River Valley Woman February 2022

Show your heart some love.

Mayo Clinic Health System remains committed to providing the heart care you need. From prevention to rehabilitation, our heart care experts offer a range of innovative and personalized services so that your care plan can be just as unique as you are. Mayo Clinic Health System has convenient and safe options available, including virtual or in-person appointments. It’s heart care designed for you.

Call 507-479-1596 to schedule an appointment. mayoclinichealthsystem.org/cardiology

BY EILEEN MADSEN Editor

been part of the narrative in our lives forever it seems. From political slogans and employee team building phrases declaring we are better and/or stronger together, to myriad songs about coming together, being so happy together, or how love will keep us together. Even the pandemic coined its own incongruous motto about “being in this together,” while at the same time being advised not to be.

With that being said, we have gathered together to sing the praises of stories that are each as unique as a phrase on a Valentine candy heart. You know, those little pastel, chalky confections that span a century of sayings from “Oh You Kid,” to “Crazy4U,” to “TXT Me.”

“Let’s Dance” might be on the candy heart of cover feature, Kathy and Nita Borchardt, the mother and daughter duo who own Borchardt Dance Company in Fairmont. After an exciting career dancing aboard a cruise ship as well as nearly a decade as a Radio City Rockette, Nita decided to move her family back to Fairmont and join her mother, Kathy, teaching dance to young people. A perfect example of doing what you love with someone you love.

When I was a kid my dream was to be one of the Ernie Flatt Dancers on the Carol Burnett Show. Alas, given my demonstrated lack of coordination and balance, this was not a viable career path. Luckily, punk music was popular when I got to college, so I did actually appear talented jumping around herky jerky and running into people on the dance floor. My candy heart would likely say, “I Fell For You.”

It’s a dog’s life for Ziggy. And that’s a good thing for Robyn Block. A skiing accident several years ago left Robyn with a brain injury, causing serious lifelong health issues. Eventually, fate put two and

two together—her neurologist and Can Do Canines in New Hope, introduced Robyn to her seizure assist dog, Ziggy. More than a pet, Ziggy not only can save her life, he helps her to be more confident. So much so that she has started a support group that garnered Robyn an “Independent Living Volunteer of the Year” award. Better and stronger together, indeed.

It’s incredible how animals play a vital role in making our lives healthier and happier. As a cat lover, I want to share the story about our assistance feline. We assist him. The end.

Working together has its challenges no matter who’s on the team, but it’s especially so when you’re a married couple. Putting their respective heads for food and construction together, Shirley and Steve Farysyn serve up love for what they do every day at Searles Bar & Grill. The mutual admiration society their efforts have created between the pair and their community could fill a chocolate sampler box, including support for local organizations, sports and more. No jelly centers.

I have to admire any couple who go into business together. My husband and I have run a business for the last 18 years. It takes determination, patience, respect, humor, and a deep love for a lot of wine—I mean work. But we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our Facebook poll reveals how readers met their significant others. And significant others is what our SPACES pages are about as we showcase Inspire Weddings + Events in the newly renovated former Ben Franklin building in New Ulm. Although not completed, it’s nice to see the transformation from an iconic period dime store while keeping much of its integrity. What’s not to love about that?

Oh you kids! I (candy) heart this issue. RVW plus you, equals true love. TXT Me!

By BROOKE WOHLRABE

PHOTOS BY ALICE HQ PHOTOGRAPHY

Borchardt Dance Company has a long and rich history in the city of Fairmont. The dance company has been around several decades and is operated by Nita Borchardt and her mother, Kathy Borchardt.

You could say the journey to Borchardt Dance Company (BDC) really started when Kathy began taking dance classes in the late 1950s. It was then that her deep love for dance began. She and her sister, Juanita, studied under a woman named Lenore Hyde.

“She was a big shot in Fairmont. She taught us how to be young ladies and she was very professional. She was from Chicago,” Kathy said.

When Lenore became ill, a woman named Kay Larson—who had also danced under Hyde—came to town and began teaching. Kathy and her sister danced all the way through high school.

“Kay asked my sister and I if we would start teaching, and that’s where it all started. We not only loved to dance, but loved to teach,” Kathy said.

Both girls went on to college, but continued to teach in the area, opening their own studio in the city of Blue Earth in 1966. Juanita passed away suddenly at just 19 years old and Kathy began teaching by herself.

“I never stopped dancing,” Kathy said.

While in college, Kathy met Glenn Borchardt. They married and moved to a farm at Jackson. Kathy taught in Blue Earth, Jackson, and Fairmont, and had a large number of students. She first taught out of the local VFW, then in a building downtown.

“Then Glenn and I bought a house and we were able to have a studio in the basement of the house,” Kathy said.

She taught out of that basement studio for several decades. During that time, she had three children—Tiffany, Nita and Greg—all of whom took dance classes from their mom.

Like Kathy and Juanita, Tiffany and Nita danced throughout high school. They helped out as student teachers and, when Nita reached her senior year, she began teaching at a studio in Swea City, Iowa. As she was nearing graduation, Nita said she and her dad talked about what she wanted to do.

“I told him I wanted to be an accountant and he looked at me and said, ‘You’re crazy. That’s not you.’ And I said I didn’t know what else to do and he asked what I loved to do. I said ‘I love to dance’ and he told me to go do that,” Nita recalled.

From years of doing dance workshops, Kathy knew Jo Rowan, the head of the dance program at Oklahoma City University, one of the most prestigious dance schools in the country.

“You have to go through a two day audition process and do a choreographed routine for them and take classes from them,” Nita said.

Much to her and her family’s excitement, Nita was accepted and attended the school for four years. There she studied tap, jazz, ballet, singing, musical theater, and generals. She graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Performance Arts degree.

Following graduation, she spent a year working as dancer on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

“I even roller skated during the show,” Nita said with a laugh.

Once the tour was over, Nita moved to New York City, on the lookout for her next big break.

“I tried out for a lot of things. The Rockettes was one of the major things I auditioned for,” Nita recalled.

When she was younger, her parents had taken her to see the Radio City Rockettes when they came to Minneapolis.

“I remember turning to (my mom) and saying, ‘that’s what I want to do.’ It’s always been an aspiration but I didn’t know it was attainable,” Nita said.

There were around 300 girls who auditioned with her in New York City, but auditions were also being done in Los Angeles, Orlando, and Chicago.

In a line of just 36 dancers, not many could be accepted. But out of the hundreds who were auditioning, Nita was one of them. She became a Radio City Rockette in 2001.

Kathy recalled going to New York City for the first time with her husband to watch their daughter on stage, and she said it was a surreal experience.

Nita took part in the Rockette’s annual shows, the Christmas Spectacular, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

While a Rockette for a total of nine years, she left for one year to tour with “42nd Street.” There she met her husband, Eric Ludacer, who is also in the industry, doing lighting and special effects.

After five years in New York City, Nita moved to Orlando but went back to New York for shows. She also danced in Branson. 

Kathy Borchardt, center, and her daughters (when they were high school aged), Nita, left, andTiffany, right, photographed in Kathy's basement studio.

Favorite dance:

Kathy: A fast tap dance. We’ve done a dance to “God Bless America” and just brought the show down when the flag was lowered.

Nita: I love musical theater. That’s what I studied at school and I’m trying to get a musical theater class in the studio.

Favorite thing to do outside dance:

Kathy: Going on walks with my dog.

Nita: I’ve always been a runner. I love to run and I also love yoga and pilates, but that kind of comes with dance.

Favorite dance experience: Kathy: Hearing the comments people give us after a dance recital. Our parents can see the difference and growth in children as they dance.

Nita: With the Rockettes, dancing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I’m not a crier, but when I did that I literally could not contain myself. It was the most surreal moment of my life.

 “They moved us around to where they needed us at the time,” Nita explained.

She spent a year in Orlando and then moved with Eric to Las Vegas in 2005, as he was doing shows for Cirque Du Soleil. The couple married in 2007 and stayed in Las Vegas for 10 years. Nita continued to work as a Rockette.

“I would leave in September and come back in January,” she said. The couple’s schedule worked for a while, but the prospect of children made Nita think about her future.

“Some girls do have kids and go back. For me, I didn’t want to have to balance that because it is stressful and I wanted to focus on my kids when the time came,” she said.

So, in 2009, Nita retired from the Rockettes, and in 2010 her daughter, McKenna, was born.

One year, while she was still living in Las Vegas, Nita’s parents came out for Christmas. Her dad asked if she’d be interested in coming home. The idea wasn’t something that had ever crossed her mind at that point.

“Once I had moved away to go to college and moved all around the country, I never really thought it would happen,” she said.

On the other hand, the couple had two young children at the time, McKenna and Mahren.

“Thinking about raising our kids in Las Vegas wasn’t really something we wanted to do,” Nita said.

While she had never considered moving back to Fairmont, once the seed was planted, she said it just made sense. In 2015, she moved back to

Fairmont with her family and began teaching alongside her mother. “Fairmont has a lot to offer. You can balance your work life with your family life. People really value their families and make it a priority,” Nita said.

In 2015, the dance studio moved from its long-time home in Kathy’s basement, to a space inside Five Lakes Centre in Fairmont.

There was talk about Nita taking over the studio. Kathy said she wasn’t thinking about retiring, but her husband wanted to travel during the winter months and visit their other children and grandchildren in California. Unfortunately, Glenn passed away in 2016.

The dance company saw another change when Nita purchased the studio from her mother in 2019.

And in 2020, the studio again re-located, this time to a building in downtown Fairmont, a move the Borchardts are very excited about.

“We had been looking to buy a building ever since I moved back in 2015,” Nita explained.

Kathy may have stepped back to let her daughter lead, but she’s very much involved with the dance company she started. She still teaches the youngest groups of dancers, beginning at just three years old. Nita teaches the middle group and Jordyn Strauser, a former student of Kathy’s, teaches the older kids, up to the age of 18.

