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FEATURES

JANUARY 2023

Volume 18, Issue 1

Cool vibes

We know you’re all hardy Minnesotans who don’t need an ounce of help figuring out how to make the most of this winter. But we’re helping you anyway. This is our Embrace the Winter Bucket List for 2023.

ABOUT THE COVER

Deep in the Free Press photo archives we found this gem just waiting to be revisited. It’s Amanda Roiger giving her son Henrik a nudge down the sledding hill near Spring Lake Park in North Mankato.

MAGAZINE EDITOR Robb Murray

DESIGNER Christina Sankey

PHOTOGRAPHER Pat Christman

COPY EDITOR Kathy Vos

CONTRIBUTORS Ann Rosenquist Fee

Dana Melius Robb Murray James Figy Jean Lundquist Leigh Pomeroy Leticia Gonzalez Pete Steiner Nick Healy Renee Berg

FROM THE EDITOR

By Robb Murray

Plenty to keep you folks busy this month

There’s a peculiar myth out there. It suggests that, when temperatures plummet, people hibernate.

Well, whoever perpetuates that myth clearly has never spent a January in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

What do we do when the snow flies and less-hardy folks hole up inside for four months?

We hop on skis and snowboards and race down ice-covered slopes. We don footwear with metal blades and glide across gleaming sheets of freshly flooded ice rinks.

inspiration to spend more time throwing snowballs at each other. (See page 16.)

ADVERTISING

SALES Danny Creel Jennifer Flowers Jordan Greer-Friesz Josh Zimmerman Theresa Haefner Tim Keech

ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Barb Wass CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Justin Niles

Sometimes we throw snowballs at each other or take those snowballs and roll them and roll them until they grow bigger and bigger — as big as those giant bouncy balls no one uses at the gym — and pile three of those balls on top of each other until they resemble, vaguely, a person.

Elsewhere in the January issue, we bring you the improbable tale of a woman who has saved two lives via the Heimlich maneuver. You might recognize the name Kristin Krusemark (or her maiden name, Kristin Kachelmyer); she’s a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School in Mankato and for several years was the coach of the girls basketball team at Mankato West. Her story is an inspiring one, and a good reminder to brush up on that first aid course you took in high school (or perhaps never took, in which case maybe it’s time you signed up for one … you never know when you’re going to need it).

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Christina Sankey

PUBLISHER Steve Jameson

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Spear

Mankato Magazine is published by The Free Press Media monthly at 418 South Second Street, Mankato MN 56001.

To subscribe, call 1-800-657-4662 or 507-625-4451. $59.88 for 12 issues.

For all editorial inquiries, call Robb Murray 507-344-6386, or email rmurray@mankatofreepress.com.

For advertising, call 344-6364, or e-mail advertising@mankatofreepress.com.

We cut holes in the frozen surface of lakes, do our best to pretend we’re having a good time and pray to the angling gods that a fish swims by and takes the bait.

We create festivals built around the idea of celebrating the season for its bone-chilling and brutal beauty.

We jump into freezing water, to borrow a phrase from British Climber George Mallory, because it’s there … and to raise money for charity.

My point is this: Most Minnesotans don’t pack it in when fall rolls into winter. We merely put on our hats and mittens and embrace the fact that we get to live in a part of the country where all four seasons come in full splendor. This just happens to be the cold one.

When we did the 100 things to do in summer, we knew right away we’d want to do a similar feature for the winter months. We hope we were able to give you a few ideas or perhaps some

The artist feature this month introduces us to Allison Ellingson, a woman who specializes in sewing and quiltmaking. Ellingson has been working with Little Big Sky Farms in Henderson to grow indigo, a color she uses in her art for very personal reasons. When her son was born, he lost oxygen and sustained a brain injury. The color indigo, it turns out, is achieved through an oxidation process. It gets its unique hue only after it is exposed to oxygen.

“It’s a very one-to-one meaning. You have to deprive cloth of oxygen to achieve the beautiful blue. At that time in my life, that was really meaningful.”

Enjoy, and have a great January. Stay warm!

Robb Murray is associate editor of Mankato Magazine. Contact him at 344-6386 or rmurray@mankatofreepress.com.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Compiled by Jean Lundquist

Roof! Roof! New animal shelter damaged Jan. 1, 2010

After two years of fundraising, the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society was ready to show off its $1.2 million facility. It could accommodate 20 dogs and 60 cats.

The open house was set for one week hence, when Mother Nature stepped in. When a large chunk of snow slid off the roof, it sheared off a gutter and damaged the roof itself.

The Jan. 9 grand opening/open house was delayed while directors and board members decided how to proceed. The facility, just east of Highway 169 did open, and is still in use.

Board discusses homework’s role in student life Jan. 10, 1984

For some people, mostly students, “homework” is a four-letter word. For others, mostly Mankato School District board members in this case, “homework” is a vital necessity for a child’s learning process. That led to some spirited discussion when the school board met to discuss the district’s written homework policy in 1984.

One member wanted the policy to state homework was a high priority in a young person’s life. Another wanted it noted as the “highest,” above employment and extracurricular activities.

Still other board members said the homework policy needed more homework before being finalized. Supt. R.J. Rehwaldt told the board he would take the comments under advisement and return with another policy at a later date.

Bell tolls for Del’s Jan. 17, 2008

The building on Belgrade Avenue in lower North Mankato had housed a restaurant since the early 1900s. It was home to Del’s Café since 1970. But on Feb. 1, Del’s would cease to exist.

Owner Royce Behnke was calling it quits. The 58-year-old Behnke had been hired by three men who, like him, had worked with the college food service, to act as cook. In 1971, the three men sold the business to Behnke, who owned and operated the business 7 a.m.– 3 p.m. daily.

Hash browns, omelets and beef commercials were his specialties. The restaurant became known as “the” place to go on Sunday mornings after a night of partying.

Behnke recalled how on the weekend of the People’s Fair festival, “kids would come in and brush their teeth and clean up,” before heading back to Sibley Park.

Citing lagging business, Behnke leased the building to Mark Levitt and Carmen Christy, who planned to renovate the building and then open Christy’s Café in the location. Christy’s opened later than the hoped-for late February opening and closed just two years later in 2010.

North Mankato still trying for golf course deal

Jan. 4, 1995

The now-popular North Links Golf Course in North Mankato got off to a rocky start.

During the first full year of operation in 1994, the course failed to raise enough revenue to make the payment for the course and the equipment. City officials had to transfer $60,000 from the general fund to bail out the golf course.

City Administrator Bob Ringhofer said the city was in negotiations with Banc One to make payments affordable, or the city would turn the course over to the lender. The city estimated it had already lost $2 million in construction, labor, and operating costs on the course, which had opened in mid-1993.

The negotiations were successful, and today, the North Links Golf Course is apparently a thriving entity.

River Ramble

1. River Ramble riders wave at Kelli Woelfel (left) and Amanda Fredin who were suppor ting riders in rural Lake Crystal.

2. A rider takes in the fall colors along the route on Judson Bottom Road.

3. Riders cross the trestle bridge along the Red Jacket Trail.

4. Bicyclists cross over the Rapidan Dam after getting pie at a rest stop on the River Ramble.

5. The band Bully Pulpit plays at the Rapidan Dam rest stop.

6. Kyle Jones donned a unique helmet.

7. Jason Helder with the band The Shape of Walter plays at the start of the River Ramble In Land of Memories Park in Mankato.

8. A rider descends down Highway 42 on the way to Judson Bottom Road.

9. (From left) Jo Perr y, Hobie Perry, Aubrey Matson and Bob Lies at the start of the River Ramble in Land of Memories Park in Mankato.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Parade

1. Santa Claus implores the audience to look at the 1.4 million lights of the Kiwanis Lights in Sibley Park after flipping the switch at the end of the parade.

2. Mister James watches the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Parade from a recliner in his driveway

3. Bags from the Open Door Clinic containing at-home coronavirus tests are handed out to parade goers at

the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Parade.

4. A family waits to see Santa in his workshop after the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Parade ended at Sibley Park.

5. Emma Doher ty-Bohn shows Hattie, a terrier, to younger parade goers.

6. A float illuminates parade watchers along Mound Avenue.

7. Connor Hruby proposes to his girlfriend, Caitlynn Nelson, inside a large gift box at Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Sibley Park. Nelson said yes in front of family and friends.

