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How to: make the best of this summer
INTERVIEW: JENNA MAHR
Summer 2013
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Play Clothes | Mary Closner
I’M ENJOYING THE DARK SIDE JUST FINE…THANK YOU VERY MUCH! and if anything was bleeding or became detached, you wrapped a clean t-shirt around it and went home to have your Dad take a look. After all, Dad carried a pocketknife everywhere and could usually solve your problems with that and a little duct tape.
When you live in a college town, things are different. Everyone here does “energy work” and talks about “chakras.” I appear to be the only one who isn’t glutenfree and gobbling fish oil pills by the handful. I was in the local Co-op when I had bronchitis and someone asked me what I was taking for it. When I mentioned a combo of off-the-shelf cold medicines from the local drug store, a hush fell over the room as my friend whispered, “You shouldn’t say that in here.” I’m not sure how I can even live in this place. I grew up knowing you took aspirin if you were sick
I’ve never felt the need to have hot stones put on my body, I don’t own any essential oils and I don’t even know what the hell “Reiki” is? Just trying to have a night out with my galpals is about as complicated as trying to plan an expedition to Everest. One is doing a detox cleanse, one doesn’t eat dairy/gluten/sugar/animals/ processed foods/or anything that isn’t a locally-sourced organic, the majority of them don’t drink, and not one of them likes horror movies. So, I figure I’ll sign us all up for a ceramic class where food and health issues shouldn’t be a problem. Except I forgot, one doesn’t like to get her hands dirty and another one has issues with chemical sensitivities and “off gassing” from carpets. Jesus, remember the
good old days where your parents told you to go outside and play and you didn’t see them again until your Mom called you in for dinner which was chock full o’ carbs, meat, cheese, & wheat?! I’m probably gonna be run out of town when everyone realizes I’ve never done yoga. Matter of fact, I’m not even sure I have any joints that actually bend. I spent my entire basketball career being yelled at for having no discernible knee joints. And tai chi…really? I can hardly sit still long enough to read a book let alone study my body in slow motion at a park while I’m barefoot & chanting & wearing flowy clothes. I drink Diet Pepsi ‘cuz I like the chemically goodness. I watch reality TV. I tailgate when I drive. How am I supposed to fit in around here? I believe in road rage and like to crack my knuckles. I finally switched the sweetener in my daily latte due to intense peer pressure, but I still like movie theatre popcorn (which my friends insist is made with
rust inhibitor since it isn’t “real” butter and they never clean the dispensers). Where are the folks that order those gross pizzas they advertise on TV? You know the ones with the cheese sticks rolled into the crust? And who will have a beer with me and talk about how sore their lower back is and how they aren’t gonna do a thing about it except complain? Where are my people? Apparently my friends are all too evolved for me. And, they will probably all outlive me. But they’re gonna be surviving on soy milk/wheat germ/kale/flax seed and meditating at their “forgiveness circles” while I’m eating pork ribs and getting sunburned on my pool floatie. Is that extra 15 minutes you’re gonna live worth all this? Come to the dark side people…it’s a heck of a lot more fun over here! — Mary Closner has never had acupuncture and believes in using alcohol as a crutch for all her ills.
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Summer 2013 Girlfriends.mn 3
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Summer 2013
CONTENTS where local women turn
6
21
15 18 Features 6
INTERVIEW: JENNA MAHR Meet this passionate “fairytale” photographer
10 SUMMER FUN!
16
How to: Get outdoors and make the best of this summer
16 TAKING STOCK Owatonna women are investing in their futures
19 A WINE STORY Janesville family’s award-winning success in wine-making
Wellness 21 MARRIED WITH CHILDREN
19
Two local families find ways to balance a happy marriage with parenting
25 READY FOR RHUBARB
Tips for harvesting and storing rhubarb, along with mouthwatering recipes
Accessories 3 Play Clothes | 15 From the Kitchen | 28 Unexpected Caregiver
About Us } Coming Soon:
Girlfriends Man Issue! Look for your issue the week of July 29.
4 Girlfriends.mn Summer 2013
Volume 5, Issue 4 Copyright © Girlfriends 2013 Published 2013 by: Huckle Media, LLC, 115 W. 5th St., Northfield, MN 55057 / 507-645-1110 Send releases and story ideas to: Brenda Ward at Girlfriends Magazine, bward@i35targetmedia.com
Publisher: Lauran Rott Editor: Jaci Smith Staff Writer: Brenda Ward Advertising Consultants: Lauran Rott, Luke Brown, Rachel Ebbers, Mark Nelson, Deb Theisen, Diane Gengler, Lisa Dwyer, Debbie Ensley, Kristie Biehn Graphic Designer: Ashley Ptacek
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A favorite quote of Jenna’s – “Nobody tells this to people who are beginners; I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it’s normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.” - Ira Glass
6 Girlfriends.mn Summer 2013
Jenna Mahr A “fairytale” photography career doesn’t just happen by chance. To beget success it takes passion, honest labor and immersion of oneself into a world of creativity. Jenna Mahr, it seems, has tapped in to such a formula. By Brenda K.M. Ward Some years later after purchasing a “real” camera, Jenna had a chance to travel to Nicaragua where she gained affection for photographing people – their faces, their expressions, their body movements – honing a more wide-angled view of her art. “The expressions that you can catch are just incredibly honest. A moment can be captured. You can get right into someone’s soul photographing them, so much quicker than befriending them. It’s a connection that’s difficult to explain until you feel it,” said Jenna. “And I just fell in love with that.”
From taking shots of pretty flowers as a young girl to having an imaginative “fairytale” image chosen as a “Photo Vogue” selection on Vogue Italia (vogue.it), Jenna is on her way to her dreams of gaining a worldly reputation in the business of photography. At 20 years old, it is a career she determined upon half a lifetime ago during a family trip to Singapore where, with a disposable camera in hand at a beautiful botanical garden, she turned to her mother stating, “I want to be a photographer when I grow up.” Flowers, trees, nature of all sorts appealed to her youthful creativity.
After high school graduation, Jenna spent her freshman year enrolled in art classes at St. Olaf College, but came to realize this wasn’t exactly what she was seeking. So at age 19 she jetted off to pursue a photographer’s assistant position in New Zealand (after turning down an offer in Denmark), living with a family of photographers on the island of Waiheke. There she has spent the past year learning the business side of photography, so that when back home in Northfield this summer she can work towards building her own photography business, already booking sessions as she continues to work towards her broader goals of fashion photography. “I couldn’t be happier with where I am now with my life. I’m just so excited to see what’s next,” said Jenna. Jenna’s images and contact information can be found via her website at www.JennaMahr. com or through Facebook: “Jenna Mahr Photographer.”
INTERVIEW: JENNA MAHR GF: How did your interest in photography first begin? JM: It all began on my trip to Singapore in fifth grade, visiting the botanical gardens, but I’ve really always been a very visual person – it’s what keeps me going. My mother talks about how ever since I was little I’ve been the quiet one observing what everyone else is doing, noticing little things that many others don’t, constantly on a search for beauty in the awkward and imperfect. Even now I’m the girl at a party who likes to sit back and observe everything that’s going on. I love the fact that I can capture such honest moments with my camera. GF: Where has your journey with photography taken you up to this point? JM: I think my journey with photography has actually had a lot more to do with relationships, with myself and others. I’m an introverted person, so photography – it’s like the other me, if that makes any sense. When I have my lens in front of me I feel like I turn into a completely different and confident person. It’s something I know well and know I can do. I have definitely grown as a person because of it. I’ve also been able to connect and work with some of the most amazing people and I’m only 20 years old. I love thinking about who I will be able to meet and work with in double this time. I feel really blessed about what photography has done for me so far.