Classes start in September and go through May, with the big recital taking place Mother’s Day weekend, just as it has ever since Kathy started the studio.

However, they don’t take summers off. The studio offers an introduction to dance workshop for new dancers during those months. They also hold

Nita as a Radio City Rockette in 2001

an advanced workshop where they bring in out-of-town or out-of-state dancers to provide a new perspective. Several of Nita’s Rockette friends have taught the workshops.

Students at BDC take a variety of classes, including tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, pointe, and lyrical. The studio recently started offering an adult class.

“A lot of my students have come back. They’re married with children now, but they’re coming back to dance with me,” Kathy said with a laugh.

The cycle comes full circle. Once a student of her mom’s, Nita is now teaching her own children, too.

“It’s pretty cool. They take classes from me and their grandma. To have your grandma teach you how to dance is really cool,” Nita said. Her daughters are nine and 11 and they help in Kathy’s class. Nita’s son, Easton, is six and also takes classes.

Dance runs in the rest of the family as well. Kathy has a total of eight grandchildren, four boys and four girls.

“Most of them are indoctrinated to dance,” she said with a laugh. As for working together, the mother-daughter team believes the partnership works.

“She has a lot of experience so there’s a lot of insight. I’m a dancer, but owning a business is completely different, so having the knowledge of how things are run and ordering costumes and doing the bookkeeping is very helpful,” Nita said.

“We are blessed with excellent kids. They know when they’re here that they’re here to learn,” Kathy said.

The studio has Christian roots and Kathy said she and Nita never forget who they work for.

BDC has about 200 students from all over Martin County and Iowa, as well as Fairmont.

“We’re in such a small town and so far from a metropolis, but we’re able to provide high quality, professional dance training. I think our families appreciate that,” Nita said.

She said she thinks they have a good balance, as most of their students are recreational, except for the handful who do competitions.

“They still have fun, but they’re in a structured environment and are learning and advancing level-wise. I think sometimes we get labeled the strict studio, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. No matter what you do, there should be some level of achievement you’re accomplishing,” Nita said.

Providing fun, structure and, most importantly, a love for dance for their students is something both Kathy and Nita take pride in.

Their new downtown studio is adorned with photos of Kathy and Juanita starting out as young dance teachers. Nita has even framed the first programs from her mother’s dance recitals. Nita shines, too, in her many photos on stage as a Radio City Rockette.

A shared love for dance has brought mother and daughter together, and has ensured their success both as dancers and teachers. RVW

Skin! LOVE YOUR

10 MEDSPA SERVICES

AEROLASE VI

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

Unwanted tattoos can be truly difficult. During a tattoo removal session, a pulse of intense light emitted by the laser targets the pigment in the skin. Tattoo removal session vary based on color and size. Schedule a consultation.

SUBNOVII PLASMA PEN

Fibroblast Skin Tightening for Treating Wrinkles, Signs of Aging, and Scars by stimulating collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. The tip of the plasma device never actually touches the skin but it’s the power of molecular physics that gives this treatment its magic.

The Aerolase is a laser treatment for acne, rosacea, melasma, laser hair removal, warts, and toenail fungus.

The VI Peel is a skin-resurfacing chemical peel that stimulates collagen and increases cellular turnover to reveal smoother and more radiant skin.

PEEL

Quick 10-minute treatments that work beneath the surface and temporarily reduce the underlying muscle activity that causes moderate to severe crow’s feet, frown and forehead lines.

EVOKE NECK & FACE

Evoke is a facial remodeling platform that is revolutionizing non-invasive anti-aging treatments. Evoke offers a first-in-class proprietary technology that delivers structural reorganization of the facial tissues to produce dramatic skin tightening results. With Evoke, patients with concerns about sagging or loose facial skin can remodel the cheeks, jowls, neck and jawline with no recovery time!

SKIN WAVE

The Skinwave combines an aqua-delivery system, skin revitalizing solutions and Hydrogen therapy for a multi-dimensional skincare treatment.

Versa® injectable hyaluronic acid gel fillers can be used to correct age-related volume loss and moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. It can also be injected into the lips for lip augmentation and for correction of the fines lines around the mouth.

Evolve is the next generation in skin remodeling that maximizes skin tightening and body contouring results! It harnesses the power of RF energy to remodel skin and improve its appearance. With Evolve, you can get both skin contraction and adipose tissue reduction with a single treatment.

The Morpheus8 combines the power of micro-needling and RF (radio frequency) to penetrate deeper into the skin than any other microneedling device allowing it to stimulate collagen production to truly contour and transform different parts of the body. The result – a smoother and sleeker appearance.

By RUTH KLOSSNER

Steve Farasyn had the “bar background” but Shirley Farasyn had a lot of reservations when they purchased the Searles Bar and Grill almost 20 years ago.

“I had been in and out of the bar business since 1972,” Steve explained. “I worked in just about every bar in New Ulm. I started at Shorty’s when it got a liquor license. I bounced at the Kaiserhoff, too. I worked at all of them when they needed bartenders.”

Steve also owned Farasyn Construction. Meanwhile, Shirley worked full time in Mankato, as manager at Harley Davidson.

Then, in April 2002, the Searles Bar and Grill was up for sale. Steve and Shirley’s daughter Amy Keech worked there and liked it.

“Steve and Amy said ‘yes’ to buying it. I said ‘no,’” Shirley recalled of being “out-voted” on the decision.

The family opened the business August 1, 2002, after doing a lot of renovations. Amy has been general manager/kitchen manager, with Mary Kraus as bar manager, and Amber Rademaker bartender/waitress—all since day one. Several others started as cooks and still come back to help when needed, even though they now have other full-time jobs.

Shirley, meanwhile, stayed at her job until November 2017 when she left to build up the catering business at Searles Bar and Grill.

“We can make anything people want. We’re not limited to the menu, plus we do the baking,” Shirley said. “We do everything from prime rib down to BBQs. We’ll do anything for our customers, even halibut. We got that in whole.” 

Shirley and Steve Farasyn have made a lot of good friends at Searles Bar & Grill over the last 20 years.

What do you like best about being in business with your spouse?

Common interests, enjoying success together, taking care of figuring out problems together.

What do you agree upon the most?

We both agree on how the business should be operated, especially on quality of service and quality of the food, especially the way things are right now, with prices of product and the ability to get product. We would rather cancel an event or special than cut quality or not be able to give it our best

What is your biggest disagreement?

We really don’t disagree on anything. We discuss issues, think about them, and come up with solutions by pre-planning. We are both very detail oriented and have daily lists to complete.

Advice on how to get along for couples who work together?

Being able to be open minded, and communicate with each other.

Steve and Shirley Farasyn have expanded the Searles Bar & Grill several times during the two decades they’ve owned it. Additions include the party rooms, far left, and the catering kitchen/ bakery, far right. They also converted the upstairs to a banquet room.

 Shirley makes all food from scratch. Pie crust is made using lard. Cookies are made with butter. A lot of recipes were her mother’s and grandmother’s.

Shirley slices her own beef and pork. She buys whole chucks and grinds her own beef—every day.

“We want to have good burgers,” she emphasized.

Shirley recently catered a huge meal for 400-plus Kraft employees, serving all shifts from 6:00 a.m. one day to 2:00 a.m. the next. That required 53 pies, 70 lava cakes, Black Forest cake, turkey, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, cauliflower salad, corn, and rolls.

With two other caterers, the bar also shares catering at 3M in New Ulm, taking four months every year. Each Tuesday and Wednesday, Shirley spends hours prepping, cooking, and preparing a hot meal consisting of a sandwich, dessert, and cookies—all now individually packaged, due to COVID.

The bar also does the Citizens Bank Minnesota Customer Appreciation Day every summer, serving 1700 people!

To handle all the catering, Shirley’s catering kitchen/bakery was added to the building in the winter of 2017—with Steve handling the construction, just as he had other building renovations. The kitchen opened in June 2018 and includes a full bar and outside windows and garage doors that open for serving.

The kitchen is stocked with all the equipment Shirley needs to prepare everything she serves. She recently added a blooming onion machine and started serving those earlier this year.

“Shirley is good at what she does and I’m good at what I do. I do the construction part of it,” Steve said.

And Shirley noted, “It does pay to have someone in construction to get the additions and renovations done. They know the codes— and the health department has a lot of codes!”

Before the catering kitchen, many previous renovations were made at the bar.

Initially, the Farasyns just planned to install larger windows as the place was dark, with only small windows. Well, the first thing they found was that the building had no insulation. That also led to rewiring and a new HVAC system.

When tearing out the old baseboard, Steve found the words “August Schell 1903” on the back of a board. They learned that Schell’s Brewery had originally owned the business and wondered why. It seems that the brewery owned a number of saloons that were close enough to the brewery to be able to deliver the beer while it was still cold.

The construction work also opened up the lower part of the building for better dining.

The next project was to do the upstairs—which had at one time been living space, then a community center—for banquets by adding a bar and restrooms.

Another project was to add two rooms to the west for small parties and more seating space.

Over the years, the food part of the business has become more important as people do more drinking at home and less at bars. “Food is 75 percent of our business. I don’t know how bars do it with only drinking. That’s the biggest change we’ve seen since day one,” Shirley said.

The community supports Searles Bar and Grill and the business supports the community. It has pull tabs for Searles baseball and also works with the program’s bingo November through March. The bar hosts benefits and supports local organizations, schools, and churches.

A bit about the Farasyns

Steve and Shirley have been married for more than 40 years. Their anniversary is coming up soon—on Valentine’s Day. That has its advantages—and disadvantages—as Steve explained.

“I covered two bases with one stone. If I forget one, I’m gonna forget ’em both,” he said with a chuckle.

Steve and Shirley have two children—daughter Amy Keech who is instrumental in the business and son Tom who retired as a major from the Marines and lives in Farmington.

There are nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Three of the grandkids have worked at the bar and grill, with two now working there. There might be more in the future.

“There are six more grandkids coming up,” Shirley said with a smile.

