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ADVENTURE SEEKERS Meet Wine Cafe bartender GINA ABBAS MN’s new poet laureate GWEN WESTERMAN Get ready for the

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FEATURE S NOVEMBER 2021 Volume 16, Issue 11

Lucky to be alive Just before hitting the road for a bike ride, pain filled her chest. She woke up three days later to learn her aorta had nearly exploded.

Head poet

Off we go!

Gwen Westerman came here decades ago knowing little about the area’s history with Native Americans. Today she’s a primary advocate, and was recently named Minnesota’s poet laureate.

Family members Tim Wussow and Shandy and Noah Weimert found a common groove at the 10,000-foot mark of Pike’s Peak. Now the “Adventure Seekers” are planning more thrilling outings.

ABOUT THE COVER You won’t see Becky Davis suited up like this anymore. After an aortic dissection, she’s slowing down. She was photographed by Pat Christman. MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 3

DEPARTMENTS 6

From the Editor

Faces & Places

12 This Day in History 13 Avant Guardians Wardah Sabrie

14 Beyond the Margin

Thankful for stories and storytellers

16 Familiar Faces Gina Abbas

28 Day Trip Destinations Mall of America

34 Living 55 Plus

42 Let’s Eat!

Morson Ario VFW

44 Wine

Just what is Xarmant Txakoli…

45 Beer

Tapping history

46 Lit Du Nord: Minnesota Books and Authors “Bodega” by Su Hwang

47 Community Draws

Lil’ libraries

48 Ann’s Fashion Fortunes Pre-apocalyptic winter style

50 Garden Chat

Adventures in tomato canning

52 From This Valley Fields of November

47 4 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

Coming Next Month The 10-year anniversary of Kiwanis Holiday Lights

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FROM THE ASSOCIATE EDITOR By Robb Murray NOVEMBER 2021 • VOLUME 16, ISSUE 11 PUBLISHER Steve Jameson EDITOR Joe Spear ASSOCIATE Robb Murray EDITOR COPY EDITOR Kathy Vos CONTRIBUTORS Bert Mattson Jean Lundquist Kat Baumann Leticia Gonzalez Ann Rosenquist Fee Pete Steiner Nell Musolf Jane Turpin Moore PHOTOGRAPHER Pat Christman PAGE DESIGNER Christina Sankey ADVERTISING Danny Creel SALES Jordan Greer-Friesz Josh Zimmerman Theresa Haefner Tim Keech ADVERTISING Barb Wass ASSISTANT ADVERTISING Christina Sankey DESIGNER CIRCULATION Justin Niles DIRECTOR

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 all editorial inquiries, call Diana Rojo-Garcia 507-344-6305, or email drojogarcia@mankatofreepress.com. For advertising, call 344-6364, or e-mail advertising@mankatofreepress.com.

6 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

Giving thanks... I

’ve always loved Thanksgiving. Although, in the power rankings of national holidays, Thanksgiving doesn’t get a lot of love. Christmas, of course, takes top prize. It’s hard to compete with the American pastime of retail worship. We love to buy things, we love to give things, and we love to get things. Christmas checks all those boxes, and wraps it all in a funny red hat. Halloween gives us all a chance to behave like nincompoops. We dress up in goofy costumes, send our kids walking the streets in search of candy and ingest enough granulated sugar to make a snowman. Let’s not forget the Fourth of July, every dog’s worst nightmare. We celebrate our nation’s independence from that old bully England by exploding things. Thanksgiving, though … It’s kind of underrated. It’s a wonderful idea: gathering over delicious food and being intentionally thankful for what we have. (We’ll save the discussion about how closely the original event matches — or doesn’t match — to our modern version for another time.) In the spirit of Thanksgiving, it’s gratifying to be able to bring you stories this month of people who have very good reasons to give thanks. ■ Becky Brooks is a well-known writer and educator in southern Minnesota. But while many may know about her brilliant writing, few know just how lucky she is to be alive. Just this past summer Brooks suffered what she describes as an exploded aorta. Luckily some quick thinking doctors in Mankato put her on a helicopter to Rochester where she underwent heart surgery. She’s OK now, but she’ll never compete in bicycle races again. And this was just the latest in a

litany of crashes, ailments and conditions that have befallen her. She’s lucky to be alive. And we’re thankful she agreed to tell us her story. ■ Tim Wussow, his daughter Shandy, and her son Noah call themselves the Adventure Seekers. Last Labor Day weekend, during a trip to Colorado, they challenged themselves to climb a portion of Pike’s Peak. The higher they climbed, the tighter their bond became. Now they’re booking more adventures together, including a trip in December to Alaska, where they plan to fly into the Arctic Circle to view the Aurora Borealis. They’re thankful for each other, and for the opportunities to spend such quality time together. ■ Gwen Westerman is thankful to have been chosen as Minnesota’s poet laureate. But in reality, it’s we who should be thanking her. Westerman has become a wellknown and thoughtful advocate for the Native American community. The history of the Mankato area is intertwined with that of Indigenous people. The more open we are to learning, the better off we’ll all be. We’re lucky to have her, and we’re thankful she shared her story with us. Elsewhere in this issue, we’ve got tons of great content. Our Familiar Faces guest this week comes to us from the friendly confines of The Wine Cafe. Straight outa Cambria, it’s Gina Abbas, who always greets customers with a smile. The restaurant feature this month brings you to the Morson-Ario VFW. And the comic gives you the backstory on those Little Free Libraries popping up all over the country (and in the Mankato area). Enjoy! Robb Murray is associte editor of Mankato Magazine. Contact him at 344-6386 or rmurray@mankatofreepress.com.

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 7

FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports

National Night Out at Epiphany Lutheran Church 1. One of the many games was “Fish Pond,” where kids fished for prizes. 2. Kids waited to try their luck in tossing a roll of toilet paper into a makeshift toilet. 3. John Kopp (left) and Ben Romig of the Eagle Lake Police Department pose for a photo. 4. The “Parachute” play section was a popular collaborative game. 3 5. Avari Frederick, held up by Sofia Lozada, watches his cotton candy being spun together. 6. Gavyn DePolis pretends to drive a firetruck from the Eagle Lake Fire Department. 7. Henley Van Asten smiles as she receives some cotton candy.

8 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports

Rock Bend Folk Festival

1. Margo Powell collects donations. 2. Peter Enblom plays the trombone with Brass Lassie on the Pavilion Stage. 3. Elaine Hardwick does a worship flag dance to the live music. 4. Mary Vanorny plays the fiddle with Brass Lassie on the Pavilion Stage. 5. Becky and Mark Johnson having 2 a great time dancing right in front of the stage. 6. Children danced with each other to the live music. 7. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Rock Bend Folk Festival is held annually on Labor Day weekend.

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 9

FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports

United Way Human Foosball

1. Ellen and Jim Gruhot high five each other. 2. Teams get to participate in life-sized foosball courts to benefit United Way. 3. This year marked the seventh year of the Human Foosball Tournament. 4. Jessia Auel sung the national anthem at the beginning of the event. 5. Kids tall enough to view over the courts looked on. 6. Johnathan Sadaka makes a stretch to score the winning goal in overtime. 7. Steve Jameson looks on as an official.

10 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

FACES & PLACES: Photos By SPX Sports

Whose Line is it

1. Whose Line is it Mankato is an improv event that benefits MRCI. This year it was held at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater. 2. Fred Cheng from the Theater of Public Policy waves to the crowd. 3. Pastor Brad Jackson holds Aaron Jones’ leg during a game of “Statue.” 4. MRCI staff give a welcoming singing performance. 5. Aaron Jones does an acrobatic jump during his grand entrance. 6. Jean Ann Hastings of the Purple team dances on stage. 7. Erin Roberts of the Green team raises her hands in celebration during the first improv game.

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 11

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Fall in

Love with our Printing

Compiled by Jean Lundquist

In search of a stadium solution

Nov. 19, 2011 The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis operated from 1982 until 2013. When it was slated for demolition, local lawmakers kicked into gear to find a replacement stadium to keep the Minnesota Vikings in the state. Finding a funding source for the more than billion dollar stadium became a serious problem. Sen. Julie Rosen took the lead in the Minnesota Senate to get the facility built. In 2011, she determined gambling streams of revenue were needed. Sen. Kathy Sheran agreed. She said there was a strong anti-gambling sentiment in the Minnesota Senate but noted, “... Outside of a discussion of a Viking stadium, I don’t think gambling expansion would occur.” The U.S. Bank Stadium for the Vikings opened in 2016, funded by the taxpayers of the entire state, the taxpayers of the city of Minneapolis and the team/league.

Officers learn to use not-so-lethal weapon

Nov. 2, 2001 A new weapon in use in California and on the East Coast made its way to the Midwest. Watonwan County and North Mankato law enforcement agencies were the first in the area to adopt the new technology. Describing an incident near St. James where lethal force could once have been employed, a reporter wrote that “Watonwan County Sheriff Joe Dahl fired a piece of the future at him.” The man was immobilized and unable to move or fight. Previously, the Watonwan County deputies were equipped with paintball guns. Bean-bag guns were used in Nicollet County. Much more sophisticated, the stun-gun device which sends high voltage but low amperage electrical currents through the body, is in wide use beyond Watonwan County and North Mankato.

Thanksgiving a ‘turkey’ for farmers

Nov. 17, 1991 As Thanksgiving approached, turkeys were selling for 49 cents a pound at the grocery store. A local turkey farmer, who produced half a million turkeys that year, said he didn’t expect to pay any income taxes after the losses he’d take on the birds. The producer, from Mountain Lake, said he’d take a loss of between $1 and $2 on each bird he raised. The market was flooded with turkeys, and they faced stiff competition from chicken, beef, and pork, according to a University of MN agriculturalist. The Mountain Lake turkey farmer predicted that only corporate producers, who also own processing plants and hatching facilities, would survive into the future.

