i have found the one whom my soul loves.
- Song of Solomon 3:4
to have and to hold.
Wedding
Guide two thousand eighteen
{
2018 Bridal Directory
Harmony Foods Preston Foods Rushford Foods
Branding Iron
{
Special Menu for your rehearsal dinners
} Unveiled!
}
{
Preston, MN 507-765-3388 www.brandingironmn.com
Home Sweet Home Cafe & Cakery
{
}
Creating custom wedding cakes for over 30 years!
{
Email: wjcurtic@myomnitel.com
The Creamery Pizza & Ice Cream
{
Sunshine Foods
The Club - Bar & Veterans Organization
Let us help with your special day!
{
Kegs, Wine, Champagne, Liquor
}
{
Preston, MN 507-765-2205 www.theclubprestonmn.com
Ody’s Country Meats & Catering
} {
Weddings, Corporate Events Reunions, Birthdays
Preston, MN 507-722-0048 www.campcreekfarmllc.com
Mabel Area Community Center
}
Winneshiek Wildberry Winery
{
Wedding ceremonies, bridal showers and rehearsal dinners
Everything from food preparation to full service
Preston Liquor, LLC
{
}
Spring Valley, MN 507-346-2579 www.odyscountrymeats.com
} {
Custom floral arrangments that are perfect for your big day!
}
Preston, MN 507-765-2214 www.prestonfloralgift.com
{
Fountain Community Center
Lodging and Camping Large outdoor Spaces
} {
We host over 20 weddings per year! Schedule your wedding today!
Houston, MN 507-896-5550
Lanesboro, MN 507-467-3722
Country Trails Inn & Suites
Boots & Badges
Honoring Fillmore County Veterans
}
{
}
Preston, MN 507-765-2151 www.fillmorecountyveterans.com
{
Let us take care of your guests. Indoor Pool & Hot tub • Wireless Internet • Free Hot Breakfast
Preston, MN 507-765-2533 www.countrytrailsinn.com
}
Fountain, MN 507-268-4923 www.fountainmn.org
www.outbackranch.net
Great wedding gift!
}
Preston, MN 507-765-2565
Outback Ranch
Lanesboro Community Center
Wide Assortment of Wines, Beers & Spirits
Preston Floral
Decorah, IA 563-735-5809 www.wwwinery.com
Mabel, MN 507-493-5299 www.cityofmabel.com
The best dance floor in southeastern Minnesota!
}
Spring Valley, MN 507-346-1979 Like us on Facebook!
{
{
Party room and kitchen available for special events Off-site bartending for weddings
}
Camp Creek Farm
{
}
TJ’s Liquor
Rushford, MN 507-864-7214 www.the-creamery.com
Showers, reunions, employee meetings, large wedding receptions.
}
Preston, MN 507-251-1760 www.serenityhillspavilion.com
Spring Valley, MN ~ 507-346-2804 Chatfield, MN ~ 507-867-4272 Dodge Center, MN ~ 507-374-6440 www.sunshinefoodstores.com
Harmony, MN 563-547-4240
Lanesboro, MN 507-467-2244 Like us on Facebook! www.lizscakes.com
Great for Rehearsal Dinners Seats up to 100
} {
{
}
The perfect spot for your wedding venue!
Harmony, MN • 507-886-2225 Preston, MN • 507-765-2465 Rushford, MN • 507-864-2878
Curtis Trees and Gifts Come and ask us about our many rentals!
We tailor to your order
Serenity Hills
Decorah Rental
}
{
Party success is just a rental away
Decorah, IA 563-382-2351 Like us on Facebook!
}
Call the FCJ at 507-765-2151 to advertise or offer news tips! To have and To hold.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Wedding
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
i have found The one whom my soul loves.
Guide Two Thousand eighTeen
- Song of Solomon 3:4
Love story: Planning a marriage, not just a wedding
The creative style of James and Courtney Swanson’s wedding was woven into every detail of their ceremony and reception. Photo submitted By Kirsten Zoellner When James and Courtney Swanson planned their wedding, there was an undeniable inspiration: “Our ultimate goal was to showcase our personalities and make every guest feel like they were part of our love story. We wanted our wedding to feel like the best dinner party we’ve ever thrown. We love entertaining and wanted our day to feel warm, whimsical, and colorful.” From the planning details through the ceremony and reception, the couple integrated tailored, thoughtful, and refreshing twists on their
day. Courtney grew up near Lanesboro, while James was a city boy from Rochester. In September 2009, at the start of their sophomore year at Luther College, the two were introduced by mutual friends at dinner. “James was the only guy in a group of seven or so girls,” remembers Courtney. “He was such a nice guy. He is the kindest and most patient person I have ever met. He always puts the needs of others above his own.” Equally impressed by Courtney, James found her funny and
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easy to talk to. “The conversation was easy. Sometimes it’s not always that way, but with her it was comfortable,” he says. “If I’m being honest, I was also a little intimidated. She had a great sense of who she was; was really confident,” he adds. “She is incredibly thoughtful and generous to those around her and the most creative person I’ve ever met.” Two years later, at the end of their junior year, James mustered the courage to tell Courtney how he felt. Planning to study abroad in England for the summer, he couldn’t leave without telling her. During lunch together, James looked at Courtney and confessed his crush. With time whittling down before his departure, Courtney said, “We’re going on a date,” which they did the following week. “We’d been friends for several years, so when we finally got the courage to go on an actual date we were both a bit nervous about how to act around each other. That subsided pretty quickly and we had a ton of fun,” recalls James. The two got a drink at the Redwood Room in downtown Rochester, walked around Silver Lake, and had dinner at Prescott’s. “The best part of the night was definitely dessert,” says Courtney, laughing. “James was taking a bite of his whipped cream-laden dessert just as I was telling a joke and he laughed so hard that he spit his dessert out all over me.” Luckily the charming pair is equally forgiving and humorous. For Courtney, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment she knew he was her other half. “Just a few weeks after we started dating, James went to study in England. He sent me a package with several smaller packages inside it to open, one for each week he was away. All of the packages pertained to things he liked about me, like my taste in music or my love of gardening, and I think I was just blown away that he put so much time and effort into something like that! His thoughtfulness and romantic nature has continued to impress me, even seven years later,” she says. James, too, can’t recall an exact moment, but he does remember dreaming of Courtney walking down an aisle in a white dress even before the two officially began dating. The proposal reflects the thoughtfulness and simplicity of the couple. The Rochester Farmers’ Market is one of their favorite places and the two planned a bike ride to the market. Stopping at a bench to relax and grab a drink of water, Courtney was surprised to find James down on one knee. “It was a complete surprise and he had sneakily set up a camera to capture the whole thing on video. It was simple and perfect; just the two of us and some geese,” she
Page 3
