AUTHENTIC You
WINTER 2023
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following four pages comprise the final edition of our “Authentic You” magazine. We would like to thank our readers, advertisers and the sources we interviewed during the course of the magazine.
Lauren and Scott Johnson’s children, Wesley, left, and Liam, look into their stockings last year on St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6, 2022. They were ages 4 and 22 months at the time.
Lauren Johnson, middle with green dress, was 3-years-old in this photo. It was from 1997. She is with her mom’s side of the family, who all celebrated St. Nicholas Day. It was her turn to put baby Jesus in the manger that year, which is another family tradition. Photos contributed by Lauren Johnson.
CELEBRATING AN OVERLOOKED BUT
magical holiday Alexandria woman’s family makes memories on St. Nicholas Day
filled with things like peanuts, small candies and a small gift. You never Have you heard about St. Nicholas? saw them get filled. Sometimes they were filled when you woke up in the No, not the jolly old fat man in the morning, sometimes during Christmas red suit. decorating, sometimes after school. St. Nicholas, the bishop of an But you always knew they were ancient Greek town called Myra, which is now the present day Turkey. filled because they were no longer on their stocking hooks but sitting on He was born around March 15, 270 the floor in front of the hooks. It was and died on Dec. 6, 343. always and still is, so magical. Some Among many things, he was families will leave shoes out to be known for always leaving small filled, and some families will include gifts and coins for children in his fruit as a traditional item. My mom is community. Dec. 6 is St. Nicholas Day and according to Lauren Johnson one of eight kids, and it’s something that all my aunts, uncles and cousins of Garfield, St. Nicholas Day, also celebrate and something my family known as The Feast of Saint Nicholas, on my dad’s side adopted growing up commemorates the saint, his kindness also. It’s fun to share these memories and his gift-giving habit. with my family. Johnson, who was born and Q: Why was this holiday important in raised in Alexandria and is a 2012 your family? Alexandria graduate, works as the marketing coordinator for the A: For my family, it is a GermanAlexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Catholic tradition. The stories, Commerce. Growing up, her family legends and traditions come from always celebrated St. Nicholas Day all over Europe and are celebrated and now, with a family of her own, differently depending on what area of her and husband, Scott, celebrate the the continent you are in. In our area, I day with their two children, Wesley, have found not many know about St. Nicholas Day, who St. Nicholas is and 5, and Liam, 2. that he’s different from Santa Claus Johnson answers questions about and that he was a real individual. the holiday that was and still is so It’s unique and people seem excited important to her family. about the tradition when I talk about Q: How did you celebrate St. it and often want to figure out how Nicholas Day as a child? to adopt it into their family with their A: Our Christmas stockings were kids. My family is also deeply rooted always filled on Dec. 6, St. Nicholas in the Catholic faith and Christianity. Day, not on Christmas Day by Santa It’s important that we celebrate different Saints and remind ourselves Claus as most celebrate. They were By Celeste Edenloff Alexandria Echo Press
of the people that walked before us. Q: As an adult with your own family, have you kept the tradition going? A: This is a tradition I have continued with my husband and my own kids. My kiddos love waking up the morning of Dec. 6 to see what St. Nick brought and left in their stockings while they were sleeping. I love that they get to tell their friends at school and daycare about it and other family members. Since starting work at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, it is also a tradition I have brought to work. Every Dec. 6, when my coworkers and I show up to work, St. Nicholas has been there and left small treats and/or a small gift at each desk. It’s been fun to watch them be excited about St. Nicholas each year, too.
experienced over the years. I often refer to the site StNicholasCenter. Org/Who-Is-St-Nicholas. I feel it’s full of great information. Plus, any chance to celebrate a holiday is a win in my book! Besides working at the Chamber and being a wife and mother, Johnson teaches dance at Just for Kix in the styles of hip hop, jazz and kick. She also bowls in a league at Garden Center Lanes in Alexandria and is a volunteer at The Church of St. Mary. She and her husband live on a 30-acre piece of property just outside of Garfield with their two boys, Wesley and Liam, and a few animals. The family enjoys everything about the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, trail riding and more.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about St. Nicholas Day? A: I would say, do your own research, ask others about St. Nicholas Day, search St. Nicholas Day online and who he is and how he is celebrated as there are many stories, versions and traditions. This is just what I’ve learned and
Lauren Johnson had her picture taken with Santa when she was 5 years old. The photo is from 1999.
