Gf may jun 2018 by Kate Noet

Southern Minn

Girlfriends

Called to a Life of Adventure

Pastor Wold Freeman

FREE

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ADVENTURE southernminngirlfriends.com

IS THERE A BABY IN YOUR FUTURE?

If you are ready to start or grow your family, we are here to help. Our team of experts provides care from pre-pregnancy planning to delivery, right here in your community. Mayo Clinic Health System in Faribault Call 507-333-3332 to schedule an appointment. Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna Call 507-446-1704 to schedule an appointment. mayoclinichealthsystem.org

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Let’s get

show and expo Oct. 18 2018

with

Chef Guy Klinzing Gourmet Sponsor

Calling All Cooks! Girlfriends Magazine is publishing

a cookbook with the region’s best

Let’s get

recipes – submitted by our readers – in advance of our 10th Anniversary “Let’s Get Cooking” show and expo on Oct. 18, 2018.

2018 coo kbook Sou the rn

recipe categories:

Min n

Girlfrien ds

Apps, soups and salads // Main dishes // Desserts Submit as many recipes as you’d like. Our guest Chef Guy Klinzing will select one recipe for inclusion in the cooking show and that individual will receive a $250 prize package! If we use one of your recipes in the cookbook, you’ll be eligible to purchase discounted tickets to Let’s Get Cooking.

Presented By Southern Minn

To submit your recipes, visit southernminngirlfriends.com and follow the recipe submission link. Recipe deadline is Friday, May 25. Watch for more information on Let’s Get Cooking and for your chance to pre-order the cookbook at a discounted price.

Girlfriends LATE SPRING 2018

where local women

turn

southernminngirlfriends.com

20 Late Spring 18 MAY/JUN

contents

about us editor: Beth Forkner Moe

contributing writers:

Kari Berit Lisa Cownie Rian Dicke-Michels Ben Farniok Mallory Fuchs Nancy Iglesias Trent Jonas Kelsey O’Hara Ramon Rodriquez Carron Terri Schlichenmeyer Sara Schlueter Grace Webb

multimedia consultants: Kristie Biehn Ginny Bergerson Nicole Brandon Kari Clark Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Pam DeMorett David Granlund Tim Mart Mark Nelson Jay Petsche Erin Rossow Kyle Shaw Gayle Stelten

graphic designer: Kate Townsend-Noet

ad designers:

Mary Jo Blanchard Nicole Gilmore Jenine Kubista Kelly Kubista Kate McGillen Jennifer Schoenbauer Volume 10, Issue 3

southernminngirlfriends.com Send releases and story ideas to:

Beth Forkner Moe at Girlfriends magazine, bfmoe@southernminn.com

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features

8 PROFILE - Pastor Rebecca Called to a life of adventure.

16 Outdoor Adventures

Adventure is right here: from the raceway, paint wars, the canopies and water.

26 Red Wing has it All

From rigorous to relaxed there’s something for everyone in Red Wing.

28 WWR & MF

Windsurfing, Music and More The Worthington Windsurfing Regatta and Music Festival.

30 Adventures in the Skies

Women strive to reach new heights in aviation.

34 Girls on the Run

Le Sueur girls moving.

38 Shaking Things Up

Belly dancing fitness classes.

44 Adventurous Souls, Finding New Ways to Enjoy Life

Readers share their stories, in their own words.

52 Homes away from Home

Try out some of the area’s B&Bs.

58 Northfield Authors

Feel support from the community.

61 Adventures in Your Own Back Yard Check out community education in your community.

accessories

15 a man’s perspective 64 book review 22 food sense 66 gf directory 5 note from the editor 42 the coach’s corner 62 unexpected caregiver 63 wellness

on the cover:

Pastor Rebecca Wold Freeman - photo by Deb Quam. See her profile story on page 8.

Find Southern Minn Girlfriends on Facebook

NOTE from the editor

Wow!

What fun it was to put together this issue, focusing on “Adventures.” It’s a great theme, for a great time in the life of our organization. We’re celebrating our 10th year with you, our readers, and this is the largest issue we’ve ever put together – in great part because of you, and because of the amazing women who live in our region. Adventures come in many forms – personal, emotional, physical, spiritual, new ways of expressing ourselves…. or a combination of any of these. That’s what we found this month – many types of adventures, from a wide variety of women. One of the ongoing goals I have for myself is to always “Seek New Adventures.” They may be small, or large – but when I look for them every day, they turn up in some of the most interesting places. It’s often simply a different way of looking at daily life. Even making a meal (which can sometimes seem so boring) can be an adventure – if, for example, I’ve looked for some new recipes or new ingredients, or even different ways of combining ingredients. Adventure can be as mundane as that, or as grand as hiking the world. I’ve recently embarked on a couple new adventures, which are enriching my life in different ways. I enrolled in an online writing group. A handful of women from across the country receive a writing prompt each week, then share it with the others. Prompts have included such things as, “I knew I was brave when…..,” “Superstition,” and “The name I was given.” Even though I spend most of my professional time writing in various styles and for various organizations, this is a whole new method for me. It’s like journaling, but sharing it with other people. Scary? Sure. But also rewarding – not only to get feedback from others, but to know they are also sharing personal thoughts with me.

My husband and I are taking ballroom dance lessons this spring. We’re not very good (that’s probably an understatement), but we’re trying. It’s a new skill for us, we’re meeting new people, and we’re trying something different than we’ve ever done. We probably won’t end up on “Dancing with the Stars” – unless it’s the “Do Not Dance Like These People” version – but it’s fun to do something new. This month we talk about adventures including staying in local Bed and Breakfast establishments, to living an intentional life and sharing it with other, to taking part in ziplining and other physical adventures. We talk about creative adventures, and things you can do in your own community. We share the stories of adventures some of our readers have had. Our profile this month is of Pastor Rebecca Wold Freeman, a woman who doesn’t consider herself adventurous, but we certainly do, and we know she shares this with her parishioners. We also talk about a type of exercise not many of us would try, but those who do it love it – belly-dancing. Finally, we share the story of local authors who took a leap of faith and wrote books to share with the world, as well as talk about some events that are themselves filled with adventurous souls. Our next issue, coming out in mid-July will focus on food and food-related stories. We’d love to hear about your favorite summertime dining ritual. Share it with us on our Facebook page or email me at bfmoe@southerminn.com by the end of May. We certainly hope you enjoy the stories in this issue, and that they inspire you to “Seek (Your Own) New Adventures.”

Warmly,

forkner Moe Beth Forkner Moe is the editor of Southern Minn Girlfriends magazine.

P.S.: Save October 18 on your calendar for Girlfriends’ “Let’s Get Cooking” show and expo – it promises to be a fun event! And be sure to see page 3 for details on the regional cookbook we’re publishing in advance of the show! We can’t wait to see your recipes! LATE SPRING 2018

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Begin A New Adventure. Grab life by t

his article is intended to help women move from curiosity about the sport of motorcycling to discovering the freedom of riding their very own motorcycle. Women are the fastest-growing demographic in the sport of motorcycling. Motorcycling provides unique and rewardSPONSORED BY ing feelings of freedom, independence Faribault Harley-Davidson and adventure. The experience of riding a 2704 West Airport Drive, motorcycle is really like no other! Here is a Faribault, MN road map to guide you through the steps in 507.334.5130 the journey to becoming a rider.

1 - Breaking Down Barriers Not everybody has an existing connection to motorcycling or previous experience, but some have had a curiosity about riding their own. Though it might be difficult to picture yourself handling such a large, heavy machine, I am here to share that all you really need is some balance and coordination skills! The stereotype of the rough and tough biker image doesn’t mean you must fit that mold. Motorcycle riders come in all shapes, sizes and professions. Getting to know other women interested in riding and getting educated on the basics can help familiarize you with the sport. An easy way to build a support system is to attend a free Ladies’ Intro to Motorcycling event at Faribault Harley-Davidson. Stepping into a dealership may be intimidating for some, especially for someone with very little familiarity or experience. You

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can overcome these fears and concerns by knowing that we provide a welcoming, fun and relaxed atmosphere. We invite you to ask the questions you have and know that our helpful and friendly staff is here to answer them. As a woman, I know what it is like to not be taken seriously and I have made it a priority to ensure all women get the respect and attentiveness they deserve at our dealership.

2 - Getting Your Motorcycle Endorsement A motorcycle safety foundation approved new rider course will teach you the proper techniques and skills you need to master the open road. The Riding Academy course at Faribault Harley-Davidson is designed for new riders, even those with zero motorcycle experience. The course includes 20 hours of instruction divided between the classroom and practice range. In the classroom, you’ll learn the basics of riding safety. On the practice range you’ll develop the skills of braking, turning, shifting and other key maneuvers. From both, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical knowhow to feel comfortable and safe operating a motorcycle. Bikes are provided as part of the course and they are small displacement; making it easy to learn on. Prior to the beginning of class time you will need to have your motorcycle permit. You can find the Minnesota Motorcycle Manual and multiple practice tests online. When you are ready, go to the DMV for the written test. There is a small fee for the permit and it is valid for one year. Faribault Harley-Davidson offers the MSF new rider courses during the summer months. Upon successfully completing the course, you will have the proper papers required for the DMV to put the motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.

3 - Finding Your Perfect Motorcycle There are plenty of options and different motorcycles out there to fit you. The handlebars, seat position and controls can all be adjusted to give you more comfort and confidence. I stand at 5 feet 2 inches and I ride the biggest bike in the lineup. It is important to notice what bikes appeal to you when you review all of the different options. Something should stand out differently about one more than the others. Start there. When you find the one you like, we are here to help you fit comfortably on it as you continue your journey. Consider if you want new or preowned. Most dealerships recondition traded bikes before they resell them. Your new motorcycle should be ready to ride

y the Handlebars…

Let’s Ride!

and in good running condition with proper tire tread and clean oil. You can do price comparisons online to verify that a bike is worth what a dealer is selling it for. New motorcycles are usually sold at sticker price. Sometimes, last year’s models will be price reduced. Dealers may have fees for licensing, freight and set up tacked onto the selling price. Make sure you understand up front what the additional fees and taxes will cost before you buy. Financing is an option and a down payment is likely required.

4 - Get Geared Up The right gear makes all the difference. Our staff is here to help you find the

best options for staying comfortable and protected. A riding gear checklist includes a jacket, for protecting your upper body and arms, as well as pants, jeans, chaps or leather pants for comfort and protection. Boots should be over the ankle length with sturdy heel and non-slip soles to protect from hot exhaust pipes and debris. Gloves protect from the elements and provide a surer grip on the bike’s hand controls. A helmet is vital protection in case of an accident. It also reduces wind noise and cuts fatigue. Eyewear is required for protection from rain, dust, and bugs.

5 - Practice & Learn Practice, practice and more practice! Once you have your bike, riding gear and motorcycle endorsement completed, allow yourself the time to practice and do it often. Short trips to the store or a quick run to a friend’s house can build lots of confidence. Find a nearby parking lot and, with permission, practice coming to a

complete stop, clutch control and turning. The more you get out and practice the easier riding gets and the more confident you become. When you have gained that confidence, that’s when it becomes fun and you really begin to experience what it is we love about motorcycling. It’s the freedom to ride, the comradery of riding with other like-minded individuals and the sights of our beautiful country that make motorcycling the best adventure sport!

