PROFILES 2023

profiles

OUR YEARLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES UNIQUE

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St. Peter’s Winkler serves as multi-purpose lawyer Le Sueur’s Wise Furniture owners focus on community Owatonna’s Hussein helps immigrants feel welcome, acclimate

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Faribault’s Abdi helps immigrants, wider community in tireless efforts Northfield’s Thacker puts wit, words and good will to work

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Waseca’s Moseley pitches in for good

SENIOR GENERAL MANAGER: ROSS ULRICH REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR: PHILIP WEYHE SALES DIRECTORS: TOM KELLING

St. Peter’s Jake’s Pizza family hopes to grow and thrive

Owatonna’s Peng Olson is not to be underestimated Le Center’s musical Menk family brings joy to community

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Profiles 2023 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Owatonna People’s Press, Faribault Daily News, Northfield News, Kenyon Leader, Waseca County News, St. Peter Herald, Le Sueur County News. ©2023 This publication is copyrighted by APG Southern Minnesota and no content can be reproduced without permission.

MULTI-SERVICE LAWYER

STEVE WINKLER serves city, low-income clients, state hospital patients

By PAT BECK Guest Contributor

As city attorney for St. Peter, Steve Winkler is proud to represent his hometown. But lesser known is his work with low-income clients in southern Minnesota and patients at the Minnesota Regional Treatment Center.

Winkler has teamed with partner James Brandt at Brandt and Winkler, PA, since January 2022. The general practice law firm handles a broad cross section of transactional and litigation issues. Brandt established his practice in 1978.

City attorney for St. Peter and Kasota

The firm serves as the city’s prosecuting attorney representing St. Peter police officers in cases up to gross misdemeanor. That includes traffic violations, driving under the influence, thefts, and damage to property up to $1,000. More severe crimes, such as sex abuse and vehicular homicides, are prosecuted by the county attorney.

Brandt-Winkler also are the city attorney for the city of Kasota which is patrolled by the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office.

“We’re working with our Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office on a daily basis on arrests they’re making, and people detained need to be seen by a judge in a certain amount of time,” Winkler said. “It’s a constant churning of work that we have to do on those files. We have city attorney hearings before a judge at least three days a week most weeks.”

The firm also attends City Council meetings and provides legal advice to the council on issues including real estate, open meeting laws, data practices and a wide scope of other laws, with the exception of some appointment law issues and bonding.

In addition to the prosecutions, Winkler also is a family law attorney, working with people having divorce or custody issues and a general litigator. He’s also been involved in construction law. He does some estate planning and corporate formation, but he hands off the bulk of that to Brandt. Winkler does most of the courtroom work, though.

Winkler said he enjoys serving as city attorney and working for St. Peter.

“I like being involved in community issues, taking part in what’s going on in town where my kids are growing up and where my wife lives. I worked in Mankato for years. I wanted

Steve Winkler goes through notes in his office at Brandt and Winkler, PA, in St. Peter. (Photos by Pat Beck/southernminn.com)

to work in St. Peter, because I lived in St. Peter,” he said. “My goal is to continue to work with the city and represent the city as best I can. St. Peter has been a great place to live.”

Brandt said Winkler is “a pleasure to work with. He writes well and communicates well. The law is a constant learning experience. There is always some bumps in the road, but he works well with the Police Department.”

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services

Winkler, 46, also has volunteered for the last 10 years to assist low-income clients through the Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services. Cases typically involve family issues, such as domestic abuse, divorce and custody. Cases also include landlord-tenant law.

Winkler has worked with a couple dozen clients over the years. For example, he has represented a low-income single mother for a couple of years in custody and various other issues.

This continued the work he’s done with the underprivileged. He was a Nebraska Supreme Court certified student attorney at the University of Nebraska Civil Clinic, and president of the Equal Justice Society.

For 113 years, state-funded SMRLS has provided free legal help to individuals and families in civil matters to secure and protect their basic needs, maintain freedom from hunger, homelessness, sickness and abuse.

Regional Treatment Center

In addition to all his regular work, Winkler provides legal advice to patients in St. Peter’s regional treatment center. Given the nature and circumstances of the clientele there, it’s a sometimes difficult, but always rewarding task.

“I’ve represented their liberty interests, as well as their transition back into the community,” Winkler said. “It’s one of the areas of law that I take a lot of interest in.

“I find it really rewarding working with those populations of people. They’re very appreciative when you’re there representing them and standing up for them and voicing their issues and concerns for them. That involves a lot of hearings with a lot of different clients. They’re challenging, but they’re really rewarding.”

In one of Winkler’s more unusual cases, one client, approaching 50, has been in the state hospital for the majority of his life. He has one crime that he committed in his life, and it involved the death of a person.

“He was a young man,” Winkler said. “He developed schizophrenia. It came on quickly, and before you knew it, he was delusional, having hallucinations and perceived this co-worker as a threat to him. And an unfortunate incident ended in a death of a person. Because of that and that he is mentally ill, he’s been hospitalized for decades, probably longer than he would have gone to jail if he was just a criminal. But because he has this mental illness and there is concern about the safety of others, he is in the state hospital and may very well be for decades to come.

“Despite all of that, he has rights that need to be enforced and represented, and that’s where I step in. Those are the types of things that I’ve worked on with those populations.”

Generally a person like that is only hospitalized while they still represent a danger to the public, Winkler explained.

“And there’s kind of gradation as far as they go from a completely institutionalized situation to out in the community,” he said. “At each one of those steps, there is legal proceedings, there is examinations with doctors who write

reports, and then ultimately it goes before a board who evaluations the situation and makes a recommendation, and then, if necessary, to a commitment appeal panel which is like a courtof-appeals-type hearing. So going through those steps can take multiple years and involves hearings before boards and a court of appeals.

“So there’s a lot of drafting of documents, preparing for hearings and attending those hearings. So it’s a very lengthy and specialized process that is really interesting to me and really rewarding when it works out and you get good outcomes for your client.”

The man is still hospitalized, but some wanted him to go to prison now.

“He’s been behaviorally compliant and doing really well for quite a while now, so persons within the state and his county were of the opinion that he’s good enough — now he could go to prison and do his prison time on top of all the other time he’s already spent in the hospital,” Winkler said. “Certain members in the county and the doctors and professionals at the hospital said he’s not ready for that yet.

“So instead of trying to get him out of the hospital, it was more of an effort to keep him in

the hospital where he would be safest and not send him into prison. There was real concern that he would decompensate if his medications weren’t being monitored.”

Winkler also has had a number of cases where clients were released back into society. The security hospital has a step down, where the patients start being reintegrated into the community. Clients go to the grocery store, work at the Goodwill, etc.

“ That’s the part where they’re getting reac-

Steve Winkler and James Brandt team up in their law practice at Brandt and Winkler at 219 W. Nassau St., St. Peter.

Ready to serve people’s legal needs at Brandt and Winkler Law Office are, from left, legal assistant/office manager Mary Brandt, Steve Winkler, legal assistant/office manager Amy Hanson, and James Brandt.

climated into the general public, Winkler said. “Once they demonstrate that they can do that in a safe way, then the restrictions placed on them get less onerous. They get more autonomy and get to live in their community. Maybe in a group home at first but then eventually on their own.

“ There’s a lot of success stories like that, where they are able to rehabilitate, learn about their mental illness, learn what they need to do in order to manage the mental illness and be safe for themselves and safe to others.

“In the best circumstances, it’s usually a consensus opinion among the evaluators who review their files, their treatment team that this person has advanced enough to be safe and we feel that can do it.

“At the same time, they still have to go before a special review board panel and they still could end up before a commitment appeal panel. And for all of those things, they’re entitled to and really need a lawyer to help them navigate those things. So I take an active part in those success stories, too.”

Winkler estimates that he has served more than 50 clients over the last six years. Now he has about a half dozen clients.

Brandt previously served as a lawyer in the program. He started in 1974 with an average of a half dozen cases a year.

A couple of dozen attorneys in the state handle the bulk of these types of cases. The county usually asks a lawyer if he will represent this person.

“You’re not going to be paid a lot, so it’s got to be something that you’re interested in doing,” Winkler said. “I have a passion for working with those populations because of their vulnerability. And it’s very rewarding,

especially when their cases work out because of the amount of gratitude you get from person who have very few options, very few people to turn to, very few people they can trust. A lot of them have tenuous connections with their families and friends. They feel like they’re out there alone.”

Why become a lawyer?

“I grew up not terribly politically active but politically interested, particularly in civil rights issues,” Winkler said. “That started my interest. And when I was in college, I had a roommate in law school that kind of fanned the flame of my initial interest in the law. That got my gears turning about something I wanted to do, too.”

Being an attorney gave Winkler a chance to defend people’s civil rights.

As a student at the University of Nebraska College of Law from September 2009 to December 2012, Winkler’s served as president of Equal Justice Society, member of the American Constitution Society and member of the

BACKGROUND

Originally from Nebraska, Winkler married a Minnesota woman, Amy Kochsiek, and moved to southern Minnesota when she took a biology professor position at Gustavus Adolphus College.

They have two children: Vivian, 10, and Bennett, 8.

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund.

As a law clerk, he worked with Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty from May 2011 to September 2011 in Lincoln, Nebraska. There, he researched various legal defenses for Nebraska death row inmates and conducted statutory interpretation and legislative history of various Nebraska state statutes.

“I’m lucky enough to actually do a lot of the stuff I wanted to do when I went to law school,” Winkler said.

He enjoys being a lawyer, because it allows him the freedom to be his own boss, and he gets to use his background in base knowledge.

“ There is no part of our lives that aren’t touched by the legal system or the law in some way or another, so I like that it touches so many things and I get to use a lot of what I know in my day-to-day practice,” he said. “There are a variety of things that I get to experience and learn about. The law is a life-long learning experience.” n

He also gained valuable experience working as a law clerk from May 2013 to April 2014 in the private sector as part of the legal team for a software start-up, Sirius Exploration Geochemistry in the greater Denver area. He produced and edited various contracts, and a range of documents.

Winkler then served as an associate attorney at Jones Law Office in Mankato from April 2014 to January 2023.

In his free time, Winkler just finished his ninth year playing for the St. Peter over-35 baseball team as a left-handed ace pitcher. He previously pitched in college for Nebraska-Omaha in the 1990s.

Patrick Beck is a former APG sports editor and a freelance writer. Reach the Southern Minn editor at editor@apgsomn. com.

There is no part of our lives that aren’t touched by the legal system or the law in some way or another, so I like that it touches so many things and I get to use a lot of what I know in my day-to-day practice. There are a variety of things that I get to experience and learn about. The law is a life-long learning experience.”

- Steve Winkler

Le Sueur’s WISE FURNITURE owners focus on community

By PAT BECK Guest Contributor

Long-time Wise Furniture Co. co-owners Mickey Smith and Dana Manske have not only have been extensively involved with their business over the years, they’ve made time to be deeply involved in community activities in the Le Sueur area.

Smith and Manske’s community activities have included the Popcorn Wagon, the Valley Car Cruise, Market Fest, Giant Days and Night on the Town.

Some ventures promoted the business. Others raised money for community groups. Some did both.

Community activities

The duo’s contributions have benefited anyone from children to veterans. They donate to activities, including Little

League and American Legion baseball and the high school trap shooting team.

“ They come in, and I don’t think they ever get a no from any organizations, especially kids and veterans,” Smith said. “Whatever the kids need and the veterans, too.”

Manske said, “We helped sponsor golf tournaments and other sporting events, mainly for kids. We help with all sorts of a benefits and fundraisers.”

“Almost every week, we would rent the dunk tank, so groups such as the wrestling association, the volleyball players, the tennis team and the football team could make money on that right here on Main Street in front of the store,” Smith said. “We worked really hard at it.”

