Mankato Magazine May Issue by Free Press Media

PET MANIA! From hedgehogs to wallabies, we’ve got ‘em

also in this issue: Ideas for MOTHER’S DAY Living 55+ RESOURCE GUIDE Get to know NICK FRENTZ Susan Van Amber with Spuds the hedgehog MAY 2019

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FEATURE S MAY 2019 Volume 14, Issue 5

Animals everywhere!

For you, Mom

Most of us have a dog or a cat. But it takes a special (or crazy) person to open their home and life to many pets..

We called upon some thoughtful folks in our region to get the best possible ideas for Mother’s Day. They didn’t disappoint.

ABOUT THE COVER Susan Van Amber has a house full of pets, including Spuds the hedgehog, who was photographed delicately by Pat Christman. MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 3

DEPARTMENTS 6 From the Editor 8 Faces & Places 12 This Day in History 13 Avant Guardians Ann Obernolte

14 Beyond the Margin

The power and color of rain

16 Familiar Faces Nick Frentz

26 Day Trip Destinations

International Wolf Center, Ely

30 Region 9

Resource Guide for older adults and their families

44 Wine

The oldest winery in California

47 Beer

Small beer low point

48 That’s Life

Guess who is coming to dinner?

50 Garden Chat Morels

52 Your Style

Mama knows best

54 Coming Attractions 56 From This Valley Carry on!

Coming in May

44 4 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

We take a look at the vibrant community of nonprofit organizations in the Mankato area.

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MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 5

FROM THE ASSOCIATE EDITOR By Robb Murray MAY 2019 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 5 PUBLISHER Steve Jameson EDITOR Joe Spear ASSOCIATE Robb Murray EDITOR CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Dyslin Bert Mattson James Figy Jean Lundquist Jessica Server Leigh Pomeroy Nell Musolf Pete Steiner

PHOTOGRAPHERS Pat Christman Jackson Forderer

PAGE DESIGNER Christina Sankey ADVERTISING Danny Creel SALES Joan Streit Jordan Greer-Friesz Josh Zimmerman Marianne Carlson Theresa Haefner ADVERTISING Barb Wass ASSISTANT ADVERTISING Sue Hammar DESIGNERS Christina Sankey CIRCULATION Justin Niles DIRECTOR

Mankato Magazine is published by The Free Press Media monthly at 418 South Second St., Mankato MN 56001. To subscribe, call 1-800-657-4662 or 507-625-4451. $35.40 for 12 issues. For editorial inquiries, call Robb Murray at 344-6386, or e-mail rmurray@mankatofreepress.com. For advertising, call 344-6364, or e-mail advertising@mankatofreepress.com.

6 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

A single shot in ‘85 brings you animals today

ike a lot of kids in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, there was a Christmas morning where I came out to find a Santa masterpiece. Just like the kid in that great film we all watch every holiday season, little Robbie found an epic gift under the tree on Christmas morning: a Daisy air rifle. A BB gun. Instantly my mind went to all the empty root beer cans I’d be shooting off fence posts, all the stop signs I’d pepper with pea-sized dents, and all the cowboys and outlaws I’d pretend to be in the backyard, at the cabin, wherever. When I think back to all the Christmas gifts I’ve ever received, that BB gun has to rank as the best (and that includes the “Looney Tunes” album I’d gotten at age 7, the one with “They’re Coming to Take Me Away,” “The Streak,” and “Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh,” which was also a gift that rocked my world). That BB gun got a lot of use early on. I remember going to the sporting goods store to purchase boxes of BBs, then clumsily pouring them into the magazine. It was a pump-action rifle, and I pumped the heck out of that thing when I wanted to pop something good. Which brings me to the reason why I’m telling you any of this. I’ve always loved animals. And I can tell you the exact day I became the kind of person who would never harm an animal for as long as he lived. Sitting bored at our northern Wisconsin cabin one weekend (not a posh lakeside retreat, more like a glorified Boy Scout shed) I got the old Daisy out and started looking for stuff to shoot. I was a teenager then, and it didn’t take much to bore me. As I pondered the state of the Minnesota Twins and wondered

where I’d ride my Yamaha YZ80 dirt bike, a tiny bird alighted on a tree stump about 30 feet away. With gun in hand, I raised the already pumped Daisy slowly and pointed the barrel at the bird. And then, with no thought, I pulled the trigger. The bird fell to its death instantly. Startled at how quickly I’d ended a life, I walked over to it and just stared. Its eyes were open. Its gray feathers looked soft and delicate. Tears welled up in my eyes, which would surprise no one today, but back then I was a typical smartalecky kid. I knew my actions were unjustifiable, cruel and inhumane. I was ashamed. Embarrassed. And I didn’t tell anyone for a long time that I’d done that. And that moment, friends, is why this month’s Mankato Magazine is filled with animals. That incident sparked a period of animal discovery in me. I became closer with my own pets, started harboring unrealistic sympathies for wild animals, and toyed with the idea of becoming a veterinarian or a zoologist. (Horrible study habits and zero discipline squashed those dreams; you need to excel in science to go down that road, but they’ll let any fool become a journalist!) But it’s not only animals we’ve got this month. We also got a solid list of thoughtful ideas for you as Mother’s Day approaches, a great Q & A with state senator Nick Frentz and a day trip feature about the International Wolf Center in Ely.

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

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FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports

Luck of the Irish 7K & Kids K

The Luck of the Irish 7K Run is a benefit for John Ireland School in St. Peter.