Dads cut capers at Franklin PTA Tuesday

Nov. 21, 1945 Bean shooters, sling shots and comics do not belong in a classroom, and that was the focus of a skit performed by some dads of students at Franklin Beautiful ways to wear opal Elementary school. jewelry for the Holidays! “In cap and gown and whiskers, Vernard Lundin acted as school master over a room full of incorrigible boys … ” A humorous rendition was given by Douglas Lindholm as the senator whose talk ended with the singing of “White Christmas.” In addition to the entertainment, the dads also took on the responsibilities of the business meeting, providing musical entertainment and supplying Goldsmith & Gallery Owner Patty Conlin lunch. Room prizes were won by Goldsmith & Gallery Owner Patty Conlin 420 N. Minnesota, St. Peter, MN Miss Benson and Mrs. Edna Graif. 420 N. Minnesota, St. Peter, MN 507-934-5655 •• stonesthrowgallery.org stonesthrowgallery.org 507-934-5655

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AVANT GUARDIANS By Leticia Gonzales

Art is therapy Originally from Ethiopia, Wardah Sabrie find inspiration from teachers, peer, homeland

ardah Sabrie, a printmaker and gallery supervisor at Minnesota State University, developed a love of art by simply drawing and doodling as a child growing up in Ethiopia. “My dad told me that I played with pencils and papers most of the time,” 26-year-old Sabrie said. “After coming to America, I met two amazing teachers: Lorrie Schroeder at Mankato East, and then later Michelle Johnson at South Central. Together, they showed me more aspects of the art field, which really sparked my interest. So, I decided to go to college for an art degree.” Sabrie graduated from MSU last spring with a bachelor of fine arts in printmaking and is now pursuing her master of arts degree in studio arts with an emphasis in printmaking. “I got into printmaking by accident,” Sabrie said. “I was toying around with different studio art classes to see which one suited me the most. Then I took an interest in printmaking and I loved the process so much. Also, I like to draw, and the fact that I could make multiple copies of my image after hand making the prints kept me interested enough to keep going.” She said much of her work is influenced by her surrounding environment as well as daily interactions with like-minded people. “By getting a lot of feedback from the professors and colleagues, I made significant improvements both in processes and ideas. The printmaking training process also helps me develop the way I draw to a different level.” Her primary artistic focus is working on screenprinting, printmaking and sculpture/installation. “My work usually has a lot of patterns involved. The

subject matter typically includes things about myself and my feelings. I generally include things like my ethnicity, my culture and my family.” She also receives inspiration from her personal life and emotional well-being. “Art is therapy for me in many ways.” Her latest solo exhibits include “A Gala Celebrating S o m a l i Wo m e n ” i n M S U ’s Centennial Student Union Ballroom and an African Heritage solo exhibit at SCC’s Lookout Gallery. She also will have a solo show in January at the 410 Project Gallery in Mankato. She received an honorable mention for a print at the annual Juried Show at the 410 Project Gallery last year and another one at the MSU Student Art League’s Juried Show in 2017. In addition to the local university galleries, Sabrie’s work has been displayed at J’s Sambusa restaurant in North Mankato, The Blue Boat Restaurant, Pub 500 and the 410 Project. “I’ve been working on a big project, to archive a full body of works for my thesis exhibition in the spring along with my solo show in January. I am currently experimenting with a variety of materials to add into my works.” Between working as a full-time artist and a part-time gallery assistant, Sabrie said she sometimes takes a break from her work so that she can focus on improving or emphasizing her creations. “I learned how to identify how my feelings connect to my work, and I think that makes my work stronger,” she said. “I have grown more confident in my work; I hope to be completely sure and proud of my work as time goes on.”

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 13

BEYOND THE MARGIN By Joe Spear

Thankful for the stories and storytellers T

he November wind makes us thankful. For October wind. And September wind. And July wind. The November wind in Mankato averages 12 mph, according to weather experts at weatherspark.com. October is slightly better at 11.3 mph. September is better at 10.5 miles and July is 8.5 mph, the slowest average wind speed of any month. So November gives us a headwind almost constantly. As I write this on a perfect early October day

14 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

with 70-degree highs and green ash turning golden shimmering in the low angle of the autumn sun, I try to remain positive about November and figure out thankful thoughts that must come with Thanksgiving. With November. November is associated with a lot of “NOs.” No sun, no warmth, no leaves, no food trucks. No shorts, no T-shirts. (Though that can vary depending on the person.) Yet we can be thankful for the “YESes.” Smart people writing for Psychology Today have plenty of thoughts on how being thankful,

being grateful, can improve your mental health. And we need plenty of help. Studies show that during the pandemic mental health needs tripled from their normal levels. A Pew survey showed up to 40% of Americans felt the need for some mental health help. It’s not hard to come up with a list of things for which to be thankful in the Minnesota River valley. So let’s start with the people who brought us the Kiwanis Holiday Lights. I’m biased because I’m a Kiwanis member and spent at least one very cold January day taking down Christmas lights with a needle nose pliers, pulling staples from green ash trees in Sibley Park. With a year off for the pandemic, the Holiday Lights will return this year for its 10th anniversary. Look for big coverage in our December issue.

There’s no telling how much the turning on of the lights will melt away some of the COVID depression. It seems the pandemic has given us all a little more motivation to remember the past, and our history. The VINE Memoir Writer’s Group plowed through the pandemic, meeting outside when necessary, to publish its first book, “Preserving Memories.” Some 21 authors contributed 57 stories to the book that was published this year. The stories are inspirational and “perspective shaping.” We can be thankful for littleknown groups like the Southern Minnesota Poets Society. The group organizes poetry walks and rides that include 40 sites around Mankato and North Mankato that feature poems of Minnesotans. And then there are more well-known groups like the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour committee, the members of which spent lots of time in places like Sioux Falls figuring out what art we could bring to Mankato. The event also celebrates its 10th anniversary. We can be thankful for the Mahkato Wacipi gathering powwow each fall and the Native American riders who ride horseback in the dead of winter to Mankato on Dec. 26. They honor those 38 Dakota and thousands others who suffered due to war and conflict and deals gone bad. But they remind us of this lesson of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation every year, and for that we should be thankful. We can be thankful for the people who organized the 1,800-person bike ride around the area, from a 12-mile to 40-plus mile options, depending on if you want to see waterfalls or eat delicious pie. The River Ramble bike ride draws enthusiasts from out town and out of state. Participants say they love the scenic ride through the Minnesota River Valley and the adjoining plains. And they love the Rapidan Dam Store pies. And then there’s the music in

the clubs at night. Mankato has always been a music city, but it has been rewarded with legendary bands, some that have been together for 50 years, and others a few years. There’s a growing music scene with a whole host of young musicians and artists who work hard so we can enjoy. Some of these exceptional local musicians were featured in a local CD last year. Thirteen performers poured their soul into a Christmas CD “River City Holiday” organized by The Free Press and produced by local musician Colin Scharf last year. For those musicians and that effort, The entire community can be thankful. It sold out fast and all the proceeds — $3,500 — went to efforts to house the homeless in Mankato through the Connections Ministry. We can be thankful for the Connections Shelter and the dedicated volunteers. They provide the homeless meals and a warm place to spend the cold winter nights. We can be thankful for the Indigenous People’s Day committee. A few years ago, a small group of Native Americans and their friends approached the Mankato City Council to change the celebration of Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day. It was a long time coming. And overdue. And the City Council agreed. Finally, we can be thankful for people who worked in pandemic-risky positions to serve us food and drink and provided entertainment and kept us healthy. We can be thankful for bourbon, good Scotch, cold beer. Brew pubs. Distilleries. Wineries. If we give thanks more than we issue blame, we’ll be better off. And so will others. And November winds can be warm.

Joe Spear is editor of Mankato Magazine. Contact him at jspear@mankatofreepress.com or 344-6382. Follow on Twitter @jfspear. MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 15

FAMILIAR FACES

A toast to Gina T

Photos by Robb Murray

NAME:

Gina Abbas CHILDHOOD HOME: CAMBRIA

ADOPTED HOME: Mankato

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Bartender & manager at the Wine Cafe

FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE: Manhattan

FAVORITE NETFLIX BINGE:

Depends on the day, but one I really don’t get sick of is The Magicians.

16 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

Wine Cafe gig gives her a front-row seat to a cross-section of ‘Kato

here’s something oddly magnetic about the Wine Cafe in Mankato. Whether it’s the location, great selection of wine and beer or the ghosts lurking in the historic Stahl House brick building — not actual “ghosts,” obviously — The Wine Cafe pulls in a quirky collection of regulars and casual imbibers. If you’ve been to The Wine Cafe in recent years, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the smiling face and raven locks of Gina Abbas. Abbas has worked at The Wine Cafe for eight years. During that time she’s had a front-row seat to first dates, unforgettable music performances and the kind of bonding that can only happen when a pandemic shuts a business down — and cuts the employees off from the rest of the workplace family. But The Wine Cafe, like many businesses in town, is open again and on the rebound. We asked Abbas to tell us a little bit about what it’s like to work there, how the pandemic affected it and a lot more. Mankato Magazine: Tell us about your first night working at the Wine Cafe. Gina Abbas: Wow ... I really don’t remember my first night at the Wine Cafe! I’m sure I did not do a great job. A lot of learning and growing needed to take place after that first night. Thankfully Kirby, Dan, Sarah and Paul had my back. Without their guidance, I would probably not be wearing all of the hats that I currently wear. MM: Now tell us about your best night working there. GA: There have been so many “best” nights at the Wine Cafe! Some of the best experiences of working at a bar are not ones that we have ourselves. Bartenders end up taking it all in. We are witnesses, and sometimes to very wonderful things. Here are a few that I can think of off the top of my head: n Watching Dave Simonette stepping away from the bar to play with fine fellas of The Lost Walleyes. n Hanging out with my coworkers and friends watching Tom Hanks films on the TV for the millionth time. n Watching Jeremy Messersmith sing with the River Blenders. n Witnessing awkward first dates turn into successful second, third, and 30th dates. n Being able to reach the top of the liquor shelf due to Dan Dinsmore rebuilding it so I could reach. (That one continues to give me joy.) And, honestly, the best thing about the Wine Cafe to me is all of the friends and community that I’ve gathered over the years.

For Mankato’s size it is very impressive that throughout the town, we have live music and artistic events every weekend. There are performers on our street corners, in our parks and in our bars playing a huge variety of music that appeals to so many. We’re never going to be Minneapolis/ St. Paul, but I truly think that we have a good thing going. MM: What is the best time to be at The Wine Cafe? GA: When isn’t it?

Gina Abbas serves a glass of red wine to patron (and employee) Amelia Lange. MM: And now … your worst. GA: The day we shut down due to the pandemic was a really awful day. We didn’t know what we were going to do at that time. That day was hard for everyone in the service industry, as well as those who work in entertainment. Probably one of the most stressful days for all of us, to be sure. MM: Why did you choose to work as a bartender? GA: That’s Dan McGuire’s fault! I was in between jobs and had been a patron of the Wine Cafe for some time. Despite knowing next to nothing about bartending, Dan graciously offered me a job and here we are 8+ years later! MM: What do you think it is about the Wine Cafe that makes it a gathering place for such a diverse clientele? GA: The Wine Cafe has always been an island of misfit toys. I love seeing people of such drastically different backgrounds meet and form relationships. It might be in the bricks of this old hotel. M M : Te l l u s a b o u t s t u d y i n g anthropology at Minnesota State University. Seems like a well-attended tavern would be a great setting for studying humanity. GA: It really is! I think I can safely say that bartending involves a lot of bearing witness to the full gamut of the human condition. I love it. As to studying anthropology, I am

not currently enrolled at MSU. Yet, I do plan on going back to finish with a degree in hand. MM: Gathering places such as the Wine Cafe give us a sense of community. Tell us a little bit about how hard it was for the Wine Cafe’s family of staff and customers when the pandemic shut it down. GA: We were heartbroken. We truly didn’t know what the next step was. To me, it felt like this dark cloud had finally reached us. No one had a clue. Thankfully, we are a tight-knit group. We reached out to each other to check in. I took social distance walks with coworkers. One of my favorite things that happened is that I was included in a text group with a regular Wednesday group of mine. We did a team drink together around the same time every Wednesday. For such a dark and unsure time, I feel that it only brought the Wine Cafe crew and patrons closer. I know it’s a cliche and cheesy line, but we really are a family. Without that support, I don’t think we’d be where we are now. MM: What are your thoughts about Mankato’s entertainment scene generally? The “place to be” or “dull as heck”? GA: In my opinion, Mankato’s music and entertainment scene is doing surprisingly well despite how the pandemic turned everything on its head. Venues and artists have had to drastically change how they conduct business, but that only shows how creative and unique we all are.