They also sponsor activities for Giant Days the first weekend in August, like the corn feed, the shopping spree and the kids pool dive for coins.

Manske and Smith also bought a historic popcorn wagon with deep roots in the community and let organizations use it from about 2010 to 2015, selling everything from popcorn to ice cream treats, whatever they wanted in order to make some money. All of the proceeds went to the groups.

Manske said, “Any dollar that they made was all theirs just to try to help them out. We’ll put a little freezer in there, and you’ll run off our power off our building.”

They helped organize the Valley Car Cruise Saturdays in October for a number of years.

“We had 68 cars the first year,” Smith said. “We had the Corvette club from the metro, Ferraris and Lamborghinis. We took them on a car cruise in the valley. It worked out perfect. Again we had people cooking out in the patios by the bar so people could eat. That was a good time.

Manske said, “We were always trying to

figure out how could we bring people to Le Sueur. We know our customers will come, but to try to help grow every business, what else can we do to bring people to town. So we tried different ideas to try to get things going.”

Besides their own business, Smith and Manske help promote other businesses by including something in their advertising.

“If we know that Giant Days or Night on the Town is coming up, we’ll include something about that in the ad,” Manske said. “And all the businesses that will be open that night. We’re trying to advertise the entire town. We bring a lot of people from different areas. That gets a lot of people into town.”

During Night on the Town, the downtown businesses promote shopping locally on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. This year it will be Nov. 16.

“In our store, we fill a table full of food and

Wise Furniture Co. owners Dana Manske (seated in a recliner), Mickey Smith (left) and salesman Josh Hermel gather in the main store in Le Sueur. (Pat Beck/southernminn. com)

wine and water,” Smith said. “We probably see 400 people that night. They come in and look at stuff. Some people purchase that night. But most come back between there and Christmas.”

“We’re one of the biggest participants in Night on the Town,” Manske said.

Christmas in the Valley usually is the first Friday in December. It is Dec. 1 this year. It includes the downtown holiday lighted parade, Santa and lighting the Christmas tree. Market Fest also ran from about 2010 to 2015, and again, Smith and Manske were right

there at the center of it.

“We had activities for kids,” Smith said. “We had petting zoos. We had bouncy houses. We even had the fire truck down here wetting the street down with a slippery slide for the kids. It was a blast. You got to meet a lot of new people. I miss it.

“We had lots of vendors [selling their products, such as people who made their own pottery, jewelry, candles, woodworking, birdhouses] that would come as far as New Ulm out on street. I’d be down here at 4 in the morning putting up ‘No parking’ signs to keep streets open.”

Manske added, “They could sell, and people would walk back and forth. The two bars would be active in helping, have music and specials for that evening. We used to do a lot of that. We had a few more people down here that would help promote. Pretty soon it’s down to one or two people. Then we come up against COVID and regulations and that starts to slow it down.”

Smith hopes that more community events can take place again with the help of the new chamber director.

“It’s hard to pull things off in a small town,” he noted. “It takes a lot to get it done.”

Events still happening include the Farm-

ers Market on Saturday on Second Street, the chamber’s Summer in the Valley with music, food and kids’ games on Thursday nights, and a small group of individuals who do crafts on a Wednesday in the park.

Dedicated to the community

Smith was born and raised in Le Sueur.

“ This is his hometown,” Manske said. “This is the town that my husband [Ron] and I moved here when we we first married, and our two children were raised here. So we’re very invested in the city of Le Sueur, and we want people to see that it’s a really great town.

Wise Furniture has an established history in the community, and familiar faces are seen frequently inside.

“We’re already on third and fourth generation of families,” Manske said. “It’s not unusual for our customers to say mom and dad and grandma and grandpa bought bedroom sets or their dining room table and chairs from Wise Furniture. Over that 65 years plus that Wise Furniture had been here it has continued to grow and gained the trust that we’re going to take care of you as our customer. Our older customers are like Mickey and our parents.” Customer service is the key to success for this business.

“Because we’re an old-fashioned furniture store, we sit down and spend the time with them to show them how things work and help educate them,” Smith said. “In the big box stores, you’re just a number. Our business is the way we treat people. A lot of these customers have become friends.”

Wise gets steady business within a 30-mile radius and sometimes out to 50 miles, Smith said. “We’re seeing new people all the time because of word of mouth.”

Manske added, “We’re very lucky that there’s so many towns that support Wise Furniture, including Montgomery, New Prague, Lonsdale.”

Growth of business

Tom Wise started working for what was known as Roschen Furniture and Funeral Home in 1949. He bought the store in 1958 from his employer, Fritz Roschen, and rebranded it The Wise Furniture Co.

After Tom died in 1989, his wife, Jeanne Wise, continued the tradition.

Smith joined Wise after graduation in 1981, providing delivery and other customer services. In 1990, he moved into sales and marketing. In 2005, he purchased the business from Jeanne. Manske started with Wise in 2002 as a sales associate. She also assisted with the management and daily operations and, in 2007, became co-owner.

In 2012, Smith and Manske opened the appliance center in their building across the street. In the next-door building, they expanded the bedding selection and dedicated the sleep center as a specific area in 2007. Televisions were added in 2008. They now offer a line of LG TVs, from 32 to 65 inches.

They wear many hats at their nine-employee business, which not only offers a full line of furniture, plus many other products — floor coverings, lamps, clocks, televisions in the main store, plus an appliance store with refrigerators, freezers ranges, microwaves, dishwashers, washers and dryers. They have a complete line of appliances, 200 pieces on the floor and more than 400 pieces in the warehouse, as well as the next-door sleep center with beds and bedroom sets.

The operation is housed in five buildings totaling 80,000 square feet. Three, three-story buildings at 106 Ferry St. are filled with furniture and TVs.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Dana Manske and Mickey Smith stand by one of the beds offered in the Sleep Center.

Dana Manske opens a range in the Appliance Store.

“We take up a bit of real estate,” Manske said. “We’re kind of a southern anchor in the historic part of town.”

“Over the years, the Wises started out with quality furniture, like Flexsteel, Lazy Boys,” Smith said. “The same way with the bedding. That’s kind of what we’re known for.”

Wise also has an extensive collection of fabric samples, so if customers do not like the color of their sofa, chair or pillow on the showroom floor, they can go to a different company for a different cover.

“We work with a customer to really personalize their home,” Smith said.

Wise also installs floor coverings from carpet to luxury vinyl. There are display floors in all the rooms of the furniture store so people can choose from a variety.

In addition, three delivery trucks and six delivery men make deliveries. Smith and two delivery men used to do road shows in neighboring towns to increase sales.

“We rented a building and set it up with recliners, beds and sofas,” Smith said. “It got our name out there.”

It’s safe to say Wise Furniture is a well known name today in the Le Sueur community and beyond. And the faces of Smith and Manske have become quite familiar to many as well. n Patrick Beck is a former APG sports editor and a freelance writer. Reach the Southern Minn editor at editor@apgsomn. com.

Santa waves to the crowd as the Le Sueur Christmas parade passes by Wise Furniture Co. (Photo courtesy of Le Sueur Chamber of Commerce)

Owatonna’s HUSSEIN helps immigrants feel welcome, acclimate

By ASHLEY HANLEY Guest Contributor

Imagine coming to a new country, not knowing the language, the customs, the laws, or even the traditions. Yet you come, all in the hopes of starting a new and better life. But where do you begin? And how do you find your way around and where to go for help?

For the many immigrants that come to the Owatonna area, that journey begins with the help and care of Ibrahim Hussein, who has poured his heart and soul into building a bridge between the immigrant community and the people of Owatonna by providing them with the resources and tools needed to make and build a better life here in Southern Minnesota. But what makes him qualified to help so many others? First and foremost, is his kind and gentle heart according to those who know him best. But second, he tells us, is that he can say he’s truly walked in their shoes.

Driven to help

Ibrahim Hussein founded the Somali American Cultural Society of Owatonna (SACSO) in 2011 with one mission in mind. In his own words on the website, he says, “SACSO was founded to address the unique needs of Somali families in Owatonna. As an immigrant who struggled through the process of adapting and assimilating himself into a new country, a new language, and a new way of life in general, I understand the needs of newly arrived Somali families.”

Learning from his father, Hussein was determined to give back to his new community and help those around him, just like he had learned from those who came before him, all with the hopes of starting a better life, starting with the very youngest as well. Hussein said a good way to start is with learning the English language.

“Many Somali immigrants come from a war-torn homeland knowing very little or no English, which can have a profound impact on K-12 performance, dropout rates, and scores on state mandated tests and federal accountability measures among Somali children,” writes Hussein on the SACSO website. “It can also have an adverse impact on parental involvement in and communication with children’s schools, which is widely known to be significant factor in school success.”

That is why, for the last decade, he has become an advocate for the community to help them find the resources they need, whether that be through paperwork, communication or just reaching out. He also advocates for more involvement from the Somali community to serve on boards and in community engagement sessions.

“Our mission is to empower Somali Americans, so that they can have an ac-

Ibrahim Hussein is a key figure in Owatonna’s Somali community, helping new community members to adjust and acclimate. (Submitted photo)

Hussein

tive role within the Owatonna community as business leaders, volunteers, public employees, educators, and neighborhood participants and representatives,” Hussein said.

He came to the United States 15 years ago and immediately starting making a difference by becoming involved himself.

“I love helping. I learned from my dad, who was a community leader, and I got involved in the schools,” he said. “I am an entrepreneur, an advocate, and I really enjoy what I do.”

That enjoyment has now become a successful business. You can find his offices on West Broadway in Owatonna, and they offer several services, including helping get driver’s licenses, making connections with the county or state, or assisting with tutoring and language barriers. This includes adult basic education, computer literacy, homework completion and recreational activities.

“If I can help, I want to,” he said.

Part of the community

Hussein said he fell in love with the Owatonna area because of its strong values.

“We have great businesses, schools, jobs and we are safe,” he said. “It is a great place to raise a family.”

And others around Owatonna have taken notice as well.

Brad Meier is the president of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and has known Ibrahim for 15 years. He said Owatonna is lucky to have him in the community.

“He is an entrepreneur first and foremost, which we value and respect very much in Owatonna, that ability. And then he represents an immigrant population that is so vital to our health and growth, and we’re just better off having him here,” Meier said. “He is always trying to give back, it seems, in the work he does, and finding solutions for problems by using his different businesses.”

Meier observed that Hussein is full of energy and has a big personality, which helps him make connections with all who come in contact with him.

“He has always been really positive with the relationship the community has with its minority populations as well,” Meier said. “As [Owatonna] changes, people like Ibrahim and hopefully others will continue to be elevated in the community. He always greets you with a big handshake and is happy to see you, and that’s really cool. He loves what he does, being an entrepreneur, and he really seems to love Owatonna as a community.”

Meier added that he is a good community ambassador.

“Where he wins a lot of people’s trust is that he is willing to talk about issues without making people feel they are ignorant to those issues, whether it’s racial or other things,” Meier said. “He’s always very respectful about that.”

While Hussein can often be seen as a bridge or a spokesman for the Somali community, it is a role both he and Meier say that he embraces.

“He probably feels like he plays that role all the time, and he often is an advisor and will explain how to connect best with the Somali community,” Meieir said. “Sometimes he will carry messages forward and is usually very willing to do what he can to make sure at least a larger number of members in the Somali community are able to know what is going on with different pieces within the city.”

Meier also noted that Hussein has an impact in many areas in the community, and puts his whole heart into everything he does.

“His giving ends up being more about being an advocate for these organizations, things like the United Way where he is really active and understanding of what they do.”

Always reaching further

Hussein’s services also help families in the Austin and Albert Lea areas, and he said you don’t have to be Somali either.

Other things he has helped families with include homecare, finding transportation, and being an interpreter.

“We have about three-to-five people come in the office each day. We have after school programs, and I just want to ease the everyday burdens in their lives. That helps to make my day,” Hussein said.

