2014
Working
Women Pg 2: Girls Day Out
Pg 3: Larson loves serving Mabel Pg 4: A lot of TLC in stitches
Pg 5: The road to recovery... for furniture Pg 6: The Gundersen Harmony Clinic super eight Pg 10: Nursing, a wonderful career Pg 11: Tips for female entrepreneurs
A Special Section of the Fillmore County Journal
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, October 20, 2014
Girls get ready for “Day Out” By Barb Jeffers Area women are gearing up for Lanesboro’s Girl’ Day Out, which will be taking place Saturday, October 25, 2014 throughout the town of Lanesboro, Minn. The fun will start at 10 a.m. and last all day. The events, which began in 2012, happen twice each year, with the spring event happening each April, and the fall event taking place every October. The reason for Girls Day Out is to provide a retail shopping experience for women and to
get female friends and family members together to explore Lanesboro and all its businesses and restaurants have to offer. Artist Joni Finnegan will be giving an oil painting demonstration at the Lanesboro Art Center for those who are interested in painting or would like to learn oil painting. The art center is located at 103 Parkway Avenue N. in Lanesboro. Crooked Pine Soap will offer samples of their quality handmade goat milk soap at Beste Byen Grocery and Gallery,
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Proud to be a Working Woman! Lisa’s Klip N Kurl 507-765-5430 206 St. Paul St. SW, Preston
Lisa Pickett
Licensed insurance agent since 1987
auto – home – Farm – Business – health 507.886.2484 • Home 507.886.4891 P.O. Box 215, 25 Main Ave. S. Harmony, MN 55939 Fax 507.886.2755 lynda@kolihainsuranceservices.com
Lynda KoLiha owner/agent
With greatest appreciation to all my lady co-workers. Shawna, Lindsi, Ilene, Dianna, Taylor, Lori, Theresa, Gina, Amanda, and our DAC ladies Sharon, Patty, Mickey, and Julie ~ Shelly Hanson
located at 201 Parkway Avenue N. in Lanesboro. Pedal Pushers Cafe, located at 121 Parkway Avenue N. in Lanesboro will be offering a “spa day” upstairs in “The Roost”, with proceeds going to the Lanesboro mission groups’ trip to Jamaica in January 2015. Slant Avenue Mercantile, located at 105 Elmwood Avenue Street E., will be offering ten percent off all purchases during Girls Day Out fall 2014. Old Village Hall Restaurant & Pub, located at 111 Coffee Street E., will have eight dollar flatbread pizzas and three dollar bloody marys for happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Essence of Lanesboro, located at 100 Parkway Avenue S., will give attendee’s a free lip balm with a purchase of ten dollars or more (one lip balm per customer) with 14 flavors to choose from. Windy Mesa, located at 102 Parkway Avenue N., will be offering twenty percent off sandals during Lanesboro’s Girls Day Out fall 2014. Root River Saloon, located at 112 Coffee Street E., will be having two happy hours for Girls Day Out the first from 12 - 3 p.m ,and the second from 9 - 11 p.m. Other business included in Girls Day Out include: E2 located at 115 Parkway Avenue N., Parkway Pub - located at 109 Parkway Avenue N., Gil B’s - located at 111 Parkway Avenue N., Another Time Ice Cream Parlor - located at 100 Parkway Avenue N., Barnyard Gallery - located at 207 Parkway Avenue N., Scenic Valley Winery - located at 103 Coffee Street E., and Stone Mill Art & Craft Gallery - located at 100 Beacon Street E. Participating businesses will have more deals for shoppers, such as a free gift with purchase, and additional restaurants will have specials for the day. Those who participate in Girls Day Out will also have the chance to win prizes through a drawing. Each participating business will have post cards for attendees, and businesses will stamp the back of the post cards when visited. The post cards can then be dropped off at Beste Byen or the Amish Experience, and a drawing will be held at 4:30 that afternoon to choose winners. Entrants need not be present to win. Prizes include two tickets to the Commonweal Theatre, fifty dollars in Lanesboro bucks, and gift baskets donated by Lanesboro businesses. The four members of the Girls Day Out committee have arranged for an incredibly fun and relaxing day for attendees. These four women are: Angie Taylor of Pedal Pushers Cafe, Kristin Eggen of Beste Byen, Sarah Pieper of Old Village Hall, and Lori Hudson of the Amish Experience. For more information, contact any of the committee members or visit the events facebook page at facebook/girls day out lanesboro.
Working Women 2014
Girls Day Out in Lanesboro, MN PRizE DRawiNgS
$50
OCTOBER 25, 2014 LaNESBORO BuCkS Starting at 10 am
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Participating Businesses
Windy Mesa • • Gil B’s Root River Saloon • • Scenic Valley Winery Lanesboro Art Center • • Old Village Hall Another Time Ice Cream Parlor • • Beste Byen Pedal Pushers Cafe • • Amish Experience Slant Avenue • • E2 Barnyard Gallery • • Parkway Pub Essence of Lanesboro • • Stone Mill Art & Craft Gallery • Commonweal Theater •
Proudly insuring Working Women of Southeast Minnesota DeAnna Larrabee
Larrabee-essig insurance agency
121 S. Main Street, Chatfield www.essigagency.com Office 507-867-3188 Cell 507-251-1724 • Fax 1-775-429-4703
FCE’s Rushford working women present $1000 to Semcac food shelves in Rushford, Preston and Caledonia.