laughs. “I knew we were going to get married one day, but for some reason I didn’t expect us to get engaged at that point in our story.” Thinking about how they wanted their guests to enjoy the day, the two took to finding the wedding and reception site even before they set a date. Searching a bit online, they quickly narrowed down the type of site they wanted and made plans to visit two. “We knew we wanted to be close to nature and have a really cozy, intimate event,” says Courtney. “The second place we visited, Coop’s Event Barn, in Dodge Center, is a beautiful farm with a historic barn on the property. We fell in love with the venue as soon as we saw it and chose their only available date for the upcoming year, October 21. It worked out perfectly because we wanted a fall
wedding. The owners were really accommodating, wanting us to make it our home for the weekend. We actually still stay in touch with the owners,” she adds. With the site in place, the couple moved onto the other details. “We worked really hard to make all of the details unique to us,” they add. One nod to tradition with a fun, modern variation was including blank recipe cards on the back of the invitation RSVP where guests were directed to include a favorite family recipe. The couple scanned each card and compiled them into a collected cookbook that was part of the wedding program. “It featured over 80 family recipes and we added recipes from our late grandmothers as a way to honor them,” says Courtney. The love of food was carried through the décor as well. “I had a big, bold bouquet of See LOVE STORY Page 10
Schedule your wedding today at the
Fountain Community Center! We host over 20 weddings per year, so dates are claimed early!
r ng fo le Seati p o e 350 p up to
Contact City of Fountain at 507-268-4923 Monday - Thursday 8:30am-4:00pm or visit www.fountainmn.org
Now booking
wedding receptions and other events for 2018! From a small shower to a reunion, an employee meeting to a large wedding reception, the Mabel Area Community Center is your answer! The Banquet Hall seats 300 people comfortably and has a full bar, state-of-the-art kitchen and quality audio system. Linen and glassware rental options are available. Rent the entire facility for $450 or the large meeting room for as little as $60. Other rental options are available.
Mabel Area Community Center 201 Main St. S • Mabel, Minn. • www.cityofmabel.com Call 507-493-5299 to book your event today!
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Page 4
Monday, January 15, 2018
Wedding
To have and To hold.
Guide Two Thousand eighTeen
To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons,
ThaT is The ulTimaTe haPPiness.
i have found The one whom my soul loves.
- Song of Solomon 3:4
Wedding Planning Timeline CounTdoWn To The aisle
-Unknown
a suPer helPful CheCklisT and sTeP-by-sTeP guide To Plan your big day
love gives us a fairy tale.”
“Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life,
Many more can be found online or on www.marthastewartweddings.com
Use these planners as a guide to your perfect wedding
Budget & Guest-List Planner
- Robert Brault
The Official Legal Newspaper for Fillmore County
Courtesy of www.marthastewartweddings.com
Share your thoughts at www.fillmorecountyjournal.com To have and To hold.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Wedding Guide Two Thousand eighTeen
Savor the little moments
Tyler Hoskins twirls his bride, Keela Jo (Brand), as the two prepare to celebrate with family and friends. Photo submitted By Kirsten Zoellner It could be the beginning of a soulful country song: Boy meets girl at a basketball game. Soon, they’re hanging around each other as friends, watching movies and shooting pool. Innocently enough, they’re drawn to each other. Pretty soon it’s ice cream dates, musings about how incredible the other person is and then, they’re hooked. Tyler and Keela Hoskins have the all-American, small town story. She grew up in Rushford, attending Rushford-Peterson High School. Just a stone’s throw away, he was from neighboring Houston. After their initial introduction, the two fell easily into
friendship after graduation in the summer of 2014. After being friends for quite a while, Keela invited Tyler to accompany her to a cousin’s wedding reception. She had no idea it would be the day they officially became a couple. “I thought he was handsome and had a great smile. He was genuine,” she remembers. He was also a trooper, meeting all her family at once at the wedding, being hassled just a little for fun. “She was very attractive and outgoing,” recalls Tyler, who was smitten. After the wedding, the two headed up to the iconic Magelssen Bluff in Rushford. As they overlooked the town, Tyler
Tyler and Keela Hoskins laugh during a stroll following their wedding ceremony. Photo submitted
caught Keela off guard. “I don’t think we can be friends anymore. I think we should be more than friends.” Soon after, Keela headed to Winona State University. “I knew there was something special about Tyler when we couldn’t stand to be apart,” she says. As time went on, she noticed how good he was with children, particularly Keela’s niece. “I knew he was ‘the one’ when he fit right into my family. We’ve all loved him from the beginning.” Fast forward two years. It’s August 2016 and Tyler and Keela had spent months planning a camping trip to the majestic Colorado mountains. The second day into the trip, the lively couple is hiking Rocky Mountain National Park. After three miles, on their way down the mountain, they stop and ask a passerby to take their picture with the stunning backdrop. “Before she could take the picture, Tyler was down on one knee,” says Keela. “I had a feeling it would be soon, but at that moment I was completely caught off guard. The background was picturesque and we were lucky to have pictures of this special moment.” Knowing they wanted a fall wedding, the pair set the date for September 9. From the start the two were in agreement on what they envisioned: a simple, rustic wedding. “We both love the look, so there weren’t any compromises that needed to be made there,” they say. “The only compromise I can think of was being that we had to come together and decide what religion we would move forward with,” adds Keela. The Hoskins clan are members of the Catholic Church and so the two chose to proceed with a ceremony at St. Peter’s in Hokah, Minn. “The church is gorgeous!” she enthuses. “It has three aisles and is painted with gold trimming with white altars. It’s a beautiful church.” The two involved their family and friends in the day’s details. From choosing a bridesmaid and cousin to sing during the processional with three family violinists, to handmade decorations and heaps of baby’s breath flowers handmade into corsages, bouquets, and centerpieces, simple elegance set the wedding’s mood. It was also friends and family that helped Keela pick out her dress. “I was asked what my style was and I had no clue,” she says. “To my surprise, when I began browsing their selection I definitely had a style; dresses with lots of beading and gems and the classic look of lace. It was the third dress I tried on. I also knew I preferred a dress with straps and I loved the classic look of lace. The dress I chose was the third dress I tried on.” When the day came, it was as perfect as an autumn day in Minnesota could be. “Our wedding day was practically perfect and the weather was amazing. It’s so
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Page 5
i have found The one whom my soul loves.