MM: Tell us about growing up in Cambria. Was it the lovable small town we all think it is? GA: Let me tell you, yes. Yes it is. Every Fourth of July is the biggest party that a community of give or take 80 people can throw! Not only is it the longest standing Fourth of July celebration in Minnesota, but there are also fireworks and a parade that consists of anyone who wants to join. (It’s not a big parade. The whole thing takes 15 minutes if it loops around town twice). There is a cakewalk and celebration in the town hall. Really the highlight of the year. Also, we have the best burgers in the area at our very own Preri Bach Saloon. And the best thing about my little hamlet in the country? We can see the stars. MM: What is something about you that would surprise people? GA: I used to figure skate. I was terrible. Like, really bad. I got into that because my mom was the costume designer for the New Ulm Skating Club for a number of years. There were productions of “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid,” as well as other Disney-esque features that we would tweak to avoid copyright infringement. The outfits that she created and dressed us in are honestly a testament to her boundless creativity. I also am really bad at talking about myself and really like to go off about how awesome my mom is. MM: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you? GA: Another thing is that I am so happy for the family that I’ve built and have been gifted over the years. Thank you for enriching not only my life, but the lives of all around you. Compiled by Robb Murray MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 17

18 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

Something’s wrong’ Because Becky Brooks knows all too well how it feels to nearly die, she’s feeling very upbeat about being alive By Robb Murray | Photos by Pat Christman

ike most days that end horribly, this one began normally. Becky Brooks, during her final semester teaching English at South Central College, was in her home office grading papers when she decided to go for a bike ride. An avid biker, her daily routine included 25- or 50-mile jaunts down southern Minnesota roads or bike trails. Within 10 minutes she’d be miles away, deep in the focused zone of a driven athlete. But then, just before changing into her riding clothes, it hit her. “All of a sudden my chest hurt so badly,” she said. “And (husband) Tom happened to be in the kitchen at the same time and I said, ‘Something’s wrong.’ And the three times I’ve said that have been life-threatening.” She didn’t know what was happening at the time, but essentially her aorta was exploding. And while Brooks has survived many biking and running-related injuries — as well as a brain aneurysm, which we’ll get to later — this setback probably has put an end to a competitive biking career that for years has given her the physical challenge she craves. Still she’s happy. Because it could have been worse. Much worse. She could have gotten those papers graded quicker. She could have skipped the grading altogether or put it off until after the ride. If she’d done that, what would have happened? Would she have kept riding, further straining a catastrophically damaged aorta? Would a motorist have stopped to help? Would they have driven past without helping at all? But instead of lingering on what might have happened, here’s what did happen. Brooks landed on the operating table of a Mayo Clinic surgeon. Brooks, a published author of several books, has no memory of this, but when Mayo Clinic

thoracic surgeon Dr. John Stulak arrived to repair her exploded aorta, the situation looked bleak. “I met her in the operating room, and it was a terrible discussion,” he said. “Everyone’s rushing around the operating room, (Becky) knows she has this terrible diagnosis. … Tensions were high, obviously, because we have this person who’s in extremis. It was very dramatic. And then she drifted off to sleep for the operation.” Stukak said Brooks experienced aortic dissection, which typically results from years of high blood pressure. The inner lining of the aorta, which is basically a tube that carries blood from your heart to all the vessels of the body, gets weakened and damaged. That high blood pressure causes a tear on the inner lining of the aorta, which results in blood seeping in between the valve’s layers. This causes the layers to rip and tear. Once weakened, the next step is rupture. Fortunately, Brooks’ aorta had not ruptured by the time she got to Stulak’s operating table. But the clock was ticking. Stulak said that, for aortas in these situations, the patient’s risk of death increases 1% per hour. “Within a 48-hour period of time, you have only a one in two chance of surviving,” Stulak said. “So this is something we need to take care of very quickly.” The last thing Brooks remembers from that incident is getting into the ambulance that took her to Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. She doesn’t remember being at MCHS, doesn’t remember being flown to Rochester, doesn’t remember that dramatic moment in the operating room with Stulak. But as she sits outside her rural Mankato home, thinking over the events of the last few years, she’s amazed she’s still alive.

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 19

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Injury report

Before Brooks was a competitive biker, she was a competitive runner. She ran the Boston Marathon in April 1996. The next month, while on a bike ride with her son, her running career ended, somewhat ironically, after a bicycle accident. She and her son were testing out a pair of new bikes. She took a moment to look down to figure out the shift mechanism. And when she looked up … “He was just a few feet away,” she recalls. “He was running varsity track in eighth grade and I thought ‘I can’t hit his legs!” She swerved, braked and crashed, severing her tibia in the process. Making matters worse, “I landed in poison ivy, and I’m very allergic. I had a rash on every part of my body that was halfway exposed. And it lasted three weeks. They couldn’t do the surgery to repair it because I had blisters all over my knee. They said, ‘If we cut into that, it’ll go in your bloodstream. So we have to wait till it clears out.’” Three weeks later, she had the necessary surgery. In 1998, while doing the annual AIDS ride from Minneapolis to Chicago, she only made it to Wisconsin. “I was riding in a paceline and we were breaking speed limits when we entered towns,” she recalled. “Somebody pulled in front of the paceline and we dominoed back, and three of us crashed. I broke my ankle.” In 2001 while on her bike she was struck by a car on Glenwood Avenue in Mankato. “Nothing was broken, but the ambulance took me on a backboard thinking I could have broken both legs and my back,” she said. “The car went through a stop sign. Well, she stopped, but she just didn’t look both ways.” In 2004, while biking with some friends, she crashed again. “The person in front of me turned, and I didn’t know he was going to turn. So I slammed on my brakes. My bike laid down and I broke

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these two bones,” she said, holding up her hand. “So that was my next one.” In 2019, she developed a heart condition that revealed itself during strenuous bike rides. That resulted in doctors implanting a pacemaker. That same year, she was hospitalized with a blocked intestine. And there were others. A chipped bone in an elbow here, a dog-chasing-the-FedEx-man shoulder injury there. Folks, Brooks is no stranger to pain, broken bones, injury and recovery.

The big one

The other major medical emergency in her life — perhaps second only to an exploded aorta, occurred in 2015. It was a brain aneurysm. It started with headaches that began in her eyes. Late at night, when she was grading papers. The headaches only came at night. They always started in her right eye, then spread. When it got bad enough, she said, she’d give up grading papers and do her best to fall asleep. It would be gone by morning. She knew something wasn’t right. The words aneurysm and cancer both crossed her mind a few times. And then … “It was a Sunday morning. I was putting my shoes on and getting ready to go for a bike ride. And all of a sudden it felt like fireworks went off inside my skull, like a firecracker just exploded,” she recalled. “And the pain was unbearable. I kind of staggered on my feet. Tom was in the kitchen and he said, ‘Are you OK?’ And I said ‘No.’” Her instincts were right. It was an aneurysm. And that excruciating pain was that aneurysm rupturing. “I was nauseous. The pain went all the way down my neck. I couldn’t stand,” she said. “I grabbed my iPad and Googled ‘brain aneurysm’ and I had every symptom. I said to Tom, ``You better take me to the ER.’” After a quick examination, Mankato doctors decided she needed to go to Rochester, where a brain surgeon removed a portion of her skull and clipped the aneurysm.

Becky Brooks is the author of several books including “AllieCat,” “Jake Riley: Irreparably Damaged,” and “Slider’s Son.” How lucky is Brooks? Many with ruptured aneurysms don’t make it to the hospital alive. Of those who do, some don’t survive surgery. Of those who survive surgery, many have permanent neurological damage. Brooks is among the rare few who not only survived but seemingly have no neurological damage. In this case, she again was about to go for a bike ride. If she’d left 10 minutes earlier, the rupture could have been fatal. “I was putting my shoes on. Ten minutes later if that happened, and I was exerting, the blood would have pulsed so much faster and I would have died right away.” Today, she’s in another transition phase. After being a runner for so many years, a crash prompted her to pivot to bicycling. And now an exploded aneurysm is prompting a pivot to walking and hiking. She may be able to ride a bike again, but she’ll never do it the way she used to, legs churning,

mind focused, heart pumping. After Stulak put her aorta back together, any kind of highstress bike ride could be her last. She’s open to an adjustment. She’s ready for a new challenge. And while she may miss competitive bicycling, she’s relishing the surplus of time she now has. Especially now that she’s retired from teaching. “I’ve seen so many people have an ailment or an injury, and then they say, ‘Well, I can’t do XYZ anymore,’” she said. “I just think we can all find some kind of activity to keep us as healthy as we can be. No matter what we experience.” She remembers how hard it was psychologically when she was coming to terms with the fact that she couldn’t be a runner anymore. “‘I remember my Runner’s World magazine coming in and I threw it across the room,” she said. “I was so mad and so sad before I fell in love with cycling.

So I think we can readjust to things that happened to us. I mean, there’s a new normal for most of us in life, you know, we do that. “I ran the Boston Marathon, and Grandma’s Marathon (in Duluth) was going to be on my 40th birthday. And I was running faster than I’ve ever run and I knew I was gonna PR. I was so excited. “There are always gifts in the new adjustments,” she said. “I go farther and see more on my bike than I did running. And now with this new adjustment, instead of being gone 10 to 20 hours a week, I hike once a week for two or three hours, or just walk for an hour.” As you might have guessed, Brooks — whose published books include “Jake Riley: Irreparably Damaged,” “Chasing Alliecat” and “Slider’s Son” — has thoughts about writing a memoir. She’s already got a title in mind: “Punch Card at the Pearly Gates.” MM MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 21

In September Gov. Tim Walz named Minnesota State University Professor Gwen Westerman as the state’s Poet Laureate.

‘I’m home’

Gwen Westerman, Minnesota’s new poet laureate, is grounded in Mankato area

By Jane Turpin Moore | Photos by Pat Christman

wen Westerman is a professor, a quilter, a mother, a writer, an Indigenous woman, a wife, a lifelong learner and, since Gov. Tim Walz appointed her to the role on Sept. 9, Minnesota’s poet laureate.