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GF: Describe your unique fairytale series. JM: My fairytale series happened because of the honors art class I took my senior year of high school where there was basically free reign to do what you liked for the last few months of the semester. Our final product was to be shown at the end of the year at the local art gallery downtown Northfield. After brainstorming ideas and talking, I realized I should work on something that really had meaning to me. Fairytales played a huge part of my life growing up. I was the little girl who loved fairies and elves and princesses and stories, and I would make my dad tell me a new story every night before I went to bed. So I got the idea of recreating fairytales I’d known as a child. I set up and shot eight fairytales and mounted large prints on wood, each with a short quote. My prints of the original eight fairytales are currently being sold at the Northfield Arts Gallery and swag in downtown Northfield. GF: Tell us about the fairytale book you have in the works. JM: I received such fantastic feedback over the original fairytales prints that I’ve decided over this next summer I am going to continue creating stories and eventually finish off the project by putting them all into a book. The next photos I plan to recreate won’t necessarily be fairy tales but I’ve opened it up to stories in general. I’m going to finish up to 25 photos, each with a simple quote to leave people wondering just a bit.
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My hope is that this is the type of book parents would sit in bed and look at with their children before they go to bed, as I did when I was little. GF: What do you do to nurture your creativity? JM: I am someone who is never satisfied with my work, because I surround myself with inspiration. I need to be around people who are just as creative and who motivate me. I need to constantly be exposed to different forms of art and new experiences. Honestly, I think most of my inspiration comes from my travels and observing the world around me. If I can’t get out I’ll find books or even just go online and I am able to see so many great artists and works, all influential in different ways. I’ve also found that I have many friends whose work I am so in awe of, and even envious of, but that just makes me want to work even harder. I need to see things and meet people who push me. GF: You’re young, and already you’ve had fabulous adventures. What made you decide to “go for it?” JM: I have been fortunate to have some wonderful adventures so far. Traveling when I was younger is what I think sparked my interest. I realized as a child that there is so much more out in the world for me to see, not just the “cows, colleges and contentment” of Northfield.
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My interest in meeting people and experiencing new things and my hunger to capture it all has been what’s driven me to this point. You need to push yourself and get out of your comfort zone if you want to live fully. GF: An image of yours was published on the Vogue Italia website. What was it like for you to see your work on such a major publication’s website? JM: I couldn’t have been more excited! It’s really inspiring to see your own photo with the Vogue Italia watermark on it. And though that may have been the first, it will not be the last. Being published in Vogue Italia is really one of my biggest goals right now. Fashion and editorial photography is where I want to be heading with my career. Every day I envision myself being a successful fashion photographer; I imagine myself grabbing my favorite magazines and seeing my images dance through the pages. And I know that only I can make it a reality. Step by step I’m trying to build up a strong portfolio, learn the right skills, and study with and from the best. GF: What are your future plans/hopes for photography? JM: When I return from New Zealand I am planning on doing some business schooling to learn how to better run an independent busi-
ness, which I’ve learned is no easy task. I also plan on shooting as much as possible. I’ve been offered some wonderful opportunities next year, shooting in Rio de Janeiro and working in London with a top fashion photographer, and though I haven’t yet decided exactly what I’m going to do, or how to fit this all in, eventually you will be seeing my name in Vogue Italia again. My ultimate dream is to be photographing and creating beautiful editorial images for top designers. GF: What would you say to women who seek to pursue their own creative passion? JM: Your imagination is the single most important asset you possess. Your imagination is your power to create mental pictures of things that don’t exist yet and that you want to bring into being. Your imagination is what you use to shape your future. Your imagination is the source, tirelessly churning out mental pictures of what you’ll be doing in the future. And so in your own way, you are a prophet: you can generate countless predictions every day. Everyone has that something they’re good at, and I think I was extremely fortunate to discover my passion as young as I did. When you’re obsessed with something – completely, utterly fascinated – I believe it will eventually become fastened to you. If you work every day, little by little, to get where you want to be, you will deserve it once you finally get there. Just go for it.
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Summer Fun HOW TO: Make the Best of Summer Fun
Want to get outdoors, but need a little guidance? Local experts share how to get started on the water or in the woods.
KAYAKING April Femrite, General Manager, Bent River Outfitters, Mankato Whether through Girl Scouts or with family, you’ve perhaps paddled a canoe at some point, but if you’ve never tried kayaking this is the summer to do so. The main difference between the two crafts is that kayaks have a deck while canoes are open. Kayakers typically use a double bladed paddle vs. the single blade used for canoeing. CHOOSING YOUR KAYAK When deciding which craft to use, first decide where you will go: calm water such as a pond, lake or river; or open water with potential extremes of wind and waves? Will you paddle alone or in a tandem? Are you skilled or a novice? For southern Minnesota rivers and lakes, Bent River Outfitters recommends recreational or sit-on-top kayaks.
RECREATIONAL KAYAKS These are best for easy usage in calm conditions. They offer initial stability that’s reassuring for novices, photographers, anglers or casual paddlers on ponds, lakes or slow-moving rivers. They are not so good for open water or use in heavy wind or currents. Recreational kayaks usually have a smaller bulkhead (storage area) for short day trips, though some have a larger storage area for day touring. Pros: Affordable, easy to use and great initial stability. Cons: They don’t track (hold a straight course) as well as a touring kayak. If flipped, they can be a challenge to bail out. SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKS Sit-on-tops are great fun for kids, beginners or swimmers. They have a sealed hull and molded depressions on top for sitting. It’s easy to get on and off of one whether you are on a dock, shore or in the water. The seats are above water-level so these boats are typically wider than traditional kayaks and slower. It’s hard to capsize a sit-on-top, but if it does flip over, it’s easy to flip it back and get on it. Pros: You sit up high and don’t have climb into it like a traditional kayak. Cons: Slower than traditional kayaks; your body is exposed to the elements in wet and cold conditions.
HOLDING THE PADDLE Here’s how to come to grips with your paddle: • Picture the width of your shoulders. That, or a little less, is the amount of space that should separate your hands when hold the shaft. If your hand spacing is too wide you’ll gain power but tire out rapidly because this position requires a lot of upper-body strength to pull the paddle through the water. If your hand spacing is too narrow you risk having no strength in your stroke.
• In each hand, press the tips of your index finger and thumbs and create an “O” shape to loosely hold the shaft. This is a favorable, fatiguefighting grip that reminds you that you actually push the paddle during most forward strokes. When your hands are in the correct position knuckles are pointed up and one of the blades is vertical (this makes it your “power hand”).
• Wherever you hold it, avoid applying a death grip on the shaft – it causes fatigue. Instead, use a relaxed grip. Open your fingers slightly and create a loose handhold.
THE FORWARD STROKE The forward stroke, paddling’s most fundamental motion, involves more than arm power. A well-executed forward stroke is a collaborative effort that combines upper arms and core muscles (back, abdomen and glutes). Intertwining these muscle groups allows you to efficiently propel your boat while minimizing arm and shoulder fatigue. Think of the forward stroke as putting your blade in the water and moving past it rather than pulling a paddle’s blade through the water. This allows greater paddling efficiency. There are several ways commonly used to describe the stages of a forward stroke: • Phase 1 (catch): Wind your torso into the stroke. Dip your paddle on one side of the boat and “catch” a blade’s worth of water. If placing the blade on the boat’s right side, the right side of you rib cage should
be angled toward the bow (front). The best place to dip your paddle is in an area roughly parallel to your feet. • Phase 2 (propulsion): Rotate your torso as the blade pushes the water behind you. Use core muscles to push past the blade rather than pulling the blade through the water with your arms. This boosts efficiency and reduces fatigue. • Phase 3 (recovery): As the paddle pops out of the water, you’re now wound up for the next stroke, with the opposite side of your rib cage angled toward the boat’s bow. Overall, the forward stroke is a continuous, simultaneous push-andpull motion: a push with the upper hand, a pull with the lower, all resulting in smooth torso rotation. >>>
Summer 2013 Girlfriends.mn 11
on Isle Royale in Lake Superior, to the Appalachian Trail on the East coast, or to the Andes Mountains in Peru. You don’t have to be an athletic “superwoman” to backpack. Though backpacking is a fantastic way to shed weight and inches, boost your metabolism and strengthen your entire body. The average 150 pound woman backpacking for about 5 hours will burn about 2,300 calories. What to pack Comfort is key, but over packing is your enemy. Pack light, pack in layers and pack a treat.