- Song of Solomon 3:4
hard to know, planning a year in advance, but it was 70 degrees and sunny.” Sticking to tradition, Tyler and Keela opted not to see each other before the ceremony. “I know it sounds cliché, but I was speechless,” he recalls, seeing her walking down the aisle in a lace and beaded, mermaid-syle gown. Tyler and his groomsmen were casuallystyled in tan pants, white buttonup shirts, skinny ties, and leather suspenders. The bridesmaids were classic in high-collared, floorlength, deep merlot dresses. “I am a sucker for romance and two moments stood out for me; the moment I walked down the aisle was a moment I lived for. I had dreamed of that moment since I was a child,” says Keela. “I also cherish the moment we said our vows. There is nothing that can explain the moment you confess your love for someone in front of all your family and friends. It was so very special to me. Some people want to speed through the ceremony to get to the after-party, but the wedding was what I looked forward to most.” Following the ceremony, the wedding celebration was held at Stoney Creek in Onalaska where the family had decked out the outdoor-themed venue with burlap pennant banners, barn woodframed engagement pictures, a wood pallet backdrop for the head table, and mason jars filled with baby’s breath with wood pieces as centerpieces. The cupcake and cake table was tiered with rustic wooden boxes, lanterns, and wooden cake stands. The bride and groom were treated with a two-tiered, white cake decorated with succulents and a wooden arrow topper saying “T <3 K.”
“From the heartfelt ceremony, beautiful day, and happiness throughout, there really couldn’t have been a better day. We will cherish it forever,” adds Tyler. The couple honeymooned in Mexico at Playa del Carmen. “We both wanted an all-inclusive resort somewhere warm with bright blue waters,” says Keela. “I had never left the country and had yet to take a tropical vacation. Tyler had been previously and wanted to show me the lifestyle and the beauty of Mexico.” They intend to spend their first year continuing to grow together and become the best example for their future children. “Family is very important to us and we wish to spend as much time with family and friends as possible,” they add. While they wouldn’t change a thing about their day, there were some challenges along the way. “Unless you’ve planned a wedding before, you just don’t quite know what you’re doing and there is always something you didn’t think of. I think the most challenging part of the day is making sure all family and bridal party members are in tune to the schedule of events to make for smooth transitions. The big day is really not challenging if you are as prepared as possible,” they say. “Don’t overlook the small things. Make lists, lots of lists! You can never be too prepared.” “Enjoy the planning. So often couples just look forward to the big day so much that they don’t enjoy the preparation and special moments leading up to it,” they caution. “Don’t let anyone take away from this most special time in your life. Make sure the special moments happen and soak it all in!”
Tyler Hoskins surprised his wife Keela Jo (Brand) during an August road trip to the Colorado Rockies. A passerby was able to capture the moment for the couple. Photo submitted
809 Highway 52 North Preston, Minnesota 55965 (507) 765-2533 TEL (507) 765-4450 FAX
countrytrailsinn@rconnect.com www.countrytrailsinn.com
Toll-free Reservations 1-888-378-2896
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Page 6
Monday, January 15, 2018
Wedding
To have and To hold.
Guide Two Thousand eighTeen
Lanesboro couple celebrates 50 years together
Diane and Dick Haight can’t believe that they’ve been married for 50 years already. Photo by Hannah Wingert By Hannah Wingert “It was probably the best day of my life,” Diane Haight said, smiling. Her husband, Dick agreed that it was his best day as well. They don’t remember the exact date that it happened, but the Haights know that the best day of their lives was the day they met each other. Dick was working at Miller Hospital, now named United Children’s Hospital, as a pharmacist and Diane was a nurse at the same hospital. While doing pharmacy rounds, Dick
ran into Diane, who was working on the same floor, and they hit it off. After having several conversations, Dick asked Diane to go to a hockey game with him. “I said yes,” Diane smiled. “From there, our relationship grew.” In addition to working as a pharmacist, Dick also rowed on a rowing team. So, when he proposed to Diane after dating for about a year and a half, they knew that their wedding date would revolve around the row-
ing team. With that in mind, they picked September 16, 1967, the first weekend that Dick had free. Diane was happy with the day that would be her wedding anniversary. “I always wanted a fall wedding,” she remarked. The wedding took place at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Diane’s hometown of Watkins, Minn. After the wedding, they purchased a house close to the hospital where they both still worked, and it was there that they lived for the next 35 years. During that time, they had three children, Barbara, Susan, and Bill. The Haights frequently attended family reunions in the
The FCJ reaches over 12,000 household each week.
i have found The one whom my soul loves.