Can’t wait to see you on the open road! Ann Hofmeister

Owner, Faribault Harley-Davidson

FARIBAULT HARLEY-DAVIDSON®

2704 WEST AIRPORT DRIVE FARIBAULT, MN 55021 www.faribaulthd.com (507) 334-5130

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PROFILE

Called to a Life of Adventure

Pastor 8

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Story By Nancy Iglesias Photos By Deb Quam

astor Rebecca Wold Freeman, Associate Pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield, doesn’t think of herself as overly athletic even though she played three sports in college (and is in the Athletic Hall of Fame at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter), has hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back, rode the RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) bike “train” with her husband and two kids (2 and 5 at the time) for two days in 90-plus-degree weather, hiked for a week in

the Canyonlands of Utah and ran the Rainier to Pacific running relay in Washington with a Microsoft Team called “Drag and Drop.” Becca (as she likes to be called) doesn’t think of herself as someone who would be featured in a magazine issue about women who are living a life of adventure. When we contacted her, she wasn’t sure she even had a story to tell. Even though she has worked in several non-traditional settings, traveled both nationally and abroad, has a deep love for meeting and connecting people, and is both delighted by and a true delight to her community, she would not say that her identity is that of an adventurer. But much of her life has indeed been an adventure. She grew up on Lake Johanna in Arden Hills, MN. Her dad was a campus minister and they often spent family vacations visiting her dad’s former students in a

variety of cities. She was on spring break her senior year at Gustavus Adolphus College when the devastating 1998 tornado hit St. Peter, destroying the campus and much of the community. She returned from break to assist her fellow students with campus and community clean-up and graduated just a few weeks later. After graduation, she spent five years with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps at L’Arche in Seattle, WA. L’Arche is a non-denominational spiritual community where people both with and without developmental disabilities live in intentional community. Much of her philosophy of life and ministry was forged during her years there. She said her “job” and experience were not so much about what she did, but rather who she beCONTINUES ON PAGE 10 u u u

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came. She saw first-hand that we all have a deep need for healthy relationships and that powerful transformation occurs when we think less about having our own needs met instead focusing on meeting the needs of others. L’Arche would say that “their staff are often surprised by the new horizons that open up for them through the depth of their experiences and by the way that the people at the heart of a L’Arche community touch their lives. Often their experiences inspire them to find what is truly life-giving by discovering in themselves new gifts through which they develop a clear sense of direction for the future.” That is what happened to Becca. After her time at L’Arche, she attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul. She said she never thought she would become a “preaching pastor” and was not looking for an “upfront position.” She began her pastoral ministry at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD, and said she was “both called and terrified.” Fifteen years later, she now humbly and joyfully lives out her own faith as a wife, mother, daughter, friend and pastor. She carries out this grand adventure with her husband, Sedge, who she described as the “true adventurous one.” They were friends and both runners in college but did not date and marry until much later. While Becca was in Seattle, Sedge was serving in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic. Their life together is not always easy – as in most marriages and relationships - but they agree that the life they have forged together is full of fun and adventure. For example, Sedge created an elaborate scheme for their marriage proposal. As Becca tells it, “After a scavenger hunt throughout my house with no trace of my husband-to-be, even though his car was in the driveway, each clue brought me to a different place in the house and revealed an important part of our story together. The last clue was found in a walk-incloset; it was a teal dress with a sign that said, ‘If you want me to kneel, you must wear the teal.’” “I was to put on the dress and meet him at a park in St. Paul at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers at 11:11 p.m. on November 11 (11/11), 2006,” she said. “He said he’d meet me there, but when I got there, he was nowhere to be found. I called him, and he said he was there. I said, ‘I don’t see your car anywhere.’ He said, ‘I’m in your trunk!’” “He popped out of my trunk and walked me down to the confluence where he got on a knee and proposed,” Becca said. Their honeymoon was in the Dominican Republic, where Sedge had served in the Peace Corps. Sedge planned an equally impressive scavenger hunt for Becca’s 40th birthday that honored her friends and family as well as some of the most significant places of her life and faith journey. Like many women, Becca’s days are often both quite ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. You might find her sipping a cup of coffee in a local coffee shop, playing at the park with her children, engrossed in a conversation with someone at church or (one of her favorite fall activities) watching one of the many cross-country races

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in Northfield. She said she lives in the moment of the people that come across her path and treasures each opportunity to demonstrate good news to a world that desperately needs hope. Becca lives with the deep conviction that everyone needs a place to be loved, valued and where they belong. She has a deep desire to bring hope and reconciliation to a broken world. In an “out-of-the box kind of way,” she said, that provides her with plenty of adventure. In a fractured world, where conflict, polarization and isolation have become standard fare, Becca, in a very unassuming manner, works to call people together to create community. Her passion and exuberance, zest for life, sense of humor and deep love for the people around her, deeply impact her family, her congregation and the community in which she lives. Becca said she leads by example and tries to live out a life of encouragement and forgiveness. Through tears, laughter and faith, she celebrates each

and every day. Her deepest longings are to walk with people on the journey of life, helping them understand how deeply they are loved. She also talked about the importance what she called “competent compassion.” That, she said, means that even if someone is competent at something, but don’t have compassion, they run the danger of being rigid. “On the other hand,” she said, “if a person is compassionate without be competent, they are in danger of becoming overly sentimental. Perhaps a better way to say it is that we should live fully with (both) our hearts and our heads.” She is convinced her thoughts are counter-culture to today’s fast-paced, me-first kind of world that swirls around us. And if that isn’t an adventurous life, than what is? Nancy Iglesias is a freelance writer and non-profit consultant. She spent 20 years working as an Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Winona, MN. Prior to that, she was the Marketing Manager for InterVarsity Press in Downers Grove, IL. Nancy enjoys entertaining, water fitness and teaching preschoolers at her church.

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A man’s perspective

Looking for adventure?

Head to St. Croix State Park! jonas Trent Jonas is a Twin Cities-based writer and divorced father of two. He is fascinated and frightened by women but is working through his issues.

Photo from wikimedia.org

hen you’re looking for adventure in Minnesota — whether for a day, a weekend or an entire week — there are few places better than St. Croix State Park. Located at the confluence of its namesake stream and the Kettle River, the park stretches along the St. Croix River near Hinckley at the Wisconsin border. It also happens to be the largest state park in Minnesota. As its size implies, there’s plenty to do in St. Croix State Park. Camping enthusiasts will appreciate the many options that the park presents. If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy the community of other campers — in a tent, camper or RV — the park can accommodate you in any one of its three campgrounds. A camp store, interpretive center and amphitheater are within easy walking distance of all the sites. Those seeking a little more solitude can hit the trail and trek to one of the park’s several hike-in sites. On the other hand, if camping isn’t something that you enjoy, the park also has a handful of camper cabins that you don’t have to tow, set up or worry about. Of course, the rivers are the real jewels of the park. The St. Croix is a National Scenic Waterway and the Kettle is a designated Wild and Scenic River. Both rivers offer some of the state’s best paddling. Bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one from the park’s concession. Bring a tent and make your way to one of the paddle-in sites; camp on the secluded banks with nothing but yourself, your fire, the stars and — if you’re lucky — the howls of the park’s resident wolves. During paddling season, outfitters offer guided tours on the rivers, as well. An extensive trail system makes it easy to explore the rest of the park — over a period of several days. At 34,000 acres, St. Croix State Park covers a lot of ground. Bring a bike to cover more ground. When you’re exploring, be sure to stop and climb the historic fire tower for sweeping views of the river valleys. There’s enough to do in St. Croix State Park that all members of the family are sure to find something that will feed their spirit of adventure.

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T By Grace Webb

he weather is finally getting warmer, which means women across southern Minnesota can finally enjoy the great outdoors without bundling up under three layers of warm clothing first. From sky-high zip lines to adrenaline-pumping stock car racing, southern Minnesota has all sorts of summer adventures available for those brave enough to try them—and women are jumping into these adventures more than ever before.

Arlington Raceway

There’s nothing quite like watching two dozen race cars scream past you on the track—but sitting behind the wheel is even more thrilling. And according to Arlington Raceway owner Susan Allen, it’s a thrill more and more women are experiencing. “We have more women now than we’ve ever had,” Allen said. “Last year, five percent of our racers were women.” Allen has run the Arlington Raceway with her husband, Bob, since 1981. Weekly races on the half-mile dirt track cover eight categories of cars and four categories of go-karts. While the first night only had 13 racers, the numbers are bit bigger these days; now, the track averages more than 100 racers a week, drawing crowds of anywhere from 700-1200 spectators. Allen said women have long made up a majority of spectators, since they come to cheer on their brothers, fathers and husbands. But it hasn’t been until recently that women started sliding behind the wheel. “When we first started, it was the guys,” she said. “[It was] the drivers and their pit crew, and the pit crew did not consist of women at all. Women weren’t even supposed to be in the pit. And now, you see just as many women involved, not only as racers themselves, but as pit people working on their favorite driver’s cars. In our pit area, it’s probably a 50-50 split.” This change, Allen explained, is mostly because of how familyoriented racing is. Most racers come from racing families, and they start young. For example, while there aren’t nearly as many female drivers in the adult racing categories, last year, 15 of the 45 kiddie go-kart racers were girls. “I think in the future, more women will be racers,” Allen said.

Tommyguns Paint Wars Paintball may seem like just about the most stereotypically masculine pastime there is: coat yourself with camouflage, slide on some armor, grab your guns and stock through the outdoors looking for enemies to shoot. But according to Tom Strenge, owner of Tommyguns Paint Wars in New Ulm, more women are armed and ready for combat. “It’s mostly a male-dominated sport, but the girls that do play are just fine,” he said. “There’s an athletic side to it, but so much of it is more on your gun skills. The gun’s a great equalizer.” Strenge started his paintball business in 2010, turning 16 acres of land into seven paintball fields. Weather permitting, he opens his fields April to October, though he says he’s busiest during CONTINUES ON PAGE 18 u u u

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“wedding season”—April through June—and for good reason: the majority of his customers come for bachelor or bachelorette parties. While most of the customers (around 90 percent) are still guys, Strenge said bachelorette parties are coming more often, and he’s seen more “hag and stag” parties for mixed bridal groups. “When we first started, it was very rare for any girls to come out,” he said. “Now, I get one or two bachelorette parties a year, [plus] hag and stags.”

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Strenge said he is also seeing more women come out to play with their kids. “We’ve had groups in the past for Mother’s Day,” he said. “Mom wants to throw a little bit of paint at her family.”

Kerfoot Canopy Tours If you’re a zip line lover, Henderson might just have the best course in the entire state thanks to Kerfoot Canopy Tours—and that’s thanks to Lee Kerfoot’s grandmother Justine.

“Justine loved adventure and was undaunted by any challenge, especially outdoor challenges,” explained Lee’s wife Eva, who runs the zip line course with him. “She enjoyed recreating and exploring the outdoors both personally and as a business owner. Her desire to help others explore the outdoors and her strength to overcome any obstacle inspired us to build the zip line tour from scratch.” Kerfoot and her husband, Lee, started their zip line business in 2013, offering 10 zip lines. Eventually, they added four more lines, pushing the tour over a mile in length. The whole experience takes about two and a half hours, and also includes a 170 ft. suspension bridge. Now, they also offer kayaking on the Minnesota River and another zip line tour up in Brainerd (featuring a “quick jump” tower with a 20-foot free-fall for true adrenaline junkies). Kerfoot said they host all sorts of female adventurers at their zip line course, from bachelorette parties (“We might even have had more bachelorette parties than bachelor parties last year,” she said) to birthday parties to just groups of relatives. “Women seem to be seeking adventure, and they love nature time!” Kerfoot said. “They can still chat with friends, take pictures, and spend time together, while creating memories of a fabulous experience. We have a wide diversity of women from various backgrounds, abilities, ages and interests who come zip with us. Some are nervous, others are fearless. Our goal is to help them all feel amazing after finishing the canopy tour.” One particular group Kerfoot remembers fondly came out because it was on their 82-year-old grandmother’s bucket list. “She was with them, she did the entire course, and she was fabulous!” she said. She added that Kerfoot Canopy also employs several “sky guides” who are women—and who do a fantastic job leading groups through the course. “We require a lot from our sky guides, from physical endurance to a high attention to detail to strong emotional intelligence,” she said. “So to see our guides exceed so many of our expectations is super inspiring to us.”

Bent River Outfitter With the Blue Earth River right in its backyard, Mankato is an ideal spot for all sorts of water sports and adventures—and women are diving in, according to Bent River Outfitter assistant manager Kate Barnes. “Water sports are one of those things that anyone can do,” Barnes explained. “It’s a very easy way for women to get outside and relax and try something new.” Bent River started in 2011 as a passion project between lifelong friends Jason Femrite and Adam Steinke. Hoping to offer more outdoor adventures to folks in the Mankato area, the two nature lovers focused on kayaking and canoeing—but their goal is to offer something new every year. Now, they’ve got paddle boarding, snowshoeing, stand up paddleCONTINUES ON PAGE 20 u u u

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board yoga and moonlit river excursions, among other fun activities. Barnes started working at Bent River last summer while studying at MSU-Mankato. She guides groups down the river on four-hour excursions, leading them through level one rapids, past nearly a dozen gorgeous waterfalls, under bald eagle nests and more—usually on her trusty paddleboard. “Paddleboarding is my favorite,” she said, adding that she only began

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boarding last year. “Everyone is nervous about falling when they start, but it’s more stable than you’d expect.” Barnes said young women are actually the bravest when it comes to trying this new sport trend, though there are a good number of women who enjoy kayaking and canoeing, too. Last year, the most adventurous women participated in Bent River’s “stand up paddleboard yoga,” which is exactly what it sounds like. There was also “Women on the Water,” a

women-only outing that taught basic kayaking skills before leading a group of 40-50 women down the Blue Earth river. Barnes said the plan is to offer “Women on the Water” again this year, as well as more public shuttles so people have more opportunities to get out on the river. “Everyone is welcome on the river,” she said. “Everyone can paddle.” Grace Webb is a wandering reporter whose home base is Mankato.