AVANT GUARDIANS

By Leticia Gonzales

Meaningful connections

For Allison Ellingson, family history and son’s birth inspired her art

Allison Ellingson is taking the skills she learned from her mother as a child to transform her St. Peter business, The People’s Store, into a community hub.

“She had a sewing machine always out in the playroom,” said Ellingson of her mother. “As soon as I got old enough, I had one next to her.”

Not only did Ellingson’s mother sew, but her grandmothers and older generations of her family also partook in the skill.

“I guess it was just part of my DNA,” she said.

Ellingson recalls spending many afternoons shopping at the fabric store. She even took a quilting class in high school because her mother wanted her to become more skillful at sewing, which has now become her main art form as an adult.

While Ellingson was always immersed in the field of art and sewing, she took a different career path after high school when she attended St. Olaf College, followed by McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago where she grew up.

“In my 20s, I was working in nonprofits and higher education and I took every textile class offered by the

Chicago area art center.”

Those classes sparked her interest, so she decided to attend the Art Institute of Chicago, where she received her MFA in fiber and material studies in 2015. She also began working on a portfolio of hand-dyed, handquilted quilts.

In 2018, Ellingson and her family decided to move to St. Peter due to the lack of social services available in Chicago. “Our oldest son has cerebral palsy and he is profoundly disabled,” she said.

Her husband grew up in the Twin Cities, so they were familiar with life in Minnesota. They also had friends in St. Peter, which would provide a stronger support network for their family.

The connection to the area has a deeper meaning to Ellingson, who started an indigo-growing project at her friend’s farm, Little Big Sky Farm in Henderson, during one of her visits to the area before moving.

“My oldest son lost oxygen during birth — that’s how he got such a severe brain injury,” she said. “I knew that indigo, unlike other dyes, is achieved through an oxidation process.”

Ellingson described how indigo doesn’t turn blue until

the fabric hits the air.

“It’s a very one-to-one meaning. You have to deprive cloth of oxygen to achieve the beautiful blue. At that time in my life, that was really meaningful.”

For Ellingson, the indigo-growing process often involved creating her own dye, while other times she just simply enjoyed the beauty of the plant. She soon began collaborating with the farm’s co-owner, Jenny Kaepernick, to create products for her shop.

“I have started to move past working with indigo and incorporating other colors that can be found in this area — plants that can be found in the prairie that you can grow on the farm.”

From marigolds to Hopi sunflowers to Colangelo and other prairie wildflowers, she experiments with the plants to naturally dye fabrics to make scarves and tea towels. She also started making quilts as a collaboration with the St. Peter Woolen Mill by using their fabric waste.

“I have started to reconfigure my practice so I can make art for the people,” said Ellingson, who opened The People’s Store, 303 S. Minnesota Ave., in October.

Her focus is on reviving the art of quilt-making by learning how to finish quilts in an “old-fashioned way.” Ellingson also has sourced a curated collection of other independent makers and ethically produced household goods, which includes kitchen accessories and a bulk soap section. In addition, she will be offering courses such as a wreath-making class.

“I think part of my practice as social. I am interested in the social fabric. Part of the store is meant to create community, especially around the connecting of the land and our lives here.”

BEYOND THE MARGIN

By Joe Spear

King went beyond “the dream”

The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, is a shrine of sorts. Not a religious shrine for paying homage to spirits, saints or God, but a shrine to the struggle for civil rights. And the triumphs of four little girls.

The church is the site of a brutal bombing by members of the Ku Klux Klan on Sept. 15, 1963, where four girls were killed as they attended worship and Sunday school. Martin Luther King Jr. gave the eulogy to a packed church and a shocked world.

While Jan. 16 marks the federal holiday honoring King and the focus is often on his “I have a dream” speech, his presence went so much further and the work he did and the places he graced are worth taking in. The 16th Street church is one such place.

The bombing there and the death of the girls showed the world the egregious violations of civil rights in a society that was heretofore considered free and just. The bombing and the death of innocent children and the subsequent television footage of Police Chief Theophilus Eugene “Bull” Connor, with his dogs and his firehoses, brought the racist violence of Birmingham into the living rooms of those who had been unaware.

The girls — Denise McNair, Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley — were actually taking classes in civil disobedience, and the church had become a lightning rod of sorts for civil rights protests organized and led by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. King and the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth led those protests.

Last May the church Board of Trustees chairman and his wife granted our group of editors from around the country a tour of the church and its display of the events of 1963, including a short movie. They spoke to us from the church altar for a few minutes, mostly talking about the history of the church and how it was a community gathering place not just for worship but for the wave of justice that was growing in the South.

But they mostly talked of the

spiritual strength of the church and about forgiveness. That’s always been a hard concept: that people who suffered great harm at the hands of evil people would somehow find it in their souls to forgive, no matter it be the bombing of churches and the murder of little girls or the Holocaust.

The 16th Street Baptist Church is an inspiring structure. Its dual steeples anchor the Romanesque Byzantine architecture. A stainedglass transom above the main doors announces its presence with authority.

A vast worship space is lighted by huge stained-glass windows on either side and benches are upholstered bright red. A huge pipe organ graces the space at the side of the altar with the towering pipes along the back wall. There’s a big balcony with all the modern video screens and sound systems.

A massive stained-glass depiction of a Black Jesus on a crucifix anchors the back wall above the balcony. The people of Wales offered it as a gift in memory of the little girls.

Kelly Ingram Park is across the street from the church. This was the location of the protests where Connor unleashed dogs and firehoses on teenagers. It now is the place of several monuments to those events.

The 16th Street Baptist Church, now on the National Register of Historic places, stands as a marker to not only a belief in Jesus but also a belief in justice.

That emphasis on forgiveness, King knew, would do more to awaken the peace in the hearts of all and for that we can celebrate the children, King and their widespread influence on justice and peace on his day.

Said King: “Forgiveness does

not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on an evil act. It means, rather, that the evil act no longer remains as a barrier to the relationship.”

Joe Spear is editor of Mankato Magazine. Contact him at jspear@mankatofreepress.com or 344-6382. Follow on Twitter @jfspear.

The vicious dogs unleashed on protesters during Birmingham civil rights demonstrations are depicted in a park across the street from the church.

FUNNIEST THING A KID IN YOUR CLASS

EVER SAID TO YOU:

When I was engaged and told my class what my new last name was going to be after I got married, a boy said “Krusemark? I don’t know if I like that. It reminds me of a mark of the Kruse or something.”

The term “life saver” gets thrown around a lot.

When someone does something helpful for us, we like to say, “Oh man, you’re a life saver.”

Well, today we’re introducing you to an actual life saver.

Quick-thinking Kristin Krusemark was in the right place at the right time twice, she delivered the Heimlich maneuver twice, and newly jostled chicken chunks — and easier breathing — followed. But don’t take our word for it. Let Kristin — teacher, mom, daughter, Heimlicher — tell the story.

Familiar Faces Photo by Pat Christman

MANKATO MAGAZINE: Tell us where you’re from and a little bit about your family.

KRISTIN KRUSEMARK: I am originally from Mankato. I graduated from Mankato East High School and went to Gustavus Adolphus College. My husband, Brady, and I are both teachers in the Mankato school district. He teaches band at Mankato West High School and I teach fourth grade at Roosevelt Elementary. We have three kids: Ben is 11 and in fifth grade, Anna is 8 and in second grade, Isaac is 5 and is in preschool. We are very lucky to have both of our families in Mankato and we see each other often.

MM: We understand you’re a bit of a hero, and an expert practitioner of the Heimlich maneuver. Is it true you’ve saved two lives?

KK: Yes, it is true. I have been lucky to be in the right place at the right time twice in my life. The first time was about 10 years ago and I was working at Franklin Elementary. My teaching partner and I were walking down the hallway during our prep period when one of our fellow teachers came around the corner with a panicked look on her face and her hands across her throat. I told my teaching partner to call 911 and I quickly came behind her, wrapped my arms around her, found her xiphoid process (yes, I still remember that from first aid and CPR class in college), made a fist and gave her a couple of quick upward thrusts.