- Song of Solomon 3:4
Diane said. Neither she nor Dick can believe that it’s been 50 years since they first said their vows. The couple attributes the longevity and success of their marriage to mutual respect and spending plenty of time together. They also take their wedding vows very seriously. “There’s always going to be down days and up days, but they’re part of life, and they make you appreciate life more,” Diane commented. “I’m just the luckiest person in the world to have Dick. He’s very thoughtful and kind.” Dick agreed, adding, “Religion and going to church is a pretty big part of it too.” He and Diane currently attend Elstad Lutheran Church outside of Lanesboro. “Be patient, be tolerant, be flexible,” Dick replied when asked what advice he would give a newly married couple. “Never go to bed angry. Start each day off on a good foot.” “Be a good listener,” Diane added. “I think it’s respecting each other and also, for me, that you always realize that this is a gift from God.” Dick and Diane have three children and three grandchildren, who they enjoy spending time with whenever possible. They look forward to many more happy years together.
Lanesboro area and fell in love with the community. When it was time to start thinking about retirement, they asked their local relatives to keep an eye out for available property near Lanesboro. When four acres of land was put up for sale on a hill just a few miles outside of Lanesboro, they knew it was where they wanted to spend their retirement. They built a beautiful log home, big enough to share with their family and friends. “We love it, and we’ve been very happy here,” Diane expressed. Dick and Diane were drawn to the Lanesboro area by the friendliness of the people, the arts and culture, and the beautiful scenery. “The diversity of the population makes it unique,” said Diane. “It’s really nice to see that.” The couple have immersed themselves in the community, becoming involved in many ways. Dick served as president of the Arts Board for seven years and both are very active with Over the Back Fence as well as other organizations and events. On September 16, 2017, Dick and Diane reached 50 years of marriage and the next day, they had a party to celebrate at Cedar Valley Resort. “I feel blessed that God gave me such a neat gentleman,”
Did you know that engagment & wedding annoucements are free!
you can surprise someone or simply celebrate your anniversary in the scocial scenes section throughout the year.
We believe FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Page 10
Monday, October 30, 2017
Social Scenes A View From The Woods By Loni Kemp ©SallyKeating2011
It takes a village to make cider One of the great pleasures of rural life is coming together, at the times ordained by mother nature, to do what needs to be done.
Bringing in the harvest, clearing a neighbor’s snow, making firewood, and canning tomatoes are necessary and good work projects. But when the community
oliver guthrie
Big brother, Raive, would like to announce the birth of his sisters...
johnson
born on October 13, 2017 to Guthrie Johnson & Jessica Karlson
of Rushford, MN.
Ava Nell Ristau
7 lb
4 lb 9 oz | 17 in.
Eve Jelaine Ristau 4 lb 4oz | 17.5 in.
Great-Grandmother:
Nora Darleen Johnson of Peterson, MN
Great-Grandfather:
Murland Ellefson
October 12, 2017
Proud parents are Kyle & Katie Ristau. Grandparents are Steve & Michelle Vrieze and Wayne & Barb Ristau. Great-grandparents are Bob & Elaine Maust.
Preston, Minnesota
507-765-9956
Grandparents:
110 St. Anthony St S
20 inches
born at 8:30 pm Mark & Cindy Johnson of Peterson, MN; Dean & Laurie Feine of Rushford, MN.
Monday - Friday 7:30am-7pm • Saturday 8:30am-4pm • Sunday 10am-4pm
In memory of
Loren Tufte,
we wish to extend a sincere thank you and appreciation for the many acts of kindness, memorial gifts, and expressions of sympathy which continue to be a great comfort to us in our time of sorrow. With heartfelt gratitude, we especially wish to thank the American Legion for standing guard over Dad and Grandpa, and the amazing turnout of fellow Legionnaires. Special thanks to Tammy Danielson for lifting us up in song, Beth Vitse for playing Taps, Pastor Kerry Eversole for his touching words, and the October Service Group for serving lunch. In lieu of individual thank you cards, a donation will be given to the American Legion Post #40/tuckpoint project. Blaine, Mary & Grace
Kimberly Alison, Rick & Peighton
A celebration of life will be held for
Jody (Asleson) Jamieson
on November 4th, 2017, from 4-7pm at the Lanesboro Golf Course. Jody passed away in Florida after a courageous battle with cancer. Please join us in remembering Jody. She truly loved her family, friends, and Lanesboro. “You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide and though we cannot see you, you’re always at our side.”
pitches in together, it becomes a party. The work goes quickly, stories and jokes fly, and friendships are cemented. Cider season starts as a solo activity for me, as I gather bins and creates, pull out my threelegged tall ladder, and latch my fruit picking bag around my waist. Up I climb, and commence the meditative process of lifting apples one by one to detach them, and gently placing each in the bag. I repeat endlessly as I make my way around, climbing higher and higher to collect the best and biggest fruit at the top of each tree. Others are doing the same at their gardens, as we time the harvest to be completed just before cider pressing day. The evening before, my husband borrows a friend’s farm truck, and together we heave some 30 bins of apple bounty up onto the truck’s bed. Huge bags of scavenged juice, milk and vinegar bottles are secured with a net on top. We rest. Cider day arrives and friends, with friends of friends, all make their way with their apples, to an Amish family’s cider press business. The father and his polite children scurry around the barn, cleaning and readying everything. Cleverly constructed from old machinery and a bygone milk tank, the system includes an apple grinder powered by a roaring engine, the press itself and a cider tank. Participants choose their roles. Some do a final sort to get rid of any rotten apples; others continuously drop apples into the grinder at the perfect speed. One person rakes out the resulting mash into wooden frames and perfectly folds the flaps of burlap, while our leader pumps the hydraulic press. Cider pours out in a continuous golden stream. Someone with a strong back lifts the five-gallon buckets of cider to pour into the large tank. I reach in with my tasting cup to catch a sample, and pass the nectar all around. At first it tastes sprightly, then with different apples it becomes darker and sweeter. Apples of several kinds, from different orchards, become mingled in the tank for a cider more complex and tasty than any single variety. More people arrive, including children who either cower in fear at the noise and chaos, or want to jump right in and do each job. Cupcakes appear for all. Finally, the last apple is dropped in the grinder, and the roaring engine chugs to a stop. Silence is golden, as we turn our thoughts to the next step. Everybody brings out their containers and buckets, and we take turns tapping the precious cider. A flurry of discussion ensues when we discover we have filled every single jug, and still a foot or two of cider remains in the tank. Our host offers us a half dozen empty vinegar jugs, which we gratefully accept, and we offer
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him the remaining cider, which he gratefully accepts. Not a drop will be wasted. After helping each other load up, we head our separate ways. Hearts are warmed by the human
satisfaction of working hard in collaboration with people we love, while bringing home precious pure apple cider to enjoy with others.