Tommyguns Paint Wars

48306 235th St in New Ulm 507-947-3711 www.tommygunspaintwars.com Email: tommy@tommygunspaintwars.com

Kerfoot Canopy Tours

30200 Scenic Byway Rd in Henderson 952-873-3900 www.ziplinemn.com Email: kctinfo@ziplinemn.com

Arlington Raceway

807 W Chandler St in Arlington 507-380-6998 www.arlingtonraceway.com Email: levi@arlingtonraceway.com

Bent River Outfitter

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“Water sports are one of those things that anyone can do. It’s a very easy way for women to get outside and relax and try something new.” - Kate Barnes, Bent River Outfitter assistant manager

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FOOD SENSE

ooking can be an adventure by itself, and I want it to be the best adventure you and your loved ones have every day! It is an adventure where every family member can join in, help, and have fun - even your dog! In this issue I am presenting two recipes you should find to be adventurous. My hope is that you can go wild and try new things! And I’m including a third recipe, my own Energy Ball recipe.

Ramon RODRIGUEZ Carrion Ramon Rodriguez Carrion is the owner of Ruf Acres Market. He can be reached at (@ Ramonsfoodsense) or (@Rufacresmarket).The market is located at 220 Central Ave, Faribault.

Couscous stuffed eggplant (for four people)

Ingredients: 2 large eggplants 2 c. couscous (Pearl Couscous is much better) 1 bunch asparagus ½-c. parmesan cheese 2 medium carrots 1 turkey breast (optional) ½ glass white wine 1 tsp. black pepper corn 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. dried cilantro ½-c. chicken broth 1 garlic clove Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the eggplants in half. Use a spoon to scoop out the center of the eggplant from each half and put in a bowl for later. Place the hollowed eggplant halves in a baking tray and bake for 20-30 minutes until the white becomes golden.

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Boil water to cook the couscous according to the instructions on the package. Set aside the couscous when done. Dice the carrots, cut the asparagus into small pieces, and set aside for a moment while you cut the turkey into small pieces. Cut the clove of garlic into thin slices.

Then heat the olive oil in a deep pot, add the sliced garlic and cook until golden. Add the carrots, asparagus and the centers scooped from the eggplants and fry together for 5-8 minutes, then add the turkey. Fry until turkey is cooked. Continue to heat through for 2-3 minutes, then add the dried herbs and wine. Wait another 2-3 minutes and add the broth. Stir everything together and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, leave it rest for 2-3 minutes and then add the couscous, mixing it all together. When the eggplants are baked, fill them with the mixture above, add cheese on top, and heat (broil) for 4-6 minutes to melt or brown the cheese.

White Sweet Potato Gnocchi Ingredients: 3-4 white sweet potatoes (medium-sized) 2 duck eggs 1-¼ c. all-purpose flour, plus ½-c. for the work surface 2 Tbsp. salt 1 Tbsp. olive oil Pasta sauce of your choice

Add more maple syrup or cinnamon to achieve the sweetness you prefer (recommended, mild sweetness that develops on the tongue). With the help of a soup spoon, make individual bites or balls and place in the fridge for 2 hours or more (to solidify and preserve for up to 10 days).

Finally:

If you are looking to add an energy snack to your busy life – or, for extra energy when you are having adventures with your family remember to add some or all of the following items to your shopping-list to carry with you: Directions: Preheat the oven to 410 degrees and bake the sweet potatoes until cooked through. Peel and mash the sweet potatoes in a bowl, add the eggs, flour, and salt. Mix together until it you have the texture is very much like dough. Roll the mixture (dough) into long mini tubes or logs that have the diameter of a nickel or quarter. Cut the logs into pieces that are 1 inch in length. Heat your chosen pasta sauce so it is ready for the Gnochi, which will take 2 more minutes to cook. When ready, boil the Gnochi for 2 minutes (they should float after the 2 minutes), drain and spoon the Gnochi onto your pasta dish and add the pasta sauce. Serve immediately.

My Energy Bites Ingredients: 1-½ c. roasted cashews 3 Tbsp. crunchy peanut butter 3 Medjol dates 1-½ Tbsp. maple syrup 2 tsp. chia seeds 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 tsp. dehydrated coconut Directions: Remove pits from the dates and slice the dates. Add all the ingredients into a food processor and mix or blend until you have a solid dough. At this point, taste-test the dough.

Good Gardening Starts Here

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From Rigorous to Relaxed,

Story By Lisa Cownie Photos From Red Wing Convention and Visitors’ Buereau

hat do you look for in a summer getaway? Do you enjoy outdoor activities? Antiquing? Or perhaps wine and craft brew tasting? No matter what you are looking for in a getaway, you can likely find it in Red Wing, MN. The city may be most famous for its boots and pottery, which it embraces, but it’s also a city with a unique charm that emanates from its very special location along the Mississippi River. “Our natural beauty, history and charm are what attracts visitors and keeps them coming back for more,” Arloa Bach, with the Red Wing Convention and Visitors Bureau, said. “The abundance of activities and events throughout the year make Red Wing a fun destination for easy and affordable getaways.” Let’s start with the natural beauty which can be enjoyed by car, boat, bike or foot. It all begins on the well-known Cannon

Valley Trail, a converted 19.7 mile railroad bed running along the Mississippi. It is used for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing in winter. Other active options including hiking or biking on Barn or Memorial Bluff. Those up for an extra challenge can rock climb, mountain bike and play disc golf. Speaking of golf, Red Wing boasts several scenic courses. Fishing and boating on the river are always popular summer adventures, you can also explore the backwaters by canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddle board for up-close nature experiences. As for history, other communities have been known for certain things….. and Red Wing has boots. “With five museums, people come to learn about Red Wing Shoes and the pottery industry, as well as the history and culture of the area,” Bach said. You will find the World’s Largest Boot, flagship store, clearance center, and a free museum that tells the story of the famous footwear at the Red Wing shoe Store and Museum. The Pottery Museum of Red Wing, featuring more than 6,000 pieces of pottery, is also free. Some of the pottery dates back to the early days before refrigeration and goes through the days where production focused on art pottery.

You can also visit the Aliveo Military Museum and Ski Jumping Hall of Fame and Museum. There are also some vineyards amidst the views and vistas, which adds to the city’s appeal and has helped it garner a world-wide reputation. Midwesterners, of course, truly appreciate all it has to offer. “We are conveniently located just an hour south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and 50 miles north of Rochester right on the Mississippi. Red Wing is an easy and beautiful drive for those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois,” Bach said. “But our visitors also come from all over the world to see the sights, shop, enjoy the outdoors, and dine in our restaurants. Our Visitor Center welcomes people from all 50 states and many countries throughout the year.” There is always special music or other entertainment going on, so the Visitor Center, Bach says, should be the first stop. “We can provide current information on events and ideas for making the most out of your trip,” she says. “You can plan ahead, or just stop into our Visitor Center in the historic train depot at 420 Levee St.” You can also find them online, at www.redwing.org. Lisa Cownie writes from North Mankato. Her work can be found at lisacownie.com.

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Windsurfing, Music and More – The

Worthington Windsurfing Regatta and Music Festival www.facebook.com/worthingtonwindsurfingandmusic

By Lisa Cownie

ou might think a centuriesold Polynesian activity would have no place in land-locked southern Minnesota. While the Polynesians have been using boards with sails to help them crossing oceans for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until the 1960’s that windsurfing became a sport embraced worldwide. Unlike surfing, which uses the force of waves, windsurfing uses the wind to propel forward. This means you can practice the sport anywhere with a big body of water and wind, even simply a lake. Which makes it perfect for our land of 10,000 and more of those bodies of water. For 18 years now, the phenomenon has been showcased each summer on Lake Okabena in Worthington. For many across the Midwest, the Worthington Windsurfing Regatta and Music Festival is a cannot-miss annual event. The original intent behind the festival was to introduce a unique

water sport to their area using one of Worthington’s valued resources, the lake. Each year, the Regatta strives to promote the windsurfing industry, bringing in visitors and surfers from around the world. The festival has hosted three U.S. National Windsurfing Championships over the years. Of course, the windsurfing is only half the attraction. The original organizers also took it as an opportunity to introduce the region to an “un-varnished” style of music. They found over the years that while the windsurfing kept growing, the music was not quite the style they were looking. So they re-wrote the by by-laws a few years ago to allow a different style of music. Now, the festival brings in broader-based music, and – along with that - more people to town. In fact, with the new music format, the Regatta has seen consecutive record crowds and overwhelming response. “We are estimating around 5,000 in attendance this year, maybe even more due to the talent we’re bringing in this year,” Joni Harms, Vice-President of the Windsurfing Regatta and

Music Festival, said It’s all happening Friday, June 8th through Sunday, June 10. The festival is free to the public. As a bonus, it’s an economic boon to the community. “This is one of Worthington’s five major events, the Regatta being the second-largest,” Harms said. “We feel as though there are so many economic impacts from this event that enhances our community. We also boast the fact that we have hosted two national events here, beating out places like Hawaii and San Diego.” For those visiting from around the southern Minnesota region, organizers try to give them a experience otherwise not usually known as a “Minnesota” activity. “The windsurfing adds a uniqueness to the weekend,” says Harms. “By offering lessons we have introduced the sport into our community.” The Regatta and Festival also feature a 5K walk, live music by national musicians, arts and crafts for children, and a nice selection of food vendors. For the full lineup, visit www.worthingtonwindsurfing.net. Lisa Cownie writes from North Mankato. Her work can be found at lisacownie.com.

www.worthingtonwindsurfing.net 28

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Adventure of your life! Travel the Yoga Path

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Adventure in the Skies Women Strive to Reach New Heights in Aviation 30

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By Lisa Cownie n an era where women are soaring to new heights, an event in Faribault this summer is celebrating that...quite literally! Faribault Municipal Airport, which celebrated its 70th anniversary last year, will be one of the stops on the route of this summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national Air Race Classic. The Air Race Classic is widely considered the epicenter of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air racing. In fact, the Air Race Classic started in the 1920s, and Amelia Earhart was one of the first women to compete. Pilots range in age from 17 to 90 years old and come from a wide variety of backgrounds including students, teachers, doctors, airline pilots,

Designated Airports on the Route Airports KSWW KAVK KBIE KFBL KGBG KGWB KCAD KVTA KPEO KIZG

Nautical

Avenger Field Airport (Sweetwater, TX) Alva Regional Airport (Alva, OK) 273 Beatrice Municipal Airport (Beatrice, NE) 230 Faribault Municipal Airport (Faribault, MN) 286 Galesburg Municipal Airport (Galesburg, IL) 240 De Kalb County Airport (Auburn, IN) 244 Wexford County Airport (Cadillac, MI) 179 Newark-Heath Airport (Newark, OH) 287 Penn Yan Airport (Penn Yan, NY) 290 Eastern Slopes Regional Airport (Fryeburg, ME) 279 Total Race Distance: 2,308

business owners, professionals and air traffic controllers. The race route, approximately 2,400 statute miles in length, changes each year. This year the race will start in Sweetwater, TX, and end in Fryeburg, ME, with eight or nine timing points, or stops, along the route. Faribault was selected as the third stop for this year. Chris Larson is one of the Faribault organizers. “I am a member of the 99s, an organization for women pilots,” she said. “The 99s are the main volunteer source for the Air Race Classic; many of us race in it and/or provide volunteer services to make it happen each year.” This is first time Faribault has been chosen as a timing point on the route. It’s fitting the site was selected in 2018.