But never doubt that Westerman is also a Mankatoan. “This is home,” said Westerman. “I’ve lived in the Mankato area longer now than I’ve lived anywhere else in my life, and moving here was a homecoming I didn’t know was in the making.” When Westerman, who grew up in Kansas, joined the English department of Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 1992, she was quite unaware of the Dakota War of 1862 and the subsequent execution by hanging 22 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

of 38 Dakota men that occurred near the current site of the Blue Earth County Library on Dec. 26,1862. “Learning about that history doesn’t go very far outside the borders of this region,” said Westerman. Older relatives, like Westerman’s dad and uncle, were more enlightened. “When I called to tell them about my job in Mankato, there was silence on the other end of the line,” said Westerman. “Then Uncle Floyd said, ‘You know what they do to Indians there. We’ll see how long you last.’ “But I felt a cell-deep connection to this place from the moment I arrived; all along this river valley, going north and west, were the village sites of my Dakota ancestors. “I felt like I’d returned home.”

Teaching with heart

Among the courses Westerman teaches are British

and American romanticism, Native American literature, introduction to Western civilization and project management for technical communicators. “In my introduction to Western humanities class, we cover 10,000 years of human accomplishment in 15 weeks, starting with the earliest evidence of human artistic activities and going up to the Renaissance,” said Westerman. “We talk about how the historians of the [early] times were poets, like Homer and Virgil, because people remember better when there is pattern to the repetition, when something is poetic or in song form. “Poetry has a long legacy.” An adaptable learner with a curious mind, Westerman holds high standards for her students even while recognizing the specific challenges they face. “I have high expectations, but I know they are under a lot of pressure, not only academically but personally,” said Westerman. “When I start a semester, the first question I ask is, ‘How many have one job? How many have two jobs? Three jobs?’ and hands still go up. “There has to be some flexibility there, and I try to make my assignments in class pertinent not only to what we’re doing but also to what’s happening outside of our classroom to help prepare them for future careers.” Because she was a firstgeneration college student herself, Westerman relates to their struggles. “That influences how I see myself as a teacher,” she observed. “I try to answer questions and steer my students to resources, taking into consideration they might have worked an overnight shift and are in my class at 9 a.m.” That attitude and those experiences contributed to awardwinning poet Heid Erdrich’s decision to nominate Westerman for the state’s poet laureate position. “It [poet laureate] is a big role but also one that is well served by someone who demands excellence for herself yet sees that poetry belongs to people,” said Erdrich. “Over many years, I’ve seen Gwen speak to really diverse audiences — urban, rural, native, non-native — and she lights people’s creative interests and brings them to an understanding of difficult histories on a human level, both through her poetry and her visual art.

Westerman is also an accomplished fiber artist. “She seemed ideal to me because Gwen is great with kids and librarians, she’s a longtime college teacher and she is a poet of this place that has become Minnesota. Gwen is up to this challenge.”

Dakota, Cherokee heritage

Westerman’s roots lie with the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota Oyate people on her father’s side and the Cherokee Nation on her mother’s

side. Her parents, in fact, met as students at the former Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kan. — a Native American boarding school. “It didn’t really dawn on me until I met a Japanese-American couple who came to MSU and talked about their experiences in the internment camps during World War II that my parents [similarly] lost family time and connections due to the boarding schools,” she continued. “We were fed and taken care of, MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 23

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but we lacked that family closeness.” Westerman values her own family; her husband Glenn Wasicuna teaches Dakota language at MSU, her son Travis Griffin currently lives in New Hampshire and her daughter, Erin Griffin, is a program manager for the American Indian College Fund while also pursuing a Ph.D. in indigenous languages via the University of Hawaii at Hilo. “Everyone can be encouraged to use the language they know to say something useful,” said Westerman, who writes in both English and Dakota. “It’s all storytelling, whether it’s visual art or writing. There’s no boundary; it’s all different ways of telling a story — even teaching is a form of storytelling.” Westerman describes an emotional experience she had not long after arriving in Mankato. “I was at the library when the runners (participating in the annual Memorial Run from Fort Snelling to Mankato on Dec. 26) came through, and I basically broke down and sobbed,” said Westerman. “At that time, I had no idea why they were there, and my Uncle Floyd told me I was connected to this place in ways I didn’t yet understand, and that I would be a bridge between the Dakota people and this place.” Nearly three decades later, Westerman’s Dakota heritage grounds her in the Mankato area, and her role as Minnesota’s first indigenous poet laureate may help her be that bridge her uncle long ago suggested. “A female Dakota student asked me just last year, ‘Why are you here and not at a more prestigious university than Mankato?’” Westerman said. “I told her there is no other place more important for me to be than here, at Minnesota State University in Mankato, in Blue Earth County, in Minnesota, because this is where my ancestors walked — and what better legacy could I wish for than to do what I do here, where the Dakota people can see me?”

Poetic reflections

Mankato | Mapleton

507.345.3606 24 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

Westerman succeeds Joyce Sutphen, a longtime Gustavus professor, as Minnesota’s poet laureate. Sutphen served from 201121. Preceding Sutphen was Robert Bly, who held the post from 2008-11. “Joyce was one of the first people

Westerman has taught at Minnesota State University since the 1990s. who reached out to me after the announcement, and I was so excited,” said Westerman. “She was really gracious. We plan to visit about poet laureate things, about being educators.” As poet laureate, Westerman has some official responsibilities, including appearing at a minimum of five events annually in public settings (libraries, for instance) at which the general public is welcome. “There is an expectation the poet laureate will elevate and bring attention to poetry across the state, and especially will reach out to bring poetry to underserved communities,” said Westerman. “And there’s one part that took me aback: to help promote the mental health of children,” she noted. “I am to be a voice for ALL Minnesotans, to bring everyone to the table, to help them to sing.” Westerman’s English department colleague and fellow writer Geoff Herbach was her second nominator, and he believes she will perfectly fill the shoes of poet laureate. “I’ve seen Gwen in action, both on campus and doing readings around the state, and she is flat-out remarkable,” said Herbach. “She manages to show obvious power while being so gracious and funny. I’ve known for years what a gem we have here in Gwen.”

Erdrich concurs. She explains that being poet laureate isn’t about crowning the state’s “best” poet, though Westerman is certainly an acclaimed one, but also about being willing to drive dusty rural roads and talk face to face and heart to heart with people of all kinds. “It’s a job of sheer love and heart, and those who have the broadest appeal and influence (as poets laureate) are in it just for the poetry—and that’s Gwen,” said Erdrich. “She can go out to remote parts of Minnesota and sit down with maybe five passionate poetry lovers, and she loves catching the beauty of our lives. “Gwen is an excellent pick.” With the tiny stipend allotted to the poet laureate, Westerman surely didn’t say yes to the governor, himself a former longtime Mankato resident and teacher, for the money. “The majority of us love music and know the lyrics to songs we’ve heard all our lives,” said Westerman. “Think about the alphabet song; we are taught through song, early on, and we’re surrounded by poetry all the time, especially if we listen to

music that has lyrics. “It’s a matter of bringing that awareness that poetry is all around us, and that poetry has the ability to open people’s minds and hearts— and when that happens, healing can occur as well.” Those who already know Westerman, like Erdrich and Herbach, are pleased her new post will raise her profile. “I’m so delighted for the state — and world — to get to know her more, and to know about the truly great community of writers we have in town and on campus,” said Herbach. “We’re lucky to be in Mankato.” Westerman heartily seconds that. “Mankato is home — not only physical and geographical but also spiritual and cultural,” said Westerman. “There’s a thriving arts community in this region, and if I can help shine another spotlight on it, that will be a good contribution,” she added. “It’s my goal to lift up as many other people, artists, writers and arts supporters as I can.” MM

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 25

REFLECTIONS By Pat Christman

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he yellow, brown and orange colors we see in fall leaves, like this maple leaf, are really always there. They are only revealed after the chlorophyll produced in photosynthesis is reduced as the days get shorter and temperatures cool. It is the change in season that reveals the beauty that is always there. Those beautiful hues produced by the variety of trees in southern Minnesota don’t last. The reds, oranges and yellows all turn brown and fall as autumn turns to winter. Then we have to wait until the greens of new growth in the spring to start the process again. MM

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 27

DAY TRIP DESTINATIONS: MALL OF AMERICA By Nell Musolf

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The Mall of America in Bloomington opened in 1992.

Mall of America Still a full-day, full-family experience after all these years

think it’s a safe bet to say that if you live in Minnesota, you’ve been to the Mall of America at least once. It was one of the first spots my family visited after moving to the Upper Midwest in 1996. But have you been there lately? The Mall of 28 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

America has changed quite a bit since opening in 1992 and with the holiday season fast approaching, a day trip to the massive shopping mecca might make an excellent, albeit exhausting, day trip. The idea of building the biggest mall in America came to life in 1982 when the Minnesota Twins and

the Vikings left the Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington and moved to the H.H.H. Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, leaving 78 acres of usable land behind. Three years later, the Port Authority of Bloomington purchased the land and began taking proposals of how to develop it. Eventually, the Mall of America was chosen, and the building began. The mall, which cost over $600 million, officially opened in August of 1992. At that time, there were over 300 stores and 10,000 employees. Stores have come and gone over the years, but the mall remains a popular shopping spot for both locals and tourists from around the world. If you decide to make a trip to the Mall of America, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and plan on spending the day, or at least a good portion of it. Bring your appetite as well, although even if you begin the day without one, you are sure to be hungry by the

end of your trip. The Mall of America now has 520 stores, restaurants galore ranging from burgers to haute cuisine, coffee shops, bars, movie theaters and a comedy club. There is also Nickelodeon Universe (formerly Camp Snoopy), Sea Life, Minnesota’s largest aquarium where you can watch sea creatures such as sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles and stingrays swim over your head, and Flyover America, a flight simulation fully immersive attraction that takes the passenger virtually over some of the most popular landmarks in America or to Hawaii for under 20 dollars without ever leaving the Midwest. The ride is made even more realistic with water mists, scents and breezes along the way. Younger guests will almost surely want to drop in at the M and M’s store where they can virtually morph themselves via the M and M’s mirror into one of candy’s famous characters,

buy M and M’s merchandise including T-shirts, toys and pillows, and of course buy a bag or two of their favorite M and M’s candy. Crayola Experience is another family fun destination. Anyone who enjoys coloring with crayons is sure to find something entertaining to do at Crayola Experience. Visitors can learn how crayons are made, name and wrap a Crayola crayon of their own and, of course, color to their heart’s content. Even if you don’t buy anything other than a handcrafted cookie from Baking Betty’s, you are still sure to enjoy yourself as you stroll the homegrown Minnesota mall that is known around the world. At the end of the day, if you find you’ve exhausted yourself, you can stay in one of the hotels located next to the mall, rest up, and consider making your day trip a little longer the next morning.

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 29

The Adenture Seekers are (from left) Shandy Weimert, Tim Wussow and Noah Weimert.

Where to next?!