To truly understand Hussein and his life mission and values, look no further than his company’s motto. Hussein said they came up with a motto that embodies what they believe are their core values.

” True success is not the achievement of one but the progress of the whole. Regardless of what you do in life and regardless of how successful you become, unless the whole community is successful with you, you have only helped yourself. If the community is successful, the progress of the community leads to the change of a nation. It doesn’t matter the color of your skin, the language you speak, or the country you are from; every community can progress to success if the opportunity is given.”

Hussein said he is available seven days a week and is eager to help any and everyone who comes through his doors, helping to make connections and build a better community one person, one day, and one service at a time. n Ashley Hanley is a freelance writer. Reach the editor at editor@

apgsomn.com.

Ibrahim Hussein was a keynote speaker at a leadership symposium in Owatonna in 2016. He said being a leader is not always easy, and it involves lifting up others and encouraging them. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Ibrahim Hussein, founder and executive director of Somali American Cultural Society of Owatonna (SACSO), watches YouTube videos of Somali songs celebrating independence day in this 2015 photo. (File photo/southernminn. com)

Pictured from left to right are Ahmed Hussein (SACSO Treasurer), Ibrahim Hussein (Founder and Director of SACSO), Hussein Ibrahim (SACSO Board member), Caryn Boetel (Chair of the SACSO Board), Hindi Ali (SACSO Board member) and Tanya Paley (Director of Strategic Operations, United Way of Steele County). (Submitted photo)

Faribault’s ABDI helps immigrants, wider community in tireless efforts

By TOM NELSON Guest Contributor

arun Abdi’s journey from Somalia to the United States inspired him to become an advocate and mentor for young people in his new community.

He has been working with Somali Community Resettlement Services (SCRS) in Faribault to help others achieve success. He’s employed as a program supervisor and mentor for SCRS, a supportive organization that aids refugees in obtaining vital necessities and the abilities to become independent in their new environment.

“Since I have been working with the SCRS, I have had the opportunity to do something within our community to make lives better and motivate the immigrant and refugee youth,” Abdi said.

HSeeking a new life

Like many Somali families who have moved to the United States, Abdi and his kin were confronted with a variety of obstacles along the way. He was born in Somalia, yet, as a boy, he relocated with his family to Kenya. For around nine years they remained there before taking advantage of the chance to immigrate to America when Abdi was 11.

“When we emigrated from Somalia to the United States, it was for a better opportunity and a chance to pursue a better life,” Abdi said. “Our parents made sure we lead a better life than they did.”

When Abdi and his family first migrated, they lived in Portland, Oregon. It was hard to adjust: the Somali population was small, and most of his family couldn’t speak English. But they connected with people from Kenya living in Minnesota, so they ended up moving to Faribault. Abdi attended middle school locally and went on to graduate from Faribault High

School in 2020.

“Once I graduated from high school, I took a two-year hiatus to explore the job market,” he said. “Ultimately, I ended up working at Amazon before returning to college to acquire my degree.”

Abdi is currently studying at South Central College, chasing a degree in applied leadership. He hopes to wrap up his four-year education at either Metro State University or Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Community work

Abdi has been part of SCRS for a year and a half, and he’s proven himself to be a leader to Somali youth in the area. His love of soccer was what first drew him to SCRS, as he participated in the youth leagues that this organization set up.

Abdi explained why he had chosen to work for the SCRS: “I have a lot of ties with the

Harun Abdi is a leader at Somali Community Resettlement Services in Faribault, and he works hard to ensure immigrants find home and acclimate well in their new community. (Submitted photo)

Harun Abdi, program manager and youth coordinator at the Somali Community Resettlement Services, holds his certificate for being named a 2023 Rice County Prevention Champion. (Photo courtesy of Healthy Community Initiative)

young people in town through soccer. Most of the boys here are Somali, and they really enjoy playing. That’s how I managed to get to know them all so well.”

When I was offered the position at SCRS, it reminded me of an individual who had previously been employed here. He was always available to lend assistance and support to those around him, especially to the kids.

“I wanted to take this job so I could be that same kind of person — a figure they can trust and depend on,” Abdi said.

Since joining SCRS, Abdi has been involved with several programs that are designed to help immigrant and refugee youth.

Abdi spoke about the grant program, Youth At Work.

“It gives kids throughout high school the support and preparation they need to succeed in college,” he said.

He continued, saying that SCRS should do what it can to promote positive behavior and encourage them to reach their full potential, giving them any support they require.

Work with River Bend

An example of this was the work Abdi has done recently to help connect youth from the Somali community with summer employment opportunities at the River Bend Nature Center in Faribault.

“River Bend and SCRS started a partnership about eight or nine months ago to do a pilot workforce development program where Somali youth can be exposed to careers in conservation and environmentalism,” River Bend Nature Center Executive Director Brad Bourn said. “It is a career path not a lot of Somali youth have been exposed to, and to start that work, you don’t just open the doors and say ‘Come on

in.’ There is a lot of cultural competency work that we need to know and ambassador work needed.”

The connections made through Abdi helped River Bend make the needed connections to get

the program moving forward.

“We would not have been successful recruiting young adults into this program if it wasn’t for Harun,” Bourn said. “He just pounded the pavement and had one-on-one conversations

with young adults who were looking for their first jobs. His natural charisma and leadership really helped convince some young people to take us up on that work.”

(Submitted photo)

Along with the connections for employment opportunities, Abdi has also served as an advocate for getting members of the Somali community involved with utilizing the many resources provided by River Bend.

“I think I’ve helped build a better connection between the Somali community and River Bend,” Abdi said. “For the most part, the Somali community here is not familiar with River Bend, which is one of the reasons why SCRS decided to collaborate with River Bend to get that project going. They encourage outdoor activities and enjoying nature; something people really love to go explore. It helped River Bend get the recognition and people now know that this is a place that has trails for older people to walk on and families can go with their kids to enjoy nature.”

Prevention champion

Earlier this year, Abdi was recognized as one of the Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition’s 2023 Prevention Champion award recipients. He was saluted for the work he did in helping the Healthy Community Initiative out of Northfield connect with the Somali community on issues related to drug abuse and recovery.

“ They connected us (SCRS) with HCI to raise awareness with outreach throughout the community and educate Somali parents on ways they can help their child who might be struggling with drug use … because many parents may not be familiar with drug use and the ways they can help their child if they are struggling.” Abdi said.

In addition, Abdi helps provide counseling and resources to area youth as they progress

through the school and get ready for college or the workplace.

“My role at the SCRS is to mentor youth through the program we call Youth at Work, to help them throughout high school. If they need help and are struggling with classes, we help them find solutions.”

He works with parents in connecting them with the schools in order to improve their child’s education and also helps area youth look for employment, fill out job applications, set up a resume and prepare for a job interview.

“Harun is a very natural leader. From what I’ve seen in interactions either at SCRS or at River Bend, youth, and kids flock to him. You can tell that they literally and metaphorically look up to him, and hang off of what he says,” Bourn said about Abdi’s leadership skills.

Abdi added, “Just giving them that guidance and to have someone from the same background as them, who is able to come to the schools if they need anything or are facing problems is important. I just want to be that person who can be there for them and help them find a solution to whatever they need.

As a young person just starting his professional career, Abdi hopes to continue this line of work for years to come. A person who helps support all the groups in town who may need the type of services offered by groups like SCRS that help make the transition easier for newcomers to this area.

“It (SCRS) has been helpful to new people who move here who don’t really speak English. To just have people here with the same background, who are here to help them with any resources they need and give them that guidance,” Abdi said.

“It is important to a lot of people, because when you settle in a new place and you don’t speak the language or know the culture, to have

that person who can guide you through that until you adapt to the new place you are living in is one of the main reasons why I really like working here.” n

Tom Nelson is a freelance writer. Reach the editor at editor@ apgsomn.com.

Harun Abdi is a program manager and youth counselor for the Somali Community Resettlement Services. He plays a major role in the new program with River Bend Nature Center. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)

THACKER puts wit, words and good will to work

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

“It isn’t a good day if you haven’t made something,” asserts Bob Thacker. “And I’ve always loved making things — making messes, making art, making mistakes — and learning from them.”

That playful attitude is part of what energizes Thacker, a Northfield resident since 2015, and encapsulates his zestful approach to life.

A self-professed “creative” who retired in 2011 following a 41-year career in advertising and marketing, Thacker’s stock in trade was his way with words and an ability to prompt others to think through challenges outside the box.

“ Tapping into creativity is like tapping into your gene pool,” mused Thacker, 75. “It’s kind of who you are, and I don’t know that I had any other choice but to be the person I am.”

But is someone as busy as Thacker truly “retired?” In his case, not having to report to a day job means a more flexible schedule, and a chance to plan occasional get-aways with his wife, Karen Cherewatuk, and extended family.

Nevertheless, his dance card brims with meetings, events, projects and commitments, nearly all of them related to arts, community and social service organizations, whose missions he deeply believes in.

From the start

Thacker’s willingness to say “Yes” and his enduring desire to give back has its roots in his Lincoln, Nebraska childhood.

“My parents were very much involved in the community,” said Thacker. “My dad was a mailman, and my mom was a teacher, but they gave constantly. I have a passion for leaving the world a better place and using the skills I’ve been given.”

Other Northfielders who have worked with Thacker in various capacities verify that he practices what he preaches.

Fellow community volunteer Nancy Carlson said the words generous, hospitable, enthusiastic and faithful come to mind when considering Thacker.

“Bob is open-hearted and willing to dig in to help his community,” said Carlson.

“He’s one of the kindest gems around; he’s so personable and interested in other people. He truly wants the best for his community.”

Multi-tasking contributor

Thacker, 75, became a Northfield resident in 2015 after marrying Karen Cherewatuk, a longtime St. Olaf College English professor specializing in the areas of medieval literature and Arthurian legend.

“She’s the smart one in the family,” quipped Thacker. “I just try to use native intelligence.”

Together, the couple built a “forever home” in a northwest neighborhood of Northfield, and Thacker proceeded to seek opportunities to contribute.

After only eight years, Thacker’s record of local involvement is extensive. He’s a Northfield Rotary Club member, a past president and board member of Northfield Shares, a participant in Northfield Round Table, a past activist in Northfield SHED (Sustainable Housing Education and Development), a member of Age-Friendly Northfield’s Housing Task Force, a member of the Northfield Arts and Culture Commission and a current board member of the Northfield Arts Guild and Three Links Care Center.

In addition, Thacker sings (“I’m a warbling tenor,” he declared self-deprecatingly) with the select I Cantanti vocal ensemble, and he recently joined the board of Minneapolis-based

Bob Thacker is a Northfield resident that has used his creative talents to help others. (Jane Moore/southernminn.com)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

VocalEssence.

“I like being busy,” Thacker said, in what is perhaps a slight understatement. Indeed, he’s heartily embraced his new hometown and every opening for involvement that’s come his way.

“ The thing that makes Northfield wonderful is it’s so easy to be a part of this community,” said Thacker.

“ There are over 200 nonprofits in Northfield, and that equals a whole lot of people who want to solve problems. I’ve heard some people say

it’s not easy to make connections here, but that’s balderdash.”

Having cast such a wide net of service and participation, Thacker shouldn’t be surprised that others value his presence and contributions.

“Bob is a truly unique person,” said Peter Schleif, conductor of I Cantanti.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever met someone who has so quickly, effectively and sincerely leapt into a community, identified its strengths and needs, and then done everything possible to help out.”

Justin Stets, president of Carlson Capital

Management, shared Northfield Shares board responsibilities with Thacker and thus observed him in action.

“With Bob, his heart shines first, and all other parts of him—including time, talent and treasure—immediately are in tow,” said Stets. “Bob’s heart actively shone as a board member of Northfield Shares, our community foundation. He is a connector, par excellence. And those around him are the benefactors of his creative, imaginative and active mind.”