A chunk of chicken came flying out of her mouth. Once her airway was unobstructed, everything else was fine. We stood in the hallway and hugged while we tried to process what just happened. After that we all just went on our ways and back to teaching. It was surreal.

The second time came just this past summer while my family and I were in Montana. We were enjoying a stroll around a town and were going in and out of shops. We happened to linger outside a particular store because it had a piano outside and we were encouraging our son to play it.

We were there a couple minutes longer than we planned and it was perfect timing because a woman came out of her truck that was parked next to us and made gestures to Brady and myself. Initially we thought she was sick and were confused as to what was going on. After just a second I realized she was choking.

Knowing that I had done this once already before, Brady quickly got himself and the kids out of the way while I gave this woman the Heimlich maneuver. It took only a couple thrusts, but again a chunk of chicken came out.

After that we just looked at each other and hugged for a while. She told me her name and that she was just trying to quickly eat lunch before she had to go pick up her kids from soccer practice.

We were the only ones on the block. I’m not sure the woman would have survived if we hadn’t been there. Again, we just both went our separate ways, shocked at what had just happened. It really had an impact on the kids who saw the whole thing happen.

MM: Two Heimlichs, two saved lives: How were you able to think so fast and take action?

KK: As a teacher I am used to making thousands of little decisions every day. I just knew in each of these moments that someone needed help and that I was willing and able to provide help.

I took first aid and CPR class at Gustavus as part of my coaching certificate. I can still remember sitting in my professor’s classroom at Lund learning about basic first aid, including the Heimlich maneuver.

Also, my mom is a nurse and was an emergency room nurse for 25-plus years. She is always calm and knows what to do

in emergency medical situations. I am very lucky to have her as a role model.

You never know when these situations might happen and it is really important that people know what to do. You never know, you might be the difference between life and death for someone.

MM: You’re lucky enough to have three young children. Tell us what makes the Mankato area a great place to raise kids.

KK: Mankato is a great place to raise kids! Our schools are fantastic. Our city is large enough that kids have many opportunities, both curricular and extracurricular, to discover their passions. It is also small enough that kids don’t have to specialize.

There are great activities for our kids. Our kids have enjoyed activities through District 77, YMCA, Community Ed, Mankato Ballet, Anja Scheidel’s Musikgarten, Southern Minnesota Children’s Museum, etc.

In addition, our community is safe and filled with caring adults. We also love our Christ the King church community and friends in our North Mankato neighborhood.

MM: How has being a parent affected the way you interact with children in your classrooms? KK: Becoming a parent has undoubtedly made me a better teacher. I try to teach every child as if they were my own. I truly love and care for my students and do my best to help them grow to the best of their abilities while they are in my classroom. I intentionally work to make my classroom a warm and welcoming place where we work hard and have fun together.

I also understand how hard it is to be a parent and do my best to work as a partner with my students’ parents in their child’s education.

MM: What made you want to become a teacher?

KK: I’ve always known that I wanted to help people. I narrowed down my choices in college between medicine or education. Ultimately, my love for kids and education was the best fit for me. I really love what I do and it’s a great career to have as a mother of three busy children.

I had some incredible teachers at Washington Elementary, Franklin Elementary and Mankato East that inspired me to go into education. I also knew that I wanted to coach and education was the natural path to doing that.

MM: Tell us something about you that would surprise people.

KK: I was a three-sport athlete at Mankato East and am in the Hall of Fame there. I also played basketball and volleyball at Gustavus. I coached volleyball, basketball and softball for about 10 years. I was the head varsity softball coach when I taught in Waconia and I was the head girls basketball coach for several years here at Mankato West.

When Anna was born in 2014 it was clear to me that I was not able to be both the mom I wanted to be for my children and the coach that my players deserved. It was hard to give up something I loved so much.

MM: What does Kristin Krusemark do when she gets to do whatever she wants?

KK: I like to go for a long run with a great playlist or “Radio Lab” podcast, bake up a storm and make a big mess of my kitchen, and hang out with great friends over a glass of wine.

Compiled by Robb Murray

Come to Lutsen

‘The draw of Lake Superior’

By Renee Berg

What makes Lutsen unique?

It’s a small area with a countywide population of about 5,600. But each year it welcomes more than a million visitors.

“It’s crazy,” said Linda Jurek, executive director of Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s the draw of Lake Superior. You’ll always find yourself right next to the lake wherever you go, and you’ll have an incredible view. It’s amazing.”

Like many of the areas along the north shore, Lutsen got its start by Scandinavian immigrants with primarily fishermen and loggers making their home here.

Just getting to Lutsen is a feast for the eyes. You’ll traverse the north shore scenic byway, one of 50 in

America, “which is pretty neat,” Jurek said.

Lutsen is the Midwest’s largest ski area, with four mountains and 95 runs. “That’s quite large,” she said. “It’s also important to note that when you come to Cook County, a part of what makes us unique is that 95% of the county is state or federal land.”

Cook County is home to 450 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails and more than 400 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

Grand Marais, a nearby harbor town, can’t be missed when you visit this area. It’s been voted Best Small Town in America and received “more awards than I can count,” Jurek said.

So this is the place to be during the winter. For lodging, consider one of three lodges in the Lutsen/ Tofte area. From these lodges you can walk to the ski

Lutsen, widely seen as Minnesota’s premier ski spot, offers plenty of opportunities for cozy evenings and fun on the slopes. Photos courtesy Cook County Chamber of Commerce

area or ski from your door.

Eagle Ridge, Caribou Highlands Lodge and the Mountain Inn are good bets for this. Eagle Ridge and Caribou Highlands both have swimming pools with beautiful views, Jurek said.

Or consider staying at Lutsen Lodge, formerly Lutsen Resort, which is the oldest resort on the north shore of Lake Superior. Also a short drive away in Tofte is Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, a full-service resort as well as the largest in Cook County.

Lutsen Lodge and Bluefin Bay have shuttle services to Lutsen Mountain for skiing.

If you want to visit when the town is hopping, consider coming Jan. 29-Feb. 1, which is when the famous John Beargrease Race is held inland through Lutsen and Tofte. The sled dog race starts in Duluth and goes through Cook County, ending in Grand Portage.

For dining, check out Moguls Grille & Tap Room, which is in Caribou Highlands Resort. Or try Cascade Lodge, known for its fabulous food. If you make your way to Grand Marais, visit the Angry Trout Cafe, which is “definitely a destination for folks,” Jurek said.

Also consider Birch Terrace Supper Club, My Sister’s Place or Blue Water Cafe. A good breakfast option is South of the Border Cafe in Grand Marias. Voyager Brewing Co., also in Grand Marais, is known for having great food and really good beer — and it’s dog friendly.

When it’s time to shop, you’ll find a number of small retailers to entice you. Clearview General Store in Lutsen has a wonderful gift shop. The Jeweler of the North Shore in Lutsen is awesome, and The Mountain Shop is a ski shop with “all kinds of great things,” Jurek said.

In Lutsen, check out Lockport Marketplace & Deli, which is a gift shop and food destination. Mueller Studio LLC is home to metal art and a gallery. In nearby Tofte, you’ll want to visit WatersEdge Trading Co. and Sawtooth Outfitters.

“There’s always an element of artistic value in our shopping experiences,” Jurek said. “Cook County per capita is only second behind Minneapolis-St. Paul when it comes to artists living and making a living at doing their art. That’s pretty cool.”

When you want to warm up, grab a cup of joe at Fika Coffee or Lockport Marketplace, where you’ll also want to dive into homemade caramel rolls “that are to die for,” she said.

Live music is easily found in this area, with Papa Charlie’s Tavern right up on the mountain as a prime destination. Other destinations for music are Cascade Lodge and Lutsen Lodge, where in the bar or lobby area live music is sure to be found. Gun Flint Tavern in Grand Marais is also a good food and music destination.

“Music is a pretty big deal for us here,” Jurek said. “A lot of local community members make their living as musicians. We are very aware of supporting that.”

Renee Berg is a general assignment reporter for The Free Press. A graduate of Minnesota State University, she is mom to two teenagers and two cats.

45 things TO DO IN southern Minnesota

By Robb Murray

You knew we’d be back for the “100 things to do in Southern Minnesota: Winter Edition,” didn’t you?

Have we become predictable? Perhaps. But hey, a good idea is a good idea.