2 | WINTER AUTHENTIC YOU | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 | echo press
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HOW BUSINESSES CAN MAKE THE MOST OF
Small Business Saturday Metro Creative Connection
Sales and consumer holidays compete for shoppers’ attention every year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Such events save consumers billions of dollars every year, but small business owners know it’s no small feat getting holiday shoppers to part with their hard-earned money. Competing for holiday shoppers is hard work, but those efforts can provide a big payoff. According to Finder’s Black Friday Statistics 2022, 55% of men and 52% of women planned to shop Black Friday sales, when men planned to spend $465 and women intended to spend $300. If small business owners are concerned they can’t compete on Black Friday, they can always look to Small Business Saturday, which encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. Competition can still be steep on Small Business Saturday, but the following are some strategies business owners can employ to make the most of this unique event on the holiday season calendar.
UPDATE YOUR WEBSITE. The Small Business Administration recommends that small business owners consider a digital makeover for their websites. Even though Small Business Saturday encourages individuals to shop in person, modern consumers typically peruse online offerings first. Updating an outdated website or simply reviewing all information, including product details, on the website to ensure it’s up-to-date can help small businesses make a strong first impression with holiday shoppers.
PROMOTE SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. Though it’s been around for more than a decade, Small Business Saturday is not yet the household name that Black Friday has become. Small business owners can drum up interest in Small Business Saturday by promoting the day in the local newspaper or on their social media channels. The SBA recommends business owners encourage shoppers to snap selfies and tag their businesses on their own social media accounts, which can increase engagement and potentially attract new customers.
SELL AND PROMOTE GIFT CARDS. Gift cards help national retailers generate substantial revenue each year, and there’s no reason why small businesses can’t get their piece of the gift card pie. Gift cards remain wildly popular, as a recent survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54% of participants identified gift cards as the most-wanted gift of the 2022 holiday season. Small businesses can offer discounted gift cards on Small Business Saturday and promote those efforts in the newspaper or on their websites. OPEN EARLY AND CLOSE LATE. Small Business Saturday, which occurs on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is a great opportunity for small businesses to start the potentially lucrative holiday season off on the right foot. The SBA urges small businesses to open early and close late on Small Business Saturday so they can capitalize as much as possible on this popular retail holiday. Small business owners can embrace various strategies to make the most of Small Business Saturday.
KEEP ON
learning
Spotlight: Chillon McKibbin, CNM, IBCLC
By Lowell Anderson Alexandria Echo Press
Like it or not, we are all continually learning
throughout our lives. We might just be doing something as simple as learning someone’s name, reading the news, or maybe discovering a better way of doing an everyday task, but we are always learning. There are also times in life when we need to do some heavyduty learning, such as acquiring skills to start a new career or to advance in the one we’re
“It was my dream to be a midwife.” As a teenager growing up outside of Benson, Minnesota, Chillon McKibbin’s innate desire to care for people translated into babysitting. She must have been good at her job, because, “I basically babysat the whole neighborhood!” As she grew older, she was naturally drawn to the field of nursing. She attended Concordia College in Moorhead for an undergraduate degree in nursing, and worked as a certified nurse assistant and home health aide between classes. Her first experience with Alomere Health was as a student nurse technician in the labor and delivery department. She fell in love with the whole process of delivery and caring for newborns and new parents. After graduation, she continued to work for Alomere as a registered nurse but wasn’t assigned to the delivery room. She soon befriended and was inspired by a nurse midwife (who started Alomere’s midwifery program)—and became convinced midwifery was the focus she wanted for her own career. So Chillon attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Nursing with a concentration in Midwifery and Women’s Health.
midwife. To serve her patients even more, Chillon became a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). “Because I have grown so close to people in this community, I feel like my work at Alomere is simply taking care of my friends,” says Chillon. Chillon says one of the true joys of her career has been growing together with her Women’s Health teammates. “They feel like family. Everyone has a smile on their face. Everyone is welcoming and eager to help each other out. It’s an incredibly smart, efficient, and compassionate team here—a team that puts the patient and the family first.”