We thank all the working women in our area — especially the women working on the farm and at fCe — who are working together to feed the world.
Our thanks to the working women of FCE: Betty Bergsgaard, Spring Grove Bookkeeper Lexie Boehmke, Accounts Receivable Manager Stacy Botcher, T&C Store Counter Sales Shelby Brand, Accounts Payable Robin Paulson, Office Manager Krystal Regan, Calf & Heifer Specialist Gina Schroeder, Caledonia Location Manager Quality Service, Quality Products — for Over 100 Years Jodi Skalet, Grain Clerk/Originator www.farmersco-opelevator.coop Alesha Sveen, Livestyle Product Specialist www.fce.coop | 800-450-7733 Robin Thesing, Houston Bookkeeper /townandcountrystore Rachel Wiste, Office Bookkeeper
Purina® ANTLERMAX®
Working women veterinarians for all your large and small animal needs.
Dr. Hartman • Dr. Otto • Dr. Westby Welcome Dr. Hartman - Specializing in Equine and Chiropractic Care
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855 Wickett Drive NW ~ Harmony, MN 507-886-6321 ~ 24 Hours
Working Women 2014
Monday, October 20, 2014
Larson loves serving Mabel By Barb Jeffers The city clerk of Mabel, Minn. is a working woman who loves her job. Karen Larson was first hired as deputy clerk in July 2012, and when the former city clerk, Jimmy Narum, planned his retirement, they discussed promoting from within the city to fill the vacancy. Larson states she was “very fortunate” to get the position as the Mabel City clerk/treasurer in March of 2013. The position of city clerk is actually more in tune with Larson’s education, having attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn., graduating in 2002, with a degree in accounting. Prior to becoming deputy clerk Larson had been working at Merchant’s Bank in Spring Grove, Minn., the town where she was born and raised, but wanted to work in Mabel, as that is where she lives and where her children attend school. Her job duties include accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budget, answering phones, updating the city of Mabel’s website (www. cityofmabel.com), and answering questions, just to name a few. Larson also prepares for council meetings, attends council meetings, and takes minutes. Larson’s job as city clerk works well for her family, as
she drives her kids school in the morning and they walk to her office after school to ride home with her. The part time schedule of 30 hours per week offsets her husband Russell’s job at Larson Well Drilling of Mabel, Minn. where he works long hours, including nights and weekends. Balancing her career and family is easier, thanks to the flexibility of her job. As long as someone is in the office, she is able to leave to take care of family obligations, such as doctor and dentist appointments or anything else that may come up that needs her attention. Nathan Manning, the deputy clerk for the city, is happy to step in when Larson needs to be away. Manning enjoys his job and working with Larson, saying that she is “very easy to work with”, which creates a pleasant work atmosphere. Larson states that she enjoys working and has really enjoyed getting to know the residents of Mabel. Although she has lived in Mabel for ten years, she doesn’t live in town so she hadn’t gotten to know a lot of people. Now that she works as the city clerk, she sees a lot more people she knows while running errands to the bank or post office that she probably
would not have known before, and is happy to visit with them and get to know them better. Many people probably knew who she was, as her husband was born and raised in Mabel, but now the residents of Mabel are also getting a chance to know her. Larson appreciates how supportive the community of Mabel and area residents have been since she took over as city clerk. The best part of her job is “the variety of work”, states Larson. Although she has certain tasks she must accomplish each month, she likes the fact that she does not do the same thing every day. Larson adds that “some days a question will come in that I have never had to deal with”, so there is always something new. Larson is very fulfilled in her job as the city clerk/treasurer for Mabel and hopes to stay in the position until she retires, adding that her family’s roots are “pretty firmly planted in Mabel”. The Larson’s have three children that include Hayley, 20, who is currently attending the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, Jordan, 9, and Tyler, 7. Larson states, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to work in Mabel as the city clerk. I am fortunate to have found a job that I love in a community that is amazing and one I am proud to call home!”
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
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Mabel City Clerk, Karen Larson, considers herself very fortunate to have landed her position. Photo by Barb Jeffers
SMG
FILLmORE COunTy’S 6Th AnnuAL
TuRKEy DAy Run
Web
Design
November Registration at 7:30 a.m. 27th
RiveRside oN the Root in Lanesboro, MN.
Run/Walk begins at 8:00am in Lanesboro on the Root River Trail and concludes at the Trailhead Inn in Preston for a total of 10.3 miles. This is not a sanctioned race.
Proud Working Women
21.00
$
(plus postage)
Order a T-Shirt with the logo celebrating this 6th Annual Event. Orders must be mailed in and paid in full prior to the event. Shirts will be mailed out to participants after all orders are collected.
Event Hosted by The Unofficial Fillmore County Running Club Craig Britton, Preston • Ross Kiehne, Harmony Jim Peters, Harmony • Jason Schwarz, Fountain • Jason Sethre, Fountain Call 507-251- 5297 with questions or visit www.fillmorecountyjournal.com to register in advance.