Connie Albers, who’s served with Thacker on the Northfield Arts Guild board and subcommittees, had similar observations.

“Bob is dedicated to philanthropic ideals and he looks for ways to bring people together,” said Albers.

“He brings positive energy and creative ideas to our strategic plans and projects.”

Creative force, endless optimist

Besides applying his considerable professional experience when volunteering, Thacker is an artist who enjoys creating with repurposed objects such as doors, steel, wood, glassware and more.

“I’m blessed to live next door to an expert glass blower and welder,” said Thacker of his neighbor, artist Rick Swearer.

“I hire him to teach me, and it’s been really fun,” he continued. “I envision things and he shows me how to make them, or I make them under his direction.”

The garden outside Northfield’s senior center, FiftyNorth, was the beneficiary of an eight-foot-high sculpture Thacker crafted from repurposed materials. Fittingly, it’s titled, “Bloom Where You’re Planted.”

Thacker’s artistic, participative nature has been present throughout his life; he recalls singing with the Lincoln [Nebraska] Boys Choir as a lad (traveling to both the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and the 1964 New York World’s Fair with the group), being involved with student government in high school and acting in numerous plays and musicals.

His thespian roles included turns as Will Parker in “Oklahoma” and the Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D., in “The Importance of Being Earnest.” He also portrayed King Mongkut of Siam in a production of “The King and I,” a part he laughingly acknowledges would have befit him better a few decades later (referencing his current bald pate).

“I had a full head of dark, kinky-curly hair at the time,” he said. “People said I looked like Gene Shalit, who my young niece once saw and said, ‘It’s Uncle Bobby.’”

Perhaps because of his parents’ example, and due to personal challenges faced over time (for instance, he has three grown children and the younger of his two daughters was born without a left hand), Thacker has a heart for helping others.

Giving

He and Cherewatuk recently spearheaded the redevelopment of a Northfield house for a local Latino family who had lived for years in sub-standard conditions. The extensive project took the better part of a year, and Thacker enlisted dozens of friends and business partners to rehabilitate the property, known fondly to all as “Starfish House.”

“Bob and Karen powerfully direct their energies towards improving the health, well-being and resilience of the Northfield community,” said Stets.

And it isn’t just Northfield that’s benefited from Thacker’s energy.

A 1970 graduate of University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Thacker hasn’t forgotten his home town even though he hasn’t lived there since earning his degree in advertising.

Following the death of their parents, Thacker and his sister chose to use a portion of their modest estate to establish an annual scholarship for a community-involved senior at their high school alma mater.

“It’s not a huge amount, but it provides that sense of connectivity and being a part of something,” said Thacker.

During his marketing and advertising career (he worked primarily for Campbell Mithun, Target, Sears and OfficeMax), Thacker served on the boards of the Ordway, Children’s Theatre Company, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Gillette Children’s Specialty Care.

Thacker’s biggest takeaway? It’s always worth the effort.

“It is possible for individuals to make a positive difference, whether that means stepping in to help solve the housing crisis, repurpose materials or engage in historic preservation,” said Thacker.

“I’ve been given so much, and I see so many in the world making do with so much less.

‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’” Thacker said, paraphrasing Luke 12:48. “I believe that; I really do. It’s not enough to just fill up space.”

Thacker’s example has inspired Schleif, who’s witnessed Thacker helping out with concert setup and volunteering to host I Cantanti social gatherings at his home.

“Bob is a role model for all of us,” said Schleif. “His generosity of spirit, his commitment to building a better world and his kind and loving demeanor make him someone I look up to.”

In Nebraska boy “aw shucks” style, Thacker good-naturedly shrugs off such praise.

“I’m an eternal optimist,” he said, seeking to encourage others with this advice: “Make the most of what your individual life is — whatever you are, wherever you are.” n

A view of the living room of the home of Bob Thacker and Karen Cherewatuk. The couple designed their home to specifically allow for an ease in movement for wheelchairs. (Photo courtesy of NCC and Brand Yourself)

Bob Thacker and Karen Cherewatuk spearheaded the all-volunteer project of restoring the old house with a modern farmhouse motif. (Pamela Thompson/southernminn. com)

Kellie Moseley when she received the Waseca Rotary Club’s “Service Above Self” award in January 2020. Though she avoids the spotlight, Moseley actively works to help Waseca be more vibrant. (Photo courtesy of Ann Fitch)

Waseca’s MOSELEY pitches in for good

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

aybe Kellie Moseley’s leadership skills, reliable work ethic and organizational abilities can be traced to her childhood on the rural Waseca acreage where she was raised by her parents, Karen and the late Richard Roessler.

As big sister to three younger brothers living on the family’s crop and livestock farm, Moseley affirms, “We all had to pitch in and help out where needed.”

“But I was the boss,” she joked.

At work

For the past 24 years, Moseley has applied her talents to the Huebl Insurance Agency/ Randy Mulcahey Agency and Waseca Realty, where she functions as both an insurance agent and administrative assistant.

Essentially a “Jane of all trades,” Moseley assumed increasing levels of responsibility and roles at the dual purpose office as the years advanced. Her employment has never been just a job, though; she’s found it unexpectedly rewarding to work in the insurance industry

Mand to also support the efforts of staff, as they help buyers and sellers navigate real estate transactions.

“I love helping people,” said Moseley. “In an insurance office, people often come to us when they have a problem and need to make a claim, or maybe they have high insurance rates or are struggling to find affordable coverage. We can help them and offer assurance that things will work out. People have questions and we work hard to get them the answers they need right away. It’s pretty satisfying.”

Moseley has high praise for her boss, Chuck Huebl, and her co-workers, saying they’re not only appreciative but also enjoyable to work with.

In addition to her day job, Moseley has maintained a part-time bartending gig at the Waseca Lakeside Club, often on Friday nights and for occasional special events.

Be assured, though, that when Moseley’s hours on the clock draw to an end, she’s often just warming up.

Ongoing service

A dedicated local volunteer for decades, Moseley has been a particularly devoted supporter of youth sports (specifically football

and hockey) and her faith community (Sacred Heart Catholic Church).

Though she’d be the last person to ever call attention to herself and her efforts, her contributions over time have been considerable enough for others to recognize.

For instance, in January 2020, Moseley received the Waseca Rotary Club’s “Service Above Self” award, despite not being a Rotary Club member.

“Kellie is a real gem to have in this community,” said Ann Fitch, executive director of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce. “There’s a reason she got that award; she puts her service above herself. And attention is the last thing Kellie ever seeks. She’s one of the least braggadocious people I’ve ever come across; her humility is very deep.”

A 1987 Waseca High School graduate, Moseley, 54, never intended to follow the career path she has now traversed since 1999. In fact, she earned a degree in elementary education at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

“But I never taught,” she said. “Life just took a different direction.”

Instead, Moseley accepted employment as a dispatcher for a trucking company based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she continued working until the company was sold. She returned

to the Waseca area, married and welcomed the addition of two sons (Jack, 23, and Ben, 21). Following a divorce, Moseley was a single mom for the bulk of her boys’ childhood. A desire to be present for her sons, and supportive of their activities, is partly what led her to the ongoing volunteer roles she’s filled with Waseca Youth Football and the Waseca Hockey Association (following time assisting with youth baseball and wrestling when they were younger).

As secretary for Waseca Youth Football for the last 14 years — since her eldest son Jack was in fourth grade — Moseley bears primary responsibility for the annual registration process, payment handling and scheduling.

Given that her sons are now Waseca High School alumni and college graduates, one might think Moseley might too have “graduated.”

“It’s because I can’t say no,” laughed Moseley. “And Ed Hoehn, the WYF president, doesn’t have kids in football anymore either, so every time I go to quit, saying I don’t have kids involved now, he says, ‘And your point is?’ So I stay.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Always reliable

That stick-to-itiveness has not gone unnoticed.

Commended Fitch, “Kellie is one of those folks who, once she gets involved in an event or project, doesn’t stop. Her kids might be done, but she’s not. She has a passion that keeps on going, beyond the needs of her own family.”

Hoehn, himself an 18-year WYF volunteer, agrees with Fitch’s assessment.

“One thing about this gal: she’s in it for the right reasons,” said Hoehn. “She does it for all the kids, not just her own, and to me that speaks volumes. She’s great to the kids and is so organized, and that’s what makes our program so good. Kellie knows exactly what we need to do, and she does it.”

Moseley is also a familiar figure at the Waseca Community Arena, where her sons played hockey for years. Within the scope of the Waseca Hockey Association, Moseley serves on both the hockey board and the gambling board and is the Waseca High School hockey team coordinator.

She’s been in charge of arranging the WHA’s fundraising efforts (pull-tabs, Bingo and raffles) that enable the organization to pay for evercritical ice time.

And as the high school team coordinator, Moseley is responsible for organizing food for bus rides to and from games, ordering senior banners, helping plan senior profile nights and end-of-year banquets and, additionally this year, raising money for the team to attend Hockey Day Minnesota 2024 at Warroad in late January.

“I love hockey,” professed Moseley, adding that she has plenty of Bluejays gear and spirit wear to don at the drop of a hat, er, puck or pigskin.

“ The best part about hockey and football is the people you meet and spend time with at the games,” she added. “I really enjoy visiting with people.”

At church

Beyond Moseley’s commitment to youth sports lies her nearly lifelong involvement with the Sacred Heart Fall Festival. Running for three days each mid-September, the festival has been a Waseca tradition for over 50 years and is the primary annual fundraiser (typically netting about $100,000) for Sacred Heart School, of which Moseley is an alumna.

Moseley’s dad was among the festival’s founders in 1971, so she and her brothers began chipping in as young children.

Now, Moseley has logged 17 years as one of the festival’s three committee heads (her equally committed co-chairs are Angie Storvick and Marya Eustice), overseeing more than 100 volunteers and a long list of weekend activities.

With a Friday night fish fry, Saturday evening burger feed and Sunday morning pancake breakfast, the Sacred Heart Fall Festival ensures everyone is well fed. The wide variety of activities (Bingo, a children’s carnival, a silent auction, book fair, a Saturday evening polka mass followed by a free street dance, headlined at the recent 2023 festival by popular local band Los Tequileros) means there’s literally something for everybody to love.

“It’s super fun,” said Moseley. “We put up a big tent that takes up the whole street.”

It’s also a lot of time-consuming, hard work. Moseley doesn’t deny that she and her fellow long-time organizers are wearing down a bit from all that’s required to keep the wheels turning.

“We’re getting tired, but we enjoy it,” Moseley said, stressing that it takes dozens of people to make the festival an annual success. “We’re trying to recruit younger families to help because we need new blood to keep things fresh.”

Kellie Moseley of Waseca with her sons, Jack and Ben. Moseley is a tireless worker in the Waseca community, both on and off the clock. (Submitted photo)

Kellie Moseley of Waseca with her sons, Jack and Ben. Moseley is a tireless worker in the Waseca community, both on and off the clock. (Submitted photo)

The tent was full all weekend for the 50th annual Fall Festival outside of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School in Waseca in 2022. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Kellie Moseley (right in black) is an active participant in Waseca community organizations, like the Chamber Ambassadors. (Submitted photo)

Keeping it real

If Moseley had it her way, she’d prefer not to be the center of attention, especially for the things she does for others.

“I’ve just seen places I could pitch in and help,” she demurred. “I like the background stuff.”

But Hoehn and Fitch are among those who believe Moseley’s spirit and attitude can inspire more people to step up.

“ The time Moseley puts in to the Sacred Heart Fall Festival is immense,” said Fitch. “Kellie is a selfless doer.”

Added Hoehn, “She’s an awesome lady who does so much for this community, and she gives non-stop. She loves Waseca and she gives in a way that should inspire other people. If others gave even 30% of what she does, that would be great.”