To schedule an initial visit with a Women’s Health provider, please call us at 320.763.5123. Already a patient? Schedule your next appointment through MyChart.
Driving Smiles
One Sale at a Time!
Excited to return to Alomere, she brought her education and newfound skills to her new role as a
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in. We might sometimes be forced to learn complex new skills just to survive. Some people resist learning and find it unpleasant. Others just learn when they have to, kind of like brushing their teeth. Still others learn because they enjoy the process and challenge of absorbing new information and want to make it a regular part of their lives. Learning is inevitable. The only question is how much we will learn, and whether we enjoy it or dread it. It can be a passion or a chore, a way to survive or a way to thrive. It all depends on your attitude. With the right attitude, we will not only be able to learn more effectively, but we can also look forward to the challenge of learning, and maybe even schedule it into our lives. In addition, because we enjoy the process and practice it often, we will have the skills we need for when we are forced to learn something new. Learning has many benefits. In addition to survival and enjoyment, learning may even help you stay young by exercising your brain. There’s no end to the things you can learn, and no good reason not to learn as much as possible. Just start small and just keep going. Learn something every day. Learn new skills that help you learn more effectively. Learn everything. Make learning about growth and fun. Have a goal but enjoy the process. And, no matter what, just keep on learning.
echo press | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023
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| WINTER AUTHENTIC YOU | 3
Fun books to read
TO CHILDREN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Metro Creative Connection
• “Gingerbread Mouse: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids,” by Katy Bratun: A fallen tree branch almost ruins Christmas for Mouse, whose determination and resourcefulness mixed in with a little Christmas magic ensures she finds a place to call home in time for the holidays. • “A Night in Santa’s Great Big Bag,” by Kristin Kladstrup: Santa saves the day in this tale starring a young boy’s favorite stuffed animal, whose excitement for Christmas compels him to climb into Santa’s big bag of presents on Christmas Eve.
• “Santa Claus and the Three Bears,” by Maria Modugno: This twist on the popular tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” finds three unsuspecting bears encountering a familiar fellow in a red suit upon returning home after a nighttime walk. • “Twas the Night Before Christmas: Edited by Santa Claus for the Benefit of Children of the 21st Century,” by Clement C. Moore: Parents will appreciate this updated version of the popular tale that, among other things, has removed the reference to Santa smoking. • “How the Grinch
The holiday season is a special time of year for people of all ages, but children might be the most enthusiastic celebrants come December. Children spend much of the holiday season anticipating the arrival of the man in the red suit, and that enthusiasm can be contagious. Families have their own unique traditions during the holiday season, but one popular way to harness kids’ enthusiasm between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day is to read them holiday stories. There’s no shortage of great holiday books for kids, but here are a handful that kids may remember ™ well into adulthood. • “The Polar Express,” by Chris Van Allsburg: The beloved tale is the story of a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole. SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY • “The Littlest Elf,” by vistaprairie.org/windmill-ponds Brandi Dougherty: Part of a series, 715 Victor St, Alexandria, MN 56308 • 320.759.2132 this story focuses on a tiny elf named Oliver and a series of misadventures as he navigates his way through Santa’s workshop. • “Olive, the Other Reindeer,” by Vivian Walsh: Olive is no ordinary reindeer. In fact, Olive is a dog who heads to the worktogether. together.Contact me Let’swork Contact me Let’s North Pole believing today and schedule a consultation. today and schedule a consultation. she is a reindeer. Let’s work together. Contact me Her decision to today and schedule a consultation. join Santa’s team Wendy Oksness Wendy Oksness ultimately benefits LPL Financial Advisor LPL Financial Advisor the big man and his D: (320) 460-7488 Wendy