Adrienne Britson, Rushford Vicki Christianson, Harmony Tammy Danielson, Fountain Liz Giese, Canton Michelle Haugerud, Harmony Sherry Hines, Harmony Becky Hoff, Harmony Jackie Horsman, Wykoff Barb Jeffers, Fountain Loni Kemp, Canton Julie Kiehne, Lanesboro Kathy Little, Houston Yvonne Nyenhuis, Lanesboro
Jana Olson, Rushford Peggi Redalen, Rushford Karen Reisner, Fountain Angie Rodenburg, Rushford Jeanette Schmidt, Preston Amanda Sethre, Fountain Jade Sexton, Preston Judith Thomas, Spring Valley Ellen Whalen, Harmony Hannah Wingert, Preston Kirsten Zoellner, Rushford
Thank you to the women who bring out the best in all that we do!
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
A lot of TLC in stitches By Barb Jeffers As a nine year old girl, Terri Allen needed a project for 4-H and decided to make a peasant blouse. This was a large undertaking, as she had never sewn before, so she learned from the best, her mother Charlotte Daugherty, and her mom’s friend, Esther McCaulley. Upon completion of the blouse, Allen had gotten the sewing bug. She continued
to create projects through her years of 4-H and also during Home Economics class in high school. As friends and family learned of her skills, she would be asked to “fix this or that”, says Allen. She began doing alterations over 20 years ago, hemming wedding dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses, prom dresses, and has made a little boy’s tuxedo, among many other items. She
Terri Allen embroiders a t-shirt for a local campaign.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Working Women 2014
then began to do embroidery, which brought more projects as people learned of her talents. Having worked other jobs during these years, most recently as the head cook at Kingsland Schools for 12 years, and also dealing with a medical condition, Allen decided to take a chance and turn her hobby into a business. On March 1, 2014, Terri’s Tender Lovin’ Stitches in Fountain, Minn. started accepting a wide variety of orders for mending, sewing, embroidery, altera-
Photo by Barb Jeffers
Kayla Cassidy Chris Deanna Jill Cara Gayle Tory Kris Barb Emma Sonia Tammy Crystal Debra Diane Kendra Kristina Crystal Beth Clara Mavis Michala Kourtney Bev Diane Molly Elizabeth ’lb’ Cassie Brittany Pat Carolyn Rita Kelsey Terry Jean Louise Debbie Sarah Lindsey Gabriella Kourtney Taryn Mickey Peggy Josie Carolyn Allisa Jennifer Amber Ashley Rhonda Rachel Linda Katie Jessica Sara Jennifer Danielle Lindsay Eileen Betsy Jessica Kathy
We’re of the 64 women employed at our stores and realize they are better known as Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Sister, Daughter, Friend and also serve in our communities as volunteers.
tions, and many unique projects, as well. Allen notes that she also offers screen printing services to meet customer’s needs. With 41 years of sewing experience, Allen has done a lot of her work “old school”, as she describes it, but has slowly begun to update her inventory to the technology that is offered today, recently adding a second embroidery machine, which is an industrial model. In recent years, Allen has branched out to new challenges such as sewing the brides’ and grooms’ names and wedding dates into the lining of brides’ dresses, sometimes using blue thread as the bride’s “something blue.” Allen says it is very meaningful to the couple to add special touches to the lining of the bride’s wedding dress. Allen has embroidered loved ones names who have passed away onto a special piece of material, and sewn that into the inside of the wedding dress next to the bride’s heart. The smiles from the brides and appreciation from her customers mean a lot to Allen, as she states, “You know you’ve done something right when you get the chills,” and knowing that item is sure to be treasured adds more meaning. Other memorable and meaningful projects come Allen’s way, as she has been asked to make a sheer skirt for maternity photographs where the “baby bump”
shows through. Allen says, “I don’t have a pattern, but it’s a skirt, and a skirt won’t be hard to make a pattern for”, which has always been her attitude. She states, “You name it, we’ve done it, or are always willing to try it”, and those creations are probably the most interesting for Allen. Her latest project is making a very small embroidered pillow shaped like a rainbow trout. The ring bearer for an upcoming wedding will carry a fishing pole, as the groom is an avid fisherman. At the end of the fishing pole will be the trout and the wedding rings will be on the hook as well. At one time Allen was contracted by the former Anderson’s Formal of Rochester, Minn. to embroider words on bow ties for high school proms such as “Prom 2014” and would embroider 500 - 600 bow ties each year, which were then sent to their retail stores in places such as North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and other locations. Allen continues to create items for area schools with mascots and school colors. These items include hats, shirts, and other apparel. She is quick to point out that she is not trying to take work away from others but rather offering alternative choices to the area. Allen states no job is too big or too small whether it is one piece or several See TENDER Page 5
A special Thank You to these women!