1. Jed Friedrich runs past to take first place in the 7K run. 2. Amanda Jaeger gives a thumbs up as she makes her way to the finish line. 3. The runners begin the 7K race. 4. Kids warm up before their 1K run. 5. People gather outside the Church of St. Peter before the race begins. 6. Ann Johnson provides information on the course for the runners. 7. This year’s medals awarded to all runners. 8. Steve Hogberg helps direct traffic and the runners.

8 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports

St. Peter St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1

1. (Left to right) St. Peter High School boys basketball players Seth Lokensgard, Vinny Guappone and Wyatt Olson smiling for a photo as they participate in the parade. 2. Kids scramble for candy across the street. 3. The Haslip family posing for a photo at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in St. Peter, MN. 4. (Left to right) Jodi, Amaya and Momo Jallow pose for a photo during the St. Patrick’s Day parade. 5. The American Legion Post. 37 Color Guard lead this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. 6. Just for Kix dancers dancing their way through the parade. 7. St. Peter Mayor, Chuck Zieman, throws candy to the crowd as he walks the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 9

FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports

Mankato Craft & Vendor Show 1. Dale Vogt, independent sales consultant, behind the Norwex stall showcasing household products. 2. Katie Jones, independent stylist of “Color Street,” demonstrates her projects. 3 3. Clothes from “Mama Bear’s Apparel” were on display. 4. People check out the miscellaneous stall. 5. Marie Schultz poses for a photo at her “Prairie Flower Alpacas & Crafts” stall. 6. Items from “Pink Zebra” on display. 7. A wide view showcasing the 60-plus stalls.

4 5

10 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports

Southern Minnesota Home & Builders Show 1. Patrick Schmidt, Architectural Representative of Vetter Stone, shows people their products through a catalog. 2. Dimension One Spas displays one of their spas. 3. People check out the miscellaneous booths during the 25th Annual Southern Minnesota Home & Builders Show. 4. Pro-Shed offers a free shed valued at $3,500 through a prize giveaway. 5. An overview showcases various stalls from vendors in the grand hall of the Verizon Center, Mankato, MN.

MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 11

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY Compiled by Jean Lundquist

Sale prices big feature of K-Mart opening Thursday Tuesday, May 15, 1979 Before Kmart moved into the building along Highway 14 east in Mankato, Goldfine’s occupied the space. Kmart management told the Mankato Free Press that people who liked Goldfine’s would feel comfortable shopping at Kmart. In fact, they could expect to see some Goldfine’s employees working in the new store. Kmart offered expanded departments from Goldfine’s, however, including gas pumps in the parking lot. Though no ribbon cutting ceremony was scheduled, the store manager said the opening would make a big splash by offering prices set below the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and in-store sales indicated by a “blue light device.” Amboy grocery may close Wednesday, May 18, 1988 Customer numbers began dropping off at Jack’s Fairway grocery store in 1985, according to store owner Jack Lawrence. That’s when people began using the grocery for convenience items, like bread and milk, but trekked to Mankato where larger stores offered lower prices. Lawrence hoped by making the store’s impending demise public, town folk might rally to support the store. The news was dire for the store — the Fairway vice president of sales told the newspaper the store would be sold in 30 days without some big change. Lawrence was quoted as saying, “We don’t expect to be people’s first choice for groceries, but, gosh, give us something once in a while.” Sigafus responds to welfare criticism Saturday, May 10, 1969 Area farmers attended a special tax meeting in Mankato to blast the use of tax dollars for welfare. Blue Earth County Welfare Director Allen Sigafus responded that, while he was “sympathetic to the problems of the farmer,” they would see very little change in their plight if his department was disbanded. “If the welfare department weren’t in existence, the farm problem could be just as well blamed on the Red Cross Gray Ladies.” Sigafus did offer a bit of advice for farmers, whether or not they receive subsidies for their operations, though. “For the individual’s health … all farmers should not smoke.” Blood donation unit in Mankato for the last time Wednesday, May 9, 1945 The Minneapolis Blood Donor Center, which visited Mankato every couple of months since January of 1944, was one of 19 scheduled to close, thus halting collections in Mankato. The quota for this last visit was 550 pints, to be collected over three days. With that, Mankato area residents had donated 3,900 pints of blood. The Red Cross ordered the closing of the centers on May 19, “as a result of the cessation of hostilities in Europe.”

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County pioneer passes Saturday Monday, May 1, 1939 Ninety-year old Mrs. Hattie Rue Thompson of Garden City Suffered a fractured hip in a fall in January, and had returned home from the hospital only three weeks before her passing. Her parents came to Blue Earth County in frontier days in a covered wagon. As a school girl in the 1860’s, Hattie witnessed the mass hanging of Dakota men in Mankato. She graduated from Mankato Normal School in 1871 as the 16th student to receive a diploma. Her husband preceded her in death, as did a daughter who died in the influenza epidemic in 1918.