Trio of ‘Adventure Seekers’ bond while discovering rugged America By Robb Murray

hey all remember the moment. At the 10,000-foot mark of Pike’s Peak, after three hours of a hike they hadn’t even planned on doing, with clouds almost close enough to touch, and an angel’s view of Manitou Springs below ... that’s when the fire was lit, the one fueled by a hybrid sense of adventuresome 30 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

curiosity and family togetherness. Here, at this exact elevation, the Adventure Seekers — Tim Wussow, his daughter Shandy Weimert and her son Noah — were born. Tim is recently retired. In his 60s, he’s in excellent shape and isn’t afraid of a six-hour hike. Forty-

something Shandy is a free spirit, 12 years sober and eager to suck the marrow out of life. Noah is a 20-something, bearded combination of his mom’s spirit and grandfather’s grit. When they left for Colorado, the goal was for the three of them to spend time together. In a big extended family, this trio has carved out a niche of vacationing in nature; Colorado seemed the perfect place. Also, after months of travel being put on hold because of COVID, they were eager to hit the road. The plan was simple. Book some flights, Google some hiking trails, make some memories. Ten-thousand feet, though? That wasn’t on the agenda. “As we pulled up to the trail like we weren’t expecting to do what we did,” says Noah. “We were anticipating a measly hike, you know. Maybe an hour up, an hour back.” But then, a funny thing happened. The further they went, the more emboldened they became to keep going. The trail’s starting elevation was 6,000 feet. They started with a goal of climbing a thousand more. When they got there, they set a goal of another thousand. Then another. Eventually they hit 10,000. “We kept hitting our goals and pushing ourselves further,” Noah said. “All three of us knew that we were all in on it. It was like we were motivating each other on the way up. And then once you finally hit the milestone it was like ‘What else can we do?’” In the moment, Tim said something that has stuck with Shandy. “I will never forget it,” Shandy said. “He said ‘If I’m not here next year, today was a good day.’ It still gives me goosebumps. I think that we all actually felt that. Noah is in his 20s, I’m in my 40s, my dad is in his 60s — any of us could go at any given day, and we just want to make the most of the health we’ve been given, the life we’ve been given. Time is so precious.” Call it magic at 10,000 feet. “What this trip did was light a fire for the future,” she said. A future of adventures.

Traveling on a budget Prior to COVID, Shandy says she’d ramped up her traveling. She’d set a goal of one trip per

month — usually a long weekend somewhere. North Carolina, Michigan — anywhere she could get to quickly, have a soulnourishing weekend, and get back to her home in Mankato. Sometimes she traveled with her daughter, Maria. Sometimes with Noah. Sometimes with her husband, Jared. And sometimes with friends. But when COVID hit … “During COVID we didn’t really do much of anything,” she said. “Then after I was vaccinated — I swear we did like eight trips starting in April, and going through the Colorado trip over Labor Day weekend.”

The Colorado trip was unique as far as traveling goes. Shandy says she typically looks for cheap flights, eschews eating out and doesn’t hit the bars. The trio estimates their Labor Day weekend trip cost them — including airfare, lodging, food and car rental — about $400 apiece. “Pretty much a hundred bucks a day covered it,” Shandy says. “And we’re not going to the bars, we’re not going to museums. We’re using nature as our entertainment.” It should be noted that, while the extended family is large, the group isn’t excluding anyone. But the MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 31

kind of traveling they do isn’t for everyone. For example, Tim says that, when discussing the Colorado trip, or their upcoming trip to Alaska, he says his wife Kim happily bowed out. “She’s not much of a hiker so she’d say, ‘You guys go do that,’” Tim says. “Then we talked about going up to Alaska and she asked, ‘Well, what’s the temperature going to be?’ ‘Five degrees,’ I told her. ‘Could be below zero.’ And she says ‘Nah, you guys go do that.’ So it’s pretty fortunate for me to get the green light to say ‘Let’s go! We’re doing this!’”

Northern Lights

The Alaska trip he mentioned is the next big outing for the Adventure Seekers. In December, they’ll

DECEMBER

at 7pm

1pm & 5pm

9-10 11-12

board a plane and fly into Fairbanks. From there they’ll hop onto a smaller plane that will take them to the Arctic Circle. They’ve booked two hours in a viewing site to watch the Northern Lights. They’ll also be doing some dogsledding, and spending an afternoon at the Chena Hot Springs — “We’re packing a lot in, like go-go-go,” Tim said. “We can sleep on the plane ride home.” Being a tad older than his partners in adventuring, Tim says his age hasn’t slowed him down at all. He says he eats healthfully, logs three miles on a treadmill daily and has tried to make healthy choices in his life. It’s paid off, he says, and the proof is in the vigor with which he tackles new challenges — and 10,000-foot climbs. “I think I’m in pretty good shape,” he says. At the other bookend, Noah says he’s well aware of the opportunity he has to travel and see the rugged side of America with two like-minded people who also happen to be in his family.

Performances held at MSU TED PAUL THEATRE Visit www.mankatoballet.org for information This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board

Community Arts Education Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

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The family members bonded while hitting the 10,000-foot mark on Pike’s Peak in Colorado. “I trust them both a ton, I know they’re looking out for me. I’d love to travel with them and do more,” Noah says. “So when they asked me to come on these trips with them and go to places like Colorado and Alaska, I have no hesitation. I want to go right away. There’s really no one else I’d rather do it with, I just have such a great time with my family, I guess.” In the middle of the two men is Shandy. She says she has a unique sense of gratitude when thinking about these adventures, because there was a time in her life they would have been impossible. She’s been sober for 12 years. Twelve years ago, she says, right about the time Noah started playing traveling youth baseball, she realized her son deserved better than a frequently intoxicated mother. “It has opened up doors and opportunities in every direction,” she said. “Without sobriety, I haven’t got my family. I haven’t got the job to pay for the trips. Nobody’s gonna want to be around me. I’m consumed by alcohol. I’m basically a prisoner in my house getting drunk alone.

Sobriety is everything.” So when she stood at 10,000 feet with her father and son creating a memory that will last a lifetime, she did so knowing her life — had she not made that decision 12 years ago — could be very different right now. “None of it was lost on me,” she says. “Each day I look on one side and see my son, look on the other side and see my dad, and I am feeling grateful. Because it wasn’t that long ago that I would not have been invited on the trip.” In the coming months, the Adventure Seekers will tackle Alaska and possibly a few more destinations. But there’s a very important trip already on the calendar for late next summer. Labor Day weekend, to be exact. That’s when the three will return to Pike’s Peak. But instead of stopping at 10,000 feet, they’ll keep going. They plan to make it all the way to the top, roughly 14,000 feet. A two-day excursion to the one of the highest points in the country (39th highest, to be exact). After that, who knows? Wherever they go, they’ll be doing it together. MM

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embrace retirement The basics of long-term care insurance Great holiday gifts for

retirees who can’t wait to travel

34 • LIVING 55 PLUS • NOVEMBER 2021 • Special Advertising Section

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Smart ways to embrace retirement

etirement is on the horizon for a significant number of people. Around 10,000 people retire each day in the United States, according to a study by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, a consultancy studying the cultural and economic impacts of aging. But many soon-to-be retirees are not fully prepared for life after their work life ends. Shedding new light on this next chapter can make retirement something to look forward to even more.

How retired are you?

Retirement may no longer mean what it once did. Some retirees remove themselves entirely from the active employment market, while others prefer to keep at least one toe in the professional water. Some retirees change fields and do part-time work. Others may volunteer their time without getting paid. Still, some choose to use retirement as an opportunity to spearhead a new business venture that may not have been possible beforehand. Retirees should reflect on their goals, as well as their finances, and make plans accordingly.

Don’t neglect health care

Retiring may involve finding health insurance and preparing for other types of health care later in life. The U.S. Census Bureau says that employment-based insurance covered 55.4 percent of the population in 2015, the most recent years for figures, followed by Medicaid (19.5 percent) and Medicare (16 percent). Residents of other countries may be covered by government standardized health programs. It pays to know the rules of each plan to avoid unnecessary expenses that can

eat into retirement dollars. For those Americans who will be relying solely on Medicare, find a counselor who can spell out the intricacies of the plan, or use the free tool on Medicare.gov.

See retirement as a beginning, not an end

Quite often soon-to-be retirees focus on the end of a career or the end of a stage in life without putting enough focus on the possibilities ahead. This is a prime time to find a new social network, travel, join a ministry, and much more.

Choose your living space

Retirement can be an opportunity to shed an old skin and try on a new one - especially as it pertains to housing. There are options to downsize for empty-nesters or even to secure resources to “age in place.” According to United Income, a money management service, retirees should try out particular scenarios and locations prior to jumping in. Rent in a particular neighborhood, or house sit and try things on for size. Airbnb and other types of services can make this trial easy. A new outlook on retirement can open up a world of opportunities.

How expenses can change during retirement W

ork is a major component of daily life, so much so that Andrew Naber, an industrial and organizational psychologist and an associate behavioral scientist at RAND Corp., determined that the average person spends

36 • LIVING 55 PLUS • NOVEMBER 2021 • Special Advertising Section

90,000 hours at work over the course of his or her lifetime. According to a 2014 Gallup poll, the average American retires at age 62, but roughly 64 percent of professionals bid farewell to the workplace between ages 55 and 65. Retirees must make a number of adjustments once they call it a career. No such adjustment is as significant as the financial one. Most people find their post-retirement income is considerably less than when they were working full-time. That is why financial planners often recommend saving and investing enough during working years to be able to replace 80 percent of preretirement income. Certain expenses get lower after retirement, but some will rise. Here’s a look at what to expect when the bills come due during retirement. n Food costs: Food costs may go down in retirement because shopping and preparing meals for one or two people is much less costly than feeding a family of four or more. However, dining out may increase as you have more free time to visit local eateries. n Automotive costs: According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average commuter spends 25.8 minutes behind the wheel twice a day, and the average driver puts in 13,474 miles behind the wheel each year - with people between the ages of 35 and 54 clocking close to 15,000 miles. Less time spent in the car means fewer gasoline fill-ups and longer durations between oil changes and other services. In addition, based on the Internal Revenue Service reimbursement rate of 58 cents per mile, a typical commute of 20 to 30 miles a day costs $11 to $16 a day or $55 to $80 a week. In a year, you could easily be spending $2,000 to $4,000 a year commuting if you live within 15 miles of your job. Without commuting, that cash stays in your pocket. n Taxes: Many people can expect to be done paying federal income taxes when they are retired and no longer earning an income. If the majority of retirement savings were in Roth IRA accounts, contributions are available for withdrawal tax- and penalty-free at any age.

n Housing: Your mortgage may be paid off before or soon after retirement. That eliminates the single largest expense in many people’s budgets. If your home will not be paid off, it’s possible to downsize to reduce monthly payments. n Travel: While many other expenses can go down, travel is one expense that can shoot up during retirement. But many people are happy to bear this cost. With more time for travel, retirees may allocate more funds toward vacations and other great escapes. n Health care: Seniors often see their health care needs and costs go up after retirement. It’s important to understand what is covered by health plans, and it’s equally important to set money aside for unforeseen medical expenses. Many costs of living decrease after retirement. However, it is wise to take in the whole picture to understand how to budget for retirement.