Statute 314 265 329 276 281 206 330 334 321 2,656

ABOVE: Carolyn Van Newkirk, Linda Evans, Theresa White, Donna Katrina, JoAnne Alcorn, Bev Weintraub, Minnetta Gardinier, Mary Wunder, Lin Caywood and Lara Gaerte at Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe before the 2017 race. Southern Minnesota’s Leading Women’s Magazine

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girlfriends

“This year is the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs),” W ’ H M Larson explained. “Faribault is the home of Betty Wall, a A look back at the 2014 Girlfriends famous WASP, who in later cover featuring Betty Wall Strohfus. years did much touring and speaking to encourage women to take up aviation and to educate people about the history of the WASPs. In fact, ‘Faribault Municipal Airport was renamed “Faribault Municipal OMEN S ISTORY ONTH CELEBRATES THOSE WHO HAVE LEFT THEIR MARK

WINTER 2014

CONTINUES ON PAGE 32 u u u LATE SPRING 2018

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CONTINUED FROM page 31

Airport Liz Wall Strohfus Field’ in her honor in 2017. The Air Race Classic selected Faribault as a stop on this year’s race to pay homage to Liz’s memory.” The planes will touch down in Faribault any time during the race dates, June 19-22. There will be 55 teams in the competition. The teams, consisting of at least two women pilots, must fly during daylight hours only and are given four days to make flybys at each timing point and then land at the terminus. Each airplane is assigned a handicap speed – and the goal is to have the actual ground speed be as far over the handicap speed as possible. The pilots are given the leeway to play the elements. The objective is to fly the “perfect” cross-country flight so the first person to land in Maine is not necessarily the winner. It is based on times from all the stops across the country. Organizers say the Air Race Classic encourages dozens of women pilots to get into their airplanes and safely race each other over transcontinental routings. It inspires a spirit of camaraderie in spite of the keen competition. The reward is pretty nice too; the current top-10 purse is $18,000 in cash prizes and awards from sponsors. Although Larson has no history on which to base her hopes, she and

2018

1929 Air Race Photo with Ann Morrow and Charles Lindbergh.

her team are trying to get the word out so that the competitors will have plenty of support from the community and the surrounding region when they land. Kelly Nygaard with the Faribault Chamber says they are still learning the details of the event, but are thrilled to be on the route. “We are anxious to welcome them to our community and celebrate their accomplishments with them,” she said. For more information, visit www.airraceclassic.org. Lisa Cownie writes from North Mankato. Her work can be found at lisacownie.com.

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Adventure

Awaits with Hearing Instuments Hearing instruments are hi-tech marvels. They come in a wide variety of styles from the compact miniature sizes that fit in the ear canal to other styles that are worn behind the ear. Hearing aids have gone beyond amplification only. New technology has made it possible for some hearing aids to screen SPONSORED BY out unwanted background noises, Advantage Care Hearing Center 1575 NW 20th St., Faribault, MN amplify only specific frequencies 507.412.9813 or mask noises generated in the ear itself. Many are Bluetooth capable which means your hearing aids can wirelessly connect to a cell phone or television giving you the clarity of speech you need with both. Therefore, hearing instrument prices vary greatly, depending on

the type of instrument and the number of special features. Digital and microprocessor technology are part of the newer hearing aid designs. The cost of hearing aids reflects differences in size, advanced technology and professional services. As a result, the range of prices will vary for each aid. Allow your Hearing Instrument Specialist ® to advise you of your options. They will combine their expertise of fitting hearing instruments with your personal needs for hearing. Hearing instruments are a sound investment! You’ll hear better and enjoy the sounds of life once again. The advanced technology of the hearing aid combined with the expertise and personal care of the Hearing Instrument Specialist® provide the means by which the hearing impaired can join the ranks of the hearing prepared It is emphatically recommended that you purchase a hearing instrument in person, rather than through mail order or the Internet. Expert, personal assistance is required in the evaluation of your hearing, the selection and fitting of the hearing instrument and the follow-up services needed for the successful use of your hearing system. This can only be accomplished through a professional relationship between you and your Hearing Instrument Specialist®. Jayne Bongers is a Minnesota Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist She is a Faribault native and can be reached at 507-412-9813

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Lily Flores, right, strides forward while training for a 5K at Le Sueur’s Girls on the Run program. Photo by Ben Farniok

Girls on the RUN

g n i v Mo

Gets Le Sueur Girls

By Ben Farniok

(Editor’s Note: This was originally published in the Le Sueur News-Herald March 14, 2018. It has been updated to reflect that the 5K race occurred before Girlfriends’ publication date.)

ily Flores is training, and she isn’t doing it alone. The Le Sueur-Henderson (LS-H) fifth-grader is one of a handful of local students taking part in the city’s inaugural the Girls on the Run program. The program, operated through the YWCA Mankato, helps girls train to prepare for a 5-kilometer run. But running is only one part of the puzzle; they are also building friendships and learning about themselves. “Every time we do this, I stop and talk to someone,” Flores said. The Girls on the Run program is meant to equip young girls with a better grasp on emotional intelligence and self-confidence, said Crystal Genelin, a school nurse at LS-H and a coach for the program. Genelin said that self-confidence for girls usually peak when they are around nine years

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old and then declines as girls go through middle school and high school. This program, targeted at eight-, nine- and 10-year olds, is meant to give them a more solid base to help them maintain high selfesteem as they begin to go through the changes that life throws their way at that age. Running is a perfect way to teach that confidence, because it’s a simple thing, but is also difficult. “This shows them that they can do difficult things,” she said. During the after-school practices the girls talk about how to handle emotional situations and how to be a better friend, in addition to getting some exercise. During one workout, the girls ran laps down the driveway behind Park Elementary while forming sentences that identify an emotion, problem and a potential solution. The girls were handed cards at the start of each lap to give them a starting point, and then were meant to figure out each piece of their statements as they passed waypoints along the path. Flores said that these sorts of exercises helped her be a stronger person. She said she was even able to use the lessons in real life by

standing up for a friend. Genelin said she started looking into the program after hearing about it from her friends who lived in Mankato or other nearby cities. Mankato YWCA Girls Program Manager Molly Hoosline said that the YWCA has been looking for places to expand involvement in the Girls on the Run program following a pledge from the Mayo Clinic to provide support for the program. She said that one of the largest challenges for a newly established program, like the one in Le Sueur, is simply acquiring more members. She said that the model is that, if the first year of the program goes well, participants will spread the word and invite their friends along for the next year. “It’s nice to see them coming together,” she said. At the end of the current session, the girls will have a chance to participate in the 10th annual Girls on the Run 5K in Mankato with girls from all over the area. The run was slated for April 21 at Spring Lake Park in Mankato. Ben Farniok is a reporter for the Le Sueur News-Herald.

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For more years, retired social work Make a difference in than your10 community! Make aFor more difference in your community! hours each year to work with children at No than 10 years, retired social worker Dave Davison has volunteered over a thousand

Make a difference in your community!

hours each year to work with children at Northfield Montessori. Through the national Foster

r more than 10 years, retired social worker Dave Davison has volunteered a thousand Grandparent Program, Daveover has spent most of urs each year to work with children at Northfield Montessori. Through the national Foster his retirement reading to and mentoring the kids at school. He is affectionately called Grandparent Program, Dave has spent most of “Grandpa Dave,” even outside the classroom the his retirement reading to and mentoring or more than 10 years, retired social worker Dave by children he once looked after. Davison had volunteered over a thousand hours kids at school. He is affectionately called each year to work with children at Northfield “Grandpa Dave,” classroom Watching the joyeven on theoutside students’the faces when Montessori. Through the national Foster they learnhe to say a word for the first time and by children once looked after. Grandparent Program, Dave has spent most of his

arriving to a school of children excited to see retirement reading and mentoring the kids at school. He is affectionately called “Grandpa Dave,” even outside him are just some of many favorite aspects of Watching the joy on the students’ faces when the classroom by children he once looked after. volunteering, he says. When asked by fellow

learn to a wordin for first time Watching the joy on the students’ faces when they learntheyretirees andsay neighbors theirthe Northfield Re- and to say a word for the first time and arriving to a school arriving to aCommunity school ofhome children to see tirement why heexcited is still doing of children excited to see him are just some of many it, his wife Rosie tells them, “At eight in the favorite aspects of volunteering, he says. When asked him are just some of many favorite aspects of morning, whereand else do youinget greeted like that?” by fellow retirees neighbors their Northfield volunteering, he says. When asked by fellow Retirement Community home why he is still doing it, his retirees and neighbors in their Northfield ReDave also reads children and finds seeing their progress day after day, week after wife Rosie tells them,to“At eight inone-on-one the morning, where tirement he isJeff still doing else do rewarding you get greeted likeitself. that?” “He really is a dad week within presenceCommunity in their lives,”home formerwhy director

Longenecker said. “It’sone-on-one a much richer relationship than just Rosie Grandpatells Davethem, helping“At theeight preschool.” it, his wife in the Dave also reads to children and finds seeing their progress day after day, week after week rewarding orning, where else do you get greeted like that?” within itself. “He really is a dad presence in their lives,” former director Jeff Longenecker said. “It’s a much richer to relationship thanone-on-one just Grandpa Dave helping theseeing their progress day after day, week after ve also reads children and finds preschool.”

ek rewarding within itself. “He really is a dad presence in their lives,” former director Jeff  Foster Grandparents – support and mentor children in the ngenecker said. “It’s a much -richer • Foster Grandparents supportrelationship and mentor than just Grandpa Dave helping the preschool.” classroom. children in the classroom • Senior Senior Companions – visit adults to provide friendship, Companions - visit older adults older to transportation and assistance at their homes and in the community. provide friendship, transportation and assisitance at their homes and in the community.

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week itself. “He really is a www.lssmn.org/seniorcorps free rewarding within or 1.888.205.3770 toll free Senior Companions – visit older adults www.lssmn.org/seniorcorps to provide friendship, Longenecker said. “It’s a much richer relati ransportation and assistance at their homes and in the community. LATE SPRING 2018

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By Grace Webb

Third Eye Tribal.

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hen you think of belly dancing, images of lithe dancers in sultry, gauzy costumes probably come to mind. The idea of attending a belly dancing fitness class can be intimidating, especially if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re self-conscious about your own

fitness or body. But classes like these, which are growing in popularity across the U.S. and other countries, actually focus on celebrating every dancer’s body, offering women (and men!) a supportive, relaxed and fun fitness community - and they’re open for anyone brave enough to give them a try. “We have women and men who are all sizes, all shapes…We really celebrate beauty in diversity,” said Terri Allred, who owns the Third Eye Tribal dance studio in Rochester. “You don’t have to look like a Barbie doll. A lot of times, people have stereotypical ideas of belly dancers, but then they see women who are older and younger and bigger and thinner, and it’s really affirming to their own self-image, and they find beauty in themselves.” Allred became involved with belly dancing after experiencing a traumatic brain injury in 2002. She turned to dance as a form of physical therapy. She had grown up with dance lessons, but didn’t think she was ready, physically, to do something like ballet or jazz again. Instead, she decided to try something different: belly dancing. “It was an amazing feeling,” she recalled. “It helped me with the dizziness and the balance problems, but it also helped me with feeling more energetic, less depressed, getting back in shape, and socializing with amazing women from all walks of life.”

Third Eye Tribal.

Allred became Rochester’s first belly dance instructor when she founded Third Eye Tribal (originally known as Rochester International Dance Studio) in 2008. The studio currently offers a beginner and an intermediate class. While Allred said belly dancing is a “very, very good core workout,” the biggest benefit she points to is actually the chance to form a tight-knit community with other class members. “Lots of times, we have students come who are facing a life transition and they’re looking for community, and it’s an amazing place for people to find friends and that community of doing a shared activity,” she said. April Dickinson, who teaches belly dancing classes in Northfield, agreed, saying it was that sense of community that got her hooked on belly dancing 13 years ago. Third Eye Tribal.