AVANT GUARDIANS By Leticia Gonzales

The education of Ann Obernolte

Children and travels have influenced the Mankato artist

fter earning an art education degree from the University of Minnesota in the 1970s, all Ann Obernolte wanted to do was teach art. “I started my teaching career in the St. Paul Public Schools as an art teacher, but in the 1970s, there were layoffs and they kind of took their toll on the art teaching jobs,” reminisced Obernolte, who is now 65 years old. Despite the setback, Obernolte moved forward by getting married, and relocating to Mankato. “While I stayed home with our three children, I added elementary education to my teaching license because it was difficult at the time to think you could get art teaching job,” she shared. After earning her teaching license, Obernolte spent the next 27 years teaching kindergarten; seven years working for Mankato Area Public Schools, and 20 years at Eagle Lake Elementary. “Until we went to all-day kindergarten, the art experiences in kindergarten were delivered by their teachers, so that was a perfect fit for me because I could do art with my kindergarten children,” she added. “I always offered creative art activities during our kindergarten exploration, or their playtime, and my young kindergarten children just loved art, so it was a great fit for me.” After retiring five years ago. Obernolte wanted to return to her early roots as an artist. “I decided to get back into my own art, and wanted to get back into doing watercolor painting,” she shared. With the help of an art class at the arboretum, she was able to get started. “When I retired, I just had the time and the energy to bring it out again,” said Obernolte. A lot of her creativity stems from Lake Francis, the lake on the north side of Highway 60, where her family has resided for the past 14 years. “I’ve gone around and painted some barns,” she said. “I like the leaves and the nature, so a lot of that has been an inspiration to my painting when we moved out to this rural lake area.” Her trips in the U.S., as well as out of the country, have also been a positive influence for her work. “I have just enjoyed traveling to workshops across the country,” said Obernolte. “I have studied with a lot of well-known watercolor artists. When I’m not traveling, or

helping with our family or grandchildren, I have offered classes on watercolor painting to smaller groups in the Mankato area and up in the twin cities.” Whether it’s Florida, Wisconsin, Russia or the Dominican Republic, there is always a new technique or landscape to paint. “The travel helps to bring back ideas and memories, and that kind of thing,” added Obernolte. In 2017, Obernolte received a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council (PLRAC) that helped her continue exploring of watercolor techniques, even earning a merit award for one of her pieces. She has also shown her work at the Carnegie Art Center and the Waseca Art Center. “I think I have come a long way since I retired and started up,” Obernolte expressed. “I’ve learned a lot of things, and I may deviate from watercolor someday and do some other things as well. I like all kinds of art. We will have to see if I find something else that motivates me or not.”

MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 13

BEYOND THE MARGIN By Joe Spear

The power and color of rain…

he northern pike were running wild at Lake Johanna one rainy morning in the summer of 1970. We went fishing that day, like we always did on Saturday mornings in the summer. The sky was purple. At 10 years old, it was the first time I understood the power of rain. People can remember things they wouldn’t otherwise remember because of the rain. My connection with rain had previously been more utilitarian. We used to put plastic bread bags on our feet when we put our boots on because we knew the boots from the discount store were not really designed to keep feet dry though the advertising provided the illusion of doing so. Running through rain is a universal ritual for kids. But even adults can be inspired by it. Dr. Anderson Spickard Jr. makes note of the healing power of rain in an essay he wrote for Psychology Today where he quotes a friend and recovering alcoholic at length as co-author of his book. John B., the recovering alcoholic, had been two years into recovery when he took the advice of a recent session to go to a remote place and meditate. He chose a 10,000 foot mountain in Colorado, where he recounts a total emotional breakdown on a perfectly sunny day. He tells of asking for God’s help in a body-shaking crying fit of rage. A small rain cloud soon comes over him. As rain poured down, he felt all the pain leave his body. John B. recalls in his essay: “Today, I often return to this moment on the mountain. It’s a constant reminder of where I’ve been and where I’m going. And when I’m feeling down or discouraged, its memory puts the wind back in my sails.”

northern, some caught multiple. I was the only one who got “skunked.” Zero fish for me on this bountiful day. I can’t remember who caught multiple fish, but still etched in my mind is the image of my brother Tim landing a monster right on the swimming beach. It flipped off the hook as he pulled it in. It floundered on the sand as it tried to get back in the water and he kicked at it to keep it on land, like a soccer goalie preventing a goal. All of these images come when I think of rain. And it rained harder. And a big northern passed my bait in shallow water, but he did not take it. And it rained harder. And then I was convinced it was a Muskie because he made eye contact and glared. “Mud” and his family often invited me to their cabin in northern Wisconsin when we were teenagers. It was raining heavily one weekend. I meandered out on the dock and cast a line with a wood bait known as a Bass Oreno, developed in 1915 in South Bend, Ind. As you can guess, the biggest bass I ever saw jumped onto that line in about 4 feet of water. It flipped off just as I pulled it out, but there was no sand beach for me to replicate my brother’s kicking fish routine. And when I told the story, people were skeptical. I’ve always been convinced fishing is best when it’s raining. And, according to the fine people at Accuweather, I’m mostly right. “Fishing during a light rain makes casting lines more discreet. Insects are also more likely to be out flying near the surface of the water during or immediately following a light rain, which will bring fish closer to the surface and make them more susceptible to being caught.”

nnnn

My father had a tradition to take us kids fishing almost every Saturday morning in the summer. We’d drive eight miles to Lake Johanna, in Arden Hills. We didn’t have a boat. We casted from shore. You’d sometimes cross a fence of some private property to fish where the bass were biting, figuring you would just move if the owner came out and told you to get off their property. They never did. People who live on a lake aren’t often selfish about it. Then there was the epic eight northern pike day. It was pouring rain, but we all went out. Dad, Tim, Mike, me and Hans Kuhn. The Kuhns were from Germany, migrated during and after World War II. One of my best friends was Martin Kuhn, who we nicknamed “Mud” for some reason, I can’t remember. He might have played in the mud when he was a toddler. His German-speaking parents picked up the name but called him “Mutt” with their accent. Nice. But on the eight-northern pike day everyone caught a

The nine county Mankato region gets between 29 inches (New Ulm) to 34 inches (Waseca) of rain on average as calculated in 30-year chunks, the last being from 1980 to 2010. It is the second wettest area of the state, with the exception of the Rochester area which averages 35-36 inches per year. For Mankato’s NWS weather recording station in Skyline, the rainfall has been greater than normal seven out of the last eight years, with a high of 53 inches in 2016 and a low of 23 inches in 2012. Waseca, with an average of 34.5 inches is the wettest place in the region. It too, had seven of the last eight years with above normal rainfall, with a high of 54.5 inches in 2016 and a low of 23.5 inches 2012 at the Woodville Township recording station.