When she’s not working or volunteering, Moseley enjoys traveling, reading (“I like

books that end with a ‘happily ever after,’” she laughed) and cooking.

“My taco salad is a requirement for all our family gatherings at the holidays,” she confirmed.

Love for her hometown is definitely behind Moseley’s ongoing volunteer contributions.

“We have such an amazing community and businesses,” said Moseley. “Whatever we need, they give. People help, donate and attend, and if you ask, they come.”

Moseley’s dearest wish is that others would see the unlooked-for benefits that will come their way when stepping up to share their time and talents.

“Everybody has busy lives, but I still think everybody can find some time to volunteer,” she urged. “The relationships you form while being involved and helping others are a joy.” n

Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504.wordpress.com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@gmail.com

St. Peter’s JAKE’S PIZZA family hopes to grow and thrive

By PHILIP WEYHE editor@apgsomn.com

There’s an art to making good pizza, and the next leader at Jake’s Pizza in St. Peter is an artist.

Jon Boyer, 45, who spent 15 years pursuing his love of art in New York, returned to Minnesota with his New Yorker wife, Lisa Boyer amid the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking steady work and a place to raise their, now, two daughters. And while he’s not a businessman by trade, like his brother Andrew at the Mankato location, Jon is learning fast.

Where he feels he can really excel, like his father

Wally, 70, and mother Brenda, 68, before him, is connecting with customers.

“Most people, when you hand them a pizza, they smile ear to ear,” Jon said. “People are happy when they get to eat pizza. And I like being part of that.”

Wally made his first Jake’s Pizza in 1973, and he, along with Brenda, is about ready to hand over the reins to both of the family’s Jake’s locations to the next generation. With Jon and Andrew already serving as managers in St. Peter and Mankato respectively, middle son Chris (who experienced a traumatic brain injury in a car crash in 2012) working in Mankato, and

Father and son, Willy Boyer (right) and Jon Boyer, have big hopes for the future of Jake’s Pizza in St. Peter. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn.com)

Jon Boyer returned to his family business in the midst of the pandemic after 15 years in New York. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn.com)

grandchildren in tow, Wally can see a future for Jake’s remaining in the family.

“We’ve never forced it on any of them, never said they have to take over the business. I’ve relayed that, when the time comes, and we’re divested in the business, they can do whatever they want,” Wally said. “But we are happy to have them be part of the business.”

History to here

Rose and Ernie Jacobson opened the first Jake’s Pizza in Albert Lea in 1964 and created the recipes that are still used today. The Albert Lea location, and one in Fairmont, are still in operation but operate independently from the Boyer family’s stores.

In April 1972, Vern “Sarge” Carstensen, brother to Rose and Ernie, opened Jake’s Stadium Pizza in Mankato. Meanwhile, Vern’s daughter, Brenda, was meeting her future husband.

“I was working at another job and pumping gas, and her friends bought gas there, and evidently they thought I was kind of cute or something, because they just kept coming back until I asked her out,” Wally recalled. “We dated for a while and finally got married in 1974.”

Before they ever got married, Wally had made his first pizzas at Jake’s, but he had never considered entering or running the business, having moved his way into management positions up the ladder at SuperAmerica.

“I didn’t realize (Jake’s) would be my life’s

work,” he said.

It was around 1978 that Vern approached Wally about the future of Jake’s, seeking a successor in the family. Brenda had her own path at the time, but Wally was ready for a change.

“I looked at is an an opportunity, where we could make it into a real family business,” he said.

After years serving in the managerial role, Wally realized he was prepared to take over one day.

“I realized that I enjoyed what we were doing,” he said. “I enjoyed the fact we were giving out a product that we were responsible for and people loved.”

In 1997, Wally and Brenda became owners of Jake’s Stadium Pizza. They have carried the

legacy forward using the same techniques, recipes and fresh ingredients as generations past. In 2012, they opened their second location, Jake’s Pizza of Saint Peter.

A path back home

Jon Boyer remembers growing up inside Jake’s Pizza.

“We spent a lot of time there, a lot of our birthday parties there,” he said. “I worked there starting when I was 13. Even younger than that, he’d have me clear tables or quarters from the Ms. Pacman machine or the jukebox. We basically grew up in that building.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Jake’s Pizza uses a special type of cheese on its pizzas, while pepperoni is, like anywhere, one of their most popular ingredients. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn.com)

The team at Jake’s Pizza makes the pizza dough daily. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn. com)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

He admitting to harassing employees as a kid and feeling prideful among friends that his family ran a popular pizza restaurant. But it’s also the place where he grew older, matured.

“I remember a time we had just gotten to Jake’s, and everyone was crowded around the TV when I got there,” he recalled. “It was when the OJ Bronco chase was happening. A lot of those life events I remember through Jake’s.”

But while he credits a strong work ethic and an attention to detail to his time in the restaurant, his vision took him elsewhere after high school.

He got a degree in studio art from the University of Minnesota Duluth and then headed to New York to become a “world famous artist,” he said with a laugh. That’s where he met Lisa.

“I loved New York,” Jon said. “We never saw ourselves coming back to MN until the pan-

demic hit.”

Lisa had to close her boutique fitness studio during the pandemic, and suddenly, with daughter Sadie in tow (second daughter Rita was still a few years away), security and comfort seemed more appealing. And Minnesota felt the better bet to offer what they needed.

“We wanted a house and a yard for our daughter,” Jon said. “That would’ve been near impossible in NYC. We just decided the opportunity was a little better here.”

And so the couple moved to the Twin Cities metro. And Jon returned to the family business when he was needed most.

Wally and Brenda were convinced by a family member to open a second Jake’s location in St. Peter in 2012, but they soon found themselves seeking someone who could take over and run the location.

“Jake’s (in St. Peter) was already established,”

Jon said. “They had a challenging time getting good management, and we thought we could step in and help with that. I felt like I could be a big help and take some of that load off, and it’s worked really well.”

Jon is the manager and soon to be owner in St. Peter, while Lisa, raising kids and working in the cities, handles the social media pages.

Carrying the tradition forward

St. Peter is undoubtedly a smaller market than Mankato, but Jon and Wally feel like the restaurant has found its footing in recent years.

“I think it’s going really well,” Jon said. “We’ve seen a bit of an increase. That’s definitely not all me. But I’ve gotten to know people in town. I know all the regulars and have established relationships with them. That goes a long way.”

He added, “It reminds me a lot of the way Jake’s in Mankato was when I grew up. It’s just a little bit smaller operation. The building is about the same size as the original location.”

The experienced Wally can see exactly what’s working well.

“He’s established a good rapport with the employees, which is important,” Wally said of his son.

New leadership or old, there are some things at Jake’s that aren’t likely to change.

“Handmaking every pizza to order, doing the prep work every day,” Wally said. “I don’t see us ever using machines or robots to make pizzas. We’re making the dough almost daily, spicing the sauce, seasoning the meats, slicing.”

“We would never change our sauce spices,” Jon added.

But they won’t be inflexible either. Lisa’s work on social media is already something new, and the family added some new pizzas to

VISIT

Jake’s Pizza is located at 119 Broadway Ave. in St. Peter. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The phone number is 507-9344944. The phone number is jakespizzastpeter.com.

the menu recently. The industry will change, which will cause the business to change, but the Boyers hope the community will be with them through it all.

For decades, Jake’s was a Mankato institution among the Carstensen and Boyer family, establishing its reputation and building its customer base there. But Jake’s has been in St. Peter now for over a decade, and every day, the business is further ingrained in the community. What Jon hopes the restaurant can be going forward is a place that everyone in St. Peter knows — a place they can meet, talk, feel comfortable and, of course, eat pizza.

“People should be able to walk in the door and see people they know,” he said. “It goes back to wanting to be part of the community.” n

Reach Regional Managing Editor Philip Weyhe at 507931-8579 or follow him on Twitter @EditorPhilipWeyhe. © Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

The walls at Jake’s in St. Peter are filled with local jerseys and memorabilia, including from St. Peter High School, Cleveland High School and Gustavus Adolphus College. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn.com)

Jake’s Pizza is known for its thin crust and specialty sauce. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn.com)

Partway through her sophomore year of high school, Peng Olson found herself in an alarming transition.

After growing up in northern Omaha, Nebraska, where at least half of her school peers were other people of color, Olson’s family relocated to northern Minnesota, and she was enrolled in a predominately white school.

“I’ve always struggled with having one foot planted in my Asian identity, but also as white and being seen as white — I would choose to be seen as white,” Olson said. “There was only one other person of color in my new school, so it was tough and very different, but I knew I was different. I always knew.”

Even though she was just a young teen, Olson said she knew early on that if she wanted to belong in this new school it would be up to her to find a way to connect to the other students.

“Somehow, I mustered up the courage to try out for the cheer team,” she laughed, recalling

Owatonna’s PENG OLSON is not to be underestimated

By ANNIE HARMAN annie.harman@apgsomn.com

LEFT: Despite her humble nature, Peng Olson has become an Owatonna household name due to her continued drive to enhance the community. (Submitted photo)

ABOVE: Jeff Elstad thanks Peng Olson, outgoing member of the United Way of Steele County Board in March 2022, for her hard work and dedication to UWSC and the Owatonna community. (File photo/southernminn.com)

her naturally introverted personality when she was younger. “Then I was elected by my teammates to be captain, I ended up serving on the yearbook committee and being elected to student council.”

Fast forward to today, few people in Owatonna are unfamiliar with the name Peng Olson and the lasting impact she has had on the community. Currently working as the community relations manager at Federated Insurance, Olson’s 30 years in Owatonna are decorated with volunteerism, leadership and being an advocate for positive change in the community she was determined to make her home.

But reality is, the community hardly knows the half of it, and the humble Olson is more than OK with that.

River Springs

Since her move to Owatonna in 1993, Olson hasn’t stopped doing what she can to address gaps she recognizes in the community, and her

first project was nothing to sleep on. Thanks to Olson, and her undeniable resilience, the River Springs Water Park exists. While Olson isn’t quick to take credit, she isn’t too shy to reveal how exactly the project got started.

“With three kids, ages 5, 3 and 6 months, I was a stay-at-home mom who doesn’t sit still. I needed that outlet to connect and contribute,” she said. “That first summer at home, I would meet up with some teacher friends and we would pile into minivans and caravan to other communities to use their pools.”

During one of those trips, Olson started talking about how Owatonna needed their own aquatics center when one of her friends “challenged” her to make it happen.

“I said, ‘watch me,’” Olson said with a smile. “I had kind of grown accustomed to this doubt people had in me, and I just figured this was another thing to overcome and prove myself.”

Admitting she wasn’t really sure what she was getting herself into, Olson said she hit the ground running to raise the $25,000 needed for a feasibility study to bring an aquatics

center to town. She learned pretty quickly she would need to present the project in front of the City Council, a key stakeholder in the initiative.

“Early in the project, we had a firm conducting confidential interviews with stakeholders throughout the community. Because I was leading the project, I was able to see the notes from those interviews, and one person had said to the interviewer about me, ‘Who the hell is she?’” Olson said. “It isn’t like I hadn’t heard that before, but that lit a fire under me. Besides, I was able to try out for the cheer team, right?”

Channeling that energy from her teen years, Olson marched herself to City Hall to pitch the idea — and the community need — for a local aquatics center. In the council chambers, that is where people first heard the name “Peng Olson,” putting an immediate end to the question, “who the hell is she?”

“I was covering City Council when this isCONTINUED

Peng Olson (far left) is first and only woman to be nominated twice for the coveted Woman of Achievement award with Owatonna Business Women. She was nominated in both 2008 and 2022. In 2022, she was nominated alongside Sarah Struss, Rhonda Guthier, Jennifer Copeland and Tanya Paley, each having lived up to the mission of personal empowerment, professional development, political awareness and more. (Photo courtesy of Legault Images)

CONTINUED

FROM PAGE 23

sue first came up and I remember the first time Peng came to talk to the council and present the idea,” said Rebecca Moore, former lifestyle editor for the People’s Press. “I remember thinking, I don’t know who this petite woman is with all this fire and courage, but I was immediately impressed.”