Jessica Aggen, Jackie Rasmussen, Julie Gade, Barb Henry, Jackie Tieskotter
507-268-4321 • 1-888-801-7664 www.fsbfountain.com
Working Women 2014
TENDER
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hundred. The scale of Allen’s work knows no bounds as she has worked on baby blankets, towels, wedding afghans, grandmother sweatshirts, onesie’s, jackets, and much more. She has embroidered patches for motorcycles groups, made t-shirts for campaigns, shirts for businesses, and completed requests from many other groups. Terri’s Tender Lovin’ Stitches began many years ago out of necessity to create a 4-H project and has grown to what it has become today, due to her love of sewing. And the inspiration behind it all, her mother, is ever present as Allen has a photograph of Charlotte displayed on her sewing machine, reminding her of memories made and the special memories Allen’s projects will bring to others. Terri’s Tender Lovin’ Stitches is located at 401 First Street in Fountain. For more information, phone (507) 268-4201 or visit the business’ facebook page and “like” it to get updates. To view additional photos of project examples, go to the facebook page of the Fillmore County Journal.
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, October 20, 2014
The road to recovery... for furniture By Barb Jeffers They say if you do what you love you will never work a day in y,our life. Although Genny Smith of The Recovery Room Reupholstery certainly loves what she does it is definitely still work. But the hard work is worth it in the end when she returns a beautiful piece of reupholstered furniture to its owner. Smith never set out to learn upholstery, in fact, the idea had never even occurred to her. She began working at Tuohy Furniture in Chatfield, Minn. in 1996, where she started out sanding. Having a great work ethic led her to accept the position of warehouse and inventory manager in 1997. Smith would have her work in the warehouse done by the end of the day on Wednesdays, so she was able to help out in other departments. In 2000 the upholstery department became shorthanded and Smith was asked to step in and try upholstering to see if she could do it and if she liked it. She did like it, and was so good at it, that she was asked to stay in the upholstery department, which she did, and stayed there for five years. In 2005 Smith accepted an opportunity to work at S & K
Despite working at their regular jobs my ‘s isters’ come on special holidays, so my family can take care of your family.
Jackie Ward, Kathy Welch, Jann Herzog, Becki Russell, LeAnn Welch Jevne (owner), Marci Vatland
Mabel Flowers & Gifts
Custom Furniture in Chatfield, Minn. Her work at S & K Custom Furniture provided her with experience working with residential furniture, where the pieces at Tuohy Furniture had been more professional or office pieces. Due to an economic downturn in 2008, Smith, along with many others in the United States, faced having her hours cut. At the same time, her husband Darwin was building a large shed meant for machinery, wood working projects, and other storage. He suggested putting in a reupholstery shop at the north end of the building for Genny to pick up some local work. The idea was a good one, as Genny had been doing a few projects in the basement of their home, which meant carrying pieces up and down the stairs and the space was not very convenient, as there was not a lot of space. The new shop, which has two levels of 11’ x 50’ space allows her to stage, tear down, and reupholster in the downstairs area, while there is a large cutting table, foam and fabric storage and two sewing machines available in the upstairs level. The furniture itself does not need to be carried up and dow, only the fabric. The Recovery Room Reupholstery held its grand opening in June of 2009 and business has been nonstop since, with projects from repeat customers and new customers contacting her after hearing about her work from friends or family. In May of 2010, Tuohy Furniture had an upholstery department opening and called her back to work to begin where she had left off. With their children now grown the Smiths are now empty nesters, so the kids don’t keep her busy anymore
and she is not one to sit still for very long, saying she is “used to working”, so she continues to work both jobs, putting in 40 hours a week at Tuohy Furniture and another 25-30 hours per week in her shop. When the Smith’s five children were young the family dairy farmed, so it was “a whole different ballgame”, states Smith, so balancing work and family was not an issue for her as she was on the farm, although the cows and calves demanded much of her time, she was at home and
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accessible for the kids. Smith states that their five children have gotten quite a few pieces of furniture re-done, as they know “mom can do it” when they find an old piece that needs to be reupholstered. Smith states she is “very pleased with the amount of work” she has received since opening her business, stating, “95% of my business is from word of mouth”, as she does not advertise very much. People knew she had done upholstery work at Tuohy Furniture and S & K Custom Furniture, and See RECOVERY Page 6
Genny Smith, owner of Recovery Room Reupholstery, works on a customer’s chair. Photo by Barb Jeffers
105 S Main, Mabel, MN 507-493-5400 • www.MabelFlowers.com
We appreciate your business!
WHERE HEALTH BEGINS IN HARMONY Good health begins with great primary care. We’re here for your routine medical care, illness and injuries and to manage your chronic medical conditions.
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Inc. | Gundersen Clinic, Ltd.