Oksness D: (320) 460-7488 E: wendy.oksness@lpl.com trusty reindeer. LPL Financial Advisor E: 405wendy.oksness@lpl.com 50th Ave W, Alexandria MN • “The Miracle of the D: (320) 405 50th460-7488 Ave W, Alexandria MN mmfcu.org First Poinsettia: A E: wendy.oksness@lpl.com mmfcu.org 405 50th Ave W, Alexandria MN Mexican Christmas Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment mmfcu.org advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products offered LPL orinvestment its licensed Story,” by Joanne Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), through a registered affiliates.and Midbroker-dealer Minnesota Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) and Mid Minnesota and Retirement advisor (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance productsInvestment offered through LPL or itsServices licensed Oppenheim: A (MMIRS) are advisory notFederal registered as aUnion broker/dealer or and investment advisor.(LPL), Registered representatives of Services Securities and services are offered through LPL Financial a registered investment affiliates. Mid Minnesota Credit (MMFCU) Mid Minnesota Investment and Retirement LPL offer products and services using MMIRS and may also be employees of MMFCU. These products advisor (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products offered through LPL or its licensed little girl named (MMIRS)and arebroker-dealer not registered as a broker/dealer or its investment advisor.are Registered representatives of are Federal being offered through LPL or and affiliates, which Investment separateand entities from, Services affiliates.and Midservices Minnesota Credit Union (MMFCU) Mid Minnesota Retirement LPL products andregistered services using MMIRS andorand may also beadvisor. employees of MMFCU. These products Juanita is the star andoffer not affiliates or MMIRS. Securities insurance offeredRegistered through LPL or its affiliates (MMIRS) are of, notMMFCU as a broker/dealer investment representatives of are: and services are being offeredusing through LPLandormay its affiliates, which areofseparate entities from, LPL offer products and services MMIRS also be employees MMFCU. These products of this retelling of a and not affiliates of, MMFCU MMIRS.through Securities offered or its affiliates are: and services are beingoroffered LPL orand its insurance affiliates, which arethrough separate LPL entities from, and not affiliates of, MMFCU or MMIRS. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are: traditional Mexican tale with a valuable lesson.
Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss: Children can join generations of fans that came before them as they hear the redemption story of the Grinch who was once determined to ruin
Christmas for the happy people of Whoville. • “The Nutcracker,” by the New York City Ballet: The classic story is retold based on famed choreographer
George Balanchine’s production. The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Reading new and classic holiday stories to children is one tradition any family can embrace.
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Festive films
THAT MAKE FOR A PERFECT FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT THIS SEASON
ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR FIRST-TIME
Thanksgiving hosts
Metro Creative Connection
Hosting Thanksgiving is a large undertaking that can put some hosts under pressure. Unlike some other holidays that are less food-focused, Thanksgiving is largely about the meal. Turkey is the centerpiece of the celebration, and any guests who come over are going to expect turkey and a number of side dishes. Individuals who are new to Thanksgiving hosting may be at a loss as to where to start with their preparation. There are certain must-haves hosts should familiarize themselves with. Many of these essentials revolve around tools for cooking in the kitchen and serving guests. Large roasting pan: You’ll need somewhere to oven-roast the turkey. While it’s perfectly acceptable to purchase a disposable aluminum pan for this purpose, if you plan to host Thanksgiving year after year, investing in a quality roasting pan will help deliver even cooking temperatures to the food and also can be used for roasting other meats. Wire rack: The turkey is placed upon a rack inside of the roasting pan so that it will not swim in the juices and cause a soggy bottom during cooking. Many roasting pans and racks are sold as sets, but others can be purchased separately. The rack can be used for other purposes as well, including cooling baked cookies or even drying out fresh herbs.