To bare or not to bare While people often envision sultry Middle Eastern garb when they think of belly dancers, a dancer’s costume can be as revealing or modest as they want. Rather than appearance, costumes are all about comfort level. “It’s more of an individual idea of what a person is comfortable showing,” Dickinson said. “A lot of dancers aren’t comfortable

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showing their belly, so they have body suits. You can still wear the fun costuming without revealing anything. It doesn’t take anything away from the performance, because you can still see the stomach move. Belly dancing sometimes can be sexualized, but it doesn’t have to be.” “We don’t make anybody show their belly,” Kind agreed. “It takes a while to work up to doing that, and some people never do - and that’s okay!” LATE SPRING 2018

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April Dickinson fromTribal Fusion. CONTINUED FROM page 39

“It’s good to move, to have that connection with other people, to be in that classroom setting that’s supportive,” she said. “The class is

Members of the Satori Violet. 40

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meant for people to come, have fun, exercise, move. The impact is what a person is willing to put into it. You work at your own pace. I’m trying to promote a very healthy, comfortable class where people feel welcome to join in and

have fun and try something new.” Dickson moved to Northfield a few years ago and noticed the lack of belly dancing in the area. She began working with Northfield Dance Academy to offer “Tribal Fusion” classes and currently teaches one weekly class, though she said she hopes to offer more classes and workshops in the future. According to Dickinson, belly dancing improves all facets of health, not just physical. “Dance is a way of therapy… to dance through your problems,” she said. “You have to learn how someone moves and be able to dance together. I really like that aspect, because it helps people become more aware of other individuals and promotes mental health.” According to Violet Kind, who owns the Satori Dance Studio in Mankato, another benefit of taking a class is simply an increase in body confidence. “I never thought I’d be onstage showing my belly to a bunch of people,” she said. “We have women of all shapes and sizes. People bare their stretch marks proudly. It’s really beautiful when people show their bellies for the first time. Belly dance is, essentially at its core, a celebration of women’s bodies, because all of the movements are meant to accentuate the nature figure of a woman, no matter what size the woman is. Belly dance looks beautiful on every body.” In addition to the studio’s multiple weekly classes, Kind is working to create an online studio. She recently trademarked a dance language and hopes to use the online platform as a way for dancers to learn more and share in the dancing community. “I really want keep the community aspect of it, because I think that’s so important, and I think that’s what gets people to keep coming,” she explained. “A lot of people sign up for the gym, but you’re not necessarily seeing the same people every time you show up. Having [that community] is a giant piece of what can create a healthy habit.” Belly dancing is also a good, thorough physical workout. In fact, while you may expect your abs to be sore after an hour-long class, Kind warns that quite a few other parts of your body will feel the burn, too. She said it’s often the arms and legs that first get heavy because of the position of certain moves and the constant movement on the dance floor. “You’re learning how to isolate those muscles and to move your body in a fashion that’s contrary to what you’re used to, which activates more muscles,” Dickinson agreed. “That helps promote muscle growth and physical health.” Belly dancing is also a great option for people who are recovering from physical injuries or illnesses, Allred said. “It’s a low-impact aerobic activity,” she explained, pointing out that her students have had joint issues, chronic fatigue issues, Lyme’s Disease and other physical ailments. “It’s very

Third Eye Tribal 3003 43rd Street NW, Suite 108, Rochester www.rochesterinternationaldance.com 507-884-1375 Facebook: Third Eye Tribal

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gentle on the body. People of all different physical stamina and strength levels are able to participate because you can customize it to your own physical abilities and health level.” To sum it up, belly dancing can positively impact just about every area of your health and well-being.

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“Dance can be so good for every area of health: physically, mentally, spiritually,” Kind said. “Mentally, it can be such a confidence booster. Plus, I think it’s really important for adults to continue to push themselves to do and try new things, because it can be really easy to fall into a place of doing the same

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things every day. When you’re open to doing something uncomfortable, that vulnerability makes a better community. I see a lot of fast friendships occur because of the belly dance.” Grace Webb is a wandering reporter whose home base is Mankato.

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THE COACH’S CORNER

The Adventure is Calling

MalloryFUCHS Mallory Fuchs is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and a life coach for women. She helps women gain the confidence they deserve so that they can design the life they love.

he adventure is calling, but will you answer? It’s 4 a.m. and all of a sudden you wake up in a cold sweat and sit up in bed like the bride of Frankenstein. Everyone else in the house is sound asleep - but your heart woke you up in a deep panic. The moon is still out. You toss and turn trying to go back to a restful sleep but your heart and your spirit just won’t let you. So what do you do? You get out of bed, make a cup of coffee, and sit in the stillness and quiet of your heart. You guys, this is the adventure calling! If you are ever called out of bed in such a jolting way, this is a blessing! Listen to your soul, listen to your spirit, and listen to where your heart is leading you. Sometimes we need to be awakened in such a manner so that our mind can pay attention to what our heart is saying. Sometimes we are given subtle and quiet clues that our soul is shifting into a new dream and adventure. Sometimes it is feeling a sense of excitement and wonder when we read a new book. It may even

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be the quiet whisper when you are alone in your thoughts to go travel the world, take a new class, or eat a new food. Whatever it is, take the time to listen. We’ve only got one life. There is an urgency to start living the life that you were called to live. So answer it when it wakes you up. You don’t want to be the one left behind and miss out on the adventure of your life. I am convinced that we were not placed on this earth to eat, sleep, work, stress, pay bills, and then die. There is so much more waiting for us. Sadly, most of us do not answer that calling. But why don’t we answer when the adventure calls? As I have traveled through my short 30 years of life I have fallen for this really mean trick and message that the world sends us. Society and the world sends us this message that we should settle in life and just be okay with it, like we have to follow some magical, picture perfect timeline. Like we are all robots and should follow this same cookie cutter road map. It seriously messes with us and we feel like we are “less than” if we are not married by 25, own a house, have our dream career, drive a sports car, and are having our first child. We feel all this

pressure to be all these things and have our life figured out. For what, though? What this does often is either make us feel “less than” or makes us settle in mediocre relationships, jobs, careers, love, and even geographical locations. I am here to tell you to ditch that old school road map and timeline. Heck, ditch all the rules and say yes to this new adventure. Listen to that voice inside - that is the only roadmap that you should follow. Deep down your heart and soul knows what you need; it knows what path to take. Stop taking the safe way out. We were each created for a unique purpose and everyone’s journey and adventure is going to look different. How we choose to follow our road map and live out our journey is also going to look very different from the person sitting next to you. Let’s break it down and look at what our first adventure is. Our first and most important adventure is the one of building a relationship with ourselves and following our dreams. Oprah Winfrey once said, “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of

your dreams.” I was that woman who woke up like the bride of Frankenstein in a cold sweat about a year ago. I had been feeling this shift and pull in my soul and finally my heart woke me up and forced me to make a change. I went on the most daring adventure of my life. I took a year of getting to know and have a better relationship with myself and it changed my world. I was able to become the woman I always dreamed I would become - the woman my 5-year-old self looked up to. It was scary as all get out - but isn’t that the fun in adventure? It is scary, exhilarating, exciting, thrilling, and full of fun and unexpected treasures. That is exactly what change and growth is all about it is about adventure and discovering new and exciting things. I was able to start getting clear on the things that mattered most to me and what I was willing to let go. Because the thing in life is that experienced travelers know to travel light. Not only was I able to gain and grow, I was also able to let go and leave behind what should have been left long ago. Not everyone

and everything needs to or deserves to be taken with you on this new adventure. Sometimes this adventure isn’t about what we gain but it’s sometimes about what we can let go. The urgency is NOW. I want to invite you on this most daring adventure and take this moment right now to sit down and write a bucket list for yourself for this summer. Write down all the things you want to do and do some of these things by yourself. Take this summer to take yourself out on dates, ask yourself questions, and follow that calling of adventure that is deep in your soul! Here are some fun questions to ask yourself: 1. What is the theme song to your life? 2. What is your favorite memory? 3. What is one place you want to travel? 4. What one new skill do you want to learn? 5. What is your dream job? 6. What are you good at? 7. What is something you want to work on? 8. What is your signature style? 9. Who is your hero? 10. What do you want to be known for?

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Adventurous Souls, Finding New Ways to Enjoy Life 44

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Readers Share Their Stories, in

By Beth Forkner Moe everal months ago, we asked a Facebook question about adventures our readers or their friends had experienced. The answers were different, but they contained some similar themes. Mostly, the women had meant their adventures to be physical – but they turned out to be so much more than that. Here are the tales of three women willing to share their stories with us. Deep down, each woman was looking for something. They didn’t necessarily know what that was, but they were searching. In the end, their quests ended up teaching each of them more than they ever knew about themselves.

– El Camino de Santiago (as made famous in the movie “The Way,” with Martin Sheen) Jade is an acupuncturist in Winona. She chose to walk the Francigena portion of the Camino, a pilgrimage throughout Italy. The full walk takes several weeks, but she and her partner, Paul Soukop, chose to walk about 70 miles over five days. “The Camino is really a life-changing experience,” she said. “There’s this real sense of community and transformation. You get this sense that everyone is walking (their own) path and finding and struggling with their own issues.” She trained for the walk for about three months, she said, but found the training didn’t prepare her for all the miles and up to 12 hours of walking they did every day. “I was the youngest in my group and I had prepped the most, but was the slowest and PREVIOUS PAGE & ABOVE: The El Camino de Santiago Italian pilgrimage.

Jade Fang and Paul Soukop.

ended up walking most of it by myself,” she said. “I brought the wrong shoes and had to buy new ones two days in,” Jade said. “…..I looked like I was dying half the time, so I met many families and people along the way, since I would start out early and walk until dark. It was long because I walked so slow. Since I had so many blisters and aches I was three hours behind everyone. A friend tried to walk with me, and so did Paul at certain points. (Since I was so slow), I just told them to go on (ahead of me).” Jade said she and Paul had very different experiences along the way, but that it showed the strength of their relationship. “We learned to trust and respect each other and allow space in our relationship,” she said. “It became like an analogy for our relationship. We are completely different people, and we walk completely different paces, but we also came together at night and helped each other.” “We arrived at the Santiago together, so it was really symbolic,” she said. Jade said there were many different types of people who made the journey – “a lot of groups, family groups, friend groups, pairs. Hardly anyone walked by themselves,” she said. “That’s why I felt so supported and loved by the community of the Camino. We all didn’t speak the same language, but everyone stopped every day to ask me how I was doing and to cheer me on when I looked down. I got a lot of fist CONTINUES ON PAGE 46 u u u

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painting events for corporate teambuilding, “coffee and canvas” events, and Community Education classes, among other things. She had never thought about dogsledding, or any other outdoor winter events, until her sister suggested they and a friend do something “quintessentially Minnesotan.” “I’m not a winter outdoor person,” she said. “It didn’t sound fun at all, but we decided to do something outside our comfort zone for a girls’ get-away.” It would have been easy to do something fun in the Twin Cities, but they decided they wanted something different. They contracted with an outfitter in Ely, who led them on the adventure. “It was a horrendous drive (weatherwise) up there,” she said. “And it turned out we had a lot of the wrong gear.” She and the other women had purchased winter gear, but it was no match for the weather – the day of the ride was -14 degrees. Thankfully, she said, the outfitter had items to loan them. Before they started the adventure, Tracy said, the guide gave them information about the dogs, all of whom were huskies. On the trail with Tracy Giza. She said the dogs are eager to be chosen to pull the sleds and bark CONTINUED FROM page 45 loudly in order to draw bumps in the church the last day.” attention to themselves “One of the greatest things I learned was to give myself in order to get picked. more space and objectivity for my emotions,” Jade said. “I “Yet, once we started, think people walk the Camino because they’re struggling they became so quiet with something, and we’re all suffering together. You get you could have heard a this real sense of community and that we’re all just going pin drop,” she said. through a journey and helping each other.” “It was amaz At the beginning, Jade said, “I was definitely the most ing. I’ve never seen unlikely person to ever go on the Camino. I’m an introvert anything so beautiful and a homebody who loves to read, never hikes, never in my life. It was miles Paintings by Tracy Giza. goes outside.” However, she said, it definitely changed of trails of snow and her. “There’s no winning on the Camino. You don’t achieve pines,” Tracy said. “The enlightenment at the end. There’s a lot of letting go of hills were rolling and snowy, and we went under umbrellas of pine stuff, everything you thought you needed and all the ideas about who trees. During part of the day, it snowed and blew right into our faces.” you thought you were.” Before they started the day, Tracy said, she felt “humans shouldn’t Her advice to others? “Go on the El Camino de Santiago. It’s lifebe outside in this cold weather. We could die out here.” And she said changing and incredible; it’s a pilgrimage to find yourself,” she said. it didn’t make sense; after spending years telling her children to make “It’s definitely the ultimate self-care, really, in a culture of women who good choices in life, “was this a good choice?” In the end, though, (tend to) put everyone above themselves.” she realized that with the proper gear and the proper instruction, she didn’t even feel the cold. “I would consider myself a someone adventurous person, not outdoorsy, but game for anything,” Tracy said. “I don’t like to be uncom- Dogsledding in Ely, MN fortable, but I pushed through it and am proud I did it.” Tracy owns “Tracy Giza Designs” in Northfield, where she holds “You can’t get a spark in life if you’re always doing the same things, 46

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Tammy Parr Vose takes a moment to pose along the John Muir Trail.

and a spark can light a fire,” she said. “I’m always looking for new things to inspire my paintings and get a fresh eye on experiences. It’s important to notice things and switch it up a bit.” After the weekend, she Tracy Giza. painted some pictures inspired by the adventure. Tracy’s takeaway from the experience? “There is so much growth in new experiences. Sometimes you don’t know what you’re looking for until you get out there and stick your feet in it,” she said. “Not matter what, it’s only going to get harder as you get older. If you’re going to stand still, at least be excited about everything happening now. Just be a ‘yes’ person (to new experiences), unless it’s (truly) dangerous.”