Call today to schedule an appointment: (507) 886-8888 805 Main Avenue South gundersenhealth.org/harmony
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
RECOVERY
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when she began her own business word quickly spread. Local businesses and organizations have also been very supportive and brought work her way. Smith says that Drury’s Furniture of Fountain, Minn. has been a big supporter of hers, referring customers looking for someone who can reupholster a piece of furniture they have at home. Many times the customer will order the fabric from Drury’s Furniture for Smith to use. Smith says customers can purchase fabric elsewhere and bring it to her to use on their project. She also has fabric sample books of her own that customers are welcome to look at if they are having trouble finding a fabric they want. Smith has a dealership with a company called Charlotte Fabrics of New Hope, Minn., and says the company has a nice selection of very good fabrics. She has dealerships with two other fabric companies that provide online selections for customers to browse from and can readily order any other upholstery supplies needed. Smith appreciates that yet more projects come her way from Preston Equipment Company of Preston, Minn., as customers want seats reupholstered on their snowmobiles, fourwheelers, gators, and tractors. McKean Auto Sales of Harmo-
ny, Minn. has also had seats reupholstered on used vehicles before they are sold in order to make them look extra sharp. The Recovery Room Reupholstery has also done reupholstery work for several churches: St. Matthew’s Episcopal in Chatfield, Minn., St. John’s Lutheran in Wykoff, Minn., and Trinity Lutheran in Rochester, Minn., which had 110 removable seat pews that were brought out to the shop in groups of 25 that Smith reupholstered. Highland Lutheran Church in Highland, Minn. is next on her list of churches. These projects can bring long hours, as they may need to be completed for church service the following Sunday. As with some church projects Smith can do “on site” jobs when necessary and brings her tools, supplies, and air compressor with her to complete the job. Many of the projects Smith has completed for customers have been “a first time try” for her, but she is up for any challenge saying she “likes to do it right” and is a perfectionist when it comes to her work. Smith states “it is always fun to restore something that has been around for a long time, such as someone’s favorite chair, and make it new again” and the smiles on customers faces when they see the piece for the first time gives her a great feeling of accomplishment. As for her favorite thing to
Monday, October 20, 2014 reupholster, Smith quickly says, “wingback chairs - they are just pretty”, adding, “each has their own unique style, and the curves on the chairs makes them so interesting.” Not only does Smith enjoy giving life to an old piece, she says that “older type furniture has so much more personality and style to it than a lot of the newer things you can get today” and making that old piece look new again brings back a piece of history. Smith plans to continue doing what she is doing until she reaches retirement age, at which time “things will probably change - a new chapter will begin” but as always she is up for the challenge. The Recovery Room Reupholstery shop is located at 27639 230th Street, Preston, Minn., which is one-half mile north of Preston. Hours are Monday through Friday, 4-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., some Sundays, and by appointment. To make an appointment or for additional information phone (507) 765-4517 or (507) 2619335. Genny also has a truck and furniture trailer and provides a pick up & delivery service for customers who desire or need this service. Reach the business website at: recoveryroomreupholstery.vpweb. com and also visit the facebook page with photos of completed projects.
Working Women 2014
The Gundersen Harmony Clinic super eight By Barb Jeffers Gundersen Harmony Clinic, located in Harmony, Minn., serves the medical needs of Harmony and the surrounding area. The clinic is a part of the Gundersen Health System. Eight women—the entire staff—work at Gundersen Harmony Clinic caring for the greater Harmony community: •Diana Nelson, PA, began working at the Harmony clinic in June 2001, following her retirement from the Air Force after 20 years of service. •Family medicine provider Randi Berg, MD, cares for patients in Harmony two to three days per week and is also expanding her practice to Spring Grove, Minn. •Leslie Elsbernd, PA-C, is a nursing home provider who works in Harmony three days per
week. •Cheryl Hotvedt, RN, BSN, sees patients at the clinic, where she has worked for three years. •Lori Pfremmer is an LPN at Gundersen Harmony Clinic. •Marlene Connelly, MA, works in lab and radiology and has worked at the clinic in Harmony for 17 years. •Mary Fishbaugher is a patient liaison who has worked at the clinic for 25 years. •Teresa Coyle is a patient liaison. Services offered at Gundersen Harmony Clinic include sports physicals, employee physicals, Workers’ Compensation cases, lacerations, X-rays, labs, spirometry, well-child exams, women’s health, drug screens, blood alcohol tests for employment, and See GUNDERSEN Page 7
When you buy from a mom or pop business, you are not helping a ceo buy a third vacation home. you are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom or dad put food on the table, a family pay a mortgage, or a student pay for college. our customers are our shareholders and they are the ones We strive to make happy. thank you for supporting small businesses!
We have been building the community area since 1867. The working women of Rushford State Bank have been a cornerstone of our banking growth and development. We appreciate these women for their work and dedication in serving our customers. Our salute to working women everywhere.
LOAN DEPARTMENT Left to right: Denise Schaffer Lending Assistant, Kim Marie Fournier Mortgage Lender, Missy Stennes Lending Assistant, Lisa Anderson Consumer Lender and Tami Ardinger Lending Assistant.
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT Left to right: Judy Ehlenfeldt Teller, Lori Roberton Receptionist, Lori Krage Teller, Robin Jandt Teller and Deann Vix Operations Manager.
‘Our roots run deep in our community.’ Rushford, MN 507-864-7755
Houston, MN 507.896.7755
Working Women 2014
GUNDERSEN
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more. The providers and staff also care for patients with chronic medical problems such as diabetes and hypertension. Health promotion education is available for patients who would benefit from the information the staff provides. Dr. Berg and Diana Nelson, PA, are both certified to do D.O.T. physicals, which is a difficult service to find, as special training is required in order to perform the physicals. Gundersen Harmony Clinic also offers U.S. Army physicals and is one of the only places in southeast Minnesota that can provide them. The clinic has a mobile mammogram unit that comes every couple of months and also a mobile bone density unit that comes once a month to provide further service to patients. Telemedicine is an exciting service offered at Gundersen Harmony Clinic that many patients take advantage of because of its convenience. With telemedicine, the clinic and patients in Harmony can connect to Gundersen Health System’s entire staff of experts in La Crosse, Wisc. Patients can talk to a provider in La Crosse in real time and discuss any issues. Amazingly, a nurse in Harmony can put a stethoscope on the patient and the provider in La Crosse can hear.