send guests home with foodborne illnesses. Food thermometers run the gamut from very basic to those that can be programmed to alert cooks through an app on a smartphone. Turkey is done when the temperature reads 170F in the breast and 180F in the thigh. If stuffed, the stuffing should register 165F, according to Butterball. Turkey serving platter: When the turkey is ready, it can be placed on an attractive serving platter for your photos, after which you slice and then return the sliced poultry to the serving platter for dining.
guests: Thanksgiving draws a crowd, so take inventory of silverware, dishes, wine glasses and any other tableware needs to ensure that you can accommodate all of the guests. Purchase new items if you cannot set the table completely with what you have, as mixed and matched may be okay for informal events but may not set the tone hosts are aiming for on Thanksgiving. Table and chairs: Determine if you have enough table space to seat all of your guests. Some dining tables come with an extension leaf, but you still may need to supplement with a folding table. You may need more seating. Chairs can be rented or you can use some folding chairs.
Serving dishes: Serving dishes can hold all of the sides served with the turkey, including stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans and more. A set of Thanksgiving requires matching dishes will help a number of essentials the tablescape look more that hosts will need to coordinated. have on hand to make Tableware to serve your the holiday complete.
Metro Creative Connection
A family movie night makes for a great way for families to bond and enjoy some relaxing time together. Such nights are a tradition in households across the globe, and they can even become a fun way for extended families to celebrate the holiday days together. When hosting overnight guests this holiday season, hosts can plan a family movie night and line up any of these familyfriendly holiday movies. • “A Christmas Story” (1983): This beloved classic based on the writings of author Jean Shepherd focuses on young Ralphie Parker and his humorous family. That family includes his father, played to much laughs by legendary actor Darren McGavin. All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a coveted Red Ryder air rifle, and generations of fans have enjoyed watching this film to see if Ralphie’s dream comes true. • “Home Alone” (1990): Not unlike “A Christmas Story,” this instant classic devotes much of its story to a young boy. Eight-year-old Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) awakens to an empty house after his parents forgetfully leave him behind as they depart on a holiday trip to Paris with their extended family. That proves to be bad news for bungling burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), who are outwitted by Kevin at every turn. • “Elf” (2003): Middle-aged Buddy (Will Ferrell) grew up in the North Pole believing he is an elf, despite
Sushi & Deli Platters for Holiday Entertaining
being significantly larger than the kind-hearted elves who raised him. Upon learning he is not an actual elf, Buddy is determined to reunite with the father (James Caan) he’s never known. Hilarity ensues as the innocent Buddy ends up in the big city in search of his father. • “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946): Among the most beloved holiday movies ever made, this classic stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a devoted family man who set aside his own big-city dreams to save the family business and, ultimately, his small hometown of Bedford Falls. Lamenting some bad luck that leaves him on the cusp of financial ruin, George wishes he’d never been born, only to be shown by an especially kind and patient angelin-training (Henry Travers) how much worse off Bedford Falls and its residents might have been had George Bailey never existed. • “Jingle All the Way” (1996): Featuring a future Governor of California in the lead role, this hijinks-filled holiday classic follows the efforts of Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) as he tries to secure the must-have gift of the season for his son, Jamie (Jake Lloyd). Howard soon finds himself competing against a father (Sinbad) who’s equally devoted to find the coveted Turbo-Man action figure. A holiday movie night makes for a fun, family-friendly evening when hosting overnight guests during this special time of year.
Elden’s Gift Cards... Great for Gift Giving
Food thermometer: Ensuring the turkey and other foods are cooked to the correct internal temperature is essential. You do not want to
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Crazy Fresh produce and specialty items make it easy to stay on top of your busy holiday schedule and keep healthy eating a priority for you and your family. All products are guaranteed fresh-cut daily and ready-to-eat. With a wide variety of items ranging from fruits and vegetables to soup starters, prepared salads and salsas, you’ll find convenient, healthy choices the whole family can enjoy any time of day. See you at Elden’s!
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