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The How to confront the basics of potential onset of long-term memory loss care N insurance M

o two individuals are the same, but many men and women encounter similar changes as they approach their golden years. As adults get closer to retirement, their eyeglass prescriptions may need to get a little stronger and their workouts may need to be a little less intense as their bodies adjust to the physical challenges of aging. Many changes associated with aging don’t affect seniors’ ability to live independently. However, one common concern for older adults is the potential decline of their cognitive health, which can compromise their ability to get through their daily lives without some form of assistance. According to the National Institute on Aging, many older adults worry about memory loss as they age. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that voicing concerns about memory loss can make those worries seem more real. That fear may compel some aging men and women to write off memory loss as a minor side effect of getting older. And in many instances, memory loss is not severe and not indicative of the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, the Alzheimer’s Association notes how important it is for aging men and women to seek support if they are concerned about their memory or any changes in the way they’re thinking or behaving. Doctors can be invaluable resources for aging men and women, offering tips on how to confront memory loss and recommending strategies that can improve cognitive function. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends aging adults take a threepronged approach to memory loss the moment they notice any changes in their memory or behaviors.

1. Assess the situation.

Start making a list of any changes you notice each day. Changes could be related to memory, thought patterns or behaviors. Note anything that feels abnormal or is causing you concern. A good assessment also will involve

careful consideration of any and all potential factors that may be behind your concerns. Is something other than aging going on? Family stress or a recently diagnosed medical condition can lead to the same issues many people associate with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 warning signs for Alzheimer’s at www. alz.org/10signs. Familiarize yourself with these signs to see how they line up with how you’re feeling. Take note of anyone who has shared concerns about your memory loss, thought patterns or behaviors. It’s not always easy to hear loved ones express such concerns, but they should not be ignored.

2. Have a conversation.

The Alzheimer’s Association notes that many people find it helpful to discuss their concerns with a loved one rather than going it alone. Don’t delay such conversations, but try to figure out how you will approach them in advance. After discussing your concerns with a trusted loved one, ask this person to accompany you when you discuss these concerns with your doctor. Having a loved one accompany you when visiting the doctor can calm your nerves, and this person can serve as a backup who can ask the doctor any questions or share any concerns you may forget to ask or bring up. If a loved one says your concerns sound like normal aging but you still want to seek more support, don’t hesitate to contact another friend or family member.

3. Reach out for help.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a reliable source of information that can be accessed online at www.alz.org and over the phone at 800.272.3900. Individuals also can find local resources by visiting www.alz.org/CRF. Many individuals are scared to confront the potential onset of memory loss. But no one has to make such a journey alone.

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any older adults get some peace of mind by taking steps to finance long-term care should they become incapable of living independently. LT Care Consumer, a health care advisory company, says 70 percent of people over age 65 will require some type of care at some point in their lives. According to the 2017 Cost of Care study by Genworth Financial, the average annual cost for a private room at a nursing home is $97,455. Such costs illustrate why long-term care insurance can be a wise investment. Long-term care, or LTC, encompasses services and support that assist individuals with the activities of daily living. ADLs include bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, and more. In addition, LTC may support needs such as caring for pets, household chores, medicine management, and meal preparation. LTC may be provided by specialized assisted living facilities or by in-home care workers. The resource Long Term Care Primer advises that individuals typically must fund their own long-term care. Many facilities are not subsidized by government assistance programs under Medicare in the United States. Medicaid may step in for certain individuals who are of limited means, but that assistance may be exclusive to those living in skilled nursing facilities. That means the bulk of paying for longterm care rests on the individual. Long-term care insurance can pay for care to treat chronic health conditions and meet personal needs over an extended period of time. This is known as custodial care. Individuals who have habits or health issues that could result in the need for LTC in the future should look into LTC insurance. LTC insurance also can be a sound investment for individuals who cannot afford extended

nursing care out-of-pocket. The Ohio Department of Insurance notes that policies may vary, but they typically include a deductible or elimination period, which is a time when the policy holder is liable for payment before the insurance begins. Policies typically include a daily benefit as well. This is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay toward each day in the nursing facility; the policy holder may be responsible for the difference. Policies also include a benefit period, or the length of time the policy will pay the daily benefit, which can be a few years or a lifetime. Individuals also have other options in regard to securing long-term care. Care.com says comprehensive LTC policies, combination policies and riders to current life insurance policies may help augment long-term care needs. Because LTC insurance - and paying for health care in general - can be quite confusing, people are urged to speak to professionals about their options and whether LTC insurance is necessary. A 2014 study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College estimated that only 20 to 30 percent of people would benefit from a policy. Researchers concluded that, while many people do need long-term care, they may not need it for an extended period of time and may be able to cover their care with their own savings. Furthermore, cost for policies may be $2,000 a year - which is a concern for some people. Individuals who purchase LTC insurance should know that medical underwriting for policies can be extensive. Coverage may be denied for current or past health conditions. Most people find that the best age at which to buy LTC insurance is in one’s mid-50s. Healthy individuals may be eligible for discounts on LTC premiums. Long-term care insurance is a consideration for older adults facing the potential for care assistance in the future. Because considerable cost is involved, potential policy holders should discuss their options with insurance and financial professionals.

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Great holiday gifts for retirees who can’t wait to travel Retirement provides a chance for adults who have worked throughout their lives to take a step back, relax and enjoy the fruits of their labors. Though the most indelible image associated with retirement might once have been a rocking chair, modern retirees like to get up and go, and holiday shoppers can take that joie de vivre into consideration as they look for the perfect gift for retirees who can’t wait to fly the friendly skies or hit the open road. n Maps: It might seem simple, but roadmaps can be an ideal gift for retirees. A recent poll from RBC Wealth Management found that 63 percent of Americans age 50 and older say travel is an important retirement goal. Roadmaps of their own country or a foreign country can help seniors plan their dream vacations. Seniors can study maps and create their own routes as they visit popular tourist attractions and find lesser known locales along the way. n Vouchers/gift cards: Airline vouchers can inspire retirees to take to the skies and visit locales that have long taken up real estate on their bucket lists. If seniors prefer to take to the open road, hotel vouchers or Visa gift cards that can be spent anywhere that accepts credit cards can help pay for gas, meals or entry to popular parks and tourist attractions. n Projector and portable screen: Retirees may want to get away from it all, but that doesn’t mean they have to leave everything behind. A projector and portable screen can let on-the-go seniors enjoy movie night under the stars or watch their favorite teams even when they’re far from home. This can be an especially good gift for retirees who are anxious to gas up their RV and leave home behind for a few weeks. n Lifetime pass to world-renowned parks: All United States citizens or permanent residents are eligible for the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass, which provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites across the country. Those sites are managed by federal

agencies like the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation, among others. A similar system is in place in Canada, where adults age 65 and up can gain unlimited admission for a full year to more than 80 Parks Canada locations across the country. n Tablet: Of course, retirees may still want to enjoy some of the comforts of home while they’re off in parts unknown. A new tablet can help traveling retirees read the latest bestsellers and stay in touch with family and friends via video conferencing apps like Zoom. Many campgrounds and hotels now provide free WiFi to guests, so a tablet can be just what on-the-go retirees need to stay connected to life back home. Holiday shoppers can make the season bright for their favorite retirees who can’t wait to spend their newfound free time traveling the world.

How to travel even if you have limited mobility

any people dream of traveling the world in retirement. Such dreams come true every day. But many more retirees or people nearing retirement fear that their dreams of seeing the world won’t be possible due to mobility issues beyond their control. Thankfully, such fears are largely unwarranted. Various conditions can affect men and women’s mobility. Many such issues tend to arise after age 50, prompting many people to believe their post-retirement travel plans will never 40 • LIVING 55 PLUS • NOVEMBER 2021 • Special Advertising Section

come to fruition. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD; and heart disease may make it hard for people to travel. But that difficulty doesn’t mean aging men and women should resign themselves to a sedentary lifestyle. Though they might require a little extra effort before boarding a plane for parts unknown, the following are a handful of ways that aging men and women with limited mobility can reap the rewards of traveling.

n Contact airlines or other transportation companies if you require special accommodations. The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that passengers are generally not required to provide advanced notice for disability-related accommodations. However, it makes sense to provide such notice anyway. By doing so, men and women with limited mobility can ensure they will have adequate assistance during their trips. When made aware of passengers’ mobility issues, airlines or other travel companies may arrange for wheelchairs to be available at the gates or train platforms so passengers can easily make connecting flights and trains. In addition, advance notice gives companies a chance to provide seating accommodations that can make for a more enjoyable trip. n Contact security agencies. Security is part of modern travel, so travelers, especially those traveling by air, should expect to go through security checkpoints during their trips. Travelers with limited mobility should contact the security agencies in their home country as well as those in any country they plan to visit to get an idea of what they can expect. Knowing these guidelines in advance can help people with limited mobility determine if they should arrive extra early so they can make it through security checkpoints in time to make their flights or trains. n Contact hotels directly. Each country has its own laws regarding how to accommodate people with physical disabilities or mobility issues, so don’t leave things to chance. Before booking a hotel room abroad, travelers with limited mobility should contact the hotel directly to confirm that it can accommodate their needs. Men and women with limited mobility can still enjoy the wonders of travel, even if it requires some extra effort before embarking on their trips.

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Food & Beer

LET'S EAT! By Nell Musolf

SOUTHERN MN STYLE Never been to the Morson-Ario VFW for lunch? Give it a try.

A warm and friendly atmosphere W

hen most people in the Mankato area think of somewhere to go out for dinner on a Friday night, the Morson-Ario-Strand VFW Post 950 most likely isn’t the first place that pops into their mind. Maybe it should be, especially if an evening of casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere is what you and your date—or your entire family—are looking for. Heidi Heath has been managing the post club for 26 years, and she began working at the VFW in 1990 as a bartender. “I like the atmosphere,” Heath said. “We have a warm and friendly atmosphere. I like serving veterans. We serve all veterans

42 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

Photos by Pat Christman -- World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans, although there are not many World War II veterans left.” The comfortably appointed post club has several large screen televisions for sports watchers, dart boards and a traditional bar. The VFW has free wi-fi as well and pull tabs and electronic gambling at the bar. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a different special such as Swedish meatballs, spaghetti and enchiladas. Daily specials are $7. There is also a burger and sandwich menu and homemade soup along with a salad bar.