BACKPACK CAMPING
Think about wearing pants that convert to shorts, an ultralight down jacket that can double as a pillow and a merino top that not only breathes well, but doesn’t smell bad after a day’s use. But – do not bring cotton. In the outdoor industry, cotton is referred to as “death cloth” for a very good reason.
Nicole Stai, world traveler and avid backpacker, Owner of The Gear ReSource and The Gear ReSource Outfitters, Northfield
Ditch some extra weight by using an ultralight camping hammock. Leave the Coleman stove at home and try a pellet stove instead.
“That night I curled up in my soft down sleeping bag, suspended gently in my hammock, while listening to the soft swish of late fall snowflakes drifting over my hammock fly muffling the distant hoot of a Great Horned Owl. I awoke in the morning cozy, refreshed and invigorated. I put on my slippers and made a hot cup of coffee and sat on a rock in the stream and enjoyed the quiet. No city noises, no cell phones or emails demanding my attention, just peaceful quiet. A few minutes of packing up camp, hydropack refilled, lunch rehydrating and hiking boots on my feet, I started out on the next leg of my trek exploring the bluff ridges of the Northwoods.”
Freeze dried meals like a chicken fajita mix from Mountain House is as easy as adding hot water and eating it from the bag or stuffed in tortillas – no clean up necessary. And don’t forget chocolate for dessert!
Every backpacking adventure can be relaxing and successful with a few smart decisions. Start by picking a location that is both exciting and comfortable for you. If you’re new to the concept, choose a place like the Superior Hiking Trail that has a defined trail, campsites, shuttle bus pickup points every few miles, and dozens of campgrounds nearby. If you’re feeling far more adventurous, expand your ideas to backpacking
Also, make sure that you break in your hiking shoes or boots well before taking them on a long trip and adjust your backpack to fit you properly or you will suffer from sore spots and major blisters.
BUILDING A CAMPFIRE Elaine Feikema, Park Manager, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campfires have been bringing people together for thousands of years, setting the mood for a memorable visit to one of our many campgrounds. Here are a few things to think about so you are prepared. • Make your fire small – Big fires waste firewood and can be hard to control. • Always use a fire ring – Fire rings 3 feet and smaller in diameter are placed in appropriate locations in state parks. Permits are not required for this type of fire. • Safety is critical – Keep fires 3 feet in height to meet safety guidelines. Keep everyone a safe distance from the fire and monitor your fire until the coals have cooled. Never burn plastics that produce harmful fumes.
Be prepared Create a timeline for your trip and share it with someone at home and the local rangers. Carry a headlamp, a water treatment kit and plenty of water, as well as a first aid kit, emergency whistle, heavy duty garbage bag and a map.
Have fun! The right attitude will make every difference in your next adventure.
What to bring Using a 2.5 to 5 gallon large pail, place inside a large plastic bag, roasting forks for marshmallows, a pair of heavy gloves, matches and a couple of old newspapers. A hatchet is optional. What to buy at the park Due to restrictions on moving firewood (it might contain forest pests or disease) it is best to burn it where you buy it, so buy your firewood and fire starters at the park. One bundle of firewood lasts nearly two hours. Fire starters are wax mixed with wood chips or shredded paper. Technique Fill the pail with water. Crumple up the newspaper in the bottom of the fire ring and arrange three or four logs to overlap each other. Place one fire starter where a couple of logs overlap and light the fire starter. As the wax melts the fire spreads and lights the newspaper under the logs. Before long you will have perfect campfire. Using the leather gloves add more logs to your fire until your bundle of fire wood is used up. Once there are coals it is time to roast marshmallows!
12 Girlfriends.mn Summer 2013
LET’S GO FISHING! Craig Finnesgaard, Owner, Lake Country Convenience & Bait, Shieldsville Ever wonder why so many of your friends, neighbors, and relatives go fishing? Fishing is one of those outdoor activities that can be enjoyed equally by both young and old and you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get started. Fishing begs you to get outside and enjoy everything Minnesota and Mother Nature has to offer. SOUTHERN MINNESOTA’S POPULAR FISH The most popular fish caught by hook and line in Southern Minnesota can be put in two general categories: panfish and game fish. Panfish Panfish are smaller fish usually weighing between 1/3 to 2 pounds and make excellent table fare when dredged in your favorite coating and dropped into a hot skillet. Sunfish and crappie are the most sought after of the panfish. Perch have also been quietly and quickly rising in the ranks of top panfish for a spot in the frying pan.
Summer Is Beautiful at NRC! It’s summertime at Northfield Retirement Community, and our vibrant residents take full advantage of our spacious 30-acre campus. From miles of walking paths, to our LifeTrail® exercise and fitness stations, to our beautiful new Pathways of Faith Park, NRC offers residents and visitors a variety of options to enjoy the outdoors. Want to learn more about our resident activities, our numerous living options and wide range of care services? Call 507-664-3466 or visit northfieldretirement.org.
Game Fish Minnesota’s game fish are typically larger fish that are sought after for the thrill of the chase and the hard fought fight they give after being hooked. Muskie and largemouth bass are usually caught for the challenge and released back into the water so that they may be caught again another day. Walleye and northern pike are also chased for the challenge and make for great eating.
NRC Resident Val Daehlin enjoys a quiet moment outside.
BASIC EQUIPMENT Your fishing pole should be equipped with a few basic items including a reel to store the line. The bigger the fish you are after the heavier the line should be on your reel. For panfish I recommend 2 to 4 pound test line. For walleye, 6 to 8 pound test should be sufficient. Largemouth bass, northern pike and muskie can require up to 50 pound test to coax them out of the water. To the tag end of the line attach a sharp hook which holds the bait and hopefully a fish after it bites your bait. Just above the hook attach a weight called a sinker that gets your bait down into the water where the fish lives. On the other end of the line near the pole, attach a bobber. The bobber floats on the water above your bait and helps indicate when you have a fish biting the bait. When the bobber goes under the water give the pole a sharp jerk to “set the hook.” You now have a fish on your line and it’s time to reel it in. >>>
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Boutiques, Home Accents, Antiques, Jewelry, Art, Eclectic gifts
JUL
6
Beautiful
JUL
WASECA COUNTY FAIR July 17-21
JUL
WASECA CRAZY DAYS SALES July 19 & 20
JUL
Waseca County Historical Society
TRIATHLON Clear Lake Park • July 27 & 28
AUG
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CHAUTAUQUA Maplewood Park • 835-7700
WASECA GARDEN WALK 1pm-5pm • 835-4327
WASECA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Garden worms Garden worms are used to catch sunfish, crappie and bullhead. String the worm by placing the point of the hook into the thick end of the worm and pushing the hook through the center of the worm. About half way through the worm, push the point so that it exits the side of the worm. The whole hook should now be hidden from view by the first half of the worm and the latter half of the worm is dangling seductively from the hook. Night crawlers Night crawlers are used for walleye and largemouth bass, or when broken into smaller pieces, sunfish can be caught on night crawlers. Night crawlers are the easiest of all live baits to hook. First identify the end with the light orange collar. This is the end where the hook will be placed. Poke the hook through the very tip of the crawler. Done. TIPS Always bring a camera. You never know when you are going to catch the fish of a lifetime! Most, if not all big fish should be returned to the water so that they can reproduce and be caught another day. If you don’t have a camera to document your catch, it’s just another fish story. Wash your hands before you go fishing to remove tell-tale smells that can turn a fish the other direction. Little things like perfume, hand lotion or gas can contaminate your bait and tell a fish to move on. Bring a small cloth towel or glove to help you get a firm grip when baiting a hook or removing a fish from your line.