- John Muir Trail (JMT), in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California Tammy, who grew up in Minnesota, is in charge of Constituent Relationship Management implementation at American Public Media/ Minnesota Public Radio. About a year ago, she moved to Washington State and now does her job remotely. She’s an adventurer at heart. At age 18, she moved to Alaska to work at a fishing lodge then moved back to Minnesota. Several years ago, she biked the MS150, a 150-mile ride to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She has also taken part in such adventures as the Lifetime Sprint Triathlon, bungee swing and ziplining in Mexico, surfing in Florida, and going on a service trip to Haiti with her daughter. Additionally, about 10 years ago, she started a “Meet-up Group” called the Twin Cities Hip Chicks. At one point, almost 1,200 women were members. Tracy planned a wide range of activities for the group, including hot yoga, fun runs where they dressed up in costumes, and other events. “My goal was to plan events doing things that people might not be brave enough to try by themselves,” she said. “It was great fun, and I developed some really close friendships in that group.” CONTINUES ON PAGE 48 u u u

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Tammy Parr Vose and Jeff Cameron along the John Muir Trail.

CONTINUED FROM page 47

A vista along the John Muir Trail.

Tammy decided after learning about the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) - best-known as the setting for the book “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed and the movie of the same name starring Reece Witherspoon – and the John Muir Trail (JMT) to hike part of the JMT. She did it in July 2015. “I thought it looked cool, and I went for it,” she said. She did not train for the hike. “I just sort of jump right in (to adventures). No training needed. Ha!” she said. “Since there’s very little elevation in Minnesota, it’s difficult to train. The extent of my training included going to Stillwater to walk the numerous stairs they have there. I definitely wouldn’t recommend (this) approach. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done physically, and I cried a lot.” She was planning to do the hike herself, but her partner – Jeff Cameron – decided to go with her. They hiked the middle section –

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about 127 miles – starting in Bishop, CA, and went north to Mammoth Lakes, CA. “We were planning to end further north, but ended early…. The itinerary was too aggressive for me,” she said. They hiked for 11 days. She said most people could hike that length in five or six days, but it was too difficult for her. Tammy said the experience was much more than she expected, in every way. “You know, when you sign up for this stuff, you build up expectations as to what it will be like, and it rarely turns out that way,” she said. “In my case, I had this idea that it would be this superspiritual experience where I would commune on the mountain tops. In reality, I cried and swore for the first three days straight.” “The physical difficulty definitely affected me emotionally. It’s crazy, though. Every day to start to feel stronger and by the end you’re like, ‘yeah, ok, that was hard but I got this,’” she said. “To give you a sense of the physical exertion, I lost 12 pounds in 11 days. I won’t lie; I was so happy to end the hike, all I wanted was a burger, beer and comfortable bed.” The hike was difficult on her relationship with Jeff, as well. “By the end of the hike, we both wanted to break up with each other. We have very different approaches. I’m a complainer, and he’s the type to go into his head and work through the pain,” she said. In the end,

though, “we’re still together. It’s one of those things that if it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger,” she said. “I think we both appreciate each other for the strengths that were exhibited out on the trail, even though we didn’t particularly appreciate them at the time. I think my adventurous spirit has gotten him to do things he definitely wouldn’t have tried otherwise, and his discipline keeps me from quitting.” In the end, she said, the trip was exhilarating, “not just for the experience but also for the added confidence I gained from the trip. What matters is that I was willing to take the risk. From the depths of my heart, I want to encourage women to respond to those yearnings, take the risk and do the things.” Tammy still has a long list of adventures she wants to try, including the China Wall Marathon with her daughter, hiking the El Camino, hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro, taking a highway motorcycle, going on a cattle drive, learning to sail and more. What would Tammy tell others? “Don’t hesitate. Just do it,” she said. “It’s a wonderful feeling to complete a hard thing. Don’t be scared; it’s totally worth it. I equate it to childbirth; it (stinks) while you’re doing it, but the rewards are fantastic and it doesn’t take long before you forget the pain and are ready to do it again.” Beth Forkner Moe is Editor of SouthernMinn Girlfriends.

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Why try a bed and breakfast? “It’s a chance to have that unique, authentic experience. Every single one is different. We all have our own take on what we want to do. We get to know our guests. We can tell you everything about this area. We’re here to serve. We want you to have the best experience that you can have staying in our house. And that means we’re going to help you every step of the way. That just doesn’t happen at a hotel. It’s you and me. Come and stay with us… you’ll enjoy it.” –Tami Schluter

By Grace Webb magine you’re on the road, far from home, and need a place to stay for the night. You could easily pull into one of the chain hotels, reasonably confident of the type of room you’d walk into: a bed that’s decently comfortable, a TV, a window with a great view of the downstairs parking lot, and a color scheme that’s unobtrusive but bland. Maybe, if you’re lucky, there will continental breakfast, with the usual staples: waffles, cups of yogurt, regular coffee, some cereal. It won’t be at all remarkable, but it will get the job done. But what if you go off the beaten interstate and instead check out a local bed and breakfast? Imagine rolling up to a gorgeous Victorian mansion and walking through the

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front doors into a world of elegance and style. Instead of a hundred cookie-cutter rooms, there are only three or four - and they’re all wonderfully distinct. The bed is probably the best you’ve ever slept in. And in the morning - that breakfast! It’s all your stomach could desire: eggs, ham, scones, biscuits, fruit, yogurt, juice, coffee, tea – the list goes on. Many people don’t think about bed and breakfasts as “real options” when on the road, but maybe that should change. There are dozens of bed and breakfasts across southern Minnesota, and each one has its own personal charm. The next time you’re looking for a place to lay your head, check out one of these literal homes away from home.

Historic Hutchinson House The Historic Hutchinson House,

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Hutchinson House parlor.

a 1892 Queen Anne-style mansion located on the corner of 2nd Street in downtown Faribault, looks exactly what you might imagine when asked to envision a Victorian home: a gorgeous wraparound porch, a

striking tower, beautiful woodwork around the doors and windows. The only thing that may seem a little off is the house’s vibrant blue-and-pink paint job, but that helps add to the house’s whimsical,

Hutchinson House main floor.

local, organic garden plants

Hutchinson House main floor dining room and bedroom.

fantasy feel. Tami and Doug Schluter have run a bed and breakfast out of the house since 2008. Tami Schluter explained that she and her husband got the idea after numerous visits to bed and breakfasts across the region. “We’d always stay at bed and breakfasts,” she said. “We were in Wabasha, and there was this big old house for sale, and I flippantly said, ‘Wouldn’t that make a good bed and breakfast?’” What followed was a year-long process as she and her husband worked with a realtor to see if it would be feasible to buy that specific house. The idea didn’t turn out, and neither did another idea revolving around a different house in Wabasha. But then they came across the Hutchinson House in Faribault. “We walked in the door, and saw all the woodwork, and we thought, ‘Uh-oh, this could be the one,’” Schluter said. “It was more of a spur-ofthe-moment, ‘this is the right house’ feel.” Schluter said it didn’t take long to transform the house into a bed and breakfast, since at the time it was broken into apartments and already had good plumbing and wiring set up. It took 32 days to CONTINUES ON PAGE 54 u u u

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Why try a bed and breakfast? “Every owner puts their own spin on it and puts their own personality into it. Your hosts are probably the most unique things about a bed and breakfast. Most people like to stay at these kinds of homes because they like the history and character.” –Todd McKeeth

Bingham Hall located in New Ulm. CONTINUED FROM page 53

completely gut the upstairs and do the rest of the work necessary to open for business, including finding furniture that fit with the house’s Victorian style. The Schluters were creative in that aspect, finding pieces on Craigslist, at estate sales and antique shops, and even abandoned on a curb during a neighbor’s moving day. And, while the “ooh” factor was important to the Schluters, they wanted to make sure guests always felt comfortable. “We have enough of the flair to give it the feel of the period without being too overwhelming,” Schluter explained. “People think of Victorian homes as being uncomfortable and cluttered. We’re not that. We want people to feel comfortable. We don’t want them to feel like they can’t touch anything.” The Schluters closed on the house in November 2007, and by Mother’s Day of the next year, they were open for business. They said it has been easy to adapt to the “inn-keeping” lifestyle since they’ve always had a love for hospitality. “You have to have the right personality for it,” Schluter said. “You do have to like people. They are going to be underfoot and in your space. That’s what we love about it. We’re people people. I’ve always 54

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kind of had a gift for hospitality. We had an empty bedroom in our old house, and it was never empty. We’re used to having other people and sharing our home. It’s fun.” According to Schluter, most visitors tend to stay for weekends, though they usually have guests on any given day. The Shattuck-St. Mary boarding school brings many parents to their home, with people arriving from places as far-flung as China, Finland, India and Germany. “You name a country, they’ve been here,” Schluter said.

Bingham Hall Nestled in the heart of historic downtown New Ulm, Bingham Hall presides over the corner of South German Street in understated elegance. This bed and breakfast, which was voted Best of the Midwest in 2011, is the pride and joy of Shannon and Todd McKeeth, who opened it in 2006. As Shannon McKeeth explained it, the idea to start their own bed and breakfast wasn’t actually their idea, originally. “I was told to by three of my friends on three separate occasions in a week’s time, ‘Shannon, you should open up a bed and breakfast,’” she said. “The last friend, who was a broker, said, ‘I’ll find

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Bingham Hall bedroom.

you a house,’ and she found us this house.” The couple worked for seven years to renovate the house, which had been split into five apartments somewhere along the line. While they thought the apartment layouts would make it easier to transform it into a bed and breakfast, the plumbing was in such bad shape that it had to be completely torn out, right down to the basement floor. Still, they are adamant that all the work was worth it. “This house has been good to us,” Shannon McKeeth said. She said business is busiest in the summer months, with clients usually coming from a 300-mile radius to visit the inn. However, they’ve had people from around the world.

“You develop a relationship with people, and they just like to keep coming back,” Todd McKeeth said. “We call them friends now because they’ve been here so many times. They come here and find it very relaxing and homey and welcoming. The breakfast table is the most fun time… just sitting around and chatting with people from all walks of life. Sometimes, we’ll sit at the table for two hours, with everyone talking so much.” The McKeeths have even had their share of famous guests, such as Jonas Elmer, director of the romantic comedy “New In Town,” which was set in New Ulm. CNN correspondent Richard Engel was another guest. In addition, the reality TV show “Iyanla: Fix My Life” also rented the house for a week to

Why try a bed and breakfast? “It’s an experience all on its own. I have not had one person come who hasn’t fallen in love with it. Even for traveling businessmen, they like it. It’s all the added details that make their stay different, like fresh lemon water and cookies… the little extras that make them feel more at home. Motels are great, but a bed and breakfast is a whole different kind of experience. And the breakfasts are always really good.” –Lisa Bolduc

ABOVE: Contented Cottage in Northfield.

film an episode. “Seventeen cars and trucks pulled up,” Shannon McKeeth remembered. “They took all the furniture and put it in the kitchen area, blacked out windows… But five minutes after they left, you’d have never known they were here; they put everything back exactly where it was. It’s always an adventure. You never know who’s going to walk up or what’s going to happen.” The McKeeths agree that the unexpected is part of what

LEFT: Contented Cottage breakfast. ABOVE: Contented Cottage porch.

makes running a bed and breakfast so much fun.

“Innkeepers are a special kind of people,” Shannon McKeeth said. “There are not many people who can do the things we do.” “We think of it of having people into our home,” Todd McKeeth agreed. “It is our home, and people are just coming here to

experience that. We get quite a few people who are first-timers who don’t know what to expect… I don’t think we’ve scared anybody off yet.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE 61 u u u

Historic Hutchinson House

Bingham Hall

Contented Cottage

Where: 305 2nd Street NW, Faribault

Where: 500 South German Street, New Ulm

Where: 5 Walden Place, Northfield

Website: www.historichutchhouse.com Awards: Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor, named No. 20 on the list of Top 50 Coolest Houses in Minnesota, listed on the National Register of Historic Places Bonus: Louie, the friendly White French Bulldog who loves to go on walks with guests or keep them company on the porch Breakfast: A three-course meal that includes a “starter” course, an “egg” course and a “sweet” course, with Schluter’s Rice County Fair blueribbon winning scones

Website: www.bingham-hall.com Awards: Voted Best of the Midwest at the Bedandbreakfast.com Awards in 2011 Bonus: Book the Elijah room for a full-body massage chair Breakfast: Always includes a type of meat, such as ham or sausage, and a kind of egg, such as quiche or stuffed French toast, along with fresh fruit, English muffins, and other pastries

Website: www.contentedcottage.com Awards: Nominated for the Best Bed and Breakfast in Southern Minn SCENE Magazine Bonus: Homemade chocolate truffles in your room Breakfast: A three-course meal that includes fresh eggs and honey

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Leap

Take the

By Sara Schleueter t can be daunting to give a new fitness class a try, visit a comedy club, expand your comfort zone or choose a new adventure. But this forces us to explore our creative side in physical, emotional or spiritual ways. Read on to see the myriad of benefits we gain from pushing the boundaries, and how you can get your creativity on in the Twin Cities this summer.