14 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

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When Prince played the Super Bowl XLI in Miami it almost never rained that time of year. But the morning of the game, as the promoter tells it, they wake up and it’s pouring rain. It’s a monsoon. Prince’s show involves twin dancers with super high heels and their routine involves twirls and

kicks on a linoleum-like, slippery stage. When Prince is warned of the weather, he remained calm and undaunted. He asked his producer: “Can they make it rain harder?” It was one of the most fantastic shows in Super Bowl halftime history. No one fell. They didn’t miss

a beat. The band got electrified not electrocuted. Amazingly. Ninety three million people felt the power of Purple Rain. Joe Spear is editor of Mankato Magazine. Contact him at jspear@mankatofreepress.com or 344-6382. Follow on Twitter @jfspear. MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 15

Familiar Faces

Representing the people of southern Minnesota ...

Sen. Nick Frentz

hen you meet Nick Frentz, you don’t just meet Nick Frentz. It’s more accurate to say you experience Nick Frentz. Laser-quick mind, enough jokes to keep you laughing for hours, and a friendly demeanor that makes you want to call him your friend. Frentz spent three decades building up law practice in the Mankato area, and now he’s a partner at one of the region’s most respected firms: Maschka, Riedy, Ries and Frentz. He’s also in the first term of a new political career. Frentz is the current office holder of Minnesota Senate District 19 — Frentz won election to the seat after its previous tenant, Kathy Sheran, retired. Here’s more from Nick Frentz: Photo by Pat Christman

Name:

Nick Frentz City of residence: North Mankato

Job title:

Attorney, State Senator

Brief work history:

32 years as an attorney in southern Minnesota

Education: Macalester College, William Mitchell College of Law

Family: Married to Jill, four children

Mankato Magazine: What has surprised you most about being in state government? Nick Frentz: How interesting it all is. The way the state government works (and sometimes doesn’t work) is just so fascinating. Each committee, commission, chamber, bill, amendment, budget and legislator are so different that there truly is “never a dull moment.” MM: You’ve been quite involved in sustainability issues since joining the senate. Why? NF: Sustainability is so new, and has such deep implications for our future that it is a blast to work on. I’m convinced climate change is real and that we should work to address it, and do that now. Solutions may combine technology, jobs and long-term planning. It’s also a special priority for many younger voters, so it’s great to see so many Minnesotans in the 18-29 age group get involved in politics with such passion. MM: Has it been difficult being in a minority in the senate? NF: Well, it doesn’t look as fun as being in the majority, but you still get to work for the people in your district either way, and that’s the main thing we are doing up here. I’ve been very happy with our ability to work across the aisle on issues in agriculture, and in some other areas. The learning curve is pretty important regardless of political party anyway, so I try to focus on getting a good understanding of the subject matter and process and the rest should take care of itself. MM: You’ve also done quite a bit of coaching, particularly youth football. Is dealing with fellow lawmakers easier or harder than corralling a bunch of 10-year-olds on a football field?

16 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

Nick Frentz is in the middle of his first term as a Minnesota state senator.

NF: Well obviously the maturity level is much higher for 10 year olds. Kidding, of course. There are actually a lot of parallels in both football and legislating. You’ve got a goal, you have to work with others, and you are more likely to have success if you put the team’s needs above your own. Once in a while people seem to forget that the “team” is the state of Minnesota and not a political party, but like 10-year-old youth football players, legislators are human. MM: Is it hard to balance the life of a state senator with a law practice? How much lawyering are you able to do? NF: Well it can be challenging, sure. I am a very happy lawyer at Maschka, Riedy, Ries, and Frentz and enjoy doing the same type of legal work I’ve been doing for 32 years. It’s great representing clients who need help, and my co-workers at the law firm help me out on my files while I’m in St Paul. Obviously putting in the long days and nights at the Capitol during the session (this year from Jan 6-May 20) makes it hard to handle as much day-to-day legal work. It’s also very hard to be away so much from my family — but we talk every day and text, etc. I look forward to getting back home very much and usually can get back to my house in North Mankato either Thursday night or Friday morning during session, and then come back up Sunday night.

Right: Sen. Nick Frentz talks on the phone in his St. Paul office. Photo by Pat Christman

MM: What grade would you give the Legislature during your time in it? NF: Like in high school, some class grades are higher than others. We have done pretty well in agriculture, human services and education — maybe a B+. I’d give us lower grades on transportation and working across the aisle, maybe a C. If we are looking at taxes last session, where we needed to get a federal tax conformity bill done and didn’t, I’d say “F”. But we are hoping to bring that up this year. MM: What does Nick Frentz do in his spare time? NF: Well, as you might guess … there isn’t much. I like to do things with family and friends, and most weekends we try to go out to eat together or maybe catch a movie. I do still play a little hockey on Wednesdays and Sundays, but am such a bad skater I think they may ban me soon. Once the session ends I’m also hoping my wife Jill and I can take a decent trip somewhere. MM: If we hacked into your Netflix account, what would we see under the “Recently Watched” tab? NF: Mostly comedies and some documentaries. Watched a little of a Vegas mafia documentary last week.