Interiors
2100 Brown Ave, Waseca | 507-833-4663 homedesigngallerywaseca.com Hours: M-F 8am-5pm; Sat 8am-noon
WHAT BAIT SHOULD I USE? Here are some of the popular live baits used in Southern Minnesota.
Check out
www.DiscoverWaseca.com/visitors 1-888-9WASECA or 507-835-3260
It’s summer in Minnesota and time to go fishing. Grab a cooler packed with ice, something to snack on, a few beverages and head to the nearest body of water for a day of fishing, and come home with memories that will last a lifetime. G
From the Kitchen
Jacked-up Juicy Lucy Burger Ingredients 2 4-oz. burger patties 2 oz. diced red onion 1 oz. diced bacon 1 slice pepper jack cheese 2 slices American cheese
Directions
Place the onions, bacon, pepper jack cheese and one slice of American cheese inside of two burger patties, then press to seal the two together. Grill until thoroughly cooked and top with a slice of American cheese. Serve the burger with your choice of toppings (be creative!) on a favorite toasted bun.
Larry Kreger is the food and beverage manager of The Grill at The Legacy golf club in Faribault. Nestled beside a thicket of woodland on one side and far-reaching golf greens on another, The Grill offers a spectacular panoramic view to its guests during any season of the year. The Grill is always open to the public, with patio seating available during the warmer months.
Ow w aa tt o on nn n aa O
Country Club Club Country
Larry, known for “Larry’s Burger of the Week,” uses only fresh, never frozen ground beef for his burgers for which he is forever creating new recipes, like his own version of the Juicy Lucy or a cream cheese deep-fried pickle burger. To grill a tasty, juicy burger, Larry suggests that you never flatten the burger while cooking – you want to keep those juices inside to add flavor. When using an outdoor grill (charcoal is Larry’s preference), adding wood to the coals brings out great flavor.
O CC Country Club
Larry Kreger
The Legacy | 1515 Shumway Ave., Faribault | LegacyGolf.net Summer hours: Mon 11am to 3pm, Tues 11am to 7pm, Wed 11am to 9pm Thurs 11am to 9pm, Frid 11am to 10pm, Sat 8am to 10pm*, Sun 8am to 7pm* *Breakfast served from 8am to noon weekends.
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1100 1st Street NE New Prague 952-758-BANK (2265) Summer 2013 Girlfriends.mn 15
Taking Stock For more than 25 years, Owatonna women have been investing in their financial future By Brenda K.M. Ward Surely you’ve heard of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, but do you know its significance? How about large-cap value stocks or the difference between bonds vs. equities? Reading the language of investments can be akin to reading Mandarin if you don’t know what a ticker symbol is or the reason behind the NASDAQ index. A desire to become financially educated is what prompted a small group of women from Owatonna to begin gathering on a monthly basis back in 1987. Begun as an offshoot group of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Graduate Women Investment Group (GWI) has been going strong ever since, consisting of women from a variety of professions – education, business, health and more – all with a common goal.
“We started because wanted to learn about investments,” said Kay Overle, current president of the group consisting of 17 members. And the process didn’t come easily, said Maryls Olson, treasurer of GWI. “It took time to come to feel comfortable with investing. We are still learning today.” Through group discussions, self-education, and plenty of reading and information gathering, members have benefited in a variety of ways, like Joni Pierce who had learned to read the business section of the newspaper with much greater understanding. “I now feel more confident, more secure,” said Joni. Of course, the group isn’t only about education. Like any investor, the goal is to make money.
Women of NCB
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We’re a small-town community bank, but we’re big on YOU! 16 Girlfriends.mn Summer 2013
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How it works Like chips used in poker, GWI investments are based on “value units.” Each member is required to invest at least $15 per month, an amount that equates to one value unit. The more money invested, the more value units owned by any given member. The money is then pooled and stock investments decided upon by the group. But before making a purchase, a considerable amount of research and time goes into choosing which stocks may be the best bets. Stock purchase ideas are gathered by reading the business section of newspapers, books such as “The Value Line Investment Survey” found at the library, or the online investment resource Morningstar. And sometimes they come by word of mouth. Once investment ideas surface, a subcommittee is formed to research more extensively the company, the history of the stock and the likelihood of success. Recommendations are presented by the subcommittee, a motion is made and members vote on the investment option. The group then uses the online broker, TradeKing, a service they’ve found to be one of the most economical, to buy and sell stocks voted on by the group.
GWI is cognizant of being socially responsible in their investments – no cigarette manufacturers, for example – and when the option seems viable, of choosing locally based companies to invest in like Apogee (parent company of the Owatonna-based Viracon) or Hormel. Buying stock is a risk, and while not all of GWI’s investments have garnered remarkable gains, some have. In 1999, Abbott Laboratories was purchased at $4.01 per share. Today those shares are valued at around $35.32. Walgreens was bought in 2003 with a value that has since increased by 186%. You’re invited As GWI continues to evolve, new members are always welcome. There is a one-time fee of $30 to join, followed by the $15 minimum monthly investment. Membership also includes a $10 annual due and the opportunity to join the National Association of Investment Clubs. For more information, contact Kay at 507-676-6872 or simply show up at the Owatonna Library at 5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.
n the opportunity, girls can do anything.
“I think it’s more fun to learn this together,” said Janey. “It’s been really interesting to meet new people, to learn and to make some extra money.”
Given The Opportunity, Girls Can Do Anything
Gloria Butler, Agent 215 2nd Ave NE Waseca, MN 56093 Bus: 507-835-8301 gloria@gloriabutler.net
It’s our differences that make It’s our us great. differences that make No what you value, usmatter great. I’m here to protect it with
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Gloria Butler, Agent 215 2nd Ave NE Waseca, MN 56093 Bus: 507-835-8301 gloria@gloriabutler.net
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Summer IL 2013 Girlfriends.mn 17 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington,
Fabulous Finds! Check out these great finds from the region!
NEW! Online! SHOP sho p Fabulous Scan here to Finds online!
Henna & Tie Dye!
Fun summer projects: Mendhi Henna kit and Tie-Dye kit! Both come with everything you need - Henna kit does up to 5 people; Tie-Dye up to 5 t-shirts. Easy and fun projects for birthdays! The Sketchy Artist, Northfield, $12.95 each
Trendy and Comfortable
Miz Mooz Shoes are a fun brand with bright trendy colors. It’s fashion meets comfort. They come in sandals and shoes, perfect for any summer outfit. Owatonna Shoe, Owatonna, Jolyn in Red $99 and Primrose in Green $89
Sharing Your Journey The highly trained OB/GYNs at the Women’s Health Center offer supportive and comprehensive care as you walk through life. : Christine Braun, MD : Melanie Dixon, MD
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Women’s Health Center physicians see patients at our clinic on the Northfield Hospital campus. Call 507-646-1478 for an appointment. T WITH CONNEC
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A Wine Story What prompted a Janesville family to go into the business of wine-making? A tale of family commitment that led to award-winning success By Brenda K.M. Ward
By trade, Angie Netzke is a vintner, more commonly known as a winemaker. Through trial and error and, poor woman, endless wine tastings, she blends and clarifies and lets ferment the juice of grapes until that auspicious moment it transmutes into the enchanting nectar of wine. Angie’s interest in winemaking stemmed not from worldly travels to quaint European vineyards, but from her Midwestern agricultural background.
“The number one reason I chose to become a winemaker is the fact that I love being on the farm and have developed a passion for grapes in particular,” said Angie. “Winemaking allows me to be outside in the vineyard.” Angie’s parents, Ray and Lisa Winter, have been growing grapes on their acreage just outside of Janesville since 2000, selling the crops and plants to other winemakers. When Angie comSummer 2013 Girlfriends.mn 19
mitted to becoming a winemaker, the Winter family opened Indian Island Winery in 2010 – a “family” business in the true sense of the word.