On Fridays, the club is open for dinner for burger night. The third Friday of every month features a steak fry from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at which diners can choose between sirloin steak, shrimp or a fish dinner. Those special Friday night meals include a baked potato and roll as well. “Everything on our menu is homemade,” Heath said. “Nothing comes straight out of a can.” The homemade meals enhance the comfortable family-like feel of the bar giving guests the feeling of stepping back in time for an hour or two. Along with Heath are six regular employees and a lot of volunteers keeping the bar and restaurant up

The Morson-Ario VFW is on North Riverfront Drive in Mankato. and running. Heath figures she’s done just about everything during her tenure. “I started out as a bartender and eventually became manager, but I’ve cooked when I’ve had to,” Heath said. In addition to regular dining, Morson-Ario-Strand is also a place where fundraisers, wedding receptions, family reunions and wedding showers are held. Baby showers, graduation parties, business gatherings and holiday gatherings are also held at the hall. “We are open to everyone,” Heath said. “We aren’t just open to veterans. Anyone can stop in and have a drink here or have lunch or dinner. When people come here, they are helping us support local veterans.” The bar is closed on Thanksgiving, but the night before the holiday a meat raffle will be held where for a dollar per draw participants enter a raffle for a variety of meat packages. Heath said the event is very popular and always brings in a big crowd. Another meat raffle is held on Christmas Eve and also has a big turnout. “We serve Tom and Jerry’s on

Christmas Eve, and everyone has a lot of fun,” Heath said. “We are a very welcoming place.” Since merging with the Walter H. Strand VFW post several years ago, the combined posts have joined forces to offer more services to area veterans. All proceeds benefit Veterans of Foreign Wars so eating at the club is not only filling; it is also fulfilling, a win-win situation for everyone. “I like serving veterans. I just love our veterans,” Heath said. “We can’t do enough for them.”

What:

Morson-Ario VFW

Where:

1900 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato

What they’re known for:

Home-cooked meals

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 43

WINE

By Leigh Pomeroy

Just what is Xarmant Txakoli… And how the heck do you pronounce it?

kay, I know. I promised to stop writing these columns sometime last year. That's because I was running out of new wines to try and new things to say. Who wants to go over the same ho-hum territory of Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir? Boring! Fortunately, Mankato has a new wine shop that offers an abundant choice of wines beyond the ordinary. Its name is Cork & Key, and it's located on Madison Avenue where the old Mexican Village used to be. One of the unique wines it offers is the white wine called Xarmant Txakoli. Say what? Before seeing it on a shelf at Cork & Key, I had only read about Txakoli wines, never tasted them. Thus, when I saw it, I had to grab a bottle, which I managed to save long enough to pour it for a neighborhood gathering of wine lovers (though not necessarily wine experts). They loved it! Pale and light, it literally dances on the tongue, as the wine is bottled with just a hint of bubbles (carbon dioxide), or as the Spanish say, efervescencia. Perfect just for sipping with light snacks or fresh ocean seafood dishes. So how does one pronounce "Xarmant Txakoli"? Okay, here goes: The "X" in Xarmant is pronounced like a "Z", so "Zahr-mont." According to Joan Roca, retired director of the MSU Mankato library, who spends half of each year in Spain, half in Mankato, it's pronounced "Cha-koh-lee". So what is it? A varietal? A blend? A wine named after a region? Actually, it's the latter two. The primary grape is hondarrabi zuri (70%), a unique and predominant, though rare, grape of Spain's northern Basque region on the Atlantic coast, blended with ten percent each of petit courbu, gros manseng, and petit manseng, all grapes that grow well in southwest France, just over the Pyrenees. The region is called Arabako Txakolina, hilly and lovely, with some vineyards literally hugging the coast. The producer of this wine is Artomaña Txakolina. So? Too much information? My point is this: There are so many great wines that you've not heard of. Why settle for the same old stuff? And the price? $17.99 for the bottle, and also available in 8.5 oz. cans for $7.49 each. ■■■■ Every time I wander into Cork & Key, I come away with four to six bottles. Some are truly 44 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

unique, like Xarmant Txakoli. Others are versions of mostly French or Italian wines that I have previous experience with, but from other producers than what they offer. Okay, so I'm a Europhile — not so much Spanish wines but those from the Burgundy and the Rhône regions of France, plus pretty much all over Italy. The latter in particular, similar to many regions in Spain, offer both reds and whites from indigenous grapes. It's worth an exploration of shelves. If you see something, ask the wine retailer. What is this wine? What area is it from? What are its characteristics? While most Mankato liquor store employees don't have a clue, owner Carter Person at Cork & Key does — he can answer your questions. And if he doesn't know off the top of his head, he'll do the research and let you know. Thus said, I want to mention two other wine stores in Mankato. My other go-to wine source is High Spirits Liquors on Stadium Road, next to Jake's Pizza. While its selection is not as extensive as Cork & Key, owner Tim Johnson gives a 20% discount to seniors (a fungible definition) on Mondays, and he loves to talk. While his discussion may not be about wine, he waxes eloquent on the challenges of being a small business owner. I love to listen to him. A further reason to support Tim: He co-owns Hooligan's Bar, which is a great venue for music, particularly for the Minnesota State University and KMSU music series. Another source for wine in Mankato is The Wine Café. While the selection is limited, both in the bar and store, co-owner Emily Green tries to balance what Mankato wine consumers want and what she thinks they should try. And you can have any bottle in the store served to you in the café for a modest extra fee. In sum, while Mankato was once a wine desert, changes are coming. Wine knowledge in stores and bars is still lacking, but efforts are being made. To your health! Leigh Pomeroy is a Mankato-based writer and wine lover.

BEER

By Bert Mattson

Tapping history for Thanksgiving fare

egend has it Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock because they were running out of beer. The passengers on the transatlantic voyage received a daily ration. As the drinking water wasn’t considered safe, beer was their main source of hydration. They’d been at sea for nearly two months and off course. The already established Virginia Colony was the destination but Captain Jones, worrying about the reserves for the return voyage, put the passengers off in New England to drink water. Not accustomed to drinking water, even on land, settlers solicited the caption (at anchor in the harbor over winter) for more beer. Hard no. They were ultimately granted a drink at Christmas, when back aboard due to harsh weather. Budweiser took up this tale in an early 20th century advertising campaign. The conventional conception is that industrialization seized on corn as an expedient adjunct. Barley crops often failed in the colonies, and corn was a staple crop for indigenous folks. There is record of Roanoke Colony brewing

with corn in the 16th century. There is record from the early 17th century that Virginia Colony was brewing with “Indian corn” as an alternative to barley. Beer has been a part of American life since at least the first settlements. Whether a corny macro beer or crafty pumpkin brew, pouring beer on Thanksgiving is steeped in tradition. Let’s look at what might pour best with the conventional holiday menu. A lighter lager on the hoppy side but with a milder flavor, like Pilsner, is friendly with many of the items you often find on an appetizer table. It’s a shoe-in with a cheese tray featuring the likes of Monterrey Jack, Swiss and Muenster. While the style’s effervescence and clean, snappy finish cleans the palate between bites, malt in the backbone makes a nice echo for a salty cracker. Pilsner won’t overpower light seafood such as poached shrimp, but can stand up to a platter of lightly smoked trout. Pilsner also plays nice with ethnic offerings

Eat...Drink...Be thankful!

that sometimes find their way onto a grazing table. It can even do well with slightly spicy samplings of Asian or Mexican cuisines. A “macro” like Hamm’s, while no longer independently brewed, still rings of nostalgia and… well… tastes like the beer your dad drank. If a little corn made it onto the bill, that’s a tradition as old as the holiday itself -- Hamm it up. For the glorious roasted bird, I like an amber ale. Amber isn’t something I seek out in general, but the style employs caramel malts -roasted to bring out tones of toffee -- which I find complement roasted meats and vegetables. Bell’s Amber Ale is true to form with notes of toffee and nuttiness, but also brings an herbal element. For pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream, I’ve trotted out Summit’s Great Northern Porter for years. To this day it’s one of my favorite pairings. Still, battling pandemic poundage, I feel pressed to choose this time around. For me it’ll be Dogfish Head’s Camp Amp s’mores inspired milk stout. I’ll raise an indulgent glass to whose who went without. Bert Mattson is a chef and writer based in St. Paul. He is the manager of the iconic Mickey’s Diner. bertsbackburner.com

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MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 45

LIT DU NORD: MINNESOTA BOOKS AND AUTHORS By Nick Healy

In These Poems, Anything Is Possible

u Hwang’s poem “Latchkeys” begins with a description of momentary alarm and action that will sound familiar to anyone who once spent unsupervised after-school hours at home while their parents remained at work. “When headlights cast shadow / puppets against the living / room wall, my brother and I / did our best to keep up / appearances: he’d scurry / to turn off the Nintendo / console while I hung up / on my best friend,” Hwang writes. By the time their parents come through the door, the girl is practicing on an upright piano, and the boy is hunched over his biology textbook. They are, it appears, doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing, and the act they are performing is a familiar one to many in Generation X and subsequent generations. From there, the poem draws a bit from Hwang’s family story. The parents “stagger in” after a long commute, their clothes “reeking of chemicals,” and then Hwang shifts the stakes and arrives at something that is more than a recollection of the benign deceptions practiced by latchkey kids far and wide. It’s a rare sort of poem in the way it can make you smile and wince — and in how it will stick in your memory. Now living in Minneapolis, Hwang was born in Seoul, where she lived until she was 8 years old. She came of age in New York

City, where her parents ran small businesses, first a dry cleaner and later a corner store. That shop, one of the many bodegas that dot New York’s neighborhoods, gave Hwang the title for her first book of poems and provided a unifying element. In a bodega, as Hwang describes, people from all walks of life cross paths, and in their interactions, anything is possible. Hwang’s debut, “Bodega,” was published by Milkweed Editions in 2019 and received the Minnesota Book Award for poetry in 2020. The book is full of interesting scenes and situations, which Hwang dissects in striking ways. It describes pieces of the world inventively and sometimes jarringly. Hwang even coins a f e w n e w w o rd s , s u c h a s “roachtapestries” (yes, that’s one word), that may stick with you. Among the book’s most effective pieces is the title poem, a sprawling depiction of Mr. and Mrs. Kim, owners of a corner store, and Raul, the man who stocks shelves and mops the floor for them, along with a pair of customers (a white woman and a Black man) who pass each other in the aisles. “Joseph is watched — eyes constantly study / his design, jerks and strata / of skin and limbs,” Hwang writes. We learn that he lives nearby, volunteers in the neighborhood and works as a security guard. But, Hwang

46 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

“Bodega” by Su Hwang explains, “without the uniform, / he knows he is as good as a dead man / walking.” By the end of the poem, we understand something of each person’s complicated inner life, and we see how their flawed assessments of each other shape their encounters. Also, we are reminded how people can imagine a crime where there is none and trust exactly the wrong person. The Good Thunder Reading Series will bring Hwang to Mankato on Nov. 11. Her visit includes three events, culminating in a 7:30 p.m. reading in Room 245 of the Centennial Student Union at Minnesota State University. For more information, check out the Good Thunder Reading Series website (gt.mnsu.edu). Nick Healy is an author and freelance writer in Mankato.