Steve is battling Stage 5 kidney disease and takes dialysis three times a week. That four-hour process each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is keeping him alive. Fortunately, he is able do dialysis in New Ulm, only a few miles up Highway 15 from Searles where Steve and Shirley live, not far from the bar. RVW

50 to 70 hours a week in her catering kitchen,

Shirley Farasyn estimates that she spends

depending on the caterings and parties in the book. Prep work takes more time than the events themselves..

Gari Jo Jordan

TARGETED BODY SCULPTING

EACH SESSION INCLUDES MY LIPO LIGHT + SAUNA POD.

BEST VALUE + BUY 4 SESSIONS GET 1 FREE $299 + BUY 8 SESSIONS GET 2 FREE $525 + BUY 8 SESSIONS GET 2 FREE $599+ shop

Shop Body Concepts' NEW WELLNESS BOUTIQUE full of clothing, accessories, purses, coffee mugs, and so much more. New items added daily!

RedFit Sauna Room

Infrared heat will help loosen the muscles, allowing extra flexibility and maximizing every position for a deeper stretch. Benefits are endless and include burning twice as many calories, pain relief, relieves inflammation, detoxes the body and skin, raises core temperature which boosts the immune system, reduces blood pressure, improves circulation, collagen repair, cellulite reduction and increases metabolism.

RedFit Rooms temperature can be set from a cozy 100-150 degrees to ensure a good sweat and flexibility. We have two rooms available. Each room has room for you and two friends.

RedFit Rooms are virtually instructed with the built-in television. There are multiple options to choose from so don’t feel like you won’t know what to do when book a session!

By CHRISTINE NESSLER

We celebrate love in the month of February.

But this love story is a bit different. It doesn’t focus on romance, but rather companionship, support, and teamwork. It’s the story of a girl and her dog. Although theirs is not a typical love story, a few minutes with Robyn Block and her golden Labrador retriever, Ziggy, will confirm that they care for each other deeply.

Upon entering Block’s home in Good Thunder, Minnesota, I was enthusiastically greeted by Ziggy. He joined Block and me for the interview and enjoyed a lively game of catch while we talked. Frequently he’d check in with her with a little nuzzle. Block had a sweet way of communicating with Ziggy, rubbing her nose to his and talking in a playful tone.

Robyn Block tries to coax a surly Ziggy to take just a couple more pictures.

I noticed Ziggy didn’t have his cape on, meaning he was off-duty. No, he’s not a superhero—well maybe he is. Ziggy is a Seizure Assist Dog.

Block and Ziggy were brought together by necessity, rather than choice. On April 2, 2013, Block’s life changed forever. She was all set to go skiing with friends at Lutsen Resort in Lutsen, Minnesota. While waiting for their cabin to open, Block and her friends decided to take one quick run down a ski hill.

“I realized I was going too fast and tried to stop or something,” Block said. She lost control and hit a tree. It flung her backwards where she cracked her head open on a rock.

Block spent five weeks in a hospital in Duluth, then came home to Good Thunder where she was able to do outpatient therapy. The accident and the resulting brain injury caused serious seizures and migraines.

Robyn’s neurologist recommended that she look into service dogs specifically trained as Seizure Assist Dogs. She resisted.

It wasn’t until a few years after her accident that Robyn decided to apply for a Seizure Assist Dog with Can Do Canines in New Hope, Minnesota. Can Do Canines breed, raise and train service dogs in order to bring freedom, independence, and peace of mind to people needing services. The process was long and rigorous, including the application, letters of reference, an in-home interview, and training.

Can Do Canines takes the process very seriously, because not only will having an assistance dog be a big commitment, it will change the care receiver’s life. Just as the service dog needs to be ready to care for their person, applicants must be ready for the responsibility of handling an assistance dog. Once Block was accepted, the real work began.

From the time Ziggy was just a puppy of about 10 weeks old, until he was ready for his final training at 17 months, he was cared for in a foster home. Puppy raisers provided a loving home for him and began his training. Ziggy’s training continued at the Can Do Canines facility. Then it was time to meet his new partner.

Can Do Canines takes care to make sure their service dogs and clients are a good fit before they even meet.

“We look at a wide variety of variables including: the personality of the client; temperament of the dog; client’s lifestyle; dog’s energy needs; skills the client needs the dog to do in order to mitigate their disability; and the dog’s ability to do the skill-work needed,” said Can Do Canines Trainer Elizabeth Reberk.

On the day Robyn and Ziggy met—August 11, 2017—she was anxiously awaiting him in a room with a window to where the dogs enter. The moment she saw him, she knew he was going to be the perfect dog for her. Block had pets growing up on a farm outside of St. Clair, but this bond was going to be special.

“We were both so excited to see each other,” Block recalled.

Robyn complimented Can Do Canines ability to match a dog’s personality with their person’s personality.

“He and I are so much alike—in human and dog form, of course,” she said. Robyn says they both have a personality with a little spunk, a little sass, and a lot of fun. It helped them click right away.

“Their partnership seemed very natural from the beginning,” said Reberk. “Ziggy is a calm, friendly, engaging dog and Robyn is a warm, friendly, engaging person. The team bonded quickly with each other during their initial week of training.”

Ziggy and Block trained together at Can Do Canines for a week, working on commands specific to seizures and migraines and how to care for each other. Block’s training also included learning the appropriate commands and lifestyle for Ziggy so his training can continue to serve them both for years to come. They were tested in a community setting, and once they passed, were allowed to graduate from the program. For a year they kept in touch with Can Do Canines before being on their own.

Ziggy is trained to do some amazing things to help Block during a

A CAPE, HE’S WORKING.

IF YOU SEE A DOG WITH

seizure. He can lick her face or nudge her side and back to bring her back to consciousness. He can get her an emergency phone. He can lie on her to keep her warm. He can open the refrigerator and retrieve an ice pack. He can alert another person to come to her aid.

The team understands each other well. According to Robyn, when Ziggy thinks she is over exerting herself and close to causing a migraine, he will nudge her until she sits and relaxes. He also can sense her emotions and knows when she just needs a good cuddle.

When his cape is on, Ziggy is all business. He knows he has a job to do to care for Robyn.

“If you see a dog with a cape, he’s working,” Block said. People should avoid the temptation to pet or interact with a service dog. It is confusing for the dog as they need to keep their focus on caring for their person.

Block has nicely reminded people that Ziggy isn’t a pet, he’s a working dog. The one exception of interacting with a service dog, according to Block, is if they approach you without their person. It may mean they want you to follow and help that person.

It’s not all work for Ziggy. When his cape is off, he loves to play—on his terms, that is.

“He’s like, ‘I do what I want,’” Block said.

She respects that when his cape is off, it’s his time. Just like when she is relaxing in her yoga pants, it’s her time.

He loves toy animals and balls to play catch. His favorite is playing catch with a Frisbee, although Robyn says he is partial to the cheap parade kind.

“He’s a picky fellow,” she laughed. “A real high-maintenance guy.”

Since Ziggy came into Block’s life, she has become more confident.

“Everyone is looking at Ziggy,” Robyn said. “It makes me more comfortable because people aren’t looking at me as someone with a disability.” 

A cape on a service dog means they are on duty.

 In recent years, Block has immersed herself in education and advocacy work for those experiencing disabilities. She is the board chair of the Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council where she is able to advocate for people with disabilities who want to live independent lives. She was appointed by the Governor’s office to be in the Partners for Policy Making Leadership Program where she is learning to speak up and speak out about topics such as independent living, employment equality, and transportation initiatives relating to people with disabilities. Block also started a brain injury support group in 2017 that earned her the SMILES Center for Independent Living Volunteer of the Year award in 2017-2018.

“I know that I made it through this for a reason, so I need to help other people who are going through the same thing that I am,” Robyn said.

It’s not always easy, but her faithful travel buddy, Ziggy, is always there to support her and keep her moving forward.

“Everyone fights a different battle,” Robyn said. “The next person may be fighting a harder battle than I am.”

With the help of Ziggy, Block plans to continue to tell her story and help others with brain injuries and other disabilities. RVW

Standing next to a metal recreation of Ziggy at Arnie Lillo Creations, Robyn Block and Ziggy have a heart to heart. Block enjoys assisting Lillo with his metal art creations.

On-duty or off, Ziggy shows his affection for Robyn Block.

Thursday, February 10th

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Capitol Room

(or attend virtually)

Khadijah Cooper

With Your Bestie

Know Your Bestie

Craft Stations Dessert Dash

ALL ABOUT GALENTINE’S DAY

CADA provides life-saving and life-changing services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Time and time again, we hear from survivors that one of the most important factors in their healing is their friends, family, and support system. We wanted to create an event that celebrates friendship, and what better model than Galentine’s Day, dreamed up by our favorite fictional heroine, Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation.

Purchase tickets at: cadamn.org/galentines-day

EVENT

SPONSORS

RESILIENCE IS KEY TO MEETING FINANCIAL GOALS

In just about any endeavor, you’ll benefit by showing resilience— and that’s certainly true when it comes to achieving your financial goals.

You can demonstrate this resilience by answering these questions: What is your specific goal?

What obstacle do you face in achieving this goal?

How can you overcome this obstacle?

Here are some examples of how this resiliency process works:

Goal: Building sufficient retirement funds

To build sufficient retirement income, you need to invest in the financial markets through your 401(k), IRA, and other accounts. But, how should you respond when these markets go through periods of volatility? Your best defense is to remain invested. If you were to jump out of the market every time it dropped, you’d probably miss out on the rebounds that followed. Also, over a period of decades, the effects of short-term market fluctuations tend to diminish, so while the results of any particular day or week may not look good on your investment statement, the importance of these results may diminish in 10 or 20 years.