MM: When you tell outsiders about the Mankato area, what do you say? NF: I tell them how great it is, how the history of the area unfolded, and how we love the old and new neighborhoods. I am so proud to tell people I represent the greater Mankato region, and that my father’s side of the family goes back about 150 years there. Mankato offers a great quality of life, solid economy, great schools and a kind of “all in this together” attitude that seems to really work. Then I say “plus we process more soybeans here than any other city in America” and see where they go with that one. MM: Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people? NF: I was born in Japan. My father grew up in Mankato, but in 1960 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. They shipped him to northern California, where he met my mother (who was from the Los Angeles area). They got married in 1961 but he was then shipped to Hokkaido in the northern part of Japan. In 1963, my mom, pregnant with me, took a ship over there so they could be together when I was born (two-week long trip one way for my mom, by the way). Long trip over, sure … but she gave birth to me, so I was happy with that part. Compiled by Robb Murray

MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 17

Bert (left) and Ernie, two Nigerian dwarf goats at Shirlene Hvinden’s farm. Photo by Jackson Forderer

Animals animals animals animals animals EVERYWHERE!!! Some people have a pet — and some have a HERD! By Robb Murray

n the canon of our great land, a domesticated animal completes the portrait of the all-American family. Think about it: When you see a smiling husband and wife seated at the dinner table next to a pair of laughing toddlers, is there anything better to “tie the room together” than a nice golden retriever, sitting politely between mom and dad, waiting for morsels to fall from the table? No. Or in the barnyards of rural America, what’s more American than a quick and clever cat, ridding the area of mice, rubbing up against the legs of anyone willing to stand still, or purring contentedly after dropping onto a willing lap? Nothing, of course.

18 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

But today we’re not talking about “typical.” Or “regular.” Or “normal.” Today we delve into the atypical, the irregular, the abnormal (not the negative versions of those words, of course; because there’s nothing negative about the way the folks you’ll read about treat their animals.) No, when we say “atypical” or “irregular,” we’re merely talking numbers (and perhaps passion, patience and fortitude.) About a month ago we put out a call for people or households with unusual pets or an unusual number of pets who would be willing to be featured in a Mankato Magazine article. The response was overwhelming. Southern Minnesota folks are proud of their pets. After about 200 Facebook comments and roughly 40 emails, we picked three folks who offer unique takes on the

idea of pets. Two have vast amounts of room for their brood in the country; one racked up a huge pet count while the other deals in alpacas and just got a brand new wallaby. The third manages a sizeable collection in her Lincoln Park home. We’ll begin with the largest collection.

A Little Bit ‘O Everything

Shirlene Hvinden has it all. Almost literally. By day she works in the Brown County Attorney’s office. But by the time she comes home she transforms into a sort of pet whisperer, flitting excitedly from goat to draft horse to pig to duck to donkey. Walking around her property, one wonders if Hvinden would rather just be here all day (but then she jumps into a discussion of her career and her love of the intricacies of the law, and then one stops wondering … she’s the kind of person who loves her job, and then loves coming home to her giant family of people and pets.) At last count, Hvinden, who lives on a farm site between Mankato and New Ulm, has 42 animals living on site, which includes two goslings added just last week. (“They will be new friends to the ducks, Cotton and Rosie,” she said.) It wasn’t always this way, though. When she joined her partner Jason on his family farm, there were three horses and one donkey. Thirty-eight animals later, she has nearly all the animals she wants. “The only other thing I want is a smaller brown Swiss cow,” she says. But you’re probably wondering about the rundown, so here it is: n 16 horses n 4 dogs n 1 pig n 2 mini goats n 1 sheep n 4 ducks n 2 goslings n 1 bunny n 3 indoor cats n 3 foster cats n 5 barn cats The collection on the farm, of course, started with Jason. But when it grew to multiple dozens? That’s mostly Shirlene. “But he shares in the insanity,” she said.

Hvinden tries to lead a draft horse away from its stable at her farm in rural New Ulm. Photo by Jackson Forderer

Carl the donkey approaches a barb wire fence. Photo by Jackson Forderer

Two of the four dogs on Hvinden’s farm. Photo by Jackson Forderer MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 19

Jason Benson leads a team of draft horses down a gravel road in rural New Ulm. Photo by Jackson Forderer

Benson takes the reins off of two draft horses after taking them for a ride. Photo by Jackson Forderer Jason has always had horses in his life. The family has a carriage they hook draft horses to and can give rides (which they actually do every year for the Laura Ingalls Wilder festival in Walnut Grove … and for a curious visitor with a notebook). So the root of the horse obsession can be traced back to 20 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

Jason. But they likely wouldn’t have 16 without a little nudging from Shirlene. And the cats and dogs and goats and pig and everything else is 100 percent a product of Shirlene having a deep love for all animals. Some are rescues, like the cats and some of the dogs. But not all of them. The goats, for example, she

saw on Craigslist and just thought it’d be great to add them to her mix. And the ducks waddling around the farm: Shirlene and Jason discussed the matter, and said maybe it’s not the best time to add more ducks. But what Jason didn’t know is that Shirlene had already gone to Runnings in New Ulm and put her name down for two of them. Jason literally saw her handwritten name on the order form as he walked through the store one day. “I was running rogue on that one,” she says. Before settling down with Jason, Hvinden, 46, worked as a paralegal, including a stint in Colorado. She also traveled a lot. And although she realizes her collecting ways may have to slow down, she says she wishes she had enough room to keep adding to her furry family. She likes the idea of helping animals in need of a place to go, and wishes everyone recognized how wonderful they are. “That’s why I like sharing them,” she said. “I wish people could see them the way I see them, with all their personalities.”