Over the past three years, wines from Indian Island Winery have garnered too many awards and medals to list, including the 2011 Minnesota Governor’s Cup.
Each of the Winter family members has a hand in operating the business. Ray and Lisa are co-owners, and Ray oversees operations of the business while Lisa manages the tasting room. Angie makes the wine. Her brother Tom is Ray’s right-hand man and Tom’s wife Angela keeps the books.
The Winter’s formula for success? “Hard work, dedication, great staff and a quality product,” said Tom.
Together, they work during all seasons of the year to keep the business running. Summertime means planting, training vines and maintaining the vineyard while hosting guests Tuesdays through Sundays. Harvest time is the busiest time of year in which grapes are picked, crushed, pressed and the fermentation process begun. After harvest comes fining, clarifying and adjusting chemistries, leading to winter and its vine pruning and nurturing of the nursery stock. With springtime comes the bottling process, bringing the year full circle. “Anyone can make wine,” said Ray. “But it’s not easy to make good wine. You have to have a knack, a knowledge of what to do to change a wine to make it better.” Angie, it seems, certainly has that knack.
Visiting the winery When visiting the winery, you may choose to sit outdoors on the spacious patio overlooking rolling countryside and the Winter farmstead in the distance or the nearby vineyard situated just beside the winery. By daylight you will likely see wildlife venture past, and as evening settles, several fire bowls cast a mesmerizing glow over the land, historically a Native American summer hunting campsite surrounded by water. Indoors you can sip wine with interesting names like Island Smoke, Dream Catcher, or Wita-Pa, from the Dakota language meaning “island spice,” while browsing the many Native American artifacts found throughout the years. With live music playing on weekends and an on-site restaurant, it’s easy to make an evening of it with friends or a date, or to meet new people during special events like the Summer Solstice Celebration, Grape Stomp or the Masquerade Ball. Of course, visiting a winery is really about the wine. With 18 varieties of whites, reds and dessert wine, and tastings to find what most suits you, a trip to Indian Island Winery is well worth the drive.
Tasting tips Wine testers swirl their glass to encourage a young wine to release its powerful “aroma,” however a mature wine has a more subtle “bouquet.”
the temperature of red wine should be 50-60 degrees, while whites are to be served at 45-50 degrees.
The gentle curve at the rim of a wine glass helps contain the aromas in the glass.
Since wine tasting is essentially smelling, women tend to be better at it because they have a better sense of smell than men.
A wine glass should be held by the stem, as holding by the bowl will cause heat from your hand to raise the temperature of the wine. Ideally,
Indian Island Winery | www.IndianIslandWinery.com 18018 631st Ave., Janesville | 507-234-6222
20 Girlfriends.mn Summer 2013
Photo courtesy Akorn Creations
Married with Children
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage. And – then what? By Brenda K.M. Ward
You’ve married the man who captured heart, and children have rounded out the family. But with a number of people now needing your attention, to whom do you give priority? Or, is there a way to strike a happy balance in being both a wife and a mother? The Roemhildt and the Durkin families have proven there is a way.
THE ROEMHILDTS When Stephanie Roemhildt married her sweetheart Bill, she had been commuting to Bloomington where she worked as a marketing business analyst, while Bill farmed near Waseca. Before starting a family Stephanie had always assumed she would return to her job after giving birth. But when Carter was born, rather than putting him in daycare for up to 55 hours each week, Bill suggested Stephanie quit her job and stay home with their son. She was shocked. “The thought of staying at home never occurred to me. But after Bill suggested it, I started thinking more about it and we both decided that we didn’t want someone else raising our children,” said Stephanie. “It was a hard decision.” Together they made the decision for Stephanie to quit her job, raise the children, and help Bill on the farm. Now with three children – Carter, age 7, Chloe, age 5, and little Claire, now 3 years old – the choice has proven to be a wise one, but not always an easy one. Home 24/7 with the needs of four others to fill, Stephanie realized she had to plan ahead to find time for herself in order to do her best by everyone else.
“Bill works both days and nights during the busy season. He doesn’t just come in the door at 5:00 and play with the kids,” said Stephanie. Stephanie has learned to accept the help of nearby parents and friends and enrolled the younger children in preschool on particular days of the week. And when Bill has slower times on the farm, he steps up to help out as well. In addition, Stephanie and Bill keep their relationship strong by ensuring that they spend time together, just the two of them, whether out to dinner or to a favorite fishing hole. They also nurture their mutual respect for each other by “picking their battles.” If it’s not a life or death situation, let it go; if it’s not worth starting an argument, don’t do it, says Stephanie. “I feel like being both a wife and a mother simultaneously is the most rewarding feeling in the world for me. I feel so blessed to have three healthy children and am doing the best to raise and mold these little people to someday hopefully make good choices. Having healthy relationships is the most rewarding thing. Having someone you love by your side is even better.” >>> Summerr 2013 Girlfriends.mn 21
“It’s challenging to have all of the responsibility of child rearing, and it’s challenging to share it,” said Megan. “You have to keep expectations geared towards a two person scenario, and understand that it is not always your way.” Or, as Megan’s wise mother once told her, there’s a reason that they are both raising the children: if they get everything from just one person, they won’t learn that the world is full of different types of people. Megan was a stay-at-home mom for the first few years of her children’s lives. When Sylvia was quite young she opened a preschool in the basement of their home and ultimately founded the Montessori Children’s House in Northfield seven years ago. Yet, even in her own busy career she’s always been sure to make time for Tom.
THE DURKINS When her children were younger, Megan Durkin had to find ways as a mother to cope with frequent “absent husband” phases. Tom, her spouse of 25 years, often traveled to faraway countries for his job in international trades leaving Megan to be both mom and dad to Coleman, now 21 years old, Elise, 19, and Sylvia, 17. With Dad gone for weeks then home for weeks, it was essential for the Durkins to make ongoing adjustments.
“Young children can cause stress on a relationship. You want to rise above that and give effort in being kind and attentive to your spouse,” said Megan. “If you make it a habit, it’s fun and you become quite a role model for your children. They watch how you and your spouse interact, how you treat each other.” Megan also believes their successful marriage and family life come from engaging in family activities. Traveling the world has been a highlight for all of the Durkin family members.
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To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-412-7575.
Waseca 22 Girlfriends.mn Summer 2013
Wellness
HEALTHY HABITS Barbara Skodje-Mack, licensed marriage and family therapist with Mankato Mental Health Associates (www.MankatoMentalHealth. com), says a family is like a garden. When you marry, together you and your spouse plant a garden, caring for and nurturing it as the relationship grows. Once children come along your focus turns to them, the garden left unattended – after all, you’ve already established a flourishing relationship with your spouse. But like a garden, a marriage also needs continued attention. “A relationship is a dynamic, growing thing. It might survive, but to keep it growing the way you want it to, it needs regular tending to,” said Barbara. Stephanie and Megan have found ways to “tend their gardens,” but not all couples have managed to maintain a healthy marital relationship. “I find that when couples come in for counseling, it is because they are feeling quite unappreciated and unloved. Often times they’ve begun keeping score,” said Barbara. “People are overwhelmed and exhausted. They don’t know how to fix things.” But there are ways to revive a floundering marriage and family life, says Barbara. You can start by planning ahead and being creative with your time. Set a date night, a family game night or other rituals to look forward to. Maintain activities that keep everyone connected like a simple bike ride together after dinner. With the right attitude, even grocery shopping can be enjoyed together. Healthy relationships with your spouse, children, and self are possible, but it takes commitment. Following are more tips from Barbara for keeping it all together: • Attend to all of your relationships before they become in desperate need of it. • Manage your sense of self and find things to feed your soul.