Goal: Maintaining steady cash flow

Keeping a steady cash flow is essential to meeting your daily and monthly expenses. So, it’s obviously important that you maintain sufficient earned income. But, what happens if you encounter a serious illness or injury that keeps you from work for an extended period? Depending on the length of time you’re not working, you could feel a real financial pinch, so you may want to consider some type of disability insurance. Your employer may offer a short-term policy as an employee benefit, but it might not be sufficient, so you may need to look at private coverage.

Goal: Keeping retirement accounts intact

Ideally, you’d like to leave your IRA, 401(k), and other accounts intact until you need to start tapping into them when you retire. But what if you face an unexpectedly large medical bill, or you need to replace your furnace or get a new car? If you don’t have the money readily available, you might be forced to dip into your IRA and 401(k), incurring taxes and potential penalties, and leaving yourself fewer resources for retirement. You can help avoid this setback by creating an emergency fund containing three

to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account.

Goal: Having confidence in your strategy

To achieve your important financial goals, you need a strategy—and you need to believe in it strongly enough to keep following it during all types of stress on the financial markets. It’s not always easy to maintain this conviction—less than half of Americans are confident in their abilities to recover quickly from difficult financial situations, according to a new survey from Edward Jones. One way to help gain this confidence is by working with a financial advisor.

In fact, 36 percent of those surveyed began working with a financial advisor in 2020 for help navigating the past year. The importance of receiving good advice became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about a variety of financial worries, such as job loss, retirement considerations, caregiving for elderly parents or providing financial support to adult children.

You will face some challenges on your journey toward achieving your financial objectives. But by being resilient, you can stay on the right road.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.

MEGHAN ANDERSON Financial Advisor | Edward Jones St. Peter

184387

It’s a dream come true for business partners Melissa Ostrom, Brittany Jones, and Eric Bode—as well as for the those who have or will take advantage of their work.

Inspire Weddings + Events is New Ulm’s newest event center and it’s already receiving rave reviews from those who were the first to experience it. Ostrom and Jones own the venue, with Bode—of BoCo Realty— owning the building.

After six months of renovation, the former Ben Franklin store on Minnesota Street opened October 15, 2021 as Inspire Weddings + Events. Although renovations continued—and will over the next months—nine events were held by year’s end, including two weddings, the Inspire Ball for the Ronald McDonald House, and concerts by IV Play and the Red Dirt Road. All have been favorably received.

“Not one person has had a negative review on this space,” co-venue owner Jones said. The venue provides an upscale—but

RUTH KLOSSNER

affordable, modern, and classy—wedding and event venue.

Jones noted, “We wanted something different than anything else offered in the area.”

The facility is available to host events any day of the week. Weddings are the primary focus, with booking packages available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. The space is also available for private rental for other events—anniversary parties, holiday parties, company training, and more.

Bode finalized on the building’s purchase April 16, 2021—and renovation started immediately. The structure was gutted down to the walls and cement. Ultimately, it will be a four-level building.

For now, the main, street level, area of the building is the main event space and is called the White Room. Wedding ceremonies can be hosted there, with guests ushered upstairs to the bar area on the loft—going up the same steps that customers used to climb to the former fabric area of the old Ben Franklin

Photos & Story By



Melissa Ostrom

Eric Bode

Inspire rendering

Brittany Jones

This beautiful fixture hangs over the stairway leading from the White Room to the loft.

Each table is elegantly set and ready for guests.

The bride’s room—tucked away behind the bar area on the loft level—features four mirrors and chairs for wedding participants. The room also has a special bride’s bathroom and also has a garage door (reflected in the second mirror) which can be opened for fresh air during the warmer months.

Special wedding cookies were elegantly displayed on special plates.

Elegant light fixtures have been incorporated into the venue’s design.

Reception Experience: Our wedding reception on New Year's Eve was incredible and felt like a dream. Planning was fun and felt like we were planning our wedding reception with friends who were just as excited to make our event perfect for us. They were very present every step of the way. We were encouraged to plan a timeline that would fit in everything we wanted, and the Inspire team made sure the night went smoothly!

Design and Decor: The venue is clean, classy and open. The black and white palette, tall ceilings, high-end lighting and multi-levels created an environment perfect for cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and socializing. Inspire's beautiful Chiavari black chairs paired with decor by Events by T&K helped enhance our special NYE night.

Brittany and Erik Miller had their wedding reception celebration on New Year’s Eve at Inspire. Here they share their experience.

Erik, Chloe and Brittany Miller

Photo by Mallory Kiesow Photography

The spacious White Room that makes up the front section of the facility provides adequate seating space for guests. It was set for 150 for the New Year’s Eve wedding. The steps at the back, going up to the loft, are the same ones that shoppers used to go up to the fabric section of the old Ben Franklin.

Inspire construction

Inspire construction

Inspire construction

 store—while the staff prepares the lower level for dinner. For large groups, dinner can be served on both levels. Total capacity is 400.

“We thought about flow and wide open spaces,” Ostrom said. “We think about the wedding couple, but also the guests. We want to make it enjoyable for all.”

When it’s dance time, the DJ or band sets up on the main level. There’s a built-in sound system for their use and mics and other equipment comes with rental. Music is zoned and can be turned down in some areas for visiting.

The entire space has open ceilings and adequate lighting—all dimmable to set the mood. Both the White Room and the loft have bars—a half moon below and a full service bar on the loft.

For warm weather use, there will be an open air rooftop space for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or other uses. And, at some point in the future, four condos will also be built on the top, behind the rooftop garden.

A bridal suite is located at the rear of the loft level, along with rest rooms. Directly below the loft is a parking garage for the condos, as well as a load out area.

And, below the White Room in the front part of the building is a 4,000 square foot area that will house the catering kitchen, a groom’s room, offices, and storage.

“We’re doing it in stages,” Jones said. “The celebration space was the most important. The condos can come later.”

The venue uses two caterers—Sadaka’s Deli & Catering of Mankato and Gutes Essen of New Ulm. Full service packages including DJs and florists are available.

Brittany and Melissa have been working together for more than a decade. After Brittany took ownership of Inspire Bridal Boutique in St. Peter nearly five years ago, Melissa often helped her with wedding expos and fashion shows at different venues. With that experience and interaction, the women realized that brides were looking for a new type of venue—one that wasn’t available in the area.

Brittany had worked with Bode through Inspire Bridal Boutique in New Ulm and broached the idea of creating a wedding venue. Bode immediately took the women to the old Ben Franklin building.

“He had a vision and we had faith,” Melissa said. “We had a lot of meetings and conversation. We had ideas, he had input.”

Original plans called for the project to be complete by August, but that had to be pushed back, mostly due to material delays.

Bode said, “This is a large project. Everything but the timeline is coming together the way we wanted it. The contractors were awesome, but getting materials was the problem. It won’t be completely done until late May.”

RVW

Although the Inspire exterior isn’t complete, it’s almost hard to believe that this was the old Ben Franklin store on New Ulm’s main street.

The bride’s room also includes this cabinet and several couches and chairs for relaxing.

In keeping with the New Year’s Eve theme of a December 31 wedding, Melissa and Brittany created a midnight balloon drop.

Co-venue owners Melissa Ostrom and Brittany Jones paused for a photo while putting finishing touches to the arrangements for a New Year’s Eve wedding.

The loft area features a full bar. Bar service was provided by B&L for the December 31 wedding. The venue plans to seek its own liquor license.

A view of the white room from the loft, looking over the half-moon bar on the lower level.

I recently overheard someone talking about their crowded gym. “The resolutioners are back,” they said. And yes, it’s the time of year when we kickstart New Year’s resolutions by dusting off our gym ID cards, reacquainting ourselves with the produce section at the grocery store, and setting new goals to learn and grow.

Personally, I love the chance to reflect on growth from the previous year and set goals for the new one. But well-intended resolutions can easily lead to a serious case of the “I’ll Nevers” as soon as the going gets tough. You may have experienced the “I’ll Nevers” before. It’s that undermining belief that you’ll never be as fabulous, fit, fun or [fill in the blank] as the superhumans who seem to fill social media–so really, what’s the use in trying?

With the world at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to compare ourselves to others. On social media, we see the highlight reels of people’s lives–but we don’t always understand the blood, sweat and tears that went into making those fantastic moments.

This year, my resolution isn’t terribly trendy, and won’t lead to a glowing Instagram photo, but I think it will lead to lifelong rewards. In 2022, my goal is to not conform to the patterns of the world but be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

Because by changing the way we think and approach life, we can find more beauty and joy in ourselves, others and the world around us. Here are some ways we can all think just a little bit differently in 2022.

Find Gratitude

It’s human nature to take joys and blessings for granted while grumbling about the things we don’t have or problems we’re facing. But seeing the glass as half full can literally transform a crummy day into an awesome one.

A great way to change your thoughts is to appreciate and enjoy what you already have, because you don’t have to reserve gratitude for the big things. Did your coffee pot deliver that essential nectar you need to function? Hallelujah. Was there a beautiful sunrise on that bitter cold drive to work? Marvel at it. Were you able to catch some sweet moments with your babies (fur or human) after a hectic day? Savor them.

Savor Your Achievements

If 2022 has you working toward some big, scary, audacious goals, take time during and after your journey to step back and enjoy your progress, growth and achievements. It’s easy to get locked into the mindset of “I’ll be happy

when I reach my goal.” But there’s usually so much learning and growth to celebrate along the way (even if we end up calling it quits early because we realized that goal wasn’t for us). And once you do achieve your goal, pause to enjoy it. We are often so quick to move onto the next challenge, that we don’t take the time to just rest and enjoy our accomplishments.

Embrace Your Inner Child

This doesn’t mean you need to stomp in every puddle in the grocery store parking lot like my kids do (unless that’s your thing, then go for it!). But give yourself permission to marvel, wonder and dream like a child. There are so many truly beautiful and wonderful things in the world that we unseeingly pass each day because we’re distracted by adult cares and concerns.

Be Where You Are

My sister and I are constantly reminding one another, “Wherever you are, be all there.” Put your phone down (turn it on silent if necessary), stop the TV from blaring in the background, eliminate distractions and be fully present. Pay attention to who and what is right in front of you.