In June, our list of 100 things shamefully ignored the fact that, for a good portion of the year, there’s snow on the ground and the mercury dips to single digits and lower. But as we’ve come to know and appreciate over the years, freezing temps and blowing snow simply cannot quell the zeal, zest and all around zaniness Minnesotans have for having fun!

So, without further adieu, let’s get into it. Our winter wonderland awaits! Here is a lengthy list of things to do this winter in southern Minnesota.

It’s time to stop thinking of winter as a time to hibernate — get out there, do some stuff!

1. Mount Kato

Nothing says winter like the snot freezing to your cheeks as you speed down the diamond trail at the famous Mount Kato. And if you’re more the “drop the kids off” kind of ski hill guest, grab a cold one and watch your kid ski or snowboard from the cozy confines of the chalet. (Also, the Climb 2 Feed Kids event is Jan. 22.)

2. Mankato Craft Beer Expo

If you thought the craft beer craze was over. It’s still going strong, and so is the Mankato Craft Beer Expo. The event still brings hundreds of beer lovers together for a cheery afternoon of incredible IPAs, sturdy stouts and perfect pilsners.

3. Minneopa Falls

If you’ve never witnessed the majesty of a frozen waterfall, you need to get your butt down to the falls at Minneopa this month and let its presence wash over you. And I’m not talking about peering over the edge. Actually take the path down to where the water from the falls lands. Stand there and look up, and imagine how much better it would be to be doing this in July.

4. Go snowshoeing

According to trusted academic sources (Wikipedia) snowshoes were invented somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago. Historians say the first known use was in central Asia, but Indigenous people in North America also invented their own version. And guess what? They haven’t changed that much. The biggest difference is that today you can rent them for a day, tromp through the woods and return them before

heading back to your cozy living room. There’s great snowshoeing across the region, including Minneopa and Flandrau state parks. ($6 rentals).

5. Build a snowman

Remember how it felt when you were a kid and you looked out your bedroom window to see the snow fall? And you you somehow knew the air temps would be just right for making the snow sticky, so you pulled on your boots and threw on your jacket and set about the task of rolling up three giant balls of the white stuff, grabbed a carrot out of the fridge (because lord knows it was put to better use on a snowman’s face than a tonight’s dinner plate), found a few random racks for buttons and, to literally top it all, you took your own stocking cap and perched it atop his head and named him Reginald? You can recapture that feeling. You don’t need to be a kid. You just need to be a kid at heart. Get out there and get rolling!

6. Start a snowball fight

There’s no denying people are hurting. With vitriol tainting so much online engagement, it’s clear we’ve all got some pent-up rage right now. So let’s start a snowball fight. Wait! Hear me out. You know how there’s this silly rivalry between the East and West sides of town? What if we had a giant snowball fight to “settle” it? And what if we turned it into a fundraiser for the homeless? And what if we got Springsteen to perform and invited every local brewery and Pagliai’s Pizza? And a traveling trophy? I think this could work.

REFLECTIONS

By Pat Christman

It’s easy to laugh these days when checking road condition reports on the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s 511mn.org website. The site, while giving real-time road conditions, also shows the locations of the myriad MnDOT snowplows clearing area highways. Some of those plows, thanks to creative Minnesotans, now sport names that will make even the stoutest winter hater chuckle.

Not every state has Betty Whiteout or Plowy McPlowFace clearing freeways. Or seeing that Ctrl Salt Delete is deleting ice by laying down a layer of, well, salt.

The purpose of the plows and their drivers is very serious, even if their names bring a smile to our faces. They perform a vital service to all Minnesotans during the seemingly endless winter: Keeping motorists as safe as possible when the weather turns for the worst. Slowing down, giving plow drivers space to work and staying home when it’s truly ugly outside are the best things we can do to help.

Look at the other names Minnesotans have given MnDOT plows and laugh (once you’re safe at home!), but know the driver behind the wheel of Plow Bunyan and others are as serious about their jobs as they come. MM

7. Shovel your neighbor’s driveway

Is there a better feeling in the world than getting ready to shovel a driveway full of 8 inches of snow and noticing that someone’s already done it for you? Give a neighbor that feeling the next time it snows.

8. Hooky Bobbing

Seriously, we can’t in good conscience encourage anyone to actually grab onto the bumper of a moving car and holding on for dear life like a water skier holding onto the back of the boat. It would be irresponsible of us to suggest that kids in the ‘70s and ‘80s did this kind of thing all the time and had hours of fun and only a few bumps and bruises. Please don’t try this at home.

9. St. Peter Winterfest

If you like medallion hunts and Polar Bear plunges, St. Peter’s Winterfest is for you. Everyone loves St. Peter, and that community’s winter celebration is one of the best in the region. The festival runs Jan. 27-Feb. 12.

10. Anthony Ford Pond Hockey Tournament

On the weekend of Jan. 28-29, North Mankato’s Spring Lake Park once again hosts the annual Anthony Ford Pond Hockey Tournament. This event honors the North Mankato boy whose life ended tragically early when he lost his battle with leukemia. Before that, Anthony forged friendships within the Mankato hockey community. This tournament, which is also a cancer fundraiser, is his legacy.

11. Bock Fest

In early March, the August Schell Brewing Company hosts one of the most iconic events in southern Minnesota: Bock Fest. The outdoor event on the scenic grounds celebrates Schell’s beer, but also the spirit of community.

12. Mapleton’s Burns Night

Ya gotta love a community that celebrates its Scottish heritage with such colorful flair (Miss Bonnie Lass or Mr. Bonnie Lad, anyone?) and we love the city’s connection to curling. That’s true, right? Check out the gathering on Jan. 28.

13. Try curling

And speaking of curling … It’s not just a curiosity for downtime Olympic coverage anymore. Curling has finally become a legitimate and entertaining pastime in places not called Canada. We suggest hitting up the Mankato Curling Club. They’re always open to new members or even just humoring those who are curling curious.

14. Bold and Cold — Owatonna’s Winter Festival

We’re getting a bit outside our zone, here, but we have no problem encouraging you to go to a community outside our typical coverage area — if it’s for a very good reason. Owatonna’s a cute town. They’d love a carload or two of cash-toting Mankatoans to show up and have a good time. Come see why they tout it as a celebration for “cold noses and warm hearts.” Runs Jan. 27-29.

15. Ice fishing

One thing we’re blessed with in southern Minnesota is lakes for fishing. Those lakes are just as fishable in the winter. Sure, it takes a little more time, effort and money, but hardy Minnesotans are OK with that. Augur, tip-ups, scoops, leeches, ice house, Mr. Heater — bring an ice-fishing virgin for some bonus fun.

16. Attend a hockey game

Obviously a Maverick hockey game can provide an adrenaline rush. But you’d also probably love a good high school matchup. Heck, even a pee-wee game can be a good time. Since 2009, ice hockey has been Minnesota’s official sport. Show our state sport some love, folks.

17. Catch snowflakes on your tongue

Silly? Perhaps. But, much like our snowman discussion, this is purely a suggestion to embrace the season. Ice falling from the sky doesn’t always have to ruin your day. It can be magical. You can look to the sky, smile and want to feel alive. Open your mouth, stick out your tongue and do what any 5-year-old life-loving kid would do.

18. Binge all the Oscarnominated movies

Not all winter activities require snow boots. It can be a hoot — when the Oscar nominations come out — to take a weekend to binge watch them all with a bottle of wine or two. (Remember, corks are for quitters!)

19. Create a winter song playlist

Playlists are the mixtapes of the ‘80s and ‘90s. And if you’re a Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play or Tidal subscriber, you’ve got access to literally hundreds of millions of songs. Take some time and put together a great nonholiday, winter-themed playlist. A few suggestions: “Hazy Shade of Winter” (Bangles version), “Long December” by Counting Crows, “20 Years of Snow” by Regina Spektor, “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood, “Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

20. Donate unused jackets, hats and mittens to a homeless shelter

Who are you kidding? You’re never going to fit into the Columbia jacket you wore in college. Get over it and donate it. While you’re at it, grab the mittens and hats you haven’t worn in six years and let them keep warm the hands and ears of someone who needs them more than you. Connections Ministry downtown would love to take them off your hands.