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• Look for good things in life, even small things that bring contentment. • Remember to share responsibility, fun, power, and goals. • Finally, create shared meanings together as a family and a couple: have fun together in life! Barbara suggests using a pie chart to assess where you time and energy is being spent: kids, husband, self, friends, work, errands, household chores, etc. Next, draw a second pie chart graph with your goals and values – what would be your ideal? If the two charts don’t match up, it’s time to reevaluate the ways in which you spend your time and energy. G
200 State Avenue · Faribault, MN 55021 Phone: 507.334.6451 www.districtonehospital.com
Community People Quality Healthcare Summer 2013 Girlfriends.mn 23
Wellness
Outdoor Liv’n It’s that time of year that we are spending as much time outside as humanly possible, but it’s also that time of year that all those lovely creepy crawly biting insects are out in force. I have in the past relied on the standard bug sprays with DEET to help repel bugs but once when I was on a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters the bug spray I brought along leaked all over my bag, ate a whole in my pack and through several T-shirts. I was appalled. I have since learned that DEET is registered with the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) as a pesticide and it also has the ability to build up and be stored (bio-accumulate) in not only our cells but in animals as well. DEET has also been shown to cause cells to mutate (cell mutation is a precursor to the development of cancer). So I went on the hunt for alternatives. After some research into natural alternatives I found that you can use natural plant extracts to repel bugs and that many of the natural bug sprays do just that. Plant extracts are also known as essential oils and there are a few that are commonly used to repel bugs; eucalyptus citridora, cedar, peppermint, lemongrass, tea tree, and rose geranium.
There are some great pre-made essential oil blends (blending together one or more of the above oils) available at the co-op and elsewhere that have been proven to be as effective or even more effective in repelling biting insects (including ticks) than the DEET laden conventional bug sprays. Essential oils are safe to be used on children and adults alike and are also not harmful to the environment. But the best part about using essential oils for repelling bugs is that you can mix and match your own to make your own bug spray. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own bug spray: mix together 30 drops of eucalyptus citridora, 10 drops of rose geranium, 10 drops lavender and 10 drops peppermint into a 4 ounce spray bottle filled with 1 ounce of vinegar or vodka. Then fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well. But if you’re like me and just want to purchase a pre-made essential oil bug spray, my favorite is the All Terrain Herbal Armor, which we’re offering a $0.50 off coupon on this month, see details below. So remember to apply often and get outside and enjoy the summer. (Sponsored by Just Food Co-op)
Fresh. Local. Co-op. 516 Water St S, Northeld 507-650-0106 · justfood.coop 24 Girlfriends.mn Summer 2013
Ready for Rhubarb?
Recipe for Rhubarb Sangria >>
It’s time for a new look at this mouthwatering “vegetable” By Brenda K.M. Ward
Rhubarb – it may not have the artistic qualities of the beautifully colored dragon fruit, nor the rather frightening look of the exotic African horned cucumber with its golden spikes. Like the simplicity of warm afternoon during Minnesota’s springtime, rhubarb is made up of a sturdy red stem, topped with broad green leaves and garnished with tiny white flowers. Not to be confused with burdock (also edible) grown in the wild, the rhubarb is a perennial plant that, it turns out, is actually a vegetable, not a fruit. The rhubarb is an often overlooked plant due to its extreme tartness, but given a chance, you just might find this unusual vegetable can be used in recipes from drinks, to salad, to sauce, to desserts – with the right amount of sweetness added. And it will provide you with essential nutrients to boot. Like celery, the rhubarb plant is primarily water – 95 percent – though rich in vitamin C, fiber and a fair source of potassium. Its original and most lasting use has been that of herbal medicine, primarily to help balance the digestive system, but in our part of the world we know it as a short-term delight, one of the first plants we Midwesterners can harvest. When doing so, it’s important to use the right part of the plant – the stem only – for the leaves of the rhubarb are poisonous, with high
concentrations of oxalic acid crystals. Though a tart rhubarb stem may make your mouth water in a good way, the leaves can cause the tongue and throat to swell, so beware! How to harvest Eager as you may be to bite into that first delicious stalk, you have to play the waiting game. Wait until the stalks are firm – though don’t wait too long. If harvested too late they become pithy and tough. Snap the plant off where the stalk meets ground, while harvesting no more than one-third of any one plant at a time, to keep it growing. You may notice flowers growing on older plants, which, if growing rhubarb for its stalks, should be removed as soon as they begin forming. Some people believe that rhubarb becomes poisonous once the flowering begins, but this is not true – only the leaves are dangerous. How to store Rhubarb can be stored in a variety of ways for use later in the year. Refrigeration – Cut away the leaves and keep the stalks a sealed plastic bag for up to three weeks. Canning – Wash the stalks and cut them into one-half inch pieces. In a large saucepan add one-half cup sugar for each quart of fruit. >>> Summer 2013 Girlfriends.mn 25
Wellness
Let stand until juice appears, then heat gently to boiling. Fill jars, leaving one-half inch space. Adjust the lids and process. Freezing – Wash and cut into lengths to fit the package. Heat rhubarb in boiling water for one minute and cool promptly in cold water to help retain color and flavor. Drying – Wash and remove blemished areas and pulpy ends. Cut into one-half inch strips. To decrease the acidity, pour boiling water over the pieces and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain, let dry, then store.
• Keep pesky insects away from your garden plants. To make the organic insecticide, boil a few pounds of rhubarb leaves in a few pints of water for 15 minutes. Cool, strain, dissolve soap flakes into the mixture and spray it on your plants. Aphids be gone! • Paper! Yes indeed, it seems the fiber in rhubarb makes a great additive to handmade paper.
Did You Know: Rhubarb
Dry packing – Pack raw, trimmed rhubarb tightly into containers without sugar, leaving headspace. Seal and freeze.
Cited often in Chinese history, the rhubarb plant gained quite a grand reputation in the early days:
Other rhubarb uses There’s food, and there’s medicine – but rhubarb has other uses as well. Check out these unusual ways to make use of rhubarb.
The Guangzong emperor (1620-1621) was miraculously cured from a severe illness he got after having had a joyful time with four “beautiful women” sent to him by a high official. The elixir: rhubarb.
• Rub rhubarb over your pots and pans to clear away burnt marks.
In 1828 the Daoguang emperor sent out a proclamation that no more rhubarb was to be sold to the “barbarians,” for far too regal was the plant for such lowly use.
• Give your brown hair a golden hue with rhubarb. Simply simmer three tablespoons of rhubarb root in two cups of water for 15 minutes; set aside overnight; then strain and pour through your hair as a rinse.
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26 Girlfriends.mn Summer 2013
2200 26th Street NW Owatonna, MN 55060
Wellness
RECIPES
Let rhubarb carry you through, from pre-dinner drinks to dessert with these recipes from Martha Stewart (MarthaStewart.com) and Lonsdale’s Lucy Kuchinka.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Sangria
Rhubarb Crunch
(Serves 8)
(Submitted by Lucy Kuchinka of Lonsdale)
Ingredients • ¼ cup sugar • ½ cup water • 2 rhubarb stalks, cut into ½-inch pieces • ½ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 orange) • 1 orange, halved and cut into ¼-inch slices • 1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered • 4 cups chilled seltzer • 1 bottle chilled sparkling wine • Ice
Ingredients • 1 ½ cups flour • 5 tablespoons powdered sugar • ½ cup butter • 2 eggs • 1 ½ cups sugar • ¼ cup flour • ¾ teaspoon baking powder • 2 cups rhubarb, cubed
Directions In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil and add rhubarb. Transfer mixture to bowl and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes Meanwhile, in a pitcher or large bowl, combine orange juice, orange and strawberries. To serve, add cooled rhubarb mixture, seltzer, sparkling wine and ice.