Change Yourself Instead of the World Around You

You control you, and that’s it. A bitter attitude toward Pam from work won’t transform her into the perfect co-worker. So, stop fretting when people don’t meet your expectations, and start working on what you can do to live a joyful, peaceful life with or without Pam’s support.

Okay Your Imperfections

In her best-selling book, The Gifts of Imperfection, author Brené Brown notes that perfectionism can actually prevent us from being our best: “Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame. It’s a shield. It’s a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from flight.”

Ditch the shield, and embrace who you are. I always like to tell my friends. “I am perfectly imperfect, please accept me as I come.”

This year won’t be perfect, but it holds the potential for great beauty, joy, meaning and growth. I’m going to do my best to lean into that this year. And I hope you do too!

EMILY GIDDINGS, RN Giddie Skin Medspa, Mankato MN Certified Aesthetic Injector

You may have heard the adage “A picture is worth a thousand words.” That is, that it’s easier to show something than describe it. This is because our sense of sight is responsible for most of the information that we absorb from the world around us. How people move through their days, and interact with others and their environment, is impacted by their vision. If you can see well, the odds are that you rarely think about your eyes and may even take your eye healt h for granted.

However, for many people, dry eye disease is an uncomfortable condition that affects their daily lives. People with dry eyes produce poor quality tears, not enough tears, or both. This leads to chronic inflammation of the eye surface and a stinging or burning sensation. Other symptoms include eye redness, difficulty wearing contact lenses, watery eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or eye fatigue. Some people experience dry eyes in specific situations, such as on an airplane, while looking at a computer screen, or during periods of low humidity, such as during the winter. Here’s what you need to know if you suffer from dry eyes.

I have dry eyes, but my eyes are watery all the time. How can that be?

Your eyes produce three kinds of tearing:

• Basal (basic), which produces continual lubrication to your eye.

• Emotional, which occurs when a person is upset or moved by a sensitive situation.

• Reflex, which occurs when trying to flush a foreign object from the eye.

With dry eye disease, basal tears are of poor quality and quantity. With emotional tearing and reflex tearing, there are plenty of tears but they’re typically poor quality.

When your eyes get dry enough, they act as if there is something in them and try to flush it out, which leads to watery eyes. Watery eyes IS the No. 1 complaint of dry eye sufferers.

What causes dry eye?

Dry eyes can occur when you’re unable to produce enough tears. The medical term for this condition is keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Common causes of decreased tear production include:

• Age Normal aging changes your eyes, and they don’t function as well as when you’re younger.

• Hormones Changes in hormone levels associated with age, menopause, pregnancy or birth control pills affect the eyes.

• Specific medial conditions People who have acne rosacea, diabetes, thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases that include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome are more likely to develop dry eyes. About 50% of people with acne rosacea have dry eyes. In addition, dry eye disease is often the first presenting symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Medications Oral medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants and birth control pills, can increase the likelihood of dry eyes. Preservatives found in medicated eye drops that are used chronically, including glaucoma drops and over-the-counter artificial tears, also can worsen dry eye symptoms. Avoid drops that claim to get the red out. These can lead to rebound red eyes, which cause eyes to be even redder and more irritated than before.

• Smoking Irritation from secondary smoke, as well as the internal effects of smoking may lead to dry eyes.

• High fat diet Diets high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids can cause inflammation, a key component to

dry eye disease. A heart-smart diet is an eye-smart diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.

• Overall eye health The health of your eyelid margins and eyelashes is important. Eye conditions can contribute to dry eye disease, such as blepharitis (dandruff-like debris called scurf), Meibomian gland dysfunction, ocular rosacea, irregular eye lid margins, and mites living in eyelash follicles.

• Contacts Wearing contacts disrupts the tear film, leading to dry eye symptoms and decreased contact comfort and wearing time. Existing dry eye disease can lead to poor successful contact lens wear.

• Environment Dry, windy, dusty, and smoky conditions can all be problematic. So is polluted air quality, including second-hand smoke and seasonal air quality. Winter can be especially challenging with dry air and forced air heaters in vehicles or other enclosed environments.

• Blinking rate A poor blinking rate can affect your eyes. A normal rate is 15 blinks per minute. A poor blinking rate would be as low as four to five blinks per minute. Incomplete blinking, which is often 60% to 70% when working on digital devices, also can lead to dry eyes.

• Vitamin D deficiency

Many people are vitamin D deficient. This contributes to dry eyes, along with many other health issues.

Is there anything I can do to improve my dry eye disease?

Yes, but it takes time. Your dry eye disease didn’t occur overnight. It took many months or years to develop, and it’s not going to go away immediately. The first step is to visit your eye doctor and discuss your symptoms. Many people fail to mention these issues to their eye doctor because they don’t see them as important.

How your eye doctor can help

Your doctor will work to evaluate your symptoms and the quality and quantity of your tears. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, including when, where, how often and what you’re doing when they occur. Then, ask about your general health and the medications you’re taking.

Finally, the doctor will perform a thorough quality evaluation of your eyelashes, eyelid margins, Meibomian glands, and the surface of the eyeball (the conjunctiva and cornea).

Once an evaluation is complete, your doctor will design a treatment plan to improve the environment for your eyes and your dry eye disease. There’s no magic wand to make dry eye disease instantly better. However, if a treatment plan is followed and you learn and use new habits, your dry eye disease can be improved.

Treatment options may include the following:

• Reduce eyelash and eyelid inflammation with hygiene, supplements and prescription drops.

• Improve quality and quantity of the Meibomain gland oil using supplements, hot compresses and other treatments.

• Quiet eye surface inflammation with artificial tears, supplements and prescription drops.

• Increase quantity of tears using artificial tears, prescription drops and tear duct (punctal) plugs.

• Control your environment with a humidifier and eliminating forced air across the face.

• Improve diet with supplements and meal planning.

ROBERT FRIESE, O.D., OPTOMETRIST Mayo Clinic Health System Fairmont

YOUR PRODUCT. YOUR BRAND.

ELEVATE YOUR PRODUCT OR BRAND WITH PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY 184347

RIVERFRONT

410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507-625-1107

MEDICATIONS PET

Your Hy-Vee Pharmacy now offers prescription medications for your pet. With hundreds of generics and brand name medications available at prices you’ll love, we have just what you need for the furry friends in your life.

HILLTOP

2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 507-625-9070

Thelma and Louise, Fred and Ginger, Sonny and Cher are all classic power couples. They bring out the best in each other to shine even brighter together than they do apart. In the nutrition world, this is known as food synergy. To put it simply, when 2+2=5.

When foods are combined correctly, the body is better able to absorb, breakdown, and use nutrients for maximum benefit. These synergistic relationships are part of the reason why supplements generally aren’t as effective as nutrients eaten from whole foods. While researchers haven’t even begun to untangle all the super combinations available, these goodchemistry eats and sips can pack outsized benefits through food synergy.

POWER COUPLE

GREEN TEA + LEMON

THE ATTRACTION

Citrus fruits such as lemon contain vitamin C, which enhances absorption of catechins, an antioxidant found in green tea.

POWER COUPLE

GUACAMOLE WITH TOMATOES + AVOCADO

THE ATTRACTION

The healthy fat in avocados increases absorption of the cancer-fighting carotenoids such as lycopene concentrated in tomatoes; fat also increases absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, found in abundance in vegetables.

POWER COUPLE

SPINACH + RED BELL PEPPERS

THE ATTRACTION

Red bell peppers contain vitamin C, which enhances absorption of the non-heme iron in plant foods such as leafy green vegetables. Try topping a fresh spinach salad with sliced red peppers or strawberries, also rich in vitamin C.

POWER COUPLE

BLACK PEPPER + TURMERIC

THE ATTRACTION

Turmeric has achieved star status for its anti-inflammatory properties, but black pepper makes it more bioavailable. Piperine, the main chemical in black pepper, joins forces with curcumin, the main chemical in turmeric, to fight pain and inflammation.

POWER COUPLE

CHOCOLATE + RASPBERRIES

THE ATTRACTION

Both contain flavonoids that work together to prevent blood clotting and improve cardiovascular health.

POWER COUPLE BROCCOLI

+ WASABI

THE ATTRACTION

Wasabi, mustard, and other spicy condiments contain an enzyme called myrosinase. This enzyme helps broccoli release sulforaphane, a proven cancer curber. Go ahead: Put some fire on that veg.

INGREDIENTS

1 c. dried farro

4 (4 oz each) salmon fillets

Hy-Vee nonstick olive oil cooking spray

1 tbsp. Hy-Vee Select extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp. parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish

4 c. baby spinach

2 c. strawberries, sliced

About 1 c. 1 small jicama, peeled and cut into matchsticks

1 c. blueberries, halving large berries

1 oz. Gorgonzola cheese, cut into thin slices

1 recipe Strawberry Vinaigrette

Add Lemon wedges for serving

DIRECTIONS

1 Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Prepare farro according to package directions. Cool for 15 minutes. 2 3 4 5

Halve salmon fillets lengthwise and place on a baking sheet lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 12 minutes or until fillets flake easily with a fork.

Whisk together oil, lemon juice, garlic and parsley in a medium bowl. Add farro and toss until combined.

Divide farro mixture, spinach, strawberries, jicama and blueberries among four plates. Top with salmon and cheese. Top each salad with 1 tablespoon Strawberry Vinaigrette and a lemon wedge. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 610 calories, 27g fat, 6g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 70mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 60mg total carbohydrate, 15g dietary fiber, 11g sugars, 0 added sugars, 34g protein. Daily values: 80% vitamin A, 170% vitamin C, 25% iron, 20% calcium.

April Graff, MS, RD, LD Hilltop Dietitian 507.625.9070

AGraff@hy-vee.com

I’m 45, and my doctor recently told me I am due for a colonoscopy! Aren’t I too young to start screening? I saw a commercial on tv for Cologuard, can I just do that instead?