Monday, October 20, 2014 Also offered are hematology and oncology services and diabetes education. These services offered in Harmony can save patients the time of traveling to their primary clinic. Hotvedt
does nail care for diabetic patients so the patients do not have to travel far for these services. Gundersen Harmony Clinic has hospice care available, connecting hospice nurses with resi-
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL dents in the nursing home and also to people needing hospice care at home. Dr. Berg provides prenatal care up to 28 weeks, which is convenient for expecting parents who
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would otherwise have to travel for initial visits. Gundersen clinics are all connected electronically, meaning if See GUNDERSEN Page 8
Gundersen Harmony Clinic staff: Back row L to R: Mary Fishbaugher PL, Cheryl Hotvedt RN, Lori Pfremmer LPN, Leslie Elsbernd PA-C, Marlene Connelly MA; Front row L to R: Diana Nelson PA and Dr. Randi Berg. Photos by Barb Jeffers
We would like to salute the working women at the Root River State Bank and thank them for all they do.
Salute to all our working women for their hard work and dedication in serving our customers!
Sue Schild, Julie Blumer, Jody Roe, Diane Meeker, Julie Burkholder, Kris Bradt, Lisa Thompson, Liz Wiger, and Sue Keefe. Missing: Kris Horsman Left to Right: Ginger Bastian, Linda Bennett, Dee Olivarri
507-346-2804 501 N. Park Drive, Spring Valley, MN 507-867-4272 237 Main St. North, Chatfield, MN
Serving you since 1856
507-867-4120 • 1-888-766-8748 www.rrsbchatfield.com
OPeN DAiLy! 7AM-9PM
507-374-6440 20 Airport Rd. North, Dodge Center, MN
www.sunshinefoodstores.com
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
GUNDERSEN
Continued from Page 7
a patient has been seen at any Gundersen clinic, all other Gunderson clinics have confidential access to the records. X-rays and labs are digital, too, so if a patient is seeing a specialist at another location, that specialist can view the results. The staff at Gundersen Harmony Clinic communicates with other health systems on a regular basis, so people who see a provider elsewhere can come to Gundersen Harmony Clinic for acute care. The information can be sent to that patient’s regular physician. With all of these services and more, the Gundersen Harmony Clinic is certainly a full service clinic offering services from prenatal to geriatric. Nelson states that Gundersen Harmony Clinic has “great same day access”, meaning a person can typically call in the morning and be seen that day. This is very helpful to those who need acute care and need to be seen immediately. Nelson has four children ranging in age from 31 - 18, with her youngest graduating last year from Fillmore-Central school. With her kids grown, balancing her career and family is not the same as it used to be. When her children were young it was hard to find balance, especially given her career, with long hours and not knowing how many patients will come in that day or
what will happen, and then having paperwork to complete at the end of the work day. She considers herself very fortunate that her husband stayed home with the kids so they were able to balance things out easier. Her children understood the importance of her work and her youngest child, who just started college, is considering going into medicine. Hotvedt has a daughter who is 21, currently living in Africa, and a son who is 16. She says that balancing her career and family is not hard for her as she chose her career as an adult and her kids were already in school, so it wasn’t as difficult. Hotvedt lives in Iowa and drives an hour each way to work and home each day. Although the clinic staffed by women, Nelson says that men are comfortable seeing female providers stating, “they see me as a provider, not a female provider”, and if the male patients have any special male exams they need done and are not comfortable, the staff in Harmony can send the patient to the appropriate provider. Nelson provides care to an equal amount of men and women. The women who work at Gundersen Harmony Clinic all get along well and consider each other family. They talk during breaks and know each other’s families, so if someone happens to be having a bad day the others understand why and they support each other. The staff also supports the community in many ways, donating
Be Healthy & Fit For Life!
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Monday, October 20, 2014 their time and money to area events. These organizations and events include Post-Prom, Relay for Life, Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minn., Fillmore County Food Shelf, and more. The staff bakes bread for the local Empty Bowls event each year and serves food during the local Easter egg hunt. During Harmony’s Christmas event the staff has a table set up with cookies, frosting, and decorations for kids to decorate. The clinic also offers scholarships to area students and helps to sponsor other student events, such as a Spanish class trip. The clinic has a garden on the grounds used to show people how to grow in small areas. Diana Nelson states, “We try to be community minded and help out as much as we can”, which area residents appreciate. Education is ongoing with the staff, also. Nelson is a preceptor teaching the second year physician assistant students at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. The students come to learn at the clinic in Harmony for a month and learn how to see patients. The clinic works well for students to learn, as it is “truly a family practice”, states Nelson, as they see patients from infants to 101 year-olds. Her last class voted her the 2014 Preceptor of the Year. Currently she has a nurse practitioner student job shadowing her at the Gundersen Harmony Clinic. Nelson states, “We do a lot of education here”, and it is obvious that education is very important to the entire staff. Hotvedt took it upon herself to receive training in order to provide nail care to diabetics right at the clinic. She saw the need to provide the service to elderly diabetic patients so they would not have to travel to have their nail care done. Nelson states that Hotvedt “goes above and beyond”, adding that the clinic in Harmony “would not have that service without her”. Because of Hotvedt’s initiative and hard
Do you know someone who you think should be in next year’s Working Women Section?