(Above) One of the handful of pheasants on Jeremy Hanks’ 32-acre farm. (Right) Willow the wallaby is the cutest creature on Highway 14. Photos by Pat Christman

A Friend from Down Under

When talking about Jeremy Hanks’ animals, it’s hard to not start with the cutest and newest arrival: Willow the wallaby. Wallabies are probably not a good idea as a pet if all you’re interested in is a cute animal. They are cute, for sure. But they’re not cheap. And it’s not like having a dog. Having said that, Hanks says having a wallaby shouldn’t scare people off who might be curious. The fur is soft, almost chinchilla soft. (This reporter can confirm that holding a baby wallaby is magical.) “I like the unique animals,” he says. (He ain’t kidding: He used to have an emu and a yak on site, too. Yes, a yak. He had to get rid of it when it became too aggressive.) This is actually Hanks’ second Wallaby. He had another that developed a fungal infection in its mouth and died. Hanks immediately put his name on a waiting list for another one, and

the call came three years later. Willow just arrived a few weeks ago. Having animals around is nothing new for Hanks. He grew up on a farm north of Waterville where he was surrounded by horses, sheep and ducks. He moved to Mankato where he opened a salon, JDH Salon, in the basement of his north Broad Street home. In 2010 he moved with his spouse to Hanks’ current home, where they started collecting animals. The spouse is now gone. The heard of alpacas, however, remains. Hanks’ home, visible from Highway 14 a few miles east of Eagle Lake, is better described as a complex, the most visible members of which are the alpacas, which graze year-around in the fields adjacent to Highway 14. He’s also got colorful pheasants, peacocks and chickens in the barn, a pack of goldendoodles which he breeds, and a giant saltwater tank full of

clown fish, blue tangs and other exotic fish. Hanks got into owning alpacas because he was fascinated by them. His first alpacas were what Hanks calls “pet quality” alpacas. It’s all about the quality of the fleece. These days, Hanks has several “show quality” alpacas in the mix, and their fleece is markedly softer than “pet quality” animals. On his property recently, we ventured out to see the alpacas. With a hearty “HERE GIRLS!” Hanks calls to the herd and they come. They come right up to a newcomer. When a particularly curious alpaca approaches, Hanks says, “OK, she’s going to come up to you and what you’re going to want to do is just bow your head down like this.” He demonstrates a move like an Asian courtesy bow, and the alpaca indeed gets very, very close. She explores the stranger’s face. He can feel the wet of her nose, the air of her sniff. MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 21

22 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

WILL

“Can I touch her?” the stranger asks. “I wouldn’t,” Hanks advises. Seems that, of all the alpacas on his farm, this is the only one that has spit on him during routine alpaca maintenance. The beast moves on and Hanks explains that such maintenance, and the annual shearing, are all you have to do with alpacas. “They’re just a really easy animal to take care of and they’re really easy on the environment,” he said. When an alpaca grazes on grass, unlike a cow, it doesn’t take the root, which allows the grass, obviously, to keep growing. Their hooves are gentler to the ground than cows or horses, too. Shearing is an annual chore. Hanks has yarn made out of some of it, which he sells in his salon. Beyond the alpacas, the furry creatures most plentiful in the Hanks household are the dogs. Hanks breeds goldendoodles, which means his home is transformed into a puppy-filled paradise a few times a year. The puppies sell for $1,600-$1,900 and are known for being healthy and, most importantly, they don’t shed much. Hanks says people like his puppies because they’re born inside his house, like, right in his living room. These days Hanks has an even greater appreciation for all the wildlife on his 32-acre homestead. Last July he collapsed in a Janesville restaurant. He was flown to Abbott Northwestern Hospital where doctors found a brain tumor the size of a Ping-Pong ball. Luckily it wasn’t cancerous, and they were able to remove most of it. He was hospitalized for two weeks, a time during which he lost some clients at the salon and needed help with the animals. “My family all stepped up and helped me out,” he said. Jeremy Hanks raises alpacas on his farm site just east of Eagle Lake. The animals get sheared annually, and Hanks uses some of the fleece for yarn, which he sells in his on-site hair salon. Photos by Pat Christman

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Urban jungle

Susan Van Amber was one of the youngest people to respond to our call for animal lovers. Her age, the size of her collection, the variety of animals she has and the fact that she’s taking care of them all in a home in the Lincoln Park neighborhood piqued our interest. Van Amber lives in an old house in a quiet Lincoln Park neighborhood. The quiet ends, though, with a knock on the door. Beau the mutt erupts in a series of happy barks. He likes visitors, almost as much as he likes playing with the cats, Tora, Bear and Oliver. Upstairs you’ll find Luca and Kali, ball pythons. And today is feeding day. With a pair of serving tongs, Van Amber delicately grabs the carcass of a small mouse and inches it toward Kali. The python’s head turns. Food. Its head rises from the curl of its body, tongue flicks out … it’s meal time. In a flash the python strikes, grabbing the carcass with its teeth