21. Tour a brewery

If you’ve never toured a brewery, it can be an enlightening experience. And the cool refreshing reward at the end can keep you warm for your drive home. (Always drink responsibly.)

22. Winter camping

Not for the faint of heart, not for people who could possibly be described as “soft,” not for people who may be known for not finishing what they start. If none of these things describe you … still, don’t do this. Winter camping is for the truly disturbed. We can’t in good conscience suggest willingly staying outdoors overnight. Just don’t.

23. Shop Small Saturday isn’t the only day you can shop small

A wonderful addition to the holiday season, Shop Small Saturday reminds us that big-box retailers aren’t the only places to get your shopping done. And now we’re here to tell you that those shops need your help all year long.

24. Mankato Bridal Show?

Even if you’re not getting married anytime soon, there’s something fun about imagining it. Right? Right? Mankato Bridal Show is Feb. 26.

25. Waseca Sleigh and Cutter Festival

No one, and we mean NO ONE, sleighs and cutters quite like Waseca. No dates available yet, but it’s typically in late January to early March. Lots of horses. Ice fishing. Family fun for everyone.

26. Ice skating

By January, the community’s outdoor skating rinks will be up and running. Take the opportunity to skate outdoors while you can. Back in the day, our ancestors skated on frozen rivers and lakes, and they liked it. Don’t dip out of a chance to glide across the ice, winter wind crashing into your cheeks, heart racing (think Snoopy in the animated classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the way he glided across that pond with the dexterity and skill of an Olympian during a short program).

27. Cross-country skiing

Let me guess: You’ve never been cross-country skiing but you’ve always wanted to try. Well, you’re doing it this year. You can rent skis at Nicollet South Bike Shop or the Ney Nature Center near Henderson. You’ll be bad at it initially. But after a few minutes, you’ll be fine! Get out there, cross this one off your bucket list. Southern Minnesota is blessed with plenty of trails. The Ney Nature Center has 11 kilometers of trails. Lake Washington Regional Park has 5 km. Flandrau State Park, 9.5 km. Carleton College Arboretum, 18 km.

28. Sledding

Much like pizza places, Mankato has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to sliding hills. You can’t go wrong with Sibley Park, its steep slope a challenge for any thrill seekers. And if you’re taking kiddos on their first foray into sliding, try the ball fields just north of Spring Lake Park in North Mankato.

29. Winter Farmers’ Market

There won’t be a lot of tomatoes or bell peppers, but you’ll find more than you’d expect at the winter markets. They take place 9 a.m.-noon on the first and third Saturdays through March. Check ‘em out.

30. Game night

Like most households, you’ve probably got a stash of games in a closet somewhere just waiting to be loved. Gather your posse and get busy having a good, oldfashioned Yahtzee tournament, or Monopoly, or Spoons, or Apples to Apples. Whatever you have. The best times happen when your family is together.

31. Try Mankato Makerspace

This is a perfect time to get going on that pottery dream you’ve had for years. Head down to the Makerspace, and they’ll show you the basics. In no time, you’ll have a shelf full of bowls and coffee mugs waiting to be gifted to your friends and family.

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32. Learn a language

Duolingo is a free app on your phone. You can actually learn enough Spanish or French to not look like a fool when you finally book that trip you’ve been coveting.

33. Go bowling

We’ve still got two quality bowling alleys in Mankato. When it’s too cold to play outside, channel your inner “Dude” and roll a few.

34. Head to St. Paul for the Winter Carnival

Clearly this isn’t a southern Minnesota thing to do, per se, but … C’mon. St. Paul’s Winter Carnival is legendary. From a frozen parade in the state’s capital city to ice sculptures and twinkly lights in Rice Park, it would be a nice little day trip for you. Carnival runs Jan. 26-Feb. 5.

35. Visit the Minnesota Zoo

Again, Apple Valley is borderline southern Minnesota, but you’d be surprised how much fun a trip to the zoo can be in the throes of a polar vortex. Plus, the tropics area might be just what you need to recharge your batteries.

36. Go stargazing

Cold air isn’t filled with all the humidity and bugs that comes with a summer night in July, so you can get a great glimpse of the galaxy in January. Dress warmly, put some hot cocoa in a thermos and head out of town a few miles. Then, look up. You’ll be glad you did.

37. Visit the bison at Minneopa

Cold doesn’t bother the bison. And they won’t bother you if you’re in the comfort of your SUV. Big, majestic, magical.

38. Sculpture walk

Pro tip: Park near Tandem Bagels, grab a hot coffee and a sculpture walk map, and explore.

39. Take photos of your pet frolicking in the snow

You never know when that pet won’t be there anymore. Take all the pictures now. Don’t be lazy and say you’ll do it tomorrow. Take them now, today.

40. Hit the gym

Use this winter to shed a few pounds, or least break a sweat once in a while. Several communities have open gym hours where you’re likely to find others looking for a pickup game of hoops. The Mankato Y offers day passes ($15 for adults, $10 for kids), and the Lake Crystal Rec Center offers day passes ($7 for adults, $5 for kids). Both day passes provide full access to all fitness areas in the facilities. St. Peter’s Community Center has open gym hours daily. The facility, which includes a basketball court and indoor walking track (13 ½ laps is a mile, and they’re closed Tuesday mornings) is free to use. Visit their websites to learn more about them.

41. St. Patrick’s Day Parade in St. Peter

Spring starts March 20, which means St. Patrick’s Day just slips in at the last minute to qualify as a winter event. And no city in our region does it better than St. Peter.

42. Bird watching

Southern Minnesota is a great place to get out and do some bird watching. You’ve missed the Christmas Bird Count, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grab some binoculars and travel the region seeing what you can see. Tip: Use the Merlin app, it listens to the environment for birds, letting you know varieties are within earshot. (Hat tip to bird watcher extraordinaire Merrill Frydendall, who died in August.)

43. Make snow angels

Is there a better feeling in the world than lying flat on your back in 6 inches of snow and flapping your arms up and down? No, there is not.

44. Deep Valley Book Festival

This festival, which gets its moniker from the name Maud Hart Lovelace gave to the fictional city in the Betsy and Tacy series of kids books, brings nationally known authors to Mankato for readings, workshops, book signings and more.

45. Book a night at the Moulin Rouge House Bed and Breakfast

They took a dilapidated house on Second Street and transformed it into a historic-looking paradise where you can RELAX. MM

LET'S EAT!

By Dana Melius

Maggie J’s: Mapleton restaurant earns strong community support

If there’s a fundraiser or need in the Mapleton area, you can pretty much bet Maggie J’s restaurant is involved.

“We’re pretty grateful to have them,” said Amber Duncanson, Mapleton city clerk.

The city took over ownership of that building after two restaurants closed, the last owing nearly $35,000 on a city Economic Development Authority loan and $54,000 on a Blue Earth County loan.

When asked what makes Mapleton restaurant No. 3 — Maggie J’s – such a success, Duncanson didn't waiver.

“It’s everything,” she said, citing the involvement of the business in the Mapleton and Maple River communities. “We’re definitely lucky they’re here.”

Even the reviews touch on the community aspect and support Maggie J’s Restaurant & Bar both receives and gives to the people and organizations of

the Maple River School District.

Andrew Klinkner, of Chanhassen, put it this way earlier in the year: “Really fantastic place where the community gathers for meals.”

Those words about community please chef-owner Jason Langworthy and manager Maggie Vait. They have been the heart and soul of the downtown Mapleton establishment since 2015. Langworthy and Vait had initially planned to be co-owners, hence the name, Maggie J’s, for Vait’s first name and Langworthy’s initial.

“I got cold feet,” Vait recalled, worried about the future as a mother with three young children. She had worked with the previous restaurant which had occupied that downtown Mapleton space, Token Barbeque, knowing the difficulties of a small-town business.

Langworthy said he then had to convince his wife,

Chef-owner Jason Langworthy and manager Maggie Vait take a seat prior to a noon dinner at Maggie J's in Mapleton.

Karen, that the couple could manage as sole owners. Maggie J’s would be the third to try its luck at that site, following Token and Danielson’s Chinese Cuisine. But it helped knowing Vait would stay on as manager.