Sweat it Out A visit to the gym may seem mundane and something we have to add to the “to-do” list, but exercising our bodies doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be a down-right creative and social adventure! There are a variety of ways we can mix up our fitness routines and push ourselves in new ways. One of the best ways to do this is through group fitness classes. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, group fitness is appealing to many people because it gives us an opportunity to be social and try new exercise with others.

Lucky for us, the Twin Cities is teaming with boutique fitness studios designed to push us beyond our comfort zone in a safe and positive environment. If you just want to dip your toes in the water and try a few different studios, download the ClassPass app and pick your membership option. Then you can pick and choose which studios and classes you want to try. It includes everything - yoga, cycling, rowing and so much more. So put yourself on a creative and fun fitness adventure this summer!

Laugh it Up Did you know that laughter is really sometimes is the best medicine? No, really! According to the Mayo Clinic, getting our giggles on can help stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, and releases endorphins into the body. Often in today’s challenging times it can be difficult to seek out laughter every day, but it will do our bodies - and minds - good. One way to push yourself further and get in your daily dose of laughter is to attend a comedy show or an improv show. Often these shows rely on audience participation to get the laughter going, so be ready to chime in! It can be nerve-wracking, especially for those of us who are introverts, but think of it as another way to challenge yourself in a social way. Downtown Minneapolis has tons of local

comedy clubs with a variety of shows. Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre, located on Hennepin Avenue, is known for its community outreach, improv classes and hilarious shows. Give it a try for your next girls’ night out, and if you are feeling brave enough, get those creative juices flowing and sign up for improv classes!

Get Spiritual Talking about religion and other people’s religious beliefs seem like heavy topics of conversation, but it is also one of the best ways we can understand someone who is different than us. Challenge yourself to read a book or articles about a religion that is different than your own. Study the history of that particular religion, and then talk about your discoveries with a family member or friend. Harvard University Online Learning even offers world religions classes available to take for free. And, learning about religion will help us to understand people, history and cultures in new ways. Ready to take it one step further and make it adventurous? Attend a place of worship that is different than your own. Take in the atmosphere, and respectfully observe those around you. It may be helpful to contact the administration office of the place of worship you want to visit, and let them know you would like to attend a service to learn about that specific religion.

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” - Amelia Earhart

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You may even be surprised that they will offer you a tour of the place, or let you meet religious leaders. The Twin Cities is just about as diverse as it gets, so do some research and find a worship space near you where you can go to push yourself to learn and experience something new. This summer, we hope you are able to choose your own adventure, whatever that may be, and push yourself in new and interesting ways. Pushing the boundaries and challenging ourselves can be uncomfortable at times, but also exciting. And the best part about adventures? Discovering something new and creating new memories.

Pins and Needles Alterations

Sara Schlueter is a magazine editor in the Twin Cities with degrees in journalism and apparel merchandising from Iowa State University. She is passionate about telling people’s stories and being involved in the community.

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To speak with an ad consultant about the best way to shine a light on your business, call 507-444-2389 or 507-333-3109 today.

Faribault Daily News

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Northfield Authors

Feel Support from the Community Content Bookstore features an entire shelf dedicated to Northfield authors, including Benjamin Percy, Mary Blechwehl and Kaethe Schwehn. (Kelsey O’Hara photo)

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By Kelsey O’Hara (Editor’s Note: This originally appeared in Northfield Now in the Early Spring 2018 edition and was re-printed in the Northfield News. It has been updated to reflect information about an additional author.)

ary Bleckwehl never saw herself as a writer. She grew up on a farm in northeastern Iowa with a large family, and doesn’t recall her parents reading to her before bed or preaching the importance of literature at home. Instead, she experienced stories in the classroom. “I was a farmer’s daughter and never met a writer until I was in college, although I had a great journalism teacher in high school and wrote for the school newspaper in high school and college,” Bleckwehl said. Eventually, Bleckwehl moved to Northfield with her family and taught students of her own. As a teacher, she saw ideas for stories that related to children in her classroom but never had time to put the pen to paper. “I got into writing children’s books rather unexpectedly when I had some health problems following emergency surgery,” she said. “I wasn’t able to teach anymore, so I filled my days with writing. I would start a story with little plan of where it would take me. My characters simply took over and wrote the story.” Sharon Henry has a similar story as Bleckwehl. “As a child, my favorite

thing to do was draw. But living on a 200-acre dairy farm didn’t leave much time for drawing,” she said. “My mom was busy with daily chores and was too tired at the end of the day to read to us. So (when I became) a parent, I read to my kids at night.” A freelance artist most of her adult life, Henry additionally often thought about writing children’s books. She recently published her book, “Good Day, Bad Day, Same Day,” the story of a child and his mother who lives with bi-polar disorder. Bleckwehl, now the author of three children’s books – along with Henry - are part of the growing community of authors in Northfield. But what is it about Northfield that attracts authors to the area or stimulates local residents to become authors? Content Bookstore owner Jessica Peterson White connects with local authors through events including book launches, book signings and pre-orders for large releases. Peterson White believes authors are drawn to Northfield for the same reasons most visitors are. “Like everyone who visits Northfield, authors comment on our vibrant downtown, our sidewalk poetry and the many other signs that this is a community that supports the arts,” she said.

Mary Bleckwehl, center, makes visits to local schools, including the Northfield Montessori School, to read her stories and talk to children about the importance of books. (Kelsey O’Hara photo)

community support all things local, including locally created literature.”

Community Other local authors see similar advantages to the Northfield community, including the

Author Sharon K. Henry and her book “Good Day, Sad Day, Same Day”.

neapolis/St. Paul has to offer,” he said. “We’re a progressive, educated community with a thriving downtown, great schools, and many cultural and artistic opportunities.” Percy released his newest novel, “The Dark Net,” in August 2017 and held its official launch at Content Bookstore. The book was also named a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards in January in the Genre Fiction Minnesota Book Award category. The writer and his family have lived in Northfield since 2012. He said the environment is conducive for writing. “It’s a good place to think and work. It’s quiet in the woods just outside of town and I can retreat into my books. Or I can head downtown and meet up for coffee or beers with some friends and trade ideas,” Percy said. With its blend of artists and educators, Percy suggested Northfield is the perfect community for writers and booksellers to thrive; he mentioned that Peterson White works to bring guests and local authors to the fore. The colleges and public library also host their fair share of author events. “People show up for these events. They’re hungry for words,” Percy said.

Inspiration The support for the arts is apparent through businesses and organizations that display local artists in their projects and through the general reaction of Northfield residents for local authors’ works. “We hear from visiting authors and New York City publicists that they are amazed at the audiences we draw for author events at Content,” Peterson White said. “It’s wonderful to see how enthusiastically people in this

strong presence of the arts and its value on education, coming from the city’s two private colleges. Benjamin Percy, author of “The Dark Net,” and his wife moved to Northfield due to its optimal location between Eau Claire, WI, and the Twin Cities. “Northfield felt like the best fit. A small town that was a short drive to the airport (since I travel constantly) and to all that Min-

For Percy, the community offers the right resources for writers to flourish. Henry agreed. “I think being in Northfield definitely has helped me, not only creatively,” she said. “There’s lots of other creative people to connect with, plus it’s close to the Twin Cities, making it easy to go to writers’ conferences.” CONTINUES ON PAGE 60 u u u

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BUY THE BOOK All four authors’ new releases are available at Content Bookstore, 314 Division St., Northfield.

“Claire’s Hair”

Available at several bookstores in Northfield, including Paper Petalum, Northfield Arts Guild Gift Shop, St. Olaf College Bookstore and Carleton College Bookstore. It’s also available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Beaver’s Pond Books.

“The Dark Net”

Also available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound and Powell’s.

“Good Day, Same Day, Sad Day”

Also available at Northfield Arts Guild Gift Shop and online at Amazon.

“The Rending and the Nest”

Also available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Indiebound. Kaethe Schwehn used details of Northfield and southern Minnesota as inspiration for the communities built in her new novel, “The Rending and the Nest.” (Kelsey O’Hara photo) CONTINUED FROM page 59

St. Olaf Professor Kaethe Schwehn found that the community inspired aspects of her writing, especially for her first novel, “The Rending and the Nest,” released in February. In the dystopian novel, Schwehn offered a world that is familiar yet strange: she uses real locations like a deserted Barnes & Noble and the amusement park at the Mall of America. Characters in the story even walk down a version of Cedar Avenue from Northfield. “At first, the book was set in Florida, and I realized that I knew nothing about Florida. If I am writing a book about weird things, it should be grounded in the familiar,” she said. “And Northfield is what is familiar to me.” Along with setting details, Schwehn spoke with Northfield residents and local artist Jennifer Wolcott about other aspects of her work. Schwehn said Wolcott brought a unique perspective of what objects would be left in the piles and what would you need if the “world ended.” Schwehn studied creative writing at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and the University of Montana and earned a bachelor of arts from Gustavus Adolphus College. Although this is her first novel, she has written a memoir, “Tailing: A Memoir” and a poetry collection, “Tanka & Me.” “The Rending and the Nest” addresses 60

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themes of community and how to build community when traditional institutions don’t exist. For Schwehn, the book acts a way to show her gratitude toward her own community, Northfield. “The book is very much about the community, and Northfield is an incredible community. I’m very grateful to be a part of it,” she said.

make him laugh again. Bleckwehl said that although she loves Northfield, she would still write if she wasn’t here because “being an author is simply an extension of what I was already in love with as a reader, a teacher, a mother and grandparentsharing stories that connect.” But being in Northfield helps artists and writers feel valued by other residents because

“Like everyone who visits Northfield, authors comment on our vibrant downtown, our sidewalk poetry and the many other signs that this is a community that supports the arts.” - Jessica Peterson

Support Although Bleckwehl wasn’t directly inspired by the city, her experiences in Northfield have shaped her books. She said her interactions teaching elementary students influenced how she incorporated lessons into her books, including her newest release, “Claire’s Hair.” “Children’s books really let you explore subtlety messages while still reflecting the childhood innocence,” she said. The story focuses on two friends, Claire and Albert. Claire is known for her long, red hair. But when Albert gets sick and goes to the hospital, Claire tries to cheer him up, only to find he lost his hair from medicine he had to take. She ends up donating half of it and brings the other half to Albert, who uses it in ways that

of their support and opportunities to talk about their passion. Bleckwehl often visits with local elementary schools to discuss her books and writing with young students. Northfield’s support is the primary reason to Bleckwehl that there is an author community currently forming. “Many organizations, like Content Bookstore, Northfield News and KYMN Radio give local authors a platform to share their stories,” she said. “So, it might not be that the author community is growing in Northfield, (but that) we have more venues to be heard than ever before.” Kelsey O’Hara is a freelance writer.