24 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

and quickly wrapping its body around it. As far as Kali knows, this meal needs to be squeezed to death, so that’s what she’s doing. For a minute or two she just squeezes. And then she consumes. Millimeter by millimeter her mouth stretches and pulls the mouse in. It’s graphic, yes. But a beautiful display of nature’s wonders. Across the room is Autumn, a lionhead rabbit with uber soft fur and curious eyes. He hops around the hardwood floor keeping an eye on the guy with the camera, and tries to get close enough so he can smell what’s going on. And then there’s Spuds the hedgehog. Spuds is funny little guy. Like any hedgehog, the spiky exterior makes him hard to hold, but Van Amber is a pro at it. She holds Spuds up to the photographer and Spuds curls into himself — the camera loves him. Van Amber, a Mankato West grad, class of 2017, somehow has managed to keep all these animals in such a way that there is almost no olfactory presence, which is impressive. Growing up in Mankato, Van Amber says she’s always had animals in the house. “I’ve never lived in a house without a pet,” she said. Her reputation among friends is such that they’ll call her if they come across a stray or unwanted animal. “With Tora, a friend of mine found her at Home Depot about to get crushed by a pallet,” she said. “She called me and said, ‘Do you want a cat?’” She works full-time at Almost Famous, a bodypiercing retailer in the River Hills Mall (she looks like she’s taking full advantage of that employee discount). “The animals are my family,” she says. “I spend a lot of time making sure they’re happy, not just meeting their basic needs.” MM

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DAY TRIP DESTINATIONS: International Wolf Center By James Figy

The International Wolf Center in Ely is a long drive from Mankato but it’s worth it.

A howling good time

International Wolf Center offers fun, education and opportunities to see wolves up close

n the wild, wolves can take care of themselves. But as human activity continues to consume more wild areas, wolves require attention and assistance from people in order to survive. “It was humans, after all, that eradicated wolves from 47 of the lower 48 states. Humans remain the No. 1 threat to wolves,” said Chad Richardson, communications director for the International Wolf Center. Informing visitors about wolves and the challenges they face is the International Wolf Center’s top goal. The organization’s Interpretive Center in Ely provides educational exhibits, programs and opportunities to observe its on-site pack of ambassador wolves. Four wolves — Denali, Boltz, Axel and Grayson — comprise the current exhibit pack. The organization also cares for many others that have retired from this task. “Without a doubt, the ambassador wolves at the Center 26 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

are the highlight for most of our visitors,” Richardson said. “Seeing their natural behaviors play out in front of you is fascinating. In addition, our educators are near the viewing windows to answer all the questions visitors have about our wolves and about wild wolves.” There will soon be more opportunities to see the pack, as summer hours begin on May 13. In addition, admission to the Interpretive Center is valid for three consecutive days. “This allows visitors to come to the Center to get another look at the wolves, even if they only have 30 minutes of free time on a given day,” Richardson said. The International Wolf Center will also open its new “Discover Wolves!” exhibit this May. Based on a 1980s exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota, the exhibit required a year of planning by wolf biologists, volunteers and board members to update information

Close-up views of the wolves are a major attraction of the center. using recent research and adapt it to the Interpretive Center, according to Rob Schultz, executive director. “The innovative exhibit will will use interactive technology and powerful stories to teach kids and adults about the roles that wolves play in ecosystems, and how they are managed to coexist with humans,” Schultz said. Among other ways of exploring wolves and their lives, Discover Wolves! will offer a howling room that recreates the sounds of wolves in the wilderness, an airplane cockpit that simulates the aerial view that biologists see while tracking wolves and a science lab to better explore wolf biology. Visitors should also plan to attend “What’s for Dinner?” — an afterhours program every Saturday at 7 p.m. during which the pack eats its weekly meal. For this program and others, staff are on hand to answer questions and share facts about wolves, both at the Center and in the wild. According to the International Wolf Center website, three main factors determine whether wolf populations can survive, much less thrive, in the wild. Wolves require “adequate population and density of their prey food source, a habitat large enough to support both their pack and their food source and

tolerance from humans,” the website states. However, “tolerance” does not necessarily mean that all people must love wolves, according to Richardson. It simply means accepting that we live on the same planet. “Humans determine wolf management policy, including lethal control measures, population caps and hunting and/or trapping seasons,” he said. “Humans use science to inform management policy and conflict mitigation, but humans also have opinions and emotions that inform the choices we make and actions we take.”

The International Wolf Center avoids taking sides on wolf management policies. Instead, it works to provide accurate information to the nearly two million people who interact with the Center either in person, online or through other forms of outreach. “One of the great ways to make a difference is to become educated yourself. That will allow you to share science-based facts with the people you interact with,” Richardson said. “There are countless myths still surfacing about wolves. Education counters those myths.”