Langworthy had culinary experience, completing what was then a Mankato Vo-Tech program in North Mankato, then added eight years in the kitchen at the highly acclaimed Owatonna Country Club. He followed with a few years in the family painting business and knew it wasn’t his calling. Langworthy, a Mapleton native, wanted to run his own restaurant and was certain the Mapleton community would respond.

“I think we’ll be swamped,” Langworthy told Free Press reporter Tim Krohn in August 2015, just prior to opening. “I’ve heard a lot from people in town.”

But the success of Maggie J’s has exceeded the hopes of Langworthy and Vait. While Maggie J’s has a liquor license and attractive bar, it’s a minimal part of the business.

“I didn’t think of how busy we’d be right away,” Langworthy said.

And things haven’t slowed since. Even through the changing industry due to COVID issues, Langworthy and Vait have been hoping and thankful for community support.

“We survived COVID because of our community,” Langworthy said, as takeout orders and home deliveries spiked. “We had people available to deliver. We went into a new way of doing business. Little did I know that I’d be making hundreds and hundreds of (to-go) containers.”

“Numbers have skyrocketed since COVID,” Vait said.

Langworthy gives tons of credit to Vait’s management style and way with customers. He likes being in the kitchen while Vait handles the front of the house.

“I feel bad. She sacrifices a lot to be here,” Langworthy said, then smiles. “But she’s whipped us into shape. And I do what she says.”

Besides, he said: “We’ve grown on each other.”

Vait manages some 20 employees, although just four are full time. Langworthy prides himself on giving that restaurant family breaks, often closing over a holiday weekend, such as Thanksgiving. And he appreciates how understanding the community is during those closures.

While COVID prompted Maggie J’s to temporarily lay off some employees, it did force Vait to help some in the kitchen. Today she continues to do much of the baking for the restaurant. But it’s those relationships with customers and community organizations that Vait most enjoys.

“I want everyone to feel welcome here,” she said. “And I think our staff really does a great job.”

Vait said the fact the restaurant opens its doors for private fundraisers and school organizations has both played a role in the business’ success and fueled such strong community support.

Vait added that Maggie J’s will also often stay open after hours, like home football games or drama department performances.

“After these types of games or events, it’s awesome,” Vait said, with players, students and community residents sometimes overflowing the 130-seat

Maggie J’s Restaurant & Bar

Where: 203 Main St. NE, Mapleton

When: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5-8 p.m. Thursday; 5-9 p.m. Friday; closed Saturday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

Known for: Great food, service, community fundraisers

restaurant.

But Langworthy’s culinary experience understands it’s both service and quality of food that will keep bringing back customers. He’ll alter the menu sparingly, maybe once a year, sticking to a traditional American-style cuisine. Friday night, though, has indeed become special at Maggie J’s, with prime rib always on the menu along with three other items.

“We’ve worked our tails off,” Langworthy said. “And all the communities have been real supportive.”

Duncanson recalled an October fundraiser for the Mapleton Fire Department in which the restaurant staff teamed up with department volunteers, then completed hundreds of takeout orders and deliveries via a fire department vehicle.

“Our community definitely comes together,” Duncanson said. And Maggie J’s is often right in the middle of it.

Still, the restaurant’s Facebook page has piled up over 2,500 followers with out-of-town business continuing to grow.

“After seven years, I’m still amazed that there’s still faces coming in that I haven't seen (before),” Vait said.

Klinkner, the reviewer, said it well: “Great food and even greater employees. I live two hours away from Maggie J’s and it’s always a treat when I know we’re stopping by.”

And despite the distance, Klinker said he’ll keep coming back.

“I have friends and family in the area and visit multiple times a year and always enjoy going into Maggie J’s,” he said.

Langworthy and Vait share a lighter moment prepping for a noon lunch crowd.

ON TAP

By James Figy

Beer lover’s guide to Dry January and beyond

If you’re reading this, there’s a very high likelihood that you, like me, love beer. You probably want to learn more about beer styles, history and trends. And you’re not planning to stop drinking beer anytime soon.

Historically, bars, restaurants, taprooms and liquor stores depended on us to keep revenue flowing. So when Dry January emerged as a trend in recent years, many establishments were wary or resisted hopping on board. But that’s changing.

NA beer has exploded in recent years from a niche subset of lackluster offerings to a must-have category with myriad options. In Minnesota, one of the companies leading the way is ABV Technology.

ABV’s machines remove the intoxicating ethanol from beers while leaving their flavors intact. The company’s St. Paul headquarters offers a centralized processing facility for more than 60 local breweries, according to CEO Ben Jordan.

“Now there are thousands of different nonalcoholic beer brands in the country,” Jordan said. “Minnesota has become the state with the most nonalcoholic

craft beer options. In fact, there's more density of nonalcoholic beer brands in Minnesota than anywhere in the world.”

Minnesota breweries of all sizes — from large, established operations like Bauhaus Brew Labs to smaller taprooms such as Torg Brewery or newer locations like Bucks Mill Brewing in Detroit Lakes — send their beers to ABV. In return, they get the NA version and the byproduct FMB (see sidebar) if desired. Around the U.S., regional sites with ABV machines are available.

NA beer, of course, is nothing new. In Germany and across Europe, serving at least one “alkoholfrei” option is standard. But the continental versions typically use processes like halted fermentation, which create no alcohol. Some Minnesota breweries have taken the same approach, which is a viable option depending on the beer style.

The fermentation process naturally creates ethanol, which is what makes beer alcoholic and provides feelings of euphoria. Ethanol also acts as a powerful solvent to incorporate flavors from hops, fruit, etc., so

Ben Jordan, CEO of ABV Technology, began making NA beer while a graduate student in biology at Harvard as a way to stay social without the hangover. Photos by James Figy

it’s often critical to produce.

The ABV machines increase flexibility and options.

They essentially boil out the aromatics and set them aside using a vacuum, then boil out the ethanol, and finally add the aromatics back into the beer. The ethanol remains separate, and the beer remains nearly identical in appearance and flavor. So, a hazy still looks and tastes like a hazy, but now it contains less than 0.5% alcohol.

As such, brewers can adapt their recipes more easily, meaning a greater diversity of options. That’s good — because Dry January isn’t going away.

Dry January started in 2013 as a public health initiative in the UK. About one-third of U.S. adults participated in 2022, according to a report from food and beverage research group CGA.

An overwhelming majority stuck with the goal of staying sober during the entire month, the report states. The expanding category of NA beverages raked in an estimated $295 million at bars, restaurants, etc., during that month.

Beyond January, most planned to continue drinking nonalcoholic options — to varying degrees — as a lifestyle shift. “Of those taking part in Dry January, nearly threequarters said they would continue drinking alcohol-free beer, spirits and mocktails while 64% planned to drink alcohol-free wine,” CGA states.

Whether you want to be lumped in with the Dry January crowd, people like you, me and Jordan himself are ABV’s target market. Those who are pregnant, in recovery from alcohol abuse disorder, not advised to drink for medical reasons or abstain for religious reasons are not, largely

because this group is not growing.

“There's been no change in that demographic size in 30 years. It has grown proportional to the population,” Jordan said. “What has changed is that people who do drink are also consuming nonalcoholic products."

This is good! People are reconsidering their relationship to alcohol and trying to balance the health risks.

Excess alcohol use correlates to higher rates of head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast and colon cancers. In addition, a 2022 study from the Minnesota Department of Health estimated that excess drinking cost the state nearly $8 billion in 2019.

So how do you start? The organization that created Dry January suggests removing all alcohol from your house so there won’t be temptations — stock your beer fridge with Bauhaus Nah! or another NA option.

Make plans for social settings where you would normally drink. Get friends to join you to have some accountability. Reward yourself by using the money you’d normally spend on alcohol for fun activities or purchases.

If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up. And most importantly, use what you learn about your relationship to alcohol to give yourself more choices throughout the year.

“If we can get the people who drink to drink a little bit less, it's going to be a huge health improvement,” Jordan said. “For us, it (Dry January) is definitely a way that people are introduced to our products, and we like to see breweries selling more beer and wineries selling more wine when they normally wouldn't be.”

But what about the alcohol?

While ABV Technology’s machines have just one input for the original alcoholic beverage, they have two outputs: the NA version and fermented malt beverage (aka FMB).