Working Women 2014 work, Dr. Berg nominated her for the 2014 Nurse Excellence Award for nursing practice, and Hotvedt received the prestigious award. Another form of education and community support offered by the staff at Gundersen Harmony Clinic comes through Diana Nelson’s volunteer involvement on the ACT on Alzheimer’s Harmony Action Team. “ACT on Alzheimer’s is a state wide
effort to make communities more dementia friendly,” states Lori Slindee, of Harmony, who is the Community Coordinator for this project. This effort is made possible with a grant from the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. Harmony is in the first round of 10 communities in the state See GUNDERSEN Page 10
For over 5 years at Old Ways New Ideas, Peggy has offered crafts by local crafters and the Amish, Fillmore Central Falcon apparel, and affordable discount merchandise.
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Page 10
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, October 20, 2014
Nursing, a wonderful career
GUNDERSEN
Continued from Page 8
By Karen Reisner Joanie Betsinger was recognized as September’s KTTC “Amazing Woman.” She describes herself as a “talker and a teacher”. She insists she truly isn’t amazing. Instead, she praises her colleagues as an amazing group of people to work with. Betsinger retired early in September after nearly 27 years at Fillmore County Public Health. Joanie says she has always worked two jobs: her job at public health during the week and at various area hospitals on weekends. A mother of two daughters, Jenny and Christy, her career wouldn’t have been possible without lots of support from her husband, Russ, who became legally blind at 63. “He kept the family together.” The couple has two granddaughters and a step-grandson. Jenny’s husband, who was from Nairobi, Kenya, died suddenly earlier this year of a brain aneurysm. They also have a daughter-in-law JJ, Christy’s wife.
to receive grant financing to go through a planning assessment to identify community issues, both strengths and weaknesses, related to dementia. Once the community assessment steps are completed in the next few months, the ACT on Alzheimer’s - Harmony Action Team will pursue additional funding to strengthen supports to individuals with dementia and their caregivers in the community. Harmony and the surrounding area can rest assured knowing that the staff of Gundersen Harmony Clinic is on hand offering a full spectrum of care for the entire family. Gundersen Health System Harmony Clinic is located at 805 Main Ave. South in Harmony. Hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m. The phone number at Harmony Gundersen Clinic is (507) 8868888 or (866) 354-4192.
Even with her work schedule and family, she managed to be a Girl Scout leader for 14 years and active in her church’s Faith Foundation (religious education). She tries to crochet a baby blanket or two each month for Bundles of Love, which she says is a good organization, both in Spring Valley and Chatfield. Joanie graduated in 1972 from a two year nursing program. After being hired as a public health nurse in 1988, she pursued her four year bachelor’s degree, BSN, which she received in 1989. She explained that in her earlier years as a public health nurse, much less time was spent on paperwork, adding that the amount of time spent on paperwork today is disgraceful. Because of privacy laws, nurses must do all of the
Working Women 2014 charting for their clients. More time is spent completing paperwork than spent doing the work of a nurse, helping people, which is what a nurse is educated to do. Joanie worked as a Maternal and Child Health nurse (MCH) and a lactation consultant. She worked with pregnant women, teaching them about breast feeding, prenatal health, labor and delivery, and baby care. “It was a wonderful job, part of me still would love to be there.” She also worked at Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics and vaccination clinics. She is a certified car seat technician, noting that the best car seats are the simplest and easiest to use. Russ and their daughters planned a retirement party for Joanie, which was held on October 10. There were over 140 guests, some of whom were former colleagues that retired in prior years.
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It was an opportunity to celebrate and to reconnect with old friends. After years of working in public health, she said the people she has worked with get to be family. Amazing Woman Award Winner Vicky Kruegel, Bonnie Hill, and Jan Baker contacted friends, colleagues, and church friends to write letters of support to nominate Betsinger for the KTTC Amazing Woman award. Copies of the nineteen letters submitted were given to Joanie, including two letters from her daughters. In the KTTC Amazing Woman video, Diane Strahl says Joanie is compassionate and patient. Bonnie Hill declares Joanie deserves the award because she really cares about her clients and is willing to go the extra mile for them. When asked if she would recommend nursing as a career choice, Joanie enthusiastically said, “Yes”, adding that nursing is a wonderful career. She would encourage young people to get that education, noting an education is one thing that can never be taken away from you. There are a wide variety of nursing positions available. As a nurse, one can work almost anywhere. What’s Next Joanie always wanted to travel to Peru and visit Machu Picchu. The couple already enjoyed that trip, using the last of Joanie’s vacation days, pre-retirement. Russ always wanted to see the Panama Canal. She says they love to travel and expect to travel in the United States, citing a Reader’s Digest book, “Fifty-two Loops in Fifty-two Weeks” as possible destinations. The couple plans to sell their home in Spring Valley in the spring of next year and move to the Twin Cities to be closer to Jenny, who is now a single mother, and their granddaughters. Besides travel and family, Joanie has specific goals for her retirement. She has always wanted to learn to knit and to play the piano. She is thinking about writing a book, fiction or non-fiction, she hasn’t decided, about public health nursing.