Directions: Mix the first amount of flour with the powdered sugar and butter. Pat into a 9x13-inch pan, and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs; then add the sugar, flour and baking powder. Next, add the rhubarb and pour the mixture over the prepared crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
Rhubarb Salad with Goat Cheese
Rhubarb Custards
(Serves 4)
(Serves 6)
Ingredients • ¾ pound rhubarb, cut into 3/4-inch pieces • ¼ cup honey • ½ cup walnut halves • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (preferably white) • Coarse salt and ground pepper • 4 bunches arugula (about 1 pound total), tough ends removed • 1 fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced crosswise • ½ cup fresh goat cheese, crumbled
Ingredients • Unsalted butter, for dishes • ¾ cup sugar, plus more for dishes • 12 ounces rhubarb, trimmed and cut crosswise ¼ inch thick • 1 cup whole milk • ½ cup heavy cream • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour • 2 large eggs, plus 1 large egg yolk • Coarse salt
Directions Preheat oven to 450 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss rhubarb with honey. Roast on upper rack until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes, and cool. On another rimmed baking sheet, toast walnuts on lower rack until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Let cool, then chop. In a large bowl, whisk together oil and vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Add arugula and fennel and toss to combine. Top with rhubarb, walnuts, and goat cheese.
Directions Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter six 5 ½-inch gratin dishes (1 inch deep), and dust with sugar; arrange on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss rhubarb with ¼ cup sugar, and divide among dishes. Cover each first with parchment and then with foil, and bake until the rhubarb is just beginning to release liquid and soften, about 30 minutes. Leave the oven on. Puree the milk, cream, flour, eggs and yolk, remaining ½ cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth. Divide the mixture evenly among dishes. Bake, uncovered, until just set, 22 to 24 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes. Summer 2013 Girlfriends.mn 27
Unexpected Caregiver | Kari Berit
To Travel or Not to Travel Summer is when we take vacations. Pack the family car, stuff our belongings into a suitcase, stand in long security lines at airports. All the hassles are worth it when it means two weeks at Yosemite Park or Disney World. But what if waiting at the other end are aging parents needing your help? Parents who don’t want to bother you, but don’t know where else to turn. One healthy parent, one hospitalized for unknown reasons, and you taking the helm. You are all traveling unchartered waters without training or an instruction manual. Probably not the summer trip you planned, but it may be a trip of necessity.
3. Once you’ve left, who are your eyes and ears on the ground to help monitor how your parents are doing (neighbors, friends, church members, etc.)?
If family caregiving wasn’t hard enough, adding distance to the mix adds complications. Seven million people consider themselves longdistance caregivers in the U.S. Trying to figure out what’s going on with Mom and Dad when they live on one coast and you the other can sometimes seem an impossible task. Even an hour apart can pose challenges.
• Medical liaison—getting updates from health care personnel and relating necessary information to others
Whether to travel or not depends on what kind of relationship you have with your parents. Do you know your parents style of communication? Do they tend to call you for every little issue or do they put off calling you until they’re in the hospital with a heart attack? How much information gathering can you do over the phone, relying on friends and professionals? When you do travel, make sure you have a goal or a to-do list. Jim McCabe of Eldercare Resources shared these tips on The Unexpected Caregiver Radio Show: 1. What are your parent’s immediate needs? Safety? Hygiene? Healthcare? Housing? (Again, some of this can be gathered over the phone.) 2. How do you put a plan together that includes supportive services and people. Do your parents need meals on wheels or help around the house or medical support? What can you set up from home vs. during a visit?
28 Girlfriends.mn Summer 2013
If you’ve got siblings and other family to help, it will take some management skills to bring all the parties together. Holding an initial family meeting is smart. If someone in the family can lead, great. I also highly recommend an outside person, a Caregiver Coach, Geriatric Care Manager, or Eldercare Mediator to lead you through oftentimes emotion-laden waters. There are numerous decisions to be made, preferably with your parents. Split up tasks: • Information gatherer—on the phone, in person or through the Internet—everything from education on health issues to legal and financial information
• The numbers person—paying household bills, keeping track of finances, and reading insurance forms • The handy-person—fixing a leaky sink, installing grab bars, or moving in a new lift chair • The comforter—the one that hangs out with Mom and Dad without worrying about time or health issues, the one that supports the non-doing-business of caregiving Yes we must attend to the numerous details of caregiving—whether we’re doing so from a distance or not—but I also encourage you to make room in your schedule to “hang out” with your parents. Unplanned time will not only be good for your souls, but will also give you further clues as to how your parents are getting along. Let the memories, the fears, the tears and the laughter enter into these moments. Connect with your parents over everyday life. These are precious times amidst the nitty-gritty of family caregiving. If you need help, don’t be afraid or ashamed to reach out. I’m here if you need help. Kari Berit (www.KariBerit.com) is a radio show host, speaker and the author of The Unexpected Caregiver. Kari supports family caregivers as a caregiver coach, providing much needed emotional support.
Girlfriends Guide • Education
LEGACY GOLF & THE GRILL AT THE LEGACY
BETHLEHEM ACADEMY Bethlehem Academy, a Sinsinawan Dominican Catholic school founded in 1865, is currently home to students in grades 7-12. We strive to empower our students and staff to achieve personal, spiritual and academic excellence. Call 507-334-3948 to schedule a visit today! 105 3rd Ave SW, Faribault, 507-334-3948, www.bacards.org
The Legacy is a championship 18-hole facility offering value-added golf and a warm friendly environment for golf outings & casual dining. It provides a unique setting for meetings, reunions, groom’s dinners, banquets and bridal showers. The indoor Grill can accommodate 30-50 people & the open-air Pavilion can accommodate up to 170. 1515 Shumway Ave, Faribault, 507-332-7177 www.legacygolf.net
• Financial Resources
• Health & Wellness
SANDY WENKER, CPA
CURVES OF FARIBAULT
Conveniently located in downtown Faribault, Sandy Wenker, CPA, provides tax planning & preparation, payroll services, accounting & bookkeeping, QuickBooks assistance & training, and new business consulting. Call or stop in at 14 3rd Street NE, Faribault. 507-333-3973 www.faribaultcpa.com
CASTLE ROCK BANK The Castle Rock Bank has been serving the women in this community for 96 years. To answer the question, “What do women want in banking?” We believe the answer is, “To be heard, understood, respected and valued.” 27925 Danville Ave Castle Rock (507) 645-7751 www.castlerockbank.net
STATE BANK OF FARIBAULT State Bank of Faribault is an innovative community bank with two locations in Faribault (established in 1919). Offering business loans, home mortgage, free mobile banking, free online banking and more, SBF is a leader in convenience, as well as customer service. 507-332-7401 www.tsbf. com Member FDIC Equal housing Lender
• Food & Entertainment COUNTRY KITCHEN Still strong on the comfort foods that have defined us for years, today’s menu features old favorites and exciting new flavors. Guests will find Country Kitchen a perfect place to have breakfast anytime of the day or wind down with one of our tempting desserts. Stop in today! 3050 Hwy 60, Faribault, 507-332-4007 www.countrykitchenrestaurants.com
Curves of Faribault is a complete health club that provides diet, exercise and motivation designed to strengthen women. We offer a 30 minute total workout that includes both cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Stop in or call today for a free fitness assessment where our friendly staff or new owner is always available to help you set and reach your personal fitness goals. 1620 Hwy 60 West Suite 2, Faribault, MN 55021 (507) 332-6801
CURVES OF OWATONNA Curves, with our Curves Complete program, is the first and only company to offer women a complete weight loss solution— exercise, meal plans, and coaching—in one convenient location and for about the same price as other weight loss companies charge for diet alone. Curves Complete includes a Web portal which features easy meal planning, recipes and shopping lists, goal tracking, motivational tools, a vibrant online community for support, and more. And once a Curves Complete member, always a Curves Complete online member—the Web portal and tools remain 100 percent free for life. Curves is proud to offer this revolutionary new weight loss program and make it accessible and affordable for women. All Owatonna Curves staff are certified by the Cleveland Clinic in Exercise, Nutrition and Behavior Coaching. Curves -1828 S. Cedar Ave, Owatonna. 455-4060.