FMB may not sound familiar, but it’s the base for the craft hard seltzers that have shown up in taprooms across the state. Ben Jordan originally thought FMB would be just a byproduct, creating disposal headaches. Instead, it became a revenue stream.

The company’s busiest time of year is right after the Minnesota State Fair. ABV produces an incredible amount of FMB and simply disposes of the NA versions per regulations. “Nobody wants an NA cookie beer,” Jordan said. “Well, most people don’t.”

In Mankato, he earned an MFA in creative writing from Minnesota State University and a World Beer Cruise captain’s jacket from Pub 500. Twitter and Instagram: @JamesBeered

James Figy is a writer and beer enthusiast based in St. Paul.

The number of NA beer options — and ABV customers — continues to grow.

The ABV system extracts ethanol without impacting a beer’s flavor.

By Leigh Pomeroy

Food and wine for winter

As I write this, it's below freezing outside and snow is on the ground. This is quite an adjustment from the weather in Newport Beach, California, where I was just a week or so ago. Yes, we are entering the guts of Minnesota winter, and my thoughts turn from whites and rosés to hearty reds.

During this season I regret losing the option to visit the Mankato Farmers' Market every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday. But fortunately, during November through March, the market is open 9 a.m. to noon every first and third Saturday at Bomgaars in Mankato.

Another consequence of winter is that I've had to put away my Weber barbecue, so I'm forced, not so unhappily, to concoct intriguing pasta sauces on my stove.

They always start with plenty of quality virgin olive oil (I prefer Greek Diamond from Bill's Imported Foods in Minneapolis), in which I brown onions or shallots. If I want meat, I add ground lamb, beef, pork, chicken, turkey or sliced sausage.

Then I put in fresh mushrooms (preferably from Rebel Rooster Farm in Good Thunder, available from the Mankato Farmers' Market or the St. Peter Food Co-op), bell peppers (red, yellow or green), crushed garlic, and

fresh or canned tomatoes.

Once this mixture is bubbling gently, I add a medley of herbs from my herb pots in the sunroom, generally basil, parsley, rosemary, sage and oregano, plus (of course) red wine and salt and pepper to taste.

I select a pasta, which I cook al dente and then, after draining, toss it with butter or olive oil.

With this meal I can pair any number of hearty reds. Italian selections, of course, are preferred. Good reasonably priced choices come from southern Italy, including Primitivo (the Italian name for Zinfandel), Negroamaro, Nero D’Avola, Salice Salentino or Etna Rosso.

Other Italian options include Sangiovese-based reds from Tuscany, like Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montalcino or, if budget is no object, Brunello di Montalcino.

Some wines from northern Italy can fit as well, most notably Barbera and Nebbiolo (particularly Barolo, if you can afford it) and a few reds from northeastern Italy like Valpolicella Ripasso or (for special occasions) aged Amarone della Valpolicella.

Southern French reds work terrifically as well. Good choices include southern Rhônes like Gigondas,

Great red options abound to complement winter dining

Lirac and Côtes du Rhône, or the intense, opaque offerings from the Languedoc and Roussillon.

From the U.S., Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Barbera all possess the right stuff to match my hearty sauce.

Certainly, one does not live by pasta alone. I also like to prepare Crockpot meals. (OK, so I haven't invested in an Instapot yet.) The only downside is that these take all day to cook, so start early in the morning.

I begin by pouring a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet and then add stew meat, preferably lamb or beef that I've bought at the Farmers' Market, then brown it on all sides with salt and pepper. At the same time, I put in the Crockpot tomatoes, chopped onions and crushed garlic. To this I add diced potatoes. Sometimes I also add peppers (whatever color is on hand) and mushrooms.

Once the meat is browned, I put it in the Crockpot with the tomato mixture. If I'm using lamb, I often add canned lentils or black beans, because beans go so well with lamb. Again, I go to my herb pots and select a medley to add to the stew.

Some eight hours later when the

stew is done, I'm ready to open the wine. Here is where a California or Washington Cabernet Sauvignon or even some hearty Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley or Edna Valley, such as those made by Mankato native Stephen Dooley under his Stephen Ross Wines label, go well. Zinfandel, Sirah and Grenache blends are also good bets to match the flavors of the stew.

Other wines that match well are hearty reds from Italy, the Rhône Valley and other regions of southern France, Spain (Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon or Catalonia) and Australian Shirazes.

I love centering dishes on tomatoes because I like the flavors they impart. But also tomatoes are very healthy for you, and cooked tomatoes, many nutritionists say, are even more healthy than fresh.

Either way, one thing I know for sure is this: Tomato-based dishes combined with hearty, gutsy reds are a great way to make the Minnesota winter cruise by.

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

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COMMUNITY DRAWS

By Casey Christenson

BRINGING IN THE NEW YEAR!!

LIT DU NORD: MINNESOTA BOOKS AND AUTHORS

By Nick Healy

A good time in picture books

As publishers released their fall lists in recent months, a strong crop of new picture books by Minnesota authors hit the shelves.

Some of the standouts show how amazingly flexible the form is and demonstrate how talented people can create memorable experiences for kids while dealing with subjects that are sometimes serious and heavy and other times not.

The nonfiction picture book “Where We Come From” is a collaborative effort by four of the more interesting writers in Minnesota today. The co-authors include novelist and memoirist Diane Wilson, poet and children’s author Sun Yung Shin, novelist and essayist Shannon Gibney, and longtime children’s favorite John Coy.

Their story begins with this: “We come from stardust.” From there, the authors weave together stories from the history of their families and communities.

Those stories connect to faraway places — Ireland, Scotland, Korea, the west coast of Africa — and to places nearby, including lands of the Dakota people in what is now Minnesota. Those stories also

describe hardships people have endured and the hopefulness that sustained them.

“Where We Come From” and its interwoven tales might seem like a challenging concept for kids to grasp. But it works. Somehow it works. And kids will leave the story with a clearer notion of how everyone they meet and everyone they know is part of a longer story and comes from somewhere of worth.

Southern Minnesota’s own Nicole Helget also has a new picture book, “Be Good, Peanut Butter.” In this story, which is fun and funny and likely to be reread at bedtime in many homes, Peanut Butter is a dog. He’s a good dog. Mostly.

Peanut Butter is the sort of dog who likes — or needs, really — the company of his people. He does not know what to do with himself when Big Kid, Middle Kid and Little Kid go off to school and their mom heads to work. His only company is a sleeping cat who might as well not be there.

At first, Peanut Butter occupies himself with the available recreations — tearing up a pillow, chewing on a tennis shoe. He grows lonely and bored until finally he

finds a way out into the great wide world and escapes for a daylong adventure.

In “Be Good, Peanut Butter,” Helget shows a nice touch with humor and a good sense for what interests and entertains younger kids. It’s no stretch to imagine that some (or many) schoolchildren get lost in thought while wondering what their pets do all day. Helget’s story is like a daydream that fills in that blank.

In “The Dark Was Done,” written and illustrated by Lauren Stringer, the darkness that frightens many children is treated as a character — the Dark. The story begins with the Dark’s frustration at being chased away by table lamps, night lights, flashlights and more.

“Everyone was afraid of the Dark,” Stringer writes. “Everyone wished the Dark would leave.”

And that’s what happens. The Dark goes away. Suddenly the world is bright with sunshine all the time. Basements, closets and the spaces under beds are filled by light.

All is well, briefly. Soon the children in this new bright world recognize what they are missing. Gone is the song of crickets. Gone are the bright stars shining in the

Some new children’s picture books worth your time include Nicole Helget’s “Be Good, Peanut Butter,” and Lauren Stringer’s “The Dark was Done.

night sky.

When order is restored and the Dark comes again at night and returns to closed-off spaces, the children recognize there is not so much to fear.

Another thoughtful and thoughtprovoking new picture book is “You Are Life” by Bao Phi. A well-known and admired poet before he became a children’s author, Phi burst onto the kid-lit scene in 2017 with “A Different Pond,” a picture book that collected stellar reviews, found thousands of fans and was named a Caldecott Honor book.

“You Are Life,” his fourth children’s book, was released by Mankato-based Capstone in the fall, and this time around, Phi’s text has the rhythm and intensity of a poem.

In his author’s note at the back of the book, he explains that while anti-Asian racism and violence were nothing new, the surge of vile words and acts directed toward Asian Americans during the pandemic weighed on him and occupied his thoughts.