Working Women 2014
Monday, October 20, 2014
Tips for female enterpreneurs Starting a business is no small task. But as the 21st century progresses, more and more female entrepreneurs are embracing the challenge of starting their own businesses. Though each entrepreneur has his or her own motivation for starting a business, the chance to be your own boss and turn an idea into a successful business is a driving force for both male and female entrepreneurs. And though male and female entrepreneurs face similar hurdles when starting a business, many female entrepreneurs might be more hesitant to set out on their own, fearing that old stigmas about women in
the workplace might affect their chances at success by making potential investors or financial institutions wary of women setting out on their own. Though such concerns unfortunately are legitimate, women should not assume that such stigmas prevail. The continued success of female entrepreneurs has shed new light on just how successful female entrepreneurs can be. The following are a few tips for women looking to start their own business. •Seek out a mentor. Many female entrepreneurs have blazed the trail you are about to embark on, and such women can prove
Building a business wardrobe The transition from college student or stay-at-home mom to fulltime professional requires a number of changes. Those changes include updating your wardrobe to give it a more professional feel. Clothing that’s acceptable for a jaunt to the store or a night out may not be appropriate for the office. Just what constitutes a professional wardrobe has changed over the years, and the guidelines for such attire are no longer as firm as they once were. But it still behooves a woman to add some classic, professional pieces to her closet. While skirts and pantyhose may no longer be mandatory, dressing conservatively and cleanly
in an office environment is always a safe bet. In order to achieve a wardrobe transformation without breaking the bank, the fashion experts at Marie Claire advise adding separates to build around a base suit. Find a suit that is flattering to your figure and make it a workplace staple. Then purchase coordinating pants, sweater sets, shirts, another skirt, and accessories that can be mixed and matched with elements from the suit to create different looks. If your budget allows, purchase another suit in a different color so you can continue to build wardrobe possibilities.
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Page 11
an invaluable resource as you begin your journey. Find a female business owner you can connect with and ask her for any advice she can offer. She might not be able to help you with any specifics regarding your business, but she can very well share stories of what you can expect as a woman setting out to start her own business. •Have an airtight business plan. As unjust as it is, a stigma about women in the workplace still exists in the minds of some professionals. This means women must be especially diligent and detailed when creating their business plan. One helpful hint is to act as if you are pitching yourself. Look at your business plan and ask if you would invest in yourself. Ask yourself the questions you
would ask a fellow entrepreneur if he or she approached you with the same business plan you just developed. There’s no harm to be done by using every resource at your disposal, especially your own business savvy and experience. •Don’t expect to finance the business entirely on your own. Unless your business is going to be especially small, you’re going to need capital to start your business. If you think you can finance the business on your own, you might want to reconsider. A business loan or investors can help you plan for the unexpected. If you attempt to go it alone, open your business and then find you need a business loan, the lending institution might find your brand has already been damaged and is less
likely to succeed. That can make it harder to secure a business loan. Though it’s possible to finance your business entirely out of your own pocket, it never hurts to partner up with a bank or a handful of investors. •Rely on your support system. Many women with business experience might feel they need to prove something to themselves when starting their own business and need to do so entirely on their own. While that’s great motivation, underestimating the value of your support system, including your spouse, children and even your mentor, is a mistake. Rely on these people who all want you to succeed, and turn their support into extra motivation.
When selecting base pieces, opt for neutral colors of tan, gray, black, and blue so that these items can be worn repeatedly without being noticed. Accessories and blouses can offer pops of color when necessary. A nice handbag or pair of shoes can quite easily add color to an otherwise monotone ensemble. When selecting items from the rack, look for those that fit well but aren’t too constrictive or racy. Inquire with your new employer’s hiring manager or human resources department to find out if the workplace has any restrictions on wardrobe. There may be employee guidelines, particularly in certain industries, such as law or education. If no such restrictions are in place, keep skirts to kneelength and avoid particularly low-cut
tops. Save more revealing items for nights out with friends. Many employers have adopted dress-down days as perks for their employees. Although you may be invited to dress more casually, avoid dressing for a day at the beach or hanging around the house. Opt for trouser-style jeans that are free of rips and embellishments. If athletic shoes are allowed, make sure they are clean and not the pair you wear while tending to your garden. Avoid graphic T-shirts that feature potentially offensive or suggestive messages. In more conservative companies, dressing down may be opting for khakis instead of suits. It is important to know the difference. Women who are adding to their wardrobes can include these all-time
business staples. •Classic black pump shoes •Crisp, button-down white shirt •Fine-knit sweater in a bright color •Camisole or shell in a neutral color to wear under blazers •Cardigan in black or white that can be worn over tops or dresses •Fitted, sleeveless dress that can be paired with a suit jacket or cardigan •Straight-hemmed skirt in a neutral color •Flat-front black, gray and tan pants •Neutral-colored wool coat and a rain jacket Over time, women can add to their wardrobes as budgets allow and they learn more about what is acceptable at their places of hire.
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