Yes, 45 is young. Too young, in fact to get the senior discounts at Perkins or the movie theater but, sadly, not too young to get out of screening your colon for cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that people of average colon cancer risk start regular screening at age 45. Patients can do either a stool-based test (such as Cologuard), or a colonoscopy. Most people aren’t too excited to have that long tube shoved up their derrière, and may opt for a less invasive test. However, most people are not aware of the limitations and cost differences involved. Here is what you need to know to make the right decision.

1. What is Cologuard?

Cologuard is a stool test that is performed at home and mailed in for analysis. The test looks for DNA mutations in your stool that are suggestive of cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. It is a non-invasive test and should be performed every three years. You are not eligible for this test if you have a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps and are considered higher risk.

2. What is a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is the gold-standard of colon cancer screening. It is diagnostic, therapeutic, and prevents colon cancer. You will complete a bowel prep to clean out the colon over the course of a day or two prior to your procedure. This is often the part that gives colonoscopies a bad reputation. Once you have completed the bowel prep, you have completed the hard part of the procedure. The colonoscopy itself is a breeze. Your procedure will be performed under sedation and a long scope is passed throughout the colon. Polyps can be removed if they are found, and this is the cancer prevention part. Some polyps, if left untreated can evolve into cancer. This is the ONLY way to remove them.

3. How do they compare?

• Cologuard can miss up to eight percent of colon cancer and more than 50 percent of pre-cancerous polyps according to the GI Alliance.

• Cologuard is designed only to test for suspicious DNA in your stool, and it does not prevent cancer. If the test is positive, you will need to have a colonoscopy to evaluate the colon.

• Colonoscopy is the only test that detects and prevents cancer.

• Negative Cologuard tests must be repeated every three years, negative colonoscopies are repeated every 10 years in average risk people.

• Most insurance carriers will cover Cologuard testing, however if your test comes back positive you will need a “diagnostic colonoscopy.” Payment for the “diagnostic colonoscopy” will come from your deductible.

• “Screening colonoscopies” are completely covered by your insurance, even if a polyp is found and removed.

• Cologuard has a 12 percent “false positive” rate, which can lead to unnecessary testing, stress, and expense.

4. What would you recommend?

Because of the overwhelming success of colonoscopy to detect and prevent colon cancer, the disease has become one of the most preventable types of cancer. There is no better replacement for a colonoscopy. While the bowel prep may be onerous, getting colon cancer is far worse, especially when it can be prevented in most cases.

Stay healthy, friends!

CORINNE JORDAN, MD, FACS General Surgeon Physicians Group New Ulm

Celebrating with your special someone this Valentine’s Day starts with a romantic meal. Cooking an elegant dish in your own kitchen offers a way to impress your Valentine while enjoying the comforts of home.

Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, these pesto caprese veal cutlets showcase the versatility and beauty of humanely raised veal in a flavor-packed recipe. One bite can transport you and your loved one from the kitchen to a garden in Italy.

For added fun, try making homemade pesto to mix with grape tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Top with pine nuts and serve alongside a fresh salad or your favorite pasta for meal you’ll fall in love with.

Funded by Beef Farmers and Ranchers

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

ingredients

1 pound veal cutlets (about 2 ounces each)

1 pint grape tomatoes, chopped

4 tablespoons prepared pesto

1/2 cup flour

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons whole or 2% milk

directions

kosher salt, to taste

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons butter, divided

6 ounces regular or part-skim fresh mozzarella, sliced into 1/4-inch slices

3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Pound veal cutlets to 1/8-inch thickness. In small bowl, toss tomatoes and pesto to mix well; set aside.

Place flour in shallow dish. In second shallow dish, beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper, to taste, until blended. Place breadcrumbs in third shallow dish. Dip each cutlet into flour then egg mixture then breadcrumbs to coat both sides.

In large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon butter until hot. Place half of cutlets in skillet; cook 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and veal is cooked through, turning once. Remove cutlets; place on baking sheet.

Wipe out skillet with paper towel. Repeat with remaining butter and cutlets.

Place one slice cheese on each cutlet. Bake 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted. Transfer cutlets to plate and evenly top with tomato mixture; sprinkle with pine nuts, if desired.

Find more Valentine’s Day dinner ideas at your favorite grocery or food specialty stores, or visit veal.org. (FAMILY FEATURES)

Tom and I met on a blind date that our friends set up when we were 14. Now we are 61 and still together.

FACEBOOK POLL

Nick and I met at Mankato State University and became good friends after living in the honors dorm together (nerds in love). Four years later, we both have jobs at nonprofits in town and our love continues to thrive in Mankato. I am so thankful for this community and for him!

I met my husband at the Faribault County Fair in 2000. We married in 2010. Now with two kids and a hobby farm, happy and healthy, we couldn't ask for more.

With Valentine’s Day on February 14, Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17, and Love Your Pet Day on February 20, this month could easily be dubbed the month of love and kindness. Instead of waiting for a day designated to show your appreciation for others, find time each day this month to do something special for the people in your life. After all, it doesn’t take much to brighten someone else’s day, and you never know the impact your deeds might have in turning a mediocre day into something memorable.

Simple, no-cost ways to brighten another person’s day:

Partner

• Take care of his/her usual household chores

• Scrape a windshield or warm up their car in the winter

• Pack a lunch or plan a favorite meal to enjoy

• Leave a note where he/she will find it

• Tell a funny joke or story to start the day with a smile

• Leave a criticism unsaid

Kids

• Give a “free” day from a chore

• Cut crusts off bread or make a fun sandwich shape

• Plan an unexpected play date or trip to the sledding hill

• Stop what you’re doing and ask, “What would you like to do right now with me?”

• Include a note in their backpacks or lunch boxes

• Rearrange their room for something new

• Plan a fun after-school snack that’s out of the ordinary

• Have a tea party or read a book together

• Pick up from school or show up to walk them home

Parents/Grandparents

• Write a letter and include some artwork or pictures from the kids

• Give a call or stop in for coffee—just to chat

• Plan a movie/music/game night and let them pick

• Invite to go to the kids’ game or concert with you

• Shovel snow off the sidewalk or driveway

• Print off some old photos and send in the mail as a surprise

• Help with a winter project around the house

At Work

• Wash out the coffee maker or a co-worker’s coffee mug when you wash yours

• Offer to run a sick/pregnant/busy co-worker’s errand when you run yours

• Park the furthest away and leave the closer parking spots open for others

• Replace the last roll of paper towels, toilet paper, ream of paper, Keurig cups

• Write a thank you note to acknowledge something done for you

• Carry in the mail or packages you see

• Scrape windshields of those leaving after you

• Pick up garbage blowing the parking lot

Service Personnel or Stranger

• Say “Thank You” and give a compliment

• Offer a cup of water or coffee when given the opportunity

• Hold a door open for someone carrying something

• Leave a nice Google review

• Let someone merge into traffic

• Cheer for someone you don’t know on a team

• Smile

• Let someone go ahead of you in line

• Replace items in a store where they belong

• Giveaway coupons you won’t use

BY CINDY HAUGLAND tidytightwads.com

For every idea listed here, there are dozens more things you can do to make someone’s day a little brighter. I have no doubt that if we all did a few things each day, positivity will spread.

My grandma used to say, “You don’t have to brush all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.” Now, this is something I tell my kids and it seems to work, along with their Elsa and Dinosaur toothbrushes, of course.

In humans, plaque on teeth mineralizes into calculus. Calculus is what the hygienist at your dentist office works diligently to scale off, while we work really hard to answer their questions with your mouth open.

Unfortunately, with pets, by the time you can smell their breath, dental disease has already kicked in. In fact, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will have some form of dental disease by age three. Since our pets are not visiting the dentist every six months, things can get out of control very quickly.

All dogs are at risk for dental disease, but small breeds are even more susceptible. After puppies lose their 28 baby teeth (in your clothing and limbs), 42 adult pearly whites should replace them. This works out great in dogs with long faces—as there is enough space—but little dogs (especially ones with smooshed faces) have those 42 teeth crammed together, setting up the perfect environment for dental disease.

Cats lose 26 baby teeth and make room for 30 adults. Cats are prone to Oral Resorptive Lesions, which often start under the gum line and can be quite painful. Your pet may show signs of pain by not wanting to chew on a favorite toy or bone, eating only on one side of the mouth, not wanting their food, cats often avoid litter boxes, and some show no signs at all. Dogs, in fact, are very good at hiding pain.

When your pet comes in for their annual vet exam, you may be told that they would benefit from a dental procedure. This can be very shocking for people as their pet may have never shown any pain at home. When we go in for our dentist bi-annual visit, we are greeted by our hygienist who speaks our language. We comply to sit in a chair with our mouth open and even sit still for radiographs as needed.

No matter how many tasty treats we offer, we will not get these same results with our pets. In order to perform the same procedure, we have to fully sedate your pet. This includes running presurgical bloodwork to assess their kidneys and liver. An IV catheter is placed to deliver anesthesia and fluids to maintain healthy blood pressures. Your pet should be fully sedated with an endotracheal tube and hooked up to gas anesthesia and oxygen. Full mouth radiographs are performed to assess what lies under the gums, ultrasonic scaling of the teeth, and polishing. Sometimes, after cleaning the calculus off and taking

radiographs, we find teeth that need to be extracted. A nerve block is given, the tooth is extracted, and dissolvable sutures are placed in the extraction site. While they are sleeping, we check the ears and trim toenails. The entire time your pet is under anesthesia, they are being monitored by a technician that is watching their EKG and anesthesia depth. Your pet is recovered and prescribed pain medications if needed. It is not a quick 40-minute appointment on your lunch break.