Chicken in Cider
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a medium pot on the stove, fry a chopped onion, a chopped carrot and a chopped stalk of celery in 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic for a minute. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour. Add 2 cups cider and stir until mixed. Remove from stove. Add a pound of chicken, either pieces or just breasts. Add salt, pepper, and your choice of thyme, parsley, rosemary, sage or paprika. Cover pot and bake an hour and a half. Remove meat. Strain sauce, then return to pot to reduce until a bit thick. Serve chicken with sauce. Great with boiled potatoes or roasted squash. Note: This can be cooked on low in a crockpot for six hours.
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1x3 black and white.....$17.50 1x3 Full color...............$20.50
1x3
Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to this special couple!
Forrest & Andrea Folkedahl October 14, 2017
Love from your family!
KSMQ.Org or 507-481-2098
Thank you We wish to express our sincere thanks to all our friends and relatives for all the prayers, the plants and flowers, the cards and memorials, and especially for all the kind words of support and for the memories shared about Odell. A special thank you to Pastor Malm for all his visits and comforting words, Mengis Funeral Home for everything you did to make this time as easy as possible for the family, the staff and employees of Green Lea Senior Living for their excellent personal care for the past 3-plus years, and to the women of St. Croix Hospice for their devotion and dedication to making Odell's life more pleasant and enjoyable the last few months. Also a special thank you to Joan Garness for the beautiful solos, Joyce Raaen for the organ music, and Mabel First WELCA for the delicious lunch following the service. May God bless each and everyone of you.
The Odell Lee Family
2x3 black and white.....$29.50 2x3 Full color................$35.50
to place a happy ad Call us at 765-2151 or end us a email at ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com
2x3 Doug anD Deb Ristau aRe happy to announce the maRRiage of theiR DaughteR
Kate Ristau to
Bryce Brincks son of baRt anD sue bRincks on JanuaRy 27, 2018 in LanesboRo, mn
Call the FCJ at 507-765-2151 to advertise or offer news tips!
Monday, January 15, 2018
Wedding
To have and To hold.
Meredith (Keefe) Johnson and Lee Johnson share many things in life, including their sense of adventure and their sense of humor. And now, they also share a last name.
Photo by Hattie Ann Photography By Barb Jeffers It was a chance meeting through friends that brought Lee Johnson and Meredith (Keefe) Johnson together, but it is their sense of humor and sense of adventure that made them fall in love and plan a life together. Meredith grew up in the Twin Cities area and graduated from Park High School in Cottage Grove, Minn. She then attended Gustavus Adolphus college in St. Peter, Minn., and is currently finishing her Master’s Degree in Education Leadership in Winona, Minn. She previously worked in the Chatfield, Minn., school district and has recently begun a new job with Hiawatha Valley of Winona, Minn., where she
works in data management. Lee grew up in the Rushford area and graduated from Rushford-Peterson High School. He attended Riverland Community College in Albert Lea, Minn., specializing in diesel mechanics. Lee now farms with his family at Johnson Rolling Acres near Peterson, Minn. After the last day of school in 2015, while Meredith was still working in Chatfield, she spent the afternoon golfing with co-workers and after golf they decided to go to JAC’s in Chatfield for a refreshment. Lee was with a bunch of friends traveling up to Rochester, Minn., and the group decided to make a pit stop at JAC’s, which was on the way.
“the Best Dance Floor in Southeastern Minnesota”
Lanesboro Community memoriaL Center
For your Wedding Reception & Dance Lanesboro’s Modern Community Center is an unusually attractive location for weddings, receptions and dances. It houses a ~4,300 square foot Auditorium/Gymnasium ~1,500 square foot Community Room & Kitchen ~850 square foot meeting room ~ fully furnished, handicapped accessible and air conditioned throughout. ~ Equipped with wet bar, tables & chairs. The Gazebo in the Park is also available for weddings.
Stop in anD take a look!
For more information & to make a reservation.
Call 507-467-3722.
Meredith’s co-worker, Kyle Tollefson, introduced Lee and Meredith to each other and the two hit it off immediately. “We just started talking that night and had a really good time,” says Meredith. As the night progressed and the spark was ignited, Meredith eventually asked Lee, “Are you going to ask for my number or what?” Lee said, “It didn’t take much pushing” to ask for her number, as he had been laughing all night and enjoyed her company immensely. “We were at the right place at the right time,” states Meredith, for which they are both very thankful. Meredith and Lee are made for each other, as they are both very outgoing and fun people who enjoy life. As the two grew closer and then fell in love, the topic of marriage had naturally come up. In July 2016 they looked at engagement rings but Meredith was not expecting a proposal for a few months. “I didn’t think it was going to happen until that Christmas,” she says. Little did she know that Lee went back to the jewelry store the very next week and bought the ring she had liked the most. The couple joke around with each other a lot and Lee had made a few “pretend” proposals to Meredith after looking at rings, even getting down on one knee at times, which Meredith had grown accustomed to. In August 2016, Meredith’s family rented a cabin near Hackensack, Minn., and Lee brought the engagement ring with him, trying to plan his proposal. While the family were all at the cabin, Lee and Meredith decided to go for a boat ride and then get something to eat. As Lee waited down by the water for Meredith, his initial plan was to propose on the dock, but then he worried she may get excited and drop the ring in the water. So he went up closer to the cabin and ner-
Page 7
i have found The one whom my soul loves.