FIT FOR LIFE Fit for Life is a 24-hour Fitness Center located just off Hwy 21 N. We specialize in individual and group personal training as well as weight management and group fitness classes. State of the Art Cybex Equipment is on site for those who prefer to do it alone. 1400 Cannon Circle, Suite 6, Faribault, 507-333-5430 www.fitforlifemn.com
HOLLAND FAMILY DENTAL Holland Family Dental is located in the Professional Building on Hillcrest Ave. in Owatonna. We have been in Owatonna since 1996 and concentrate on dentistry for the entire family. We offer services in preventive, cosmetic and comprehensive care which includes implants and up-to-date dental technology. Please visit us at 605 Hillcrest Ave. Owatonna MN. 507-451-7250
JUST ABOUT YOU! GET IN SHAPE STUDIO The name says it all! It’s all about you and what you need for fitness and health. No fitness machinery offered in this studio. Classes offered make working out fun & rewarding. Classes are geared for you because IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU- what works for you; what YOU like; what keeps YOU interested in striving for better health and fitness AND keeps you interested in living a lifetime with fitness and health - a very important part of WHAT MAKES YOU.....Y.O.U. Owner/Instructor is Experienced Certified Personal Trainer, Licensed Zumba® Fitness, Zumba Toning®, and Zumba In The Circuit®, Licensed Bokwa® Fitness, Certified Kettlebell, Circuit & Strength Training & also has a passion for Interval Power Walking. 109 W Rose Street, Owatonna, justaboutyoustudio@yahoo.com 507-213-6324, Like us on Facebook.
MILLSTREAM COMMONS ASSISTED LIVING Millstream Commons Assisted Living is located in downtown Northfield. 44 Assisted Living apartments (studio, 1 and 2 BR) featuring three meals a day, supportive nursing care, respite care, & life enrichment activities. Pets allowed. Licensed Housing with Services provider. Part of the Three Links Community. Member of Aging Services of Minnesota. 210 8th St W, Northfield, 507-650-9627, threelinks.org
NORTHFIELD URGENT CARE Tired of waiting to see your doctor for simple problems like sore throats and earaches? We provide walk-in medical care for all ages, from infants to adults. We are open 7 days per week and no appointment is needed! Quick, easy and efficient! 2014 Jefferson Rd Suite C, Northfield, MN 55057, 507-664-9999, northfieldurgentcare.com.
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Girlfriends Guide REPOSE MASSAGE THERAPY
SIMON BROS CEMENT CO.
REPOSE Massage Therapy has two Owatonna locations, Dow Chiropractic 152 East Pearl, and Owatonna SeniorPlace, 500 Dunnell Drive. SeniorPlace membership is a great value for the many benefits offered, which include affordable massage and bodywork. To make an appointment with Elizabeth Wright for either location, phone 507-323-5031. Visit www. owatonnamassage.com for more information.
Simon Bros Cement Co. has been serving the Northfield area since 1969. We specialize in quality concrete and masonry including foundations, driveways, epoxy garage floors. Call for a free estimate. We will look at your project and use 40+ years of experience to share ideas and advice. Call Ray 612-328-4591
THE NORTHFIELD AREA FAMILY YMCA The Northfield Area Family YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for all individuals, families, and the community to achieve their fullest potential. From summer camps, to youth sports, to preschool activities and adult wellness, we have something for everyone. Become a member of the YMCA! 519 Division Street, Northfield 507-645-0088, www. northfieldymca.org. Scholarships are available to ensure everyone can participate.
• Home & Garden JUDYS FLORAL DESIGN Whether Your Wedding is black tie/ ballroom or barefoot on the beach or somewhere in between! Beautiful, quality flowers and great ideas start with Judy Smith. “Specializing in fresh creative and affordable blooms for all the flower moments of your life” 507645-0008, 300 Railway St. North, Dundas, judysfloraldesign.com
NORTHFIELD COMPANY
CONSTRUCTION
Northfield Construction Company handles all types of residential remodeling---and promises a clean job site at all times. You and your dwelling are respected at all times—no lost pets, no smoking---just good work. For all your remodeling needs contact Ray Cox at 507-645-8975. www.northfieldconstruction. net
OWATONNA MORTGAGE Financing, or refinancing a home doesn’t have to be a complicated procedure if you have the right professional to guide you through the process. With Owatonna Mortgage you are guaranteed to receive supreme client care and trustworthy advice throughout the entire process. We know how valuable and precious your time is. Ryan Jirele, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #320358. 507-676-2708, 122 N Cedar, Suite A, Owatonna, facebook.com/OwatonnaMortgage 30 Girlfriends.mn Summer 2013
• Insurance AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE BART JACKSON AGENCY American Family Insurance offers home, automobile, atv, motorcycle, boat, commercial business, farm and life insurance. We are available to meet with you personally to review your situation and provide recommendations as to the proper coverage’s for your needs. Bart Jackson Insurance Agency, 408 Central Ave N, Suite D, Faribault, MN 55021. 507-332-6812.
AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE THERESE WHITESONG AGENCY We’re a J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Insurance Agency. We’re among a select group that demonstrated the ability to consistently deliver “An Outstanding Customer Experience.” Whether you need insurance for your auto, home, life, health, or business, we listen to you to determine the right insurance that fits your needs. Therese Whitesong Agency, American Family Insurance. Telephone: 507-645-5010, 510 Washington St South, Northfield, www. ThereseWhitesong.com
STEVE MORGAN AGENCY The Steve Morgan Agency has received the “JD Powers Award for outstanding customer experience” for 8 years in a row. Call and let his Licensed Staff “wow” you with their experience. Insurance should have a personal Fit. Does Yours? 200 Western Ave, Faribault, 507-334-0140 www.stevemorganagency.com
• Shopping THE PAPER PETALUM The Paper Petalum in the historic Archer House (212 Division St.) offers friendly customer service and unique gifts for all occasions. Locally owned and operated since 1987 we specialize in Scandinavian gifts, Minnesota products, decorative napkins, Polish Pottery, Rothschild foods, and much, much more. Stop in and visit us. 507-663-0565.
• Transportation COMMUNITY CO-OP The Community Co-op is located in beautiful and historic downtown Faribault, MN. We were organized in 1925 and have been a cornerstone of this community ever since. We specialize in fuels, lubricants, tires, and vehicle service, all for an affordable price. Women live busy lives, our staff understands how important service and convenience are. That is why we are the Company where our customers send their friends. 9 Central Ave, Faribault (507)334-2056, www.coopoilfblt. com
NORTHFIELD LINES, INC. Have your group arrive in style when you pull up in one of our luxurious motor or mini coaches. Single or multi-day sightseeing trips, shopping, girlfriend getaways, dining, concerts, weddings, receptions, casino visits – you name the event and we will get your group there safely and on time. 32611 Northfield Blvd, Northfield, 800-944-2190, www.northfieldlines.com
The
premier southern Minnesota destination wedding location.
GAINEY CONFERENCE CENTER
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS
2480 South County Road 45 | Owatonna, MN 55060 | (855) 446-4460 | www.gaineycenter.com Partial photography provided by Frank Photography – www.stevefrankphoto.com
Suzanne Terry
Brenda Fischer Cheri Johnson Closer
Nancy Barr
Sonja Freeland Martha Kasper
Your Ladies in Red Jan Sasse
Jenifer Dvorak
Jenny Campbell
Sue Cutts
Millie Harbaugh
Barb Erickson
Jenni Schendel
Marcia Berg
Rachel VanDenBoom Broker
Judy Hill
Diana Lobo
Janet Schwab
Kathy Taylor
Leigh Schrader
Anne Laue
Jodie (Priebe) Thompson
Linda Wicklund
Northfield: 1281 Bollenbacher Dr. | (p) 507-645-4491 | northfield.edinarealty.com Faribault: 1980 30th Street Northwest | (p) 507-334-1695 | faribault.edinarealty.com
Tracy Corcoran