The good news is, there are things you can do at home to help curb dental disease. Start working on brushing your pet’s teeth on a daily basis. Just like going to the gym, it takes 21 days (or the first couple weeks of January) to keep a routine. Just as it becomes easier for you to remember, it becomes easier for your pet. Start by practicing lifting a lip and then giving a treat. Do this daily for a week or two. Then start touching the toothbrush to their gums and giving a treat. Repeat this daily until your pet does not respond. Then brush a bit and give a treat. You are gradually teaching them how to be comfortable with the process. Over time it becomes a daily task that takes only a minute. Yearly appointments are also important as it gives us a chance to check their mouth and recommend preventative cleaning or catch things before they are too advanced. Some pets even require dentals every six months in order to keep their teeth.

Long story short, don’t wait until you smell bad breath. Practice good hygiene care and get your pets’ teeth checked at each annual appointment. Consider annual dental procedures if recommended by your veterinarian to keep your pet healthy and comfortable. Your pet deserves all the snuggles they can get, and you deserve to spoil them without holding your breath!

NICOLE LUECK, CVT MN Valley Pet Hospital Mankato

Good Health Starts with Great

River’s Edge Hospital uses state-of-theart equipment to provide a variety of laboratory clinical testing to diagnose, monitor and prevent disease. And for your convenience, Direct Access Testing (DAT) is available so you can receive commonly asked for tests without an order from your physician. No appointment necessary!

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? More importantly, heart disease and heart attacks can be prevented by knowing your risk factors, leading a healthy lifestyle, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Heart disease includes several types of heart conditions. The most common is coronary artery disease which can lead to heart attack and heart failure.

Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. Plaque is made up of deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the artery. Over time, plaque buildup causes the arteries to narrow which can partially or totally block blood flow to the heart muscle and the rest of the body.

Many people don’t know they have coronary artery disease until they have chest pain or discomfort called angina, a heart attack, arrhythmia which is fluttering feelings in the chest, or heart failure.

Here are some ways to help prevent heart disease before symptoms arise.

Check your cholesterol: Your healthcare provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every four to six years. Talk with your provider about this simple blood test. If you do have high cholesterol, lifestyle changes and medicine can help lower your cholesterol and risk for heart disease.

Control your blood pressure: A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. Providers usually take several readings at different appointments before diagnosing patients with elevated or high blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, causes harm by making the heart and blood vessels work harder and less efficiently and damaging artery tissues. If blood pressure medication is prescribed, it’s important to take as directed.

Know your family history: If heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure and cholesterol run in your family, talk with your healthcare provider because you may need your cholesterol and blood pressure checked more often. Be sure to tell your provider if your father, mother, or sibling had a heart attack before age 50.

Eat for good health: Eating foods high in salt, sugar, saturated fat, and processed carbohydrates raise your risk for heart attack. Focus on adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to meals and snacks. When it comes to protein, eat more plant-based proteins than meats. Soy-based proteins, lentils, chickpeas, almonds, peanuts, beans, sprouted grain breads and chia seeds are excellent protein sources. Tofu contains 10 grams of protein per half cup, and is super easy to cook. A large baked potato offers eight grams of protein. Choose mushrooms, broccoli, and kale as sides to add protein and antioxidants.

Be active: Regular physical activity can help people lower their blood pressure and cholesterol and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese puts people at higher risk for heart disease. Health experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. Walking is a good way to improve overall health. Work your way up 20 to 30 minutes every day.

Don’t smoke: Smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. Quit Partner is Minnesota’s free program to quit nicotine, smoking, vaping, and chewing. Call 1-800-Quit-Now or visit www.quitpartnermn.com for tools and support. Your healthcare provider can also help.

Be good to your heart!

MANPREET KANWAR, MD Cardiology Mankato Clinic

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED

To have your event listed, please email Ruth Klossner at cowladyruth@gmail.com by the 5th of the previous month. Listings are generally for events that are free to the public, or are fund-raisers. Listings will be published as space allows and at the discretion of the editor.

Now thru Sat, Feb 5

• Indigenous Art Festival, Old Town, Mankato, 10 am-6 pm. Info: Facebook.

Now thru Sun, Feb 13

• Winterfest, Citywide, St. Peter. Info: 507-934-3400, spchamb@ hickorytech.net or stpeterchamber.com.

Fri, Feb 4

• Hutchinson Chamber Annual Event & Awards—Murder Mystery, Crow River Winery, 14848 Hwy 7 East, Hutchinson, 5:30 pm. Info & tickets: 320-587-5252 or office@explorehutchinson. com.

• Le Center PTO’s ‘Dueling Pianos,’ Le Center American Legion, 5:30 pm social hour, 7:30 pm show. Info: Facebook.

Sat, Feb 5

• Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, Hallett’s Pond, N 3rd St & Old Minnesota Ave, St. Peter, 12 pm. Info: plungemn.org/events/ st-peter/.

• Nicollet Legion Fish Fry, Friendship Hall, 715 Third Street, Nicollet, 11 am-7 pm. Info: 507232-3031.

• The She Said Project—Women’s Conference, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Info: 507-332-7372 or info@paradisecenterforthearts. org.

• 35th Annual Brownton Rod & Gun Ice Fishing Contest, Lake Marion, south of Hutchinson, 12-5 pm. Info: 320-582-6782 or browntownrodandgunclub@ gmail.com.

• Inheritance 101 (previously titled How to Be an Executor), Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 9-11 am. Info: newulm.ce.eleyo.com/, 507-2338307 or cfleck@newulm.k12. mn.us.

• River Valley Dutchmen Snowmobile Club Hillclimb, 30170 Golden Gate Rd, Sleepy Eye, 8:30 am-6 pm. Info: Facebook.

• Artisan Sip & Shop, Next Chap -

GO. BE. DO. CON NECT.

ter Winery, 16945 320th St New Prague, 1-5 pm. Info: Facebook.

Sun, Feb 6

• Pro Musica Trumpet Flourish, Chapel of the Christ, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, 3 pm. Info & tickets: promusicamn. com or 507-205-2249.

• Sleepy Eye Sportsmen’s Ice Fishing Derby, Sleepy Eye Lake, Hwy 4 N, Sleepy Eye, 12-3 pm. Info: 507-220-5101, 507-920-0459 or ljkrenz@sleepyeyetel.net.

Mon, Feb 7

• Madelia Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, Lost Sanity Brewing, 5:00 pm. Info & registration: 507-642-8822 or chamber2@madeliamn.com

Mon, Feb 10

• Galentine’s Day, Capitol Room, 419 S Minnesota Ave, St Peter, 6-9 pm. Info & tickets: cadamn. org/galentines-day

Thurs, Feb 10 & Sat, Mar 5

• Social Security 101—What you need to know in 2022, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 6-7:30 pm Thurs, 9-10:30 am Sat. Info: newulm.ce.eleyo. com/, 507-233-8307 or cfleck@ newulm.k12.mn.us.

Fri, Feb 11 & Mar 11

• Chicken Dinner, American Legion, 600 Co Rd 20, Lake Crystal, 5-7 pm. Info: lakecrystalchamber.com/events.

Fri-Sun, Feb. 11-13

• Super Bowl Retreat, Quilt Haven on Main, Hutchinson. Info: 320587-8341.

Fri-Sun, Feb 11-13 & 18-20

• Blithe Spirit, Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. 7:30 pm Fri-Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: littletheatreofowatonna.org or 507-451-0764.

Sat, Feb 12

• Candlelight Event, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 6 pm. Info: 507-3578580 or info@neycenter.org.

• Gustavus Wind Orchestra Home Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7:30-9:30 pm. Info: 507933-7013.

Sat, Feb 12 & Mar 12

• Bingo, Legion Friendship Hall, 715 N 3rd St, Nicollet, 4 pm. Info: American Legion Post #510 on Facebook.

• Made Rights @ The Legion,

American Legion, 13 S Minnesota St, New Ulm, 10:30 am-1 pm. Info: 507-354-4016.

Sun, Feb 13

• New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen Ice Fishing Contest, Clear Lake, New Ulm, 10:30 am-3 pm. Info: 507-276-0138 or ross@ groundzeromidwest.com.

Thurs, Feb 17

• Mingle With A Purpose—Heels and All, New Ulm Chamber Women’s Networking Event, Best Western Conference Center, New Ulm, 6:30 pm. Info: 507-233-4300 or chamber@ newulm.com.

• Terrarium Design, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 12-1 pm. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org.

Fri-Sun, Feb 18-20

• MLC Winter Play—The Westing Game, WCC Auditorium, Martin Luther College, 1995 Luther Ct, New Ulm. 7:30 pm Fri & Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info & tickets: mlc-wels. edu/forum, 507-233-9114 or laabser@mlc-wels.edu.

Fri-Sun, Feb 18-20 & ThursSun, Feb 24-27

• The Boy Who Talked to Whales by The Merlin Players, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. 7:30 pm ThursSat, 2 pm Sun. Info: 507-3327372 or info@paradisecenterforthearts.org.

Sat, Feb 19

• Springfield Mardi Gras Celebration, Community Center, Springfield, 5 pm-12 am. Info & tickets: Facebook.

Sat, Feb 19 & Mar 19

• Cannon Valley Farmers’ Market, Faribo West Mall, 200 Western Ave NW, Faribault, 12-3 pm. Info: visitfaribault.com/calendar/.

Thurs, Feb 24

• Heartsaver CPR/AED First Aid Certification Course, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 6-9 pm. . Info: newulm.ce.eleyo. com/, 507-233-8307 or cfleck@ newulm.k12.mn.us.

Sat, Feb 26 & Mar 26

• Biker Breakfast, Faribault Harley-Davidson, 2704 W Airport Dr, Faribault, 9-11 am. Info: visitfaribault.com/calendar/.

Sat, Feb 26 & Mar 12

• LTC 101—The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning, Wash -

ington Learning Center, New Ulm, 9-10:30 am. Info: newulm. ce.eyeyo.com/, 507-233-8307 or cfleck@newulm.k12.mn.us.

Sat, Feb 26 & Mar 26

• Legion Bar Bingo, John Watson Post 257, 5 N O’Connell Ave, Springfield, 7-10 pm. Info: springfieldmnchamber.org/ events/legion-bar-bingo-2/.