Adventures in Your Own Back Yard

Check out Community Education in Your Community Compiled by Beth Forkner Moe

Le Sueur

very school district in Minnesota has a Community Education department, which provides classes of all types to people of all ages in the community. From arts to outdoors to physical activities and more, take a look at your own community’s programming and see what new activities might be right for you and your family. Each Community Education department has different activities available, and they don’t all have the same seasonal offerings. We pulled together general ideas of what’s available for adult enrichment activities, unless we had access to specific summer programming. There is a variety of youth activities in each community, as well.

communityed.isd2397.org/ 821 E. Ferry St., Le Sueur 56058 507-665-4620 • Exercise classes • Crafts • 55+ driving

Faribault www.faribault.k12.mn.us/community_ed 710 17th St. SW, Faribault 55021 507-333-6000 • Arts and crafts • Cake decorating • Music • Budgeting • CPR • Physical workouts • Kayaking

Kenyon www.kw.k12.mn.us Kenyon-Wanamingo Middle/High School, 400 6th St., Rm. E113, Kenyon 55946 507-789-6186 Fall and spring only • Art and design • Hobbies • Driving skills • Day trips and tours, including theater, history, mystery and more • Health and fitness classes

Mankato www.mankatocer.com/ 110 Fulton St., Mankato 56001 507-387-5501 • Pickleball • Disc golf • Aquatics • Physical fitness • Health/personal awareness • Trips and tours • Crafts • Horse riding • Essential oil • Music • Pottery • Photography

Northfield northfieldschools.org/communityservices/ 1400 Divison St. S., Northfield 55057 507-663-0600 • Pickleball • Dancing (country, polka, weddings, ballroom) • Martial arts • Archery • Painting • Personal finance

Owatonna owatonnacommunityed.org/ 122 E. McKinley St., Owatonna 55060 507-444-7900 • Intro to Glass Fusing • Art, Wine, Design at the OAC

• • • •

Strength training Pilates Yoga Indoor cycling

St. Peter www.stpetercommunityedonline.com 600 5th St. S., #207, St. Peter 56082 507-934-6210 • Aquatics • Art classes • Creative writing • Clay • Cooking • Music • Sustainability and justice in Oaxaca, Mexico • Music

Tri-City

(Lonsdale, Montgomery, Le Center, Kilkenny) www.tcu2905.us 101 2nd St. NE, Montgomery 56069 (507) 364-8107 • Jams, jellies, marmalades and butters • Okinawan Karate and Kobudo Lessons

Waseca ce.waseca.k12.mn.us 501 East Elm Avenue, Waseca 56093 507-835-5626 • Clear Lake Recreation Rentals • DIY Weekly Menu • Simple Start Hands-On Photo & Digital Media Workshop • Simply Organized • Social Security: Strategize to Maximize • Financial Strategies for Women • Core De Force (a total-body workout inspired by MMA-style training) • Adult Golf Lessons

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Unexpected CaregiveR

Me and mom. kariberit.net/blog

My Big Adventure

Berit Kari Berit is author of The Unexpected Caregiver, where you can find more detailed information about appreciating yourself. Follow her at www.KariBerit.net

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y mother was fixated on all her children being as Norwegian as possible. She claimed she was 100% Norwegian. She instructed her kids that even though they had some Czech and Swedish from Dad, it was only the Norwegian that counted. She was not always an easy woman to be with, but I realized early on that the way to my mother’s good side was to fall in love with all things Norwegian. I went to St. Olaf College and by the end of my junior year, I was off to study in Norway. From that time on, Norwegian was a part of all corners of my life—from teaching the language to leading tours to the country. And now I live in Norway. Mom’s got to be dancing in heaven! After 30 years, I reconnected with my college sweetheart. It didn’t take us long to figure out that we wanted to be together. Trouble was, I had a busy and active life in the States and he lived in Norway. He was a

well-established expatriate with two grown daughters. He enjoyed his career and wasn’t looking to start anew in the States. For me to take the leap and move to Norway seemed a cinch, a no-brainer. It was also a bit unbalancing. Even though my work has always been mobile, I still have a support system in Minnesota. Skype, email and other social media make it easier to live abroad, but there’s no substitute for hanging out in a kitchen, chatting about this and that, with one’s friends. I needed to find support—the first letter in my SANE Method, so I hopped on a bus and joined a dance class. I started opening up to Norwegian friends and made time to develop new expat friends. I sought out support. It’s the first step I take whenever I’m embarking on something new or difficult. I can’t do life alone. Even when, by all outward appearances, everything looks divine, I need support. I chose this big adventure, and I know some of you make a choice to have your mother or father come live with you so you can be their caregivers. We make choices for all the right reasons, but we also have to give ourselves a break and reach out when we need help. It’s the only way we can take on big adventures and live through unexpected challenges.

WELLNESS

Yogi This

Whitewater State Park. mntrails.com

M By Rian Dicke-Michels

any people believe that an adventure should involve air plane tickets, hot climates, and all-inclusive stays at resorts. It can certainly mean that, but adventure is really an unusual and exciting, often hazardous, experience or activity, and it begins when you step out your door. Over the last decade, my perspective on adventure has been drastically altered, because I find that even a walk through the woods or a jaunt in the car can be enough to appease my desire to experience new things. I enjoy sharing time with my family, letting my daughter guide us down wooded trails where we stumble upon wildlife, plants we’ve never seen, or little treasures that we can bring home. Ultimately, my favorite thing to do is discover “diamonds in the rough” right here in Minnesota. It’s a plan of mine to continue finding reasons to love my home state, so I’ve devised a list of Minnesotan locations that cost very little, but left me feeling refreshed, the way a proper adventure should. Visit a different state park at least once a month. Whether you choose to camp for the weekend or simply buy a day pass to go hiking, picnicking, or swimming, Minnesota is riddled with inexpensive outdoor activities. Some of my personal preferences in the area include: Flandrau, Whitewater, Nerstrand, Minneopa, Carley, and Myre-Big Island State Parks. The more folks frequent our state parks, the better

Minnesota

their chances are to fund upkeep and maintenance. Permits are $35 for a full year, or $7 for a day pass. Historic landmarks are a marvelous option. My mom has always been an advocate for keeping the past alive. While I didn’t necessarily appreciate the magnitude of educational trips at the time, I am pretty grateful that she dragged me along. From Fort Snelling in St. Paul to the Historic Lift Bridge in Stillwater, the Soudan Underground Mine, and all the way to the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, our land of 10,000 lakes is home to more than just water. Many historic sites are in the northern part of Minnesota, but it’s worth the drive. One word: caves. For my 12th birthday, my mom drove us around to the caves in southern Minnesota. It was quiet, beautiful, and an experience I will not soon forget. We went on an off-day and because it was just us on the tour, the staff at one location showed us how dark it really gets by turning off the lights. I remember waving my hands in front of my face and couldn’t see anything at all. Also, if you’ve never seen an underground body of water, this is definitely one for the bucket list in 2018! Dip your toes into the music scene. Minnesota hosts an assortment of musical talent anywhere from Orchestra Hall to First Ave, Polkafest to Harmony Park, or even the 89.3 Rock the Garden event every year. I don’t know if it’s the cold that forces so many of us to pick up instruments, but whether you take the party inside or out, there are concerts and shows that range from $10 to $80 a ticket. It’s often more affordable than you think, and the variety is accessible to all. Learn! Knowledge, in and of itself, is an

adventure. It’s also something that cannot be taken from you, and can be done throughout the course of your life. Learn about animals: the Como Zoo is donation-based, the Raptor Center is where they rescue/rehabilitate birds, large and small. You can take a trip to Ely to visit the International Wolf Center. Another way to learn is to take advantage of museums and all they have to offer. There is the Science Museum in St. Paul, The Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Street Car Museum in Minneapolis, or even the hidden-in-plain-sight, Normandale Japanese Gardens, and so many more. The winters here may shut us in, but there are sites all over our northern Midwest state that can be visited year-round. We are quite blessed in ways that we don’t always realize, which is how I am led on random Saturday adventures, when the sun is shining and it would be a sin to remain indoors. Be encouraged to plan little excursions that fit the budget, rather than feeling like the only way to experience new things is to drop your whole year’s savings on one big trip. You can use this list as a guide for your summer activities or let it drive you to personalize your fun. We are allowed but one life, and we don’t always have the opportunity to go outside, but sometimes going somewhere completely new is enough. Begin to find the beauty in small details and hidden gems, and one day soon, you’ll realize that you’re living your best life. Rian Dicke-Michels is a highly independent, Minnesota State University Mankato graduate and the proud mother of an earthy 5-year-old. Although a 10-year yoga practitioner, she earned her 200RYT in 2015 from The Green Lotus Yoga and Healing center, and is continuing her education toward 500 hours. “My life is a continuous journey toward healing and self-love,” she says, “I’m honored to share it with you.”

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BOOK REVIEW Book Review – “It’s All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World’s Family Tree” By A.J. Jacobs c.2017, Simon and Schuster $27.00 / $36.00 Canada 338 pages

Review by Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm

It’s All Relative:

Adventures Up and Down the World’s Family Tree

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he woman in the cubicle next to yours is a real piece of work. No tidbit is too small for gossiping. Unsolicited advice is her expertise, and she seems to think complaints are in her job description. Ugh, she’s so hard to work with but be aware. As you’ll see in the new book “It’s All Relative” by A.J. Jacobs, she’s probably related to you. And so is everyone else, says Jacobs, if you go back far enough. Somewhere several thousand years ago, a man and a woman who probably didn’t even known one another happened both to have DNA with exceptional staying power. Their genes have been passed down to every single person since then. Even you. That’s, of course, a simple explanation to a complex thing but it got Jacobs thinking. In his own family tree, he says, “I’d be happy to trim a few branches,” but the idea of having several million cousins was an intriguing one. He decided to throw a party for his new family. Everyone was invited. Even you. These days, genealogy is big-business: over the course of a year, “Americans spend a mind-boggling $3 billion…” and untold hours building their family trees, learning their DNAs, and locating official government records, photos, and documents. You can go online and easily see who you’re related to, even distantly, but the shocker is that “we are a startlingly close-knit species” - so close, in fact, that you could be “at most seventieth cousins with all other humans.” Genetically, we’re awfully close to some animals, too: forebears, as it turns out, might be exactly right. But you can’t think about who you’re related to without peeking backward. In his zeal for connection-collection, Jacobs amassed family stories and FBI dossiers, contacted celebrities (new cousins!), and found “black sheep” and

Author A.J. Jacobs. Photo by Lem Lattimer

changing names. He looked at our caveman lineage (yes, even you) and he discovered that, evolutionarily speaking, learning our connections “nudges us to treat strangers with more kindness.” Soon, you’ll be sitting down to a nice Thanksgiving meal. The whole family’s invited, and in “It’s All Relative,” you’ll see that you’re gonna need more chairs. In his mega-reunion planning, author A.J. Jacobs learned that early, but that’s only half the fun of this dual look at genealogy. The main part – the appeal of the whole book – is that Jacobs is a truly funny writer, putting himself squarely in the middle of his story, holding up his own family as examples, and using himself as foil to his plans and discoveries. That, however, is no indication of a lack of seriousness to this book. Jacobs educates as he entertains, and readers will learn about basic genetics, genealogy, and searching for ancestors far and not-so-far. Indeed, reading this book may spur you to see who you’re related to. (Hint: everybody). So be nice to that cousin in the next cube. Be sure to tell everyone that you’re actually related to a famous author named Jacobs. And read “It’s All Relative.” You’ll love it because you kin. -The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 12,000 books. For more information, visit bookwormsez@gmail.com.

WATCH FOR OUR SUMMER ISSUE

Coming out in mid-July, which will focus on Food! Articles will include: • Profile: Claire Baker, Mankato • Book review – “Bound by the Fire” • New food trends • Women-owned “Special-tea” shops • Careers in the culinary arts and restaurant management • How exercise and food fuel the brain and the body • “Fad” diets – do they work? Are they safe? • The comfort of food • Readers answer - “What’s your favorite summer eating ritual?” • Instant Pot – demon or angel? • Women-owned businesses find their own niche

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SUMMER JUL/AUG 2018 Have an idea or suggestion?

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To ADVERTISE:

Contact Beth Forkner Moe at bfmoe@southernminn.com

Contact Pam DeMorett by email at pdemorett@ faribault.com or call 507-333-3117

CONTINUED FROM page 55

LEFT: Contented Cottage living room. RIGHT: Contented Cottage bedroom.

Contented Cottage Lisa Bolduc is no stranger to the bed and breakfast industry, operating a beautiful Victorian-style inn in Farmington for several years before she and her husband Steven relocated to Northfield. After the move, they thought their B&B days were over - but that wasn’t quite true. “I always say, ‘We make plans, and God laughs at us,’” Bolduc said with a smile. “We just got the desire again. We were looking around and

this place caught my eye.” This time, though, the Bolducs decided to give their bed and breakfast a different kind of twist. “It’s modeled after a cottage,” Bolduc explained. “Honestly, I love the cottage look. This is really more my style and my personality.” The Bolducs opened the Contented Cottage in 2016 after almost two years of remodeling—and they’re not through yet. The home currently has two bedrooms to rent,

but the couple wants to add a third bedroom and do more landscaping. While the Contented Cottage has only been open for a relatively short time, Bolduc said business is already growing, and some visitors have even returned for another stay in that short period of time. She said part of the draw is the inn’s cozy, cottage feel. “It’s quaint and cozy,” she said. “People love sitting out in the woods and seeing a deer. We’ve had

several people come back already. There are no strangers here, only friends who haven’t met.” Bolduc said her husband, who’s a chef, makes most of the breakfast, though she also bakes. Her specialty, though, is creating a warm, hospitable atmosphere and meeting her guests’ needs. “We’ve always been the kind that has hosted every family event, and I enjoy the hospitality part of this,” she said. “It’s fun getting to know people and meeting different people, and [being able] to offer that little piece of contentment.” In addition to the bed and breakfast, Bolduc offers luncheon teas at the cottage for events such as bridal showers, birthday parties and alumni reunions. During summer months, as many as 10 guests can be accommodated in the screenedin porch, while six guests can be accommodated inside during winter months. Grace Webb is a wandering reporter whose home base is Mankato.

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