Guide Two Thousand eighTeen
Right time, right place
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
- Song of Solomon 3:4
vously waited for her to come outside. When Meredith came out of the cabin, Lee got down on one knee, and expecting this to be another “practice” proposal, Meredith said “Come on, get up.... let’s go, I’m hungry!” Lee then opened the ring box and said, “Do you think I should give you this?” which took Meredith totally by surprise! “I didn’t think it was going to happen that soon,” Meredith explains, but once she realized it was the real proposal, she, of course, said yes. “It was perfect,” she states. Lee says, “It was worth the wait,” to be able to surprise her the way he did. Meredith and Lee were married July 29, 2017, at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church, the church that Lee has attended since he was a child. “It’s a cute, little, quaint country church,” notes Meredith. She describes the feel of the wedding as “very vintagey” with wildflowers in different sized vases, burlap with lace over it for tablecloths and the wedding party flowers were muted tones. The wedding party included maids of honor Tera Thomas and Marnie Vondal, bridesmaids Shannon Ingvalson, Sara Lange, Frances Miller, Kelsey Braak, Kate Hines and Stacey Hinrichs; personal attendants Amanda Freund and Olivia Newgaard, and flower girls Eva Lange, Madison Ingvalson and Aubrey Ingvalson. Best men were Zac Johnson and Ben Johnson, groomsmen included Casey Ingvalson, Colin Lange, Ken Carmen, Nick Agrimson, Tyler Vitse and Jordan Johnson. Ushers were
Nate Thomas, Lucas Windingstad, Luke Newgaard and Ryan Culhane, and ring bearers Jace Lange, Davis Lange and Jackson Ingvalson rounded out the group. Lee and Meredith are thankful to Meredith’s parents, Thomas and Julie Keefe and Linda Glaser, and Lee’s parents, Brad and Kari Johnson for their support and are grateful to their hosts Chris and Kelli Coley, Don and Dawn Kullot and Dan and Sue Keefe. Approximately 350 people attended the wedding and the reception, which was held at the Lanesboro Community Hall in Lanesboro, Minn. The couple had many local businesses provide their services, including Preston Floral and Gift, Granny’s Liquor, catering by the Pastry Shoppe, Karaoke Joe as entertainment and Iron Horse Outfitters and Inn for lodging. The couple took a “minimoon” to Duluth, Minn., following their wedding and will be taking a honeymoon to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, in the near future. Lee says Meredith’s best qualities are that she is talkative, very outgoing, laid back and very smart, while Meredith states Lee’s best qualities are that he is passionate about his work and hobbies, is a hard worker, is always concerned about others and is fun to hang out with, and the couple spend a lot of time just enjoying each other’s company and laughing. “We are both outgoing and adventurous,” says Meredith, adding, “we like to go on adventures together,” and the two have begun their adventure of a lifetime.
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Page 8
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, January 15, 2018
The FCJ reaches over 12,000 household each week.
Wedding
To have and To hold.
i have found The one whom my soul loves.
Guide Two Thousand eighTeen
- Song of Solomon 3:4
The two M’s: Marriage and Money By Jason Sethre This is purely an opinion piece as it relates to couples embarking upon the unity of marriage. I recall while working at the Post-Bulletin in Rochester, I went to lunch with a co-worker. Let’s just say his name was Jerry,
because his name was Jerry Boland. I had recently asked my girlfriend to marry me in September of 1999. Jerry asked me a question I hadn’t been asked before. “So, will you and your bride-
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to-be have a joint checking account?” I told him I hadn’t really thought about it. He went on to say, “Well, you are, aren’t you?” So, it was apparently pretty important that I give him an answer, and that had better be “yes.” Jerry shared with me how he’d been married for over 20 years, and he and his wife had a joint checking account from day one. He said when you get married, you share everything. If you keep your finances separate, your unity isn’t complete. As he shared, you will experience financial challenges and success together, and the best way to show you’re in it together is to combine your finances. I’m glad Jerry asked me that question on that particular day. I’ve never forgotten that conversation. Over the years, I’ve seen many couples manage their finances with separate checking accounts. The husband pays the house payment, and the wife pays the utilities and other loans payments; or some-
thing along those lines. Maybe one spouse makes more money than the other, which means that individual feels they financially contribute more to the relationship; possibly a point of contention. Furthermore, a joint checking account establishes an important level of trust and communication in the marriage. There is no “his money” or “her money.” It becomes “our money.” If both husband and wife dump all of their money into one joint checking account, all money spent from that account is the result of their combined
efforts and decisions. For example, what if the wife is a saver and the husband likes to spend money? They need to be on the same page. Marriage is a team effort. A joint checking account can establish equality in contributions and buying decisions. The girlfriend I asked to marry me in September of 1999 has been my best friend and wife for more than 17 years, and we’ve had a joint checking account since day one. I’m not saying this is for everyone, but I know it has worked for us.
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Wedding
To have and To hold.