That City Council meeting led to Olson receiving an additional challenge in her march to bring an aquatics center to Owatonna: to get community buy-in for the project. Told by the council they would like to see community members contribute at least $1, Olson took that and ran with it.

“ This was the beginning of my learning about the community and the true psychology of Owatonna,” Olson said. “But more importantly, I learned about myself. I learned that I don’t give up. It took eight years to raise the money, but I kept asking people to give just one dollar.”

Always up for it

Over those eight years, Olson doesn’t gloss over the many, many obstacles she ran into.

Some of those obstacles took the shape of a lack of commitment from service groups and organizations, while others showed up as blatant misogyny and racism, both against her directly and umbrellaing a fear people showed at an aquatics center bringing minority groups to town.

“People reject what they fear, and they fear what they don’t know,” Olson said, noting that despite points of view she does not align with being presented, she always tries to take the time to understand why people may think and feel the way they do. “But there is so much goodness in people, and you can witness that in this community. There are people here, in Owatonna, willing to stand with you and not in front of you. Willing to allow your light to shine while others may want to dim you.”

Moore, who has developed a friendship and working relationship with Olson on a variety of community projects and initiatives, says she has seen firsthand people try to push stereotypes on Olson and limit her, but she adds that is a mistake made each and every time.

“You do not want to underestimate Peng Olson,” Moore said. “She is a connector and she can get things done … She does her homework. It is one thing to want to do or change something, it is another to be prepared with facts in line and know how to get from start to finish and bring people with her.”

In addition to the aquatics center, Olson has been heavily involved in nearly all corners of the community. Her extensive list of service efforts includes, but is not limited to, the Vote Yes committee in 2015 and 2019 impacting the school district’s need for new and updated facilities, the United Way of Steele County, Owatonna Forward, JumpStart Owatonna, Alliance for Greater Equity, the Owatonna Foundation, Engage Owatonna and more. And despite setbacks, rejections and obstacles, she shows no signs of stopping.

“Even when she ran for City Council this last year, she didn’t win, but that hasn’t stopped her from making a difference. She has just continued on, without any elected title,” Moore said. “That truly shows something about her integrity and her character and about her passion for this community — it is evident in everything she does.”

While the work alone speaks for itself, Moore said it is important to remember that all this fire is coming from a woman of color — and that matters.

“Representation matters, even when you just see someone trying to do something,” Moore said. “Peng is a true trailblazer who has taken courageous steps to push for positive change. It gives me and other women a model of what it takes to be courageous and leap to do significant things.”

Volunteering with United Way of Steele County, both as an individual and through her work at Federated Insurance, is one of the many areas Peng Olson (far left) can be seen giving back to her community. In the photo (left to right) are Peng Olson, Bill Theis, Jessica Schmitz, Brown, Annie Prokopec, and Tammi Ferch. (Photo courtesy of Federated Insurance)

Peng

years to see to completion. (Photo courtesy of Peng

women rallied around her and told her ‘you are needed, your voice is needed, we need someone like you to run and show other women what is possible.’ Peng is the model for how to show up for your community.”

Knowing the marginalization she has felt in her life, including in Owatonna, Olson said she hopes others sees what she sees within the community — the needle moving in the right direction.

“Do not lower yourself for the sake of others — keep loving, keep serving,” Olson offered as advice to her fellow Owatonnans looking to make a difference in their community. “There is so much sunshine in front of me, and I’m still blossoming. I’m going to keep doing so, and I know others around me will, too.” n Reach Associate Editor Annie Harman at 507-444-2378 or follow her on Twitter @NewspaperAnnie. ©Copyright 2023 APG Media of Southern Minnesota.

“Peng is someone who has been willing to be a voice to make sure other people are included,” Moore continued. “The value of that cannot be

overstated, being the voice to make sure others are thought of and considered … She was very hesitant to run for city council, but a group of

Peng Olson, alongside Molly Kerr and Seth Madole, file for candidacy in August 2022 to represent Owatonna on the City Council. Being a political newcomer, Olson expressed a desire to build a better bridge of communication and engagement between city officials and the public. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Peng Olson receives a $100,000 from Matt Kottke on behalf of Jostens for the Pool Together Owatonna aquatics center initiative. Olson fundraised for the project for eight years, often asking people to contribute just a single dollar. (Photo courtesy of Peng Olson)

Olson (far left) founded and chaired the Pool Together Owatonna committee in 2001, an effort to bring an aquatics center to the community and provide people of all ages additional recreational options in the summer months. The endeavor took eight

Olson)

Le Center’s musical MENK family brings joy to community

By CARSON HUGHES carson.hughes@apgsomn.com

For the Menks, quality family time isn’t just spent around the dinner table, it’s shared on the stage.

Husband and wife Carl and Robyn Menk, who live on their appropriately named family farm, Melody Acres, about 4.5 miles south of Le Center, have always shared a passion for music. It was what brought the couple together at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where they performed in the traveling show choir, the Ellis Street Singers led by Choir Director Allen “Doc” Wortman. Robyn was a singer, Carl a guitarist and the rest was history.

“Doc Wortman has seen a lot of marriages come from the Ellis Street Singers. I think he went to every single wedding. He didn’t miss anybody’s,” said Robyn.

Nowadays, Wortman keeps up with the Menks by watching their children — Austyn, Anya and Arya — perform. Each have gone through the Gustavus Adolphus College music program to become accomplished musicians in their own right.

The eldest, Austyn performs as a professional jazz

After graduating from Gustavus, Austyn Menk went on to obtain a Master’s in Jazz Studies at North Illinois University and work as a professional jazz pianist in the Chicago area. (Courtesy of Austyn Menk)

(Left to right) Robyn, Carl and Anya Menk of Le Center make up three of the five members of the musical Menk family. Robyn and Carl were musicians from an early age, finding love in show choir, and passed down their appreciation for music to their daughters Anya and Arya and son Austyn. (Carson Hughes/southernminn.com)

pianist in the Chicago area while serving as the Northern Illinois University music admissions administrator, where he received his Master’s degree in Jazz Studies.

Coming o the recent release of her debut jazz album, Inner Voice, vocalist, pianist and utist Anya Menk has been active in the local area, playing venues like Minnesota Square Park Pavillion during Hot Jazz for Decent People and the Co ee Hag in Mankato. When she’s not exercising her jazz chops, Anya teaches approximately 50 students in private music lessons at the Downtown Sound music store in New Prague.

Anya has just started her junior year at Gustavus Adolphus College, where she studies physics with eyes on pursuing a career in astrophysics. While physics is her primary focus, the pianist and trumpeter keeps her love for music alive, double majoring in music and playing in the Gustavus Wind Orchestra.

Sharing the music

Over the years, the Menks have blended their vocal and instrumental talents to share the joys of music. e family is a staple at Grace Lutheran Church, where Robyn serves as the Music Director, and the kids were regular performers for their grandmother and the other residents at the Benedictine senior living community, delivering renditions of nostalgic favorites by Elvis Presley and the Andrews Sisters as well as some classic Christmas Carols for holiday concerts.

“Austyn, Anya and my mom would be on the piano with Santa hats on; I would play trumpet. Everyone in the nursing home loved it and looked forward to it. It was pretty well advertised around the place,” said Arya. “It was one of my favorites, because it was a low stress

environment. ey loved just hearing people play and even if it doesn’t sound good, there’s no repercussions, there’s no judgment, it’s a really safe space to perform and was a lot of fun.”

When schools, churches and businesses shuttered their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Menk family kept using their voices to spread cheer in the community, broadcasting daily CoVid concerts from home

on YouTube. Between March and Christmas, 2020, the family had produced 110 musical showcases of classic pop and jazz standards, hymnals and holiday tunes.

e Menk family even lent their talents to help Le Sueur County Public Health promote the COVID-19 vaccine with their own parody song “Vax-A-Nation,” a play on the 1980 hit single “Celebration,” by Kool & the Gang. As

Tri-City United’s director of technology, Carl recruited colleagues from TCU schools and his family to perform the song, which aimed to help ease people’s anxieties about getting the vaccine. CONTINUED

Arya Menk is shown playing the trumpet in the Gustavus-Adolphus College Wind Orchestra. Arya is currently a junior, studying physics and music.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Musical genes

For Robyn, who grew up in a musical family herself, it was a joy to pass down the experience to her own children. Her own parents, who operated the dairy farm that is now Melody Acres, both sang and played piano, and Robyn learned from a young age to sing harmonies with her sisters.

Robyn and her sisters would go on to perform numerous events and talent contests, including a televised talent show in the 1970s titled Stairway to Stardom. She and her sisters were one of 10 acts to rise through the rankings all the way to the Super Grand Finals broadcast on the eve of Thanksgiving.

She also learned to play piano starting in the second grade, under the tutelage of an elderly woman in Montgomery, for a price of just 50 cents a session. But Robyn’s mother recognized she would need more intensive instruction to hone her skills and enrolled her in the Gustavus Piano Lab with junior and senior music education majors.

If it wasn’t for her parents providing her with skilled mentors and making sacrifices to take her and her sisters to talent shows and competitions, Robyn said she likely wouldn’t have developed the skills she has today.

“My dad was a farmer and he worked from morning until night, but when we were in a talent contest and had made it into the semifinals, Dad was there. We would always go out to eat afterwards, usually Richmond’s ice cream, we seemed to end up there a lot. And then he would get up at 5 in the morning to milk cows,” said Robyn. “That was kind of lost on me at the time. It’s something I look at now as an adult and a parent and realize what sacrifice that was for him. He probably got three hours of sleep.”

Robyn used that background to earn a music education degree from MSU, where she met Carl, a transplant from the East Coast. Growing up, Carl had learned to play the organ at a young age and began playing guitar in the eighth grade before studying at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York.

The Menks went on to collaborate on numerous musical projects. Both were in an area band for 12 years, and Carl operated a recording studio, Syntrack Studios, in the basement of

their home where local acts such as the Divers would come to record their early albums. The Menks also used the studio to produce commercial jingles sung by Robyn for local clients.

Robyn taught music lessons for students ranging from Kindergarten-age to college-age for 10 years, before stepping back to raise the kids. Early on the husband and wife knew they wanted their kids to experience music the way they had.

“You can do it for the rest of your life, you don’t have to stop if you have bad knees like with football, you can keep making music for as long as you have breath,” said Robyn.

Growth

It was not only a passion they shared, but a way to encourage self-discipline and motivation through consistent practice. Carl noted that music also teaches players to be able to accept criticism and learn from it.

“It helps you have an inner sense of humility and self awareness,” said Carl. “As long as you’re open and willing to take that and be vulnerable, you grow as a person and a musician.”

Robyn began teaching the kids the basics of playing piano until they could receive formal lessons starting at the second grade. While she laid the foundations for Austyn and Anya, she had more than her work cut out for her trying to teach a young Arya.

“I found a lot of ways to avoid practicing. I would be bending over the piano bench and try to annoy her to get out of practicing,” said Arya. “But I am glad she stuck through it with me because I really appreciate having the skills to be able to play and even just take away from the stress of doing classes.”

Austyn and Anya both received formal lessons from St. Peter’s Bonnie Jorgensen starting in the second grade before attending what they described as “life-changing” lessons from Gustavus Professors Helen and Paul Baumgartner.

The Baumgartners approached piano lessons with a focus on technical proficiency. If a student couldn’t play the song with proper technique, then they wouldn’t play it at all. It was a difficult transition at first, Anya recalled. Since none of the Menk siblings were clean players, the Baumgartners had them practice on the most basic children’s songs before they could graduate to more complex compositions.