Out of that time and trouble came a poem, and that poem became this picture book, illustrated wonderfully by Hannah Li. “You are not a virus. You are a seed,” Phi explains early on. “When you were born, you saved me.”

Nick Healy is an author and freelance writer in Mankato.

ANN’S FASHION FORTUNES

By Ann Rosenquist Fee

Big rings, clean jeans, blurry lines

DEAR ANN: I was going through my jewelry box recently and found my class ring from 30 years ago. The gold! The topaz birthstone! The tiny runner and little saxophone! I love vintage rings so I’ve been wearing it. But I worry that people will think I’m trying to relive the glory days of my youth. Should I put it away for good?

DEAR READER: It’s more likely that people will think you’re embracing the trend of wearing class-ring-inspired signet rings, which, according to my style news sources, have been enjoying some popularity for a few years now.

I’m not sure why that’s the case, except maybe to appropriate the idea of “belonging” in a

semi-satirical-but-also-nostalgic kind of way. Perhaps this should be more troubling to you than the idea that you’re trying to relive some glory days, i.e., the idea that you’re walking around wearing an actual, non-ironic emblem of membership in the exclusive club of your high school’s graduating class.

As long as you’re ready and willing to engage in dialogue about relevance, belonging, elitism, and/ or exclusivity, go ahead and enjoy wearing your sparkly old/new accessory.

DEAR ANN: How do I get my boss to agree that jeans are acceptable for the office? I’m wearing them with a nice sport coat and dress shoes, but my attire still seems to raise concern about professionalism. Pretty sure this is outdated. Thoughts?

DEAR READER: You can’t really single-handedly separate your personal wearing of jeans from the years of conditioning causing your boss to associate denim with casual weekend non-office attire.

It’s a losing battle, and given that jeans are arguably less comfortable than a wool blend dress pant or a pair of Tencel cargo joggers, I suggest it’s a battle not worth fighting.

This is not to say you shouldn’t wear jeans to work, if you truly love how they make you feel. Go ahead and wear them if you want, but accept the fact you’ll be perceived as “dressing down” or maybe even “stopping by the office on what’s clearly a work-from-home-day” or some other set of assumptions that, honestly, might be what you’re secretly going for anyway, because those kinds of assumptions might get a person out of presenting at the team meeting that afternoon.

If you feel passionate about denim as office-wear and you truly want it to work as a professional

This class ring is making a comeback, maybe. Depends on how many of us can find ours.

look, versus just using it to get out of seeming reliable, treat the blue as a color worth considering, and use your shoes, shirt, scarf and whatever else to create a monochromatic palette of blue or bluish tones (versus acting like the color isn’t there at all, and treating your denim like a neutral, which, I know we all do it, but it really doesn’t work if you’re trying to look pulled together and professional versus looking like you’re about to play kickball or go fishing).

If this is sounding too complicated, call in sick.

DEAR ANN: I am intimidated by ads for “makeup for women over 40.” Can you simplify the rules so I don’t have to click on anything that’s just going to tell me I’m doing it wrong?

DEAR READER: Absolutely. The simplest version is this: The time for smudging and blurring is over, because your face itself is starting to blur thanks to very tiny lines and softenings in places you simply didn’t think could go soft.

And to make that look intentional, your makeup needs to create contrast, which means it has to become sharp. All the better if it’s sharp and sparse. It’s this school of thought that gives us the iconic old-lady-with-bold-crimson-lip look, or the sharply drawn-on eyebrows, or the mascara-only eye makeup — which all of a sudden accomplishes everything eyeliner used to accomplish, now that your eyelids are all creased and tucked into themselves.

Bear in mind that I have just now invented this rule on the spot, after realizing that I, too, don’t want to click on anything that’s just going to tell me I’m doing it wrong.

What we need, I think, are rules that emerge from and reinforce the feeling that aging faces are so very right. What we need is to make up the rules. I can’t wait to see whatever doctrines and purchases you’re about to make.

Got a question?

Submit it at annrosenquistfee.com (click on Ann’s Fashion Fortunes).

Ann Rosenquist Fee is executive director of the Arts Center of Saint Peter and host of Live from the Arts Center, a music and interview show Thursdays 1-2 p.m. on KMSU 89.7FM.

FROM THIS VALLEY

By Pete Steiner

HONOR ROLL

In memoriam …

We come around again to the annual ritual – both somber and joyous – of taking note of friends who’ve left us this past year.

As usual, I have missed some; perhaps I did not know them, or I did not see a posted obituary, or perhaps they died after my article needed to be submitted. For that, I apologize. But each of the individuals named here enriched our lives in our little corner of Planet Earth.

Just after we last visited this topic, two pillars of the local art community departed: Arnie Lillo on Christmas 2021, and Hope Cook, only 72. Arnie’s large metal art sculptures were visited by people from around the world. And Hope, after retiring from the MSU art faculty, continued to push the old Carnegie Library as a mecca for local artists and art lovers. Elayne Lidstrom was a local “grande dame,” zestful and stylish until her death just past age 100.

Chris Faye was a well-rounded man of faith and good will, a businessman, columnist and tabletennis whiz into his ninth decade.

Matt Peters became St. Peter police chief just after the 1998 tornado and retired from a fourdecade law enforcement career just a year before he died at 63.

As a newsman, I always found Chief Peters helpful. Speaking of news, I also got to strike up a friendship with Deb Fleming when she was Free Press editor early in this century. When I learned of her death at 67, I recalled her clear-eyed toughness.

Gordy Kopischke departed on the last day of February. He and his wife were creators of Pumpkinland; for parents of several generations, we need not say more.

Craig Nelson was only 73 – do I

have enough adjectives? Brilliant, energetic, creative, a great teacher and the life of any party.

Clayton Tiede was the Music Man right here in River City – longtime director of bands at MSU and founder of the Maverick Machine.

Emi Saiki lived to 96 after being interned with other JapaneseAmericans during World War II. She and George eventually made it to Mankato, creating a thriving business in the tricky art of “chicken sexing” and becoming prominent community members.

Anders Bjorling was son of famed opera tenor, Jussi. It was our good fortune that Anders chose Gustavus for his education; he eventually became the college’s comptroller. Of course he and Jan also imprinted Scandinavia on us via Swedish Kontur.

Gary Kratzke was just 73, but his impact was felt by generations who bought letter jackets and rented tuxes at Graif Clothing. A basketball dead-eye, Gary would be in the running for nicest person in the world.

So would Gloria Brosnan, who not only bore 12 of her own children, she helped countless other parents bring babies into our world during a 50-year career as a labor and delivery nurse.

Mark Scheidel, only 71, ended his career with 18 years at MnDOT, but might prefer to be remembered as a fine guitarist, singer and songwriter, or in the running for world’s greatest fisherman.

Kay Jacobson, daughter of legendary Mankato inventorentrepreneurs, Cecil and Mildred Jones, was born to be a pillar of the community. She was co-owner of Katolight (now Rolls-Royce Power Systems), as well as a driving force behind the Children’s Museum, Habitat for Humanity and the Mankato Symphony. She and Lyle also helped fund the beautiful planters that adorn downtown.

Summer can be cruel when it takes some of our youngest. Among them were Willow Bense, 8, who drowned in the Minnesota River, and Maddie Johnson, 17, and Gabi Hebl, 16, car crash victims. We lose their bright smiles far too soon, plus the stories and knowledge they could have brought us.

Ann McGuire left us in September. Wife of legendary guitarist, Jim, and mother of three talented sons, she was the proverbial “wind beneath our wings,” with a heart of gold, as a speaker at her funeral said.

Roger Stoufer, teacher, school board member, and memoirist, could also be remembered for his last words: “I … enjoyed life!”

And Timothy Bartelt left us so early, at 52. "Minnow" was funny and friendly as he poured your brew, and his legendary wake at Patrick’s testified to how much the congregants there loved him.

That these accolades come out after our great ones are gone should remind us: If you love somebody, let them know. We will carry on because we must, continuing their work, hoping the good we can still do will build on their legacy and be worthy of them.

Happy New Year!

Longtime radio guy Pete Steiner is now a free lance writer in Mankato.

Arnie Lillo

Matt Peters

Roger Stoufer

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