Guide Two Thousand eighTeen
Camp Creek Farm: A labor of love
From its uninhabitable beginnings (except for a variety of critters), Camp Creek Farm has been transformed into welcoming spaces — from the vintage 1910 farm house, to the magnificent gardens, to the century-old remodeled hay barn, complemented by the 2,400-square-foot event center — all adjacent to the bike trail on a beautiful trout stream near Preston. Photo submitted By Annie Lewis They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but seeing a picture of Camp Creek Farm doesn’t do it justice. You have to see it for yourself to fully appreciate the beauty, the tranquility and the feeling that you have entered a magical place. Located on the outskirts of Preston, Camp Creek Farm has been an ongoing project for owners, Mike and Cindy Tomashek since October 1997. Their “labor of love” has resulted in a spectacular venue for weddings, corporate events, retreats, picnics, small and intimate gatherings and larger parties for up to 175 guests. What started as a place to “fixup” for family and friends, became a passion, especially for Mike. “I grew up in Winona and had been looking for a place
for about five years,” Mike said. “During MEA weekend in 1997, I saw this farm for sale just east of Preston. I fell in love with it, even though it was in shambles. I went and got the kids and Cindy to show them. Let’s just say their enthusiasm was not quite as strong as mine.” Cindy said, “We thought he was crazy. The kids wondered what had gotten into their dad and mentioned something about normal people buy a cabin up north, not an old farm that’s falling down. But Mike was excited and saw the possibilities. I had to admit the view of the rolling hills and stream were amazing… the rest, not so much.” Despite the neglected condition of the 108-acre property, Mike’s conviction that it could be a great hunting/fishing property grew. From its uninhab-
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itable beginnings (except for a variety of critters), it has been transformed into welcoming spaces — from the vintage 1910 farm house, to magnificent gardens, to the century-old remodeled hay barn, complemented by the 2,400-square foot event center. All this is adjacent to the bike trail and on a beautiful trout stream! “It’s difficult to describe what went into making this what it is today,” Mike said. “We removed 22 big tree stumps, downed power lines, the silo, two galvanized grain bins. We cleaned up the old farm house enough to use as a shelter and then remodeled it in 2000 and continued on with the barn.” The barn took five years to create the special space it is today. They give their major contractor, Lynn Tienter, a lot credit for his ability to work with spaces that require creative solutions and having knowledge of old structures. With his help, they re-purposed the siding of our own barn and salvaged five local barns. Many local Amish men also worked on our project. “The barn was appealing with its straight lines, although the roof was leaking and the main floor was rotted through on the east and west ends,” Mike said. “There was a large woodchuck den in the all-dirt lower level. While the peg and post construction and original limestone foundation were mostly intact, the lean-to on the south was sagging and ultimately gave way to the large deck we enjoy today.” The main floor bar, wine racks, kitchen and bar cabinetry were designed with help from Cindy’s brother, Pat Peterson, then built by the millwork company he worked for. Talented friend, Dave Nelson, custom built the corner table on the main level and the console in the loft area from reclaimed barn wood. Mike and friends Neil Cebell, Paul Mattson, Mike Smith built the decks. Their son, Josh, helped and made most of the railings along the catwalks and stairways. When major structural work was completed, Brad Steinbrink, another local craftsman, created exquisite features from the remaining reclaimed barn wood, including the pub counters in the lower level of the barn, window seating and custom doors. “There wasn’t a blooming thing in the yard except thistle,” Cindy said. “There was a broken wind mill over the well with a gnarly boxelder growing up through it. My father took the boxelder down and it left a huge hole that needed a lot of soil to backfill. It looked like an excuse to plant something, so it became a garden…this is where my passion kicked in!” In 2012, Mike and Cindy’s daughter got engaged and asked
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i have found The one whom my soul loves.
- Song of Solomon 3:4
if the wedding could be held at the farm the following year. “That really set things in motion,” Cindy said. “We worked on making the huge pole barn an event space. We had a back-up plan in case we couldn’t finish it. There was a lot of snow that spring and we weren’t sure how we’d do a wedding, but the sun came out
on May 18 and it was a beautiful day.” Mike and Cindy are ready to share the special spaces that have delighted their family and friends and look forward to welcoming you to Camp Creek Farm! Call (507) 722-0048 or email campcreekevents@gmail.com for pricing and to book a date.
Located on the outskirts of Preston, Camp Creek Farm has been an ongoing project since 1997 for owners, Mike and Cindy Tomashek (pictured with their son’s dog Dakota). Their “labor of love” has resulted in a spectacular venue for weddings, corporate events, retreats, picnics, small and intimate gatherings and larger parties for up to 175 guests. Photo submitted
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, January 15, 2018
Ca
Call the FCJ at 507-765-2151 to advertise or offer news tips!
Camp Creek Farm website: campcreekfarmllc.com 21587 Hwy 52 | Preston, Minnesota
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Page 10 To have and To hold.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Wedding Guide Two Thousand eighTeen looked in her white dress. I had no idea what the dress would look like. The moment was surreal and one that I won’t ever forget; just being frozen in time and feeling so lucky,” says James. Courtney knew immediately when she found the dress. “I tried it on and immediately started dancing in it,” she remembers. “I felt like myself in it, whereas other dresses I tried on just felt like I was playing dress up.” The dress, with a high neckline and lace back and skirt embellishments, was made in New Zealand using satin fabric that had been sandblasted to make it soft and flowy. “It was like dancing in a parachute!” she exclaims. In another deeply personal moment, Courtney, the oldest of five, was escorted down the aisle by her two younger sisters, Maddy and Trina. “I’m close with my siblings and I kept thinking of my little sisters. They’re some of my favorite people and I felt it was pretty appropriate to have them there.” Attended by a large bridal party, with 12 attendants each, James and Courtney were flanked by friends and family. Wanting her attendants to feel comfortable in their own style and showcasing their individuality, each of the bridesmaids’ gowns were chosen specifically for the person in
either a floral print or jewel tones such as navy, emerald, or mauve. “It was a highlight for me seeing all 12 dresses together for the first time,” she says. The men all donned three-piece navy suits with a wide color palate of socks patterns for a bit of whimsical fun. The officiant, Reverend Dave Lieder, is a Swanson family friend who mentored James from a young age. “It was very special to have someone who knew us personally marry us,” says James. Two friends performed the acoustic music for the ceremony, complete with harmonica. In an Irish tradition, the couple also included a “warming of the rings” ceremony. In it, each guest files through during the ceremony to place their hands on the wedding rings and give the bride and groom a blessing before the vows. “It was a great way to include all of our guests in the actual marriage ceremony and let us look every single person in the eye before we officially tied the knot,” says Courtney. With more than 190 in attendance, surely this could take some time. While one of their initial concerns, people came up largely as families and it seemed to go rather quickly, according to the pair. “It is modeled after communion in church. Everyone
Bride Courtney Swanson wanted to highlight her bridesmaids’ personalities with their gowns and opted to choose a different one for each attendant. Photo submitted
Despite the heavy rain, the Swanson wedding was able to create a cozy atmosphere with a large tent and antique crocheted blankets. Photo submitted
LOVE STORY
Continued from Page 3
colorful flowers that incorporated real artichokes. We had artichokes, pomegranates, and olive branches decorating on the tables in addition to beautiful flowers and candles,” she adds. Other imaginative decorations included vintage silver platters decorated with letter magnets as a welcome sign, Spring Grove Soda Pop in an old bathtub filled with ice and topped with rubber duckies, and a gourmet cotton candy vendor to serve champagne-flavored cotton candy. The aged, wood barn was adorned with overhead strings of lights, long family tables, hundreds of candles, and colorful flowers. “It rained very hard on our wedding day, which initially broke our hearts because we wanted to get married outside, but my fabulous father-in-law organized a tent for us to get married in and it ended up being so cozy. We even put vintage crocheted blankets on the seats for folks to snuggle up with,” she adds. Breaking from tradition, the couple did a more modern “first look,” to see each other before the ceremony. “Courtney is always stunning to me, but I was shocked by how incredible she
The FCJ reaches over 12,000 household each week.
i have found The one whom my soul loves.