“I remember playing Polly Wolly Doodle in competition. I was in middle school and I was so embarrassed,” Anya said.

“At the time I almost quit. Mom almost pulled us out of lessons, because we were like, ‘What’s happening, why are they playing polly wolly doodle?’” she continued. “But looking back it was the most important musical decision ever because they started us from square one with proper musical technique.”

The Menk children all continued to hone their craft as classically trained pianists, playing in regional competitions like the Bernice Jones Piano Festival at Gustavus, and rising through the Minnesota Music Teachers Associations Piano Exams. Both Austyn and Anya earned the rare distinction of graduating from the program with the highest rank.

Inspiration

While attending college at Gustavus, the siblings encountered who would become another life-changing mentor for all three of them, Masa Ishikawa. The now former Gustavus assistant professor and pianist was instrumental in transitioning the Menk students from their classical roots into the world of jazz.

When he first began his music career at Gustavus, Austyn noted that he had no interest in jazz whatsoever. With a self-described

Anya Menk sings and plays an arrangement off her album Inner Voice at the Coffee Hag in Mankato while her father Carl Menk backs her up on bass guitar. (Carson Hughes/southernminn.com)

Anya Menk performs with a quartert at Minnesota Square Park during Hot Jazz for Decent People. (Carson Hughes/southernminn.com)

(Left to right) Anya, Arya, Robyn and Austyn Menk sing Christmas caroles in their CoVid concert series boosting community morale during the height of the pandemic.

analytical personality, most comfortable when performing off of sheet music or a memorized piece, the improvisation-heavy world of jazz was terrifying. But under the tutelage of Ishikawa, Austyn learned there were tools and processes he could use at any time to figure out how to improvise off a composition. His instruction turned what seemed random and unknowable, into a puzzle that Austyn’s mind was ready and willing to crack.

What Austyn hadn’t realized is that he had been accidentally training himself in one of these tools, transcription, from an early age. In transcription, musicians listen to a piece over and over and try to play in the same precise manner the performer would have, down to the weight of their fingers on the keys.

As a child, Austyn had practiced this not with standard compositions, but the music of his favorite Pokemon games. Instead of playing Bach or Beethoven at the piano, Austyn often kept himself entertained by listening to tracks like the Dialga/Palkia Battle Theme from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl through his Nintendo DS speakers and replicating them on the keys.

“ That was extremely fulfilling to me. It was like a puzzle and a new piece of music and this unique oral challenge all in one,” said Austyn. “Little did I know that what I was doing when I was eight in practicing that way was training my ear in a way that not a lot of students my age likely were.”

With his jazz training, Austyn is now playing those same tracks with the Blue Shift Big Band, one of the premier video game music bands in Chicago, reinterpreting chiptune tracks from games like Pokemon, Sonic the Hedgehog and Castlevania into 17-piece jazz compositions. He hopes to eventually record an album and teach jazz as a professor one day, but for right now Austyn said he is living the dream.

“ All credit is due to my family, my sisters that continued to support me and keeping me honest and my parents for giving me a great sense of discipline and appreciation of what it is we do as musicians,” said Austyn. “I could not be more grateful for what life has become. People ask me how I am doing and I am elated all the time. I’m genuinely the happiest I’ve been and it’s an upward trajectory.”

Like her eldest brother, Anya delved headfirst into the jazz world with guidance from Ishikawa, training her voice and her skills as a pianist for the genre. It was her genre of choice when crafting her first album, Inner Voice, which debuted last December and features a mix of original compositions by Anya as well as arrangements and lyricizations of traditional jazz standards.

Anya collaborated with her father Carl on some of the lyrics for the album and recorded it all within her father’s studio in the basement of their home. The father daughter duo, along with other musicians comprising Anya’s backing band, frequently play songs off the album around the area.

Through music, Anya finds not only an outlet for artistic expression, but advocacy. One of the album’s highlights, Joy Spring, is notable for the use of jovial lyrics that satirize social attitudes pushing back on addressing climate change. In another track, How Many More, dedicated to the victims of the Uvalde mass shooting, Anya uses the medium to address gun violence.

With the children having grown into adults and taking separate career paths, life is a bit quieter on Melody Acres. But when the does get together for the summer and the holidays, it’s not long before there’s a burst of song. n Reach Reporter Carson Hughes at 507-931-8575. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All Rights Reserved.

Faribault’s CHEF JEFF continues to lead Depot Bar and Grill over 30 years later

By TOM NELSON Guest Contributor

Apassion for cooking and the community are the two driving forces that have helped Jeff LeBeau build The Depot Bar and Grill into a Faribault culinary landmark.

A native of Burnsville, LeBeau bought The Depot Bar and Grill in 1991 at the age of 23 and continues to run the establishment located in a converted historic 1902 Rock Island Railroad depot in Faribault’s downtown.

“Jeff (LeBeau) has run a cornerstone business here in Faribault for over 30 years. His success comes from not only the great food and service at the unique and historic Depot, but from his commitment to our community,” Faribault Chamber of Commerce President Nort Johnson said. “The donations of his talent and products have made a big impact on im-

portant community organizations and events. We’re grateful to have Jeff, his staff and his business as part of Faribault’s great offerings!”

Culinary curiosity

LeBeau got into the restaurant business while still a high school student in Burnsville.

“I’m the youngest of seven by far, and when I asked my dad for $5, he said ‘Get a job.’ I told him I was only 14; he still told me to get a job,” LeBeau said. “So I rode my bike from Burnsville to the Apple Valley bowling alley, and there was a restaurant there called Zorro’s. I started dishwashing for basically a day, and these cooks there got fired. They were wondering what they were going to do now, and I said I could do that. I started cooking right away, and I’ve never looked back on it.”

He also worked during this time at Sullivan’s Super Valu grocery store, first as a bag boy

before being promoted to an assistant manager in the produce department, all of which helped hone his culinary skills. A 1984 graduate of Burnsville High School, LeBeau then took his interest in cooking to the next level.

“I was either going to be a professional wrestler or a chef, and my folks endorsed the cooking portion of that,” LeBeau said with a laugh. “I’ve been cooking ever since I was 14, and after high school, I went out to New York to the Culinary Institute of America.”

LeBeau attended school in New York and part of that college experience included an internship experience back in Minnesota at the St. Paul Hotel.

His journey continued after completing his studies at the Culinary Institute with his first job at The Greenbriar resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.V. The resort was founded in 1778 and is widely considered one of the nation’s

top resorts that includes a guest list of 28 U.S. Presidents.

“It was definitely an awakening for me,” LeBeau said of his experience at the Greenbriar.

His next stop brought him back to New York, where he worked in Manhattan at Doug Flutie’s Restaurant in the South Street Seaport on Pier 17. LeBeau added to his resume as he helped open up the Riverbay Restaurant in Williston Park on Long Island. To complete his time out east, LeBeau joined the staff at the prestigious Garden City Hotel on Long Island.

“I was recruited to become the executive sous-chef and what I basically did was to help close their Italian restaurant Georgio’s and opened up the Market Sea Grill,” LeBeau said.

With the hotel’s location next to the Nassau County Coliseum, the Garden City Hotel’s clientele list included many of celebrities including the likes of B.B. King, Patti LaBelle, M.C.

Jeff LeBeau purchased The Depot Bar and Grill in 1991. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

Hammer, Howard Stern and Bel Biv DeVoe.

“It was a four star, four diamond hotel and I had a staff of 125 employees,” LeBeau said. “I was just a kid but I was really fortunate because cooking just came to me naturally. Like a songwriter that gets a song in their head, recipes just come to me like that…people will ask me where I came up with a recipe and I just tell them I dreamt it and then woke up and just made it.”

Back home

Although he was just 23 years old at the time, LeBeau decided to return to Minnesota and strike out on his own in the restaurant business. He originally looked at a location in Farmington at an old bank building, but the logistics didn’t quite work out there.

He then learned of an opportunity to move into the depot building in Faribault, and the rest is history.

“Dean Purdie was the mayor here at that time, and he was instrumental in making this happen,” LeBeau said. “He (Purdie) still comes in from time to time to eat here, and he will probably be here for a later lunch today.”

The building had served as a railroad depot up until 1969, and the historic structure then went on to house two other bar/restaurant

businesses (Bullpucky’s and The Rails) before LeBeau assumed ownership in 1991.

He moved in right about the time of the fabled 1991 Halloween blizzard that hit Minnesota.

“I came back after the snowstorm in 1991, and I thought ‘Oh, my God. What have I done?’

The snowstorm was one of the worst I’ve ever seen in my entire life, but we still managed to open up the day after Valentine’s Day in 1992.”

An early highlight for LeBeau was the use of The Depot as a scene in the classic movie “Grumpy Old Men.” But eventually, he saw the needed for updates.

“In 1996, I realized we needed to do a renovation. There were some major flaws with trying to have a restaurant in a depot. So we had to do some renovations,” LeBeau said.

Over the years, some of those renovations have included adding an airlock to the building, a chef’s room along with an addition on the south side of the building, a solarium on the east side and a large outside patio area.

“It’s been a great restaurant and we try to support the community the best we can,” LeBeau said. “The community is really good and we’ve become a destination restaurant.”

The clientele

LeBeau said that his customer base includes many people from Faribault but it also extends throughout the region to include towns like Northfield, Albert Lea and Rochester. He also gets customers from out of town who visit the area - such as the hockey teams that play at

Shattuck-St. Mary’s.

“Hockey season is coming and I like getting to meet the players, parents and coaches. One of the team’s asked me to make poutine and I said ‘sure we can make that.’ They liked it so much they said it was better than Canada,” LeBeau said about one of the requests from a visiting hockey team from Canada.

The Depot serves thousands of meals each month at the restaurant and through the business’ catering service.

“We can seat 160 at a time, but I want to keep the integrity of the food from the first to the last order,” LeBeau said.

With his longevity in town, LeBeau has developed a loyal customer base that has grown over the year.

“I still have people coming in who are my age that I did their wedding and now I’m doing their kid’s graduation parties and other family events. I’ve gotten to know a lot of families that way,” LeBeau said.

Giving back

As part of the community, LeBeau strives to give back and is generous with his contributions and work with many groups and activities in town. He has helped with countless benefits and participates in the annual Trunk or Treat event at Bethlehem Academy.

“I like to try and help out where I see where the dollars are actually going and how can it directly help someone right now who is struggling,” LeBeau said.

Some examples of his work include providing catering services for 2,000 National Guard troops that were deployed from the armory in Faribault in 2020.

“We were there for about 10 days to make

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Jeff LeBeau works in the kitchen at The Depot. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

sure they were taken care of for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” LeBeau said.

He also provides work opportunities for students involved in the STEP program through the Faribault High School.

“I really love doing that type of stuff, because in high school I struggled, since I was dyslexic … and I still am,” LeBeau said.

Sara Caron, the bar manager at The Depot and a Faribault City Council member, added her insight into working with LeBeau and the impact he has made on the community.

“One of the reasons I like working for Jeff is because of his big heart. He’s willing to help whenever anyone asks,” Caron said. “He is one of the kindest men in town. He doesn’t turn many away.”

An upcoming community connection is The Depot’s use of maple syrup from the River Bend Nature Center in Faribault that will be used to help create a special fall cocktail and a maple syrup inspired salad dressing.

“ This is the only bartending job I’ve ever had and Jeff gave me a chance and that was seven years ago,” Caron said. “He’s a great person to work for, I know if I bring ideas like the maple syrup from the River Bend Nature Center idea that he is going to get excited about it and support that.”

The Depot has also developed a large group of regulars who frequent the establishment, and LeBeau has even put name plaques at their usual spots along the bar to show his appreciation.

“Jeff treats them like royalty and they are a tremendous group of guys who come in here almost everyday,” Caron said.