IF YOU GO:

INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER Where: 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731 When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday to Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, starting May 13 Admission: $13 for adults, $11 for seniors 60 and over, $7 for children 4-12 and free for children 3 and under

Visit www.wolf.org for more information MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 27

REFLECTIONS By Pat Christman

28 • MAY 2019 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

here are some years when finding any sign of spring can be a challenge. Late season snow storms cover up what little bits of green are peeking through the drab landscape. Even the birds have a hard time finding a meal. Even though we may get discouraged when spring doesn’t live up to expectations, there is always hope. The snow never lasts and the grass seems to suddenly seem greener after the snow is gone. MM

MANKATO MAGAZINE • MAY 2019 • 29

Back Row (left to right) Mary Megaw, Donna Appel, Henry Kress, Rich Clifton, Dick Huesing, Ken Meister, Marv Kray, Al Kruse, Betty Meister, Brittany Johnson. Front Row (left to right) Janet Hagen, Sally Webster, Connie Heffelfinger, Sara Madsen, Marilyn Dundas, Sister Rita Schwalbe, Helen Brinks, Linda Kruse

SENIOR LINKAGE LINE VOLUNTEERS IN SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA Volunteers are needed to help people answer questions about Medicare and find local services. You can serve for as little as four hours a month in your own community. Volunteers receive education and up-to-date information about Medicare, social service programs and ways to help themselves, their family and members of their community to age in place. To find out more information about volunteering with the Senior LinkAge Line, call Brittany Johnson at 1-800-333-2433 ext. 82067 or e-mail her at bjohnson@mnraaa.org. 30 • RESOURCE GUIDE FOR OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES • MAY 2019 • Special Advertising Section

UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY RESOURCES A Guide for Older Adults and Their Families WHERE DO I START? There are many specialized services available to help older adults live independently and productively in their own homes and communities. If you would like to learn more about the services available to older adults and their families, this guide will provide you with helpful service information. Line®,

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WHAT SERVICES CAN HELP ME STAY IN MY HOME? The choice of whether to stay in your home or to move somewhere else is an important, personal decision. The following services allow older adults to remain in their homes for longer and more satisfying periods of time.

Vision loss due to conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and other age-related eye conditions can be a frustrating and difficult part of aging. The good news is that while it may require learning some new skills and making some adaptations, vision loss need not destroy quality of life, ability to live independently, or ability to be involved in the community. For more information, contact Minnesota State Services for the Blind: www.mnssb.org.

Adult day services/centers are organized, supportive care provided in a group environment supervised by trained individuals. Services typically include meals, snacks, recreational activities and medication reminders. Sometimes upon request, they will provide additional services such as bathing, grooming or transportation. Caregiver consultant/specialists offer professional services to help caregivers maintain their health and well-being. They advocate on behalf of caregivers, provide them emotional reassurance and assist them with accessing information, support and community services. Some caregiver consultants/ specialists are trained to provide Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health (REACH), an evidence-based intervention to support family members. Caregiver education includes workshops and training to help families anticipate, plan for and provide care that may be needed as family members grow older. Caregiver support groups provide opportunities for those who care for a loved one to get together with others experiencing similar situations, to share information and learn from each other. Case management involves case managers serving as a substitute family member when family can’t be there. Services vary per client need, but may include transportation, coordination of services and appointments, assessments, advocacy, companionship and emergency contact services. Chore services are help with heavier housekeeping or routine home maintenance tasks, such as snow removal, lawn mowing, yard work, wall washing, changing storm windows and minor home repairs. Emergency response systems can be extremely helpful for older and disabled persons who need help during an emergency. The units transmit a signal that sets a response plan into action. Some systems are compatible with cell phones and can also use GPS to share the user’s location. Some systems monitor daily activities and deliver voice messages to users and caregivers.

Special Advertising Section • MAY 2019 • RESOURCE GUIDE FOR OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES • 31

Energy Assistance program can help pay for fuel or heating bills for those who are eligible for financial assistance. Eligibility is based on income, assets and family size. Evidence-based programs includes health promotion programs that are proven through research and real-world testing to produce positive outcomes. The following are some of the evidence-based programs that are provided in Minnesota for older adults: Living Well with Chronic Conditions, A Matter of Balance, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, Living Well with Diabetes, Living Well with Chronic Pain. Faith in action programs are non-professional volunteer assistance through partnerships with local faith communities. Services may include transportation, shopping, friendly visiting, yard work, household chores, mail management, meal preparation, respite care, telephone reassurance, referral, etc. Generally, programs do not charge fees for their services, but may provide a suggested fee schedule for a service and encourage participants and families to give a donation. Food shelves/Nutritional Assistance Program for Seniors offer food and other grocery items to low

income people or those in an emergency or crisis. The Nutritional Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS) is a federal food program designed to provide healthy and nutritious commodity food each month at no cost to eligible older adults over age 60.

Food Support (SNAP) is a county-run federal program that helps Minnesotans with low income get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. SNAP benefits are available via a debit card that can help stretch a household’s food budget. People must meet income and asset guidelines to be eligible for this program. Friendly visiting refers to regular in-home visits to isolated or homebound older adults to provide companionship and socialization. Grocery delivery is available to those who have difficulty shopping for themselves. A delivery fee is usually charged. Health insurance counseling helps older adults and their families understand their medical bills, Medicare, supplemental insurance policies and long-term care insurance. Trained counselors can help with tracking and/or appealing claims, completing application forms for government programs and helping compare health insurance options. They can also assist with Medicare Part D plan research/enrollment and in identifying other programs that may help with prescription drug costs. This free service is provided by the Senior LinkAge Line. For more information, call 1-800-333-2433. Home health care includes a variety of services that help people to remain in their own homes. It can include personal care, such as bathing and grooming; personal care services, such as laundry, housekeeping and meal preparation; chore services, providing heavier housekeeping or routine home maintenance such as mowing, snow removal, yard work, wall washing, changing storm windows, or minor repairs; respite

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