COMMUNITY DRAWS By Kat Baumann

MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 47

ANN’S FASHION FORTUNES By Ann Rosenquist Fee

Pre-apocalyptic winter style DEAR ANN: What am I supposed to do about lip color, now that some places require masks but some don’t? Am I supposed to go back to the "eye makeup only” look I embraced under the mask mandate? Or, is there some way I can keep going with the deep crimson lip I was so happy to resume once the mandate lifted, yet not smear my face when it’s time to pop the mask on or get the items in my purse all sticky when I take the thing off and tuck it away? Please help. DEAR READER: First, stop tucking it away, because that’s a sure route to losing it and of course that’s most likely to happen with the one or two masks you actually like, so you’ll be stuck buying replacements. And honestly, do you want to keep buying masks like they’re an ongoing need we all just accept now? Like socks? Versus limiting yourself tothe a bare-bones stockpile of whatever you’ve already purchased, and then when all of this is over, you can pack them away as historical artifacts? You want the latter. We all do. To that end, I suggest investing in a few mask lanyards, which are not only functional but have the bonus of playing a nothideous role in your layering of accessories. Give it a shot. As for lip color, I cannot say enough about the powers of Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lipcolor with Topcoat. Honestly it’s one of the greatest things to happen to drugstore makeup since I don’t know what. I am neither a paid spokesperson nor a loyalist to Covergirl or drug store makeup in general, but I can attest to the fact that if you follow the directions and let the product set for a few seconds before applying the topcoat that

See how the chains upon chains make the mask almost kind-of a thing you want to wear? comes in the package, your lips will be weirdly magically set for the next at-least-six hours (the package says 24, but as noted, I’m not a paid endorser; I am a citizen journalist of lipstick). The stuff sells for less than $10, making experimentation relatively affordable and making for an incredible ROI in terms of a more confident, less smeary mask-on/ mask-off lifestyle.

48 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

DEAR ANN: I was so excited to buy concert tickets and start thinking about what to wear. I may have even made some late-night purchases of possible concertgoing clothes. Then the show got canceled and I’m afraid this is going to keep happening and I can’t go through another season of owning going-out clothes despite no chance of going out. Do I keep buying things or what?

DEAR READER: Pretty much every retailer has a decent return policy right now, so you can thriftily keep hope alive and keep buying, as long as you stay on top of returns like it’s a fun hobby. Also, bear in mind that in-person events are more and more just stagings for the photos that’ll later be shared on social media, which is, more and more, the forum that feels more real in terms of exhibitionism and mutual appreciation of style. You might try investing in some good-quality LED lighting with multiple color options so you can ease the disappointment of show cancellations and partial ticket refunds with at-home photos that show the virtual world how great you would have looked at all the events that would have happened if not for us being on the verge of an apocalypse. DEAR ANN: If we’re stuck doing things mostly outdoors again this winter, I want to like how I’m dressed. I am not a sporty North Face gal. Any recommendations? DEAR READER: Fer sure check out the Minnesota motherdaughter company “helm-made,” whose motto is “where haute meets cold.” Their down skirts, vests, jackets, hats — and other things you don’t think you need until you see them, like a faux fur wine bag or felted flapper hat with flower — are cut and constructed with couture sensibilities, yet they function like the warmest, most waterproof, most indestructible snowsuit of your life. Their stuff pairs well with Sorel’s Joan of Arctic boot, which, last I checked, was available locally at C&S Supply in a couple different colors. I look forward to seeing you around town, repelling moisture and keeping out the cold all winter long.

BANKING THE WAY IT SHOULD BE

Here for you today and tomorrow.

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

Mankato | Amboy | Eagle Lake | Vernon Center | cbfg.net MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 49

GARDEN CHAT By Jean Lundquist

PLINK!

Adventures in tomato canning

his time of year pains me. Growing season has ended, fresh vegetables are a memory, and the canning season, once again, almost wasn’t. Larry found some off-brand canning lids in his travels, and brought some home to a very excited me. I brought up the canner, picked the tomatoes, made the sauce and the salsa, and put them in the canner. The first reusable lids worked great, much to my surprise. But the offbrand metal lids worked less than 50% of the time. I like to hear the “plink” of a canning lid. The reusable ones aren’t metal, and they don’t plink, even when they seal. The off-brand lids plinked on less than half the jars, meaning no seal. With a grimace on my face, I put my unsealed tomatoes into freezing containers, and thanks to my 22 cubic foot freezer in the basement, all was well. Or so I thought. All was well for a while, until one recent Friday afternoon, when I went down to get something from the freezer for supper, and it wasn’t running. All the stuff on the top of the freezer was squishy. Thawed. I was in a panic. About 20 minutes before the close of business, assuming most people stay all the way until 5 p.m. on a Friday, I kicked into high gear. I know the freezer was 25 years old when we bought it 35 years ago. Not energy efficient, but always cold. “Fine 50 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

time for you to let me down,” I thought. I called the only place that I know of that has a large banner in front of the business advertising they sell dry ice. Their call center could not have been less helpful. I tried to explain that my tomatoes were at stake, but found no sympathy. I raced to town without speeding. Yah, right. I called the business’s call center again and begged the operator to ask the man at the store to wait two minutes for me to save my tomatoes. No deal. At 5:02, I knocked at the door of the business, traffic racing by on the highway, crying, thinking about my poor melting tomatoes, not to mention the meat keeping them company! To make a long story shorter, a truly quality appliance store delivered a new freezer to me that same Friday night. That Good Samaritan saved my tomatoes, steaks, chops, burger and the rest, and left my home at 8:15 on that Friday night. We did lose over 100 pounds of food, but I guess there’s no reason we should be luckier than anyone else living with an ancient freezer. ■■■■ Earlier I told you about my Mother-In-Law-Tongue

plant blooming for the first time in 43 years. I was amazed, delighted, and proud! I didn’t know what the bloom should be attributed to, but now, I think I do. My senior citizen plant is blooming again! I have been watering it with water that has boiled potatoes, beets, green beans, asparagus, corn and peas. I have no scientific evidence that this water is the cause, but even if it’s not, why waste all those nutrients, not to mention wasting water? This latest bloom is starting to make me feel special. ■■ ■ ■ Last month I asked you to stop feeding birds. My bird feeders have been an integral part of my gardens, but the harm they could be doing is not worth the enjoyment they bring. “A mysterious disease” has been killing songbirds (the ones at our feeders). It’s not the conjunctivitis disease caused by dirty bird feeders. The disease has been moving from the east coast to the Midwest. Some experts note it followed the hatching of the cicadas, and might be related to that hatch, especially since it now seems to be easing up. Fledgling birds seemed to have been most affected. Many national organizations asked bird lovers nationwide to stop feeding birds, as congregating in a single place could be deadly. The National Wildlife Federation issued an all-clear for feeding birds in early autumn, but the Cornell Lab of Ornithology said, “Not so fast.” Even without a “mysterious” disease moving through the birds at our feeders, most of us are really bad bird feeding stewards. I quit feeding my feathered friends to keep them alive. If you continue to feed them, good for you. But keep them safe by keeping your feeders clean. When was the last time you disinfected them with bleach? That’s important. At least do your bird friends the favor of using a disinfecting wipe on feeding surfaces every time you fill your feeder. Once a week? Once a day? Since COVID, we all have those disinfecting wipes! Enjoy your garden all year long!

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Jean Lundquist is a Master Gardener who lives near Good Thunder. gardenchatkato@gmail.com MANKATO MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2021 • 51

FROM THIS VALLEY By Pete Steiner

The fields of November

he 11th month. The color is brown. Or ochre. Or my favorite Crayola color, burnt sienna. The smell, slightly dusty. The mood can be pensive, even somber. Tree branches are now bare silhouettes against an often gray sky. And night falls early across the fields of November. Just past All Souls’ Day, we’re preparing to mark two holidays: the most solemn Veterans Day, and the very festive Thanksgiving. “The Fields of November” also happens to be one of my favorite vinyl albums. No critic will rank it with “Sgt. Pepper’s” or “Tapestry,” but I think it’s a masterpiece. Recorded by the superb guitarist, Norman Blake and friends in 1974 for Flying Fish, my album’s monochromatic ochre and brown jacket is tattered and taped. I still play it every year at this time, either before or after I also play the best-written pop single ever, Gordon Lightfoot’s “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Then I wait for the goosebumps to subside, and I contemplate how the time has come to gear up for cold and snow. ■■■■ “The Fields of November” has a very Appalachian feel and touches on the poignancy of the season. I can relate just by driving through the many river valleys of Blue Earth County, with bare fields now having given up their corn and soybeans; a gnarled lone oak may stand sentry on a hill. Should you check out the album, there’s a good chance you would not even like it and say, Steiner’s taste is all in his mouth (hopefully, I haven’t lost it to COVID). Back in my deejaying days, I 52 • NOVEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE

was not very good at picking hits. If I loved a song -- something, say by Lyle Lovett or Joe Ely, both superbly talented musicians who struggled to create what the tineared music lords considered “hits” -- that in no way indicated it would get more than half-dozen spins before the music director would say, “Not really what the audience wants, Pete.” In fact, the only two songs I started playing early that actually became hits were Kenny Rogers‘ “The Gambler” and George Jones‘ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” But those were both no-brainers that any doofus could have picked. (By the way, if you do give the Blake album a try, a good book to read along with it would be Charles Frazier’s “Cold Mountain.”)

things about November is that it takes care of the yellowjacket problem. But it was a glorious September, no? Most of the month filled with sunny, pleasant days, lasting into October. We got just enough rain to help the crops and keep the lawns green; we can fret about the drought again in spring if we get a “brown” winter. I’ve always told friends on the coasts that tourists really should come to Minnesota in September and October. And this year, because of the drought, almost no mosquitoes! Also, as an old radio guy who would get called in any day or hour of the week for storm coverage, I took note of how few severe weather days we had this past summer. Could there be an upside to everything, even a drought?

■■■■

My dad loved November because it was prime duck season; the ex-Marine couldn’t wait to get out on Swan Lake in the raw, wet winds. I think I’ve related how his less gritty son was awakened at 3 a.m. one day to accompany him, only to later confess, he didn’t really get the thrill. My brother and I did like to help Dad clean the ducks he brought home. We would get an ad hoc biology lesson reaching our hands inside the cold breast cavity to pull out the organs; we especially liked slicing open the gizzard to reveal the beautiful bird’s last meal.

Veterans Day is Nov. 11. Maybe you’ll silently thank our vets if you drive past Fort Snelling, with the thousands of white headstones in perfect array. Or consider just one: John Roberts, whom I was unaware of until I paid a visit to the VFW Post on North Riverfront. Roberts was killed Feb. 23, 1945, on Iwo Jima. Accompanying the display of Roberts‘ photo and medals is a small jewelry box that contains black sand from the beach on Iwo. I stared at that little box for quite a while; my dad also fought on Iwo. I’m so grateful he survived. Semper Fi.

■■■■ Because of print deadlines, I began composing this piece in September, maybe as I was being routed by frenzied yellowjackets as I tried to indulge in a pleasant reverie at a coffee shop sidewalk table. My opinion: One of the best

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

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