He also likes to take time to meet and greet his older customers who might be visiting.

“I really like to take my time to talk with elderly people when they come into the restaurant and get to know their history and their story. I like their wisdom,” LeBeau said.

Stable and happy

As his business has grown, LeBeau has

increased his staff size to over 50 employees all of which help him succeed on a daily basis.

“My kitchen staff is solid. I’ve never had a better kitchen staff, even when I was in New York. I’ve trained them and they’ve been with me for many years, so I don’t struggle in in the kitchen,” LeBeau said. “The community has been good to me. I also try to take care of my own employees too because they hold the place together when I am gone.”

LeBeau currently lives in Burnsville with his wife Liz Ell and spends some of his spare time being involved in the world of local professional wrestling. A lifetime fan, LeBeau has adopted the ring name of “Chef Jeff” and was recently

honored with a Heavyweight Chef championship belt. He has worked locally with Midwest All-Star Wrestling, Paradise City Wrestling and Terry Fox’s wrestling group.

“I’m not sure if it is a midlife crisis or a childhood fantasy but over the last three years, I’ve gotten into pro wrestling and now I’m the heavyweight chef of the world, and that has brought a lot of people here (to The Depot) who are wrestling fans. It’s definitely sports entertainment but it brings a lot of people together.,” LeBeau said with a smile. n

Tom Nelson is a freelance writer. Reach the editor at editor@ apgsomn.com.

Jeff LeBeau takes time to talk with some of his customers and staff at The Depot recently. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

Chef Jeff LeBeau of the Depot Bar and Grill is a regular fixture at Taste of Faribault. (File photo/southernminn.com)

I’m not sure if it is a midlife crisis or a childhood fantasy but over the last three years, I’ve gotten into pro wrestling and now I’m the heavyweight chef of the world, and that has brought a lot of people here (to The Depot) who are wrestling fans. It’s definitely sports entertainment but it brings a lot of people together.”

- Chef Jeff LeBeau

Waseca’s RATHMANN works to ensure lakes are cared for

By ASHLEY HANLEY Guest Contributor

They say Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes. There’s no doubt that some of those lakes play an integral part in the Waseca community.

Whether it be for recreation, tourism, or just the beauty, these lakes can often be taken for granted when we pass by and see them each and every day. The truth of the matter is they don’t clean themselves, they don’t fix themselves, and human and Mother Nature can often muck things up. So how do these natural wonders and community assets remain priceless treasures for our area?

Love to the lakes

What many in the area may not know is that the Waseca Lakes Association has a team of dedicated members and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the area lakes retain their pristine beauty, natural use, and stewardship of the gift we have been given. One of those members and past president, Duane Rathmann. More than 20 years ago, Rathmann and a group of dedicated citizens in the Waseca area, decided a local effort was need

to protect those area treasures around Clear and Loon Lakes. Since then, Rathmann has remained dedicated and involved with the Waseca Lakes Association, inspiring others through his passion and committed to a cause that is near and dear to his heart. Whether it be through volunteering his time, energy, or ideas, those lakes owe their wonder to his decades-long work, just ask those who know him best.

Trevor Kanewischer is the current president of the Waseca Lakes Association. He said Duane embodies the spirit of the association, and without him, the lakes in the area may look a lot different, and not for the better.

“He is the heart and soul of the lakes,” he said. “His passion helps so many things that we love about our lakes, like the fun, and of course the tourism that it brings to the area.”

Kanewischer said what makes Rathmann extra special, is that a lot of the time, the work he does, often is taken for granted, especially when it comes to keeping the area lakes clean.

After all, there aren’t a lot of people lining up to help do the dirty work, such as picking up trash or making sure the sewage is kept out of the lakes.

“It doesn’t happen by magic,” he said. “Someone has to clear the weeds and the algae and even the sewage, and Duane has led those efforts for many, many years.”

That someone for the last two decades and more has been Duane Rathmann.

Trevor noted that one of the most remarkable efforts that Duane led, was getting machinery from Lake Minnetonka that could be used at Clear Lake for clearing sewage. He said that doesn’t happen on this local of a level, especially with the costs but that machinery was a good solution for a stinky and messy problem.

“But it has made all the difference. People will remember when Clear Lake had all of its issues like the smell and accessibility to the center recreation area. Duane made sure we

Duane Rathmann has studied the clarity of Clear Lake in Waseca since 2005. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Rathmann

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could fix that problem and still be able to enjoy the beauty and amenities that comes with it.”

A passion for service

But not only does Duane put in countless hours of his own time, he also inspires others to

get involved, too.

He noted that once a year they do a big clean-up around the lakes, which often results in the pickup of more than 25 garbage bags full

of junk.

“He has us and all of the volunteers go out and about all around the lakes and the area and in the alleyways and everywhere, and we clean it up, all the trash and everything left where it shouldn’t be.”

Rathmann said he spends 5-10 hours per week giving back, all for the love of his community, rooted in strong values. You take that times 52 weeks a year for 25 years and that equals about 13,000 hours of volunteer work and giving back to the community. And if that wasn’t enough, Duane says he’s not done yet.

“I helped to organize the organization (Waseca Lakes) in 2000 and have been involved ever since with efforts to improve water quality and reduce invasive weeds in our lakes, Clear and Loon. I am also a volunteer citizen lake monitor for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and lake level for MN DNR. We work to create better awareness and stewardship for our lakes,” Rathmann said. The volunteer work of a true Minnesotan, and a true Wasecan.

Rathmann says volunteering is a great way to connect with others, understand the issues and concerns of the people while also working to improve each situation on a case-by-case basis.

“I love my community and I love Waseca. We have great people, I love the small town atmosphere and I want to keep it that way with quality amenities such as our schools, parks, lakes, and trails,” Rathmann said. “Volunteering and giving back is a great way to improve our town and quality of life for residents and out of town guests.

Outside the water

But the lakes aren’t the only thing in the community that Rathmann has a passion for. Rathmann also played a pivotal role in helping to rebuild Tink Larson field as chair of the committee. The grandstand of the field burned down back in 2016, and Rathmann was one of the key figures in helping to rebuild this staple in the Waseca community.

A 2019 Waseca County News article noted his work in the community when he was presented with an award from the Waseca Chamber of Commerce, “Rathmann’s community leadership efforts surfaced again following the spring 2016 fire which destroyed the iconic grandstand at the Tink Larson baseball complex. Rathmann led fundraising efforts and helped carry the renovation project through its completion and ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 18, 2018.”

Rathmann was recognized at that time with the 2019 Don Eustice Award for Community Service to Waseca.

As the article noted, this act of kindness and generosity is just one of the many examples of his service to the community and a showcase of his love for baseball. You may have also heard his voice helping to announce high school or town ball games as well over the years.

And if that wasn’t enough, he is also very involved in his church and other activities as well, making him truly a man of the community.

Just like his passion for volunteering, his passion for his community shines through. Waseca, the lakes, and the things we so often take for granted, would not be the same if it wasn’t for the selfless commitment and effort from the dedication and decades of services from Duane Rathmann. n

Ashley Hanley is a freelance writer. Reach the editor at editor@ apgsomn.com

Duane Rathmann tests water quality at the Maplewood boat landing at Clear Lake in June 2022. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Duane Rathmann, who’s headed up the fundraising efforts to rebuild the Tink Larson Field grandstand, surveys the field almost a year after a fire burned the 77-year-old wooden structure. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Northfield’s ENGAGE PRINTING celebrates 50 years, as Neuger continues to give back

By PAMELA THOMPSON pamela.thompson@apgsomn.com

iscover the power of print. That’s the message from 50-year old Engage Print in Northfield.

Engage President Dan Neuger also recently rounded the corner on his own half-century mark. His late summer birthday was celebrated at the Minnesota State Fair.

Now, Neuger and Engage Print are finding power in print, as well as power in community.

Neuger, who moved his family to Northfield in July 2017, worked in every department of Engage before purchasing the company on Dec. 31, 2022. Although he can work some of the machinery but can’t run the presses, he now knows his

way around shipping, receiving and tickets. As president of Engage Print, Neuger said he may work long hours in a demanding,

detail-oriented business, but he’s enjoying every minute.

“I fell in love with this business,” he said

from behind his paper-strewn desk inside the company offices at 1000 Fifth St. W. “This is a great business. We help people with all sorts of printing needs.”

The business, formerly called Northfield Printing, started in the basement of the old Northfield News downtown building on Fifth Street E. and then relocated to a spot on Highway 3, before moving in 1980 to its current location across the street from Post Consumer Brands. Later, the company rebranded and changed the name to Engage.

After landing in a job and in a community that feels just right, Neuger is settling in and signing up. He’s a new member of Northfield Rotary Club, the vice chair of Northfield YMCA board, the chair of the Northfield

Historical Society board, and treasurer of Northfield United Church of Christ board.

“I feel a responsibility to give back to the community where I live and work,” he said.

Neuger has also been instrumental in helping to place people in the right spots. As chair of the search committee looking for the YMCA’s new director, Neuger said he’s excited to see Tyler Powell grow into his new role. He was also delighted that Sean Allen stepped up to become director at the Northfield Historical Society.

Twice an Ole

When his parents’ jobs moved his family to the east coast, Neuger lived in Connecticut and New Jersey before enrolling in St. Olaf College the first time. Then, as a pre-veterinary student loaded down with biology and chemistry classes, he flunked out and moved back east.

After a short stint with a wholesale pool supply company, Neuger became interested in investments and portfolios. He decided to return to St. Olaf seven years after he left. This time, he elected to study economics and graduated in 2000. Four days after graduation, he immediately started taking classes in finance and accounting at the University of Minnesota to earn a master’s in business administration.

Another major event happened on the Ole campus; Dan met Chrissy at St. Olaf College. They’ve been married 22 years, and are parents to three children: Grace, a senior at Kenyon College in Ohio; Thomas, a freshman at Hamline University in St. Paul; and Kat, a ninth grader at Northfield High School. Chrissy is one of two managers at Rare Pair, a shoe, clothing and accessory store in downtown Northfield.

Armed with two degrees, Neuger labored in finance on Wall Street for 15 years, commuting two hours each way from home to work.

“I sort of missed my kids growing up,” he said.

Power of partnership

The 350 customers Engage engages with are scattered from North Dakota to Wisconsin and all across Minnesota. The top five clients are St. Olaf College, Carleton College, Neuger, a strategic marketing communications, branding and public relations firm located here in Northfield, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the GOD’S CHILD Project, a nonprofit in Golden Valley.

Mike Wald, press operator and Dan Neuger, owner, with the SM72 six-color offset press. (Pamela Thompson/southernminn.com)

Kyle Handorf, small press operator, working on pads. (Pamela Thompson/ southernminn.com)

What sets Engage Print apart from other print shops is the partnership established with clients.

“Each and every customer is valuable,” he said.

Besides traditional paper print jobs, Engage also prints envelopes, newsletter, magazine, booklets and books. Small to medium size jobs are a speciality. The company also has a large machine that can print vinyl signs and banners, many of which are noticeably displayed around Northfield.

Through Engage, Neuger said he believes in giving back to the community, be that through print donations made to clients, charities and

churches, or through in kind donations to local organizations such as Northfield Shares, Northfield YMCA, Northfield Historical Society and the Women’s Center.

“We try to help out as much as we can,” he said. “We’re still a small business.”

Besides trying to learn golf, Neuger said he’d like to find a gin rummy group to let down his guard with.

“I find playing cards stress reducing,” he said. n

Pamela Thompson is the associate editor for the Northfield News. Reach her at 507-645-1115 or pamela.thompson@ apgsomn.com.

The large back rooms at Engage are filled with different kinds of printing equipment. (Pamela Thompson/ southernminn.com)

Sean Mellum, Prepress Operator with the HP Indigo press. (Pamela Thompson/ southernminn.com)