- Song of Solomon 3:4
commented that it felt special.” The reception was held in the same space and the meal, too, showed guests a glimpse into the pair’s courtship - an Italian peasant meal eaten communally on wooden planks. “James had the meal while studying abroad and it was the first thing he ever cooked for me,” notes Courtney. Alongside the meal, a traditional Norwegian kransekake was served, as well as cupcakes. “Our first dance was to the song “Fool for Love” by Lord Huron. We love the band and even though it’s not a traditional slow song, we had fun twirling around to it, and had our friends join us halfway through,” notes Courtney. These same friends, whom the couple sought to give a celebration for the ages, had secretly planned their own surprise for newly wedded Mr. and Mrs. Swanson. “Our friends organized the most epic surprise flash mob!” laughs Courtney. Well before the wedding, their friends, Seth and Nicole, put together a YouTube video of a choreographed dance and sent it to our friends and family, who helped distribute it to most of the wedding guests. “As we finished our first dance, our guests stormed the dance floor and we were forced into folding chairs as everyone started busting a move,” recalls Courtney. “We had no idea what was going on and probably looked like a deer in headlights, but that quickly changed when we realized what was going on. It was the most fun thing we’ve ever experienced, and knowing everyone took the time to prepare that surprise for us made us feel so loved.” Following the wedding, the couple honeymooned in Ireland and Iceland. “We love to travel and knew we wanted to go abroad, and neither of us had been to Ireland before. The landscape and culture there is amazing, and the people are so friendly,” says Courtney. “Iceland was a fun adventure on our flight home. We took a dip in the Blue
Lagoon, hiked in some spectacular landscapes, and indulged in a local Icelandic feast.” Looking back, the coordination of schedules and logistical tasks was a big challenge for the couple. “I understand why people hire wedding planners. Luckily we had wonderful friends, family, and vendors who let us boss them around and together we pulled it off. There weren’t many disagreements about the feel of the day, mostly just a lot of brainstorming for tackling logistical issues,” they say. “I kept joking that I felt like the project manager,” adds Courtney, who serves as a Business and Community Development Specialist for Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) in the day to day. “There are so many unique details that we worked hard to pull off, but ultimately I think we accomplished our goal of making everyone feel like they were an important part of our love story. One couple told us that they had been married for 30 years and felt like they renewed their vows with us, which was such a great compliment to get.” “Don’t be afraid to do things a little differently than you may have seen at other weddings,” they suggest to others preparing to tie the knot. “Our wedding felt like a big creative project and we wanted to take advantage of the moment having all of our loved ones with us—even if we had to use our problem solving skills more than a few times. Hire talented vendors and let them be creative, and make sure to delegate tasks to friends and family so that you aren’t bombarded with questions on your day. “ “Above all, don’t let planning a wedding get in the way of planning a marriage,” they stress. “We learned a lot about each other and our families in the process and ultimately the day felt like the perfect representation of us.” A video of highlights from the Swanson wedding can be found at https://vimeo.com/245385081.
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The Swansons were married at Coop’s Event Barn, in Dodge Center. The rustic location provided a stunning backdrop for the celebration. Photo submitted
Call the FCJ at 507-765-2151 to advertise or offer news tips!
Make proposals special and successful A wedding proposal is a special moment in couples' lives together. It can be made even more special by following some guidelines. A marriage proposal is a couple's first official step toward the altar. Tradition dictates that men pop the question, with their surprised - and hopefully soon-tobe-fiancées - ultimately deciding if wedding bells will be on the horizon. Proposing marriage can be nervewracking. However, if the
time seems right and love is in the air, popping the question can be exciting. Regardless of who is proposing marriage, the following strategies can help make proposals memorable and successful. Turn the tides An old Irish tradition known as "The Lady's Privilege" was established in the fifth century by a nun named St. Brigid. She decided to create an opportunity for women to propose marriage. This day fell on every leap year,
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL Page 11 Printed with Soy ink their girlfriends' fathers for "per- photographs posted to social mission" to wed their daughters. media, proposals still stand out However, asking your partner's as extra special moments. Hire a Printed with Soy inK photographer to disfamily for their blessing is a sign professional of respect and can add a roman- creetly capture the proposal and tic and heartfelt touch to the your partner's reaction so it can be cherished foronyears to come. Printed recycled paper proposal. Capture the moment Though we live in an age when Printed on every moment of people's lives recycled PaPer is documented with videos and
Monday, January 15, 2018
February 29. Centuries later, women can still use this tradition as the impetus to take the marriage reigns into their own hands. But women need not wait for the next leap year to propose. Many women view proposing as an empowering action that is tied to the evolving view of independent women. Couples are negotiating more in the marriage process, and the dissolution of commonly held practices is occurring more often. Choose a sentimental location Couples will remember the proposal for the rest of their lives. So choose a proposal location that has sentimental connections. Think about where the first "I love you" was uttered or where a first date occurred. These can be prime locations to pop the question. Note her style Engagement rings play a big role in many couples' proposals. One person's style is not necessarily what his partner will like. Bigger isn't always better. Rather, choose a ring that reflects your partner's preferences and personality. Take your partner jewelry shopping and see which types of jewelry he or she is most drawn to. Certain preferences can serve as a jumping off point for ring designs. Ask for the family's blessing Men no longer need to ask
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