÊèØ ÜÊè¼ʈʮ ɽɽɽɽ H¡ ÊèØÜ ʃ ã¨ Ø ʰÜ ã¨ èÜè ¼ ØØ ú Ê¡ Õ¨ÊãÊÜ Ê¡ ¡ «¼ú à ¡Ø« à Üʃ Õ¨ÊãÊ Ê¡ 9 ¼«Ü ʰÜ Êà Ãà Øú VÊô «Ã AÊÃã Ø úʈ ¼ ¹ à ô¨«ã ¡ØÊ 㨠뢨ã Âú ʼ¼ ¢ ¨Ê«Ø Ü Ã¢ ã Øà ¢« ) ¼¼ʈ a¨ Ø ʰÜ ó«Ãã ¢ ÕÊÜã Ø Ê¡ Aãʈ VèܨÂÊØ ʃ ¡ØÊ ô¨ à ¶èÜã Êà ¨ — r ܨ«Ã¢ãÊÃʰÜ — ¨ à Øó ʈ a¨ Ø ʰÜ Z ×èÊ« Õ«Ã Êà , ¼«¡ã «¼¼ ¢ ¼¼ú ¡ØÊ Z ×èÊ« B ã«Êà ¼ S ع ȽȾ ú ØÜ ¢Êʈ , 㨫ù 㨠Üã ãèã Ê¡ ¼«Â«ã ã«ÊÃÜ ¨ Ü Õ ÜÜ ʈ  ÿ«Ã¢ ¨Êô Üè ¨  ÂÂÊ㨠ãØ Ü Ã ¢ØÊô ¡ØÊ Üè ¨ ã«Ãú Ü Üʈ a¨ Ø ʰÜ ¨ ó«¼úʢ ¨«ÕÕ ¢¼ ÜÜ Â Ø ¼ ܨÊÊã Ø ¡ØÊÂ
㨠¨ ¼ úÊà úÜ Ê¡ Õ¼ ú«Ã¢ ¢ Â Ü ã¨ ã ô Ø Ãʰã «¢«ã ¼ʈ 9«Ø ú Sè ¹ ãã Ø Üã «Ã Âú ØÊã¨ Ø ¢ ó  ¡ã Ø ã¨ aô«ÃÜ ôÊà 㨠ʰɁɀ rÊؼ Z Ø« Üʈ a¨ Ø ʰÜ ú ¼¼Êô à ôÜÕ Õ Ø ¼«Õիâ Ê¡ 㨠rÊؼ r Ø , ÕÊ Âʃ ʭ,à "¼ à ØÜ "« ¼ Üʃʮ à ¡ ÊÕú ¡ØÊ ¨èØ ¨ è¼¼ ã«Ã Ê¡ S ÜãÊØ A Øã«Ã B «Âʼ¼ ØʰÜ ¡ ÂÊèÜ « ãè Êèã 㨠B ÿ«Üʃ ʭ"«ØÜã 㨠ú  ¡ÊØ ã¨ ÊÂÂèëÜãÜʃ à , « Ãʰã ÜÕ ¹ èÕ ʄʮ  ë¼ ¡Ê¼ Ø ă¼¼ ô«ã¨ ÕÊ ÂÜ ,ʰó à ôÊع«Ã¢ ã Êà à Êė ¡ÊØ Ü ó Ø ¼ Üʈ Aú ØÂú Ê¢ ã ¢Ü ¨ â ¡ØÊ 㨠¶ Ãã ă¼ «Ã ã Üãèė ô«ã¨ Ü㫼¼ ÂÊØ Õ ØÜÊà ¼ ãØ ÜèØ Ü — èÃăëܨ ¼úØ« Üʃ ÂÊØ Õ¨ÊãÊÜʃ à ʼ  ¢ ÿ«Ã Üʈ a¨ Ø ʰÜ Âú ØÂú Ü Õ Ø ã«Êà ÃÊã« ¨ ¼ Êôà èÃ Ø ØØ è ã ã« ¼ ¹Ã«¡ , Ê袨ã ã ¢ Ø ¢ Ü ¼ ʈ Aú ʰÜ Ü Êà ¼« èã à ÃãʰÜ ØÜ ¡ØÊ 㨠A Ø«Ã Üʈ à ÜÕ ¹«Ã¢ Ê¡ ¹Ã«ó Üʃ , ¨ ثܨ Âú ʰÜ ¼¼ʢÕèØÕÊÜ Â«¼«ã Øú ¹Ã«¡ ʃ «ÃÜ Ø« ʭfZA ʃʮ 㨠㠨 ØØ« Êà ,ôÊ 7«Â ɀȹ ú ØÜ ¢Êʈ 7èÜã Ø Â«Ã Ø ¡ÊØ ÃúÊà ô¨ÊʰÜ Ã ó Ø Ø ʭ"¼ ¢Ü Ê¡ HèØ " 㨠ØÜʃʮ Ê¡ ¨Êô 㨫à 㨠¼«Ã «Ü ãô à à ó Ø Ê«â ¨Ê à ÜèØó«ó«Ã¢ʈ H¡ ô¨ ã ¢«¡ã ¼«¡ «Üʃ ¨Êô Ą ã«Ã¢ «ã à ʃ à ¨Êô ¼è ¹ú ,  ãÊ Üã à «Ã¢ ¨ Ø ãÊ úʈ
Peter Steiner is host of “Talk of the Town” weekdays at 1:05 p.m. on KTOE.