Sun, Feb 27

• Omelet Breakfast, Legion Friendship Hall, Nicollet, 8:30 am-12:30 p.m. Info: American Legion Post #510 on Facebook.

Sat, Mar 5

• ACT Prep Seminar (Doorway to College), New Ulm High School, New Ulm, 9 am-3 pm. Info: newulm.ce.eleyo.com/, 507-2338307 or cfleck@newulm.k12. mn.us.

• Schell’s Bock Fest 2022,1860 Schell Rd, New Ulm, 11 am-4:30 pm. Info: Facebook.

• IV Play at Bock Fest After Party, Event Center, New Ulm, 9:15 pm-12:15 pm. Info: Facebook.

Sat-Sun, Mar 5-6

• Creating a Barn Quilt Class, The Grand Center for Arts & Culture, 210 N Minnesota St, New Ulm. 9 am-3 pm Sat, 1-5 pm Sun. Info & signup: thegrandnewulm. com, 507-359-9222 or grandnewulm@gmail.com.

Fri, Mar 11

• The Jimmys Blues & R&B, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, 7:30 pm. Info: visitfaribault.com/ calendar/.

• Bjorling Honor Orchestra Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7:30-9:30 pm. Info: 507-9337013.

Sat, Mar 12

• Home Alone, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 1011:30 am. Info: newulm.ce.eleyo. com/, 507-233-8307 or cfleck@ newulm.k12.mn.us.

• Gustavus Wind Orchestra & Chamber Winds Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 1:30-3 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.

Mon, Mar 14

• Bjorling Honor Choir Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7-9 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.

Relationships exist on a spectrum from healthy to abusive, with unhealthy and toxic falling somewhere in the middle. It can be hard to discern between unhealthy, toxic, or abusive behaviors. Of course, the most important factor in determining if a relationship is unhealthy, toxic, or abusive is how someone in the relationship experiences it and defines it. Often, it may come down to a gut feeling. Each relationship is unique and only the people involved truly understand the relationship dynamics. Because it can be so challenging to identify unhealthy, toxic, or abusive behaviors, it is important to talk about the differences.

HEALTHY

A healthy relationship is defined by respect, equality, trust, communication, and mutual support.

In healthy relationships:

• There are open lines of communication

• Partners are honest with one another

• Partners can enjoy time together and time apart, spent alone or with others

• Partners make decisions together

• Partners view each other as equals

• Partners are respectful of each other’s boundaries

• Disagreements and arguments remain respectful

• Partners support each other

UNHEALTHY OR TOXIC

An unhealthy or toxic relationship is ruled by frequent fights, disproportionate reactions, mistrust, and partners frequently acting as adversaries.

In unhealthy or toxic relationships:

• Partners frequently operate from a me versus you mentality

• There are frequent power struggles

• Disappointments often lead to anger

• One or both partners have disproportionate responses to minor issues or mistakes

• Conversations or disagreements frequently turn into fights

• Fights may last for hours, turn into shouting matches, or become hurtful

• Partners don’t communicate or communicate in unhealthy ways

• There is little trust between partners

• One or both partners may be very needy

• One or both partners may create unnecessary drama

• Partners are inconsiderate of each other

Any of these behaviors, on their own, may happen in healthy relationships from time to time, especially when one partner isn’t at their best. However, when patterns of these behaviors emerge, it is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. In an unhealthy relationship, toxic behaviors can be one-sided or two-sided. Toxic behaviors may also emerge when two partners have clashing values, communication styles, personalities, or beliefs.

ABUSIVE

An abusive relationship is where one partner is displaying a pattern of harmful or threatening behaviors to maintain power and control over another partner.

In abusive relationships

• Communication is hurtful, degrading, or threatening

• There is no trust between partners

• One partner is extremely jealous and frequently accuses their partner of cheating or breaking other “rules”

• There are double standards and behaviors that are okay for one partner are not okay for another partner

• Manipulation is common

• One partner is blamed for all the issues in the relationship

• One partner is isolated from anyone outside of the relationship

• One partner keeps tabs on their partner

• There is name-calling, shaming, or embarrassment of a partner

• Arguments and fights are scary

• One partner carefully controls their behavior to avoid making their partner mad or explosive

• There is often sexual coercion or force

There is a lot of overlap between behaviors in unhealthy and abusive relationships. It is important to know when a relationship is abusive, rather than unhealthy or toxic, because the impacts can be different and the ways to deal with the problems are different. Both abusive relationships and unhealthy relationships can create long-lasting harms and impacts. However, abusive relationships can be extremely dangerous, and even lethal.

If both partners commit to work together and make individual changes, an unhealthy relationship could evolve, grow, and improve. Couples in unhealthy or toxic relationships may benefit from professional help like therapy or couples’ counseling to gain tools to address the root causes of the problems in the relationship.

Couples’ therapy, anger management, or individual counseling are unlikely to be solutions in abusive relationships because the root causes of the problems in the relationship aren’t different communication styles or unmet needs. The root cause of abuse in relationships is power and control. Often, someone who uses abuse in a relationship has deeply ingrained beliefs that relationships are hierarchical and that their place is at the top of that hierarchy. These individuals believe that they are entitled to control their partner and the relationship and use dangerous and hurtful methods to maintain that power and control. Furthermore, someone who is abusive in a relationship will likely struggle to take accountability for their actions or acknowledge the ways they’re hurting their partner. Therefore, solutions like domestic abuse transformation programs are more likely to be effective in changing the behaviors of someone who uses abuse in relationships.

If you’re in a relationship that is unhealthy, toxic, or abusive, talking to a professional can help. Don’t feel ashamed to reach out for help at your local advocacy organization, counseling center, or even talk to a trusted friend. Everyone deserves safe, healthy, and caring relationships.

KRISTEN WALTERS

Development & Communications Manager CADA, Mankato

88% of all retail purchases ARE MADE BY WOMEN

95% of all purchase decisions for the household are made by women

“If you own a business and you need an effective way to advertise, do what works! River Valley Woman is the best Ive found!  Great Magazine and phenomenal staff!  Thanks River Valley Woman staff for always having such great articles and great ads!”

“I absolutely love this magazine! What a fantastic read and amazing advertising medium for my business. My clients always comment on seeing my ad in the magazine and it truly has helped my business and kept my brand top of mind. Thanks for bringing this wonderful magazine to southern MN every month.”

“River Valley Woman Magazine has been my GO TO publication to advertise in! I anxiously await each new publication as I always enjoy reading the fun stories of those living, and working throughout the reading area.  As an advertiser, I always ask “How did you hear of Blinds & More?”  70% of our Southern MN clients say “River Valley Woman Magazine”!  Thanks for putting out such a Fantastic Publication!”

BRENDA SANDERSON Bella Nova

CANDEE DEICHMAN CENTURY 21 Atwood

BROOK DEVENPORT Blinds & More

Reasons 5

to Advertise with River Valley Woman

1 2 3 4 5

River Valley Woman Magazine has been successfully reaching the woman decision-maker (your demographic) since 2013.

RVW is the largest per-issue print quantity in the Mankato market.

RVW Magazine has a pick-up rate of 99.6%. We guarantee that the magazine is being read.

Women account for 85% of all consumer purchases including everything from automobiles to healthcare.

rivervalleywoman.com

JULIE VETTER Community Bank

“Community Bank has been advertising in RVW for several years.This magazine reaches local women in the communities we serve. It’s a perfect platform for Community Bank to share how our team of local bankers can help simplify finances for women of all ages. We look forward to partnering with RVW into the future!”

BRITTANY JOHNSON Schmidt Siding and Window

“RVW is a great place to acquire visibility for your business. We at Schmidt Siding and Window (RbA of Mankato) have advertised in it for several years and I am often approached by readers who have seen our ads; many asking if the man in the ad will be coming to install their new windows. The staff is very easy to work with and offers many creative ideas to generate more business. I am very pleased with this investment and happy to recommend this magazine to local business owners. Showcase YOUR business in the RVW Magazine– it works!”

NATALIE SADAKA SOHRE NICOLE BARDON Community Insurance

“Community Insurance is proud to be an advertiser in the River Valley Woman Magazine. The magazine does an excellent job of spotlighting our area women; showing their strengths, talents and business savvy. Our local communities and the women in them have much to offer. River Valley Woman Magazine has helped illustrate that for all to recognize.”

ABOUT

Alexa: I am married to my husband Regan (Valerie’s son) and we have two daughters, Lovella and Amelia. I grew up in Mankato and later spent a couple years in the Cities. I grew up working in the customer service industry, mainly restaurants and bars. I got my first glimpse of the bridal industry when I started to model at bridal shows for Valerie’s Bridal shop and occasionally I would help decorate weddings with Valerie and Paige.

When I moved to the Cities, I worked in catering and later at two bridal shops. I fell in love with the wedding industry and knew that’s what I wanted to continue doing. When I moved back to Mankato in 2014, I started working for Valerie at the shops.

Paige: When you come from a family where one parent is a farmer and the other is an entrepreneur you start “working” at a much younger age than most. I think by the time I was 4 years old I had already got the nickname “Gopher” on the farm, going for miscellaneous tools or parts when they needed them. When I was in elementary school my mom, Valerie, started a wedding decorating business called White Lights. After that I spent pretty much every weekend, June through September, decorating weddings with her. I absolutely loved it, so much so that after collage I took over ownership of White Lights. My mother started Valerie’s Bridal while I was in high school. After working a few jobs outside of the family businesses for a few years I returned in 2012 and I have been working here ever since. I married my husband, Bob, in September 2015 and we have three amazing kiddos.

Valerie: I have lived in Mankato for the majority of my life. I graduated from the community college in North Mankato with civil technology degree. I worked in that field for many years. Then I made a mid- life transition to working for myself, as it was always a dream of mine to have my own business. The first business I started was White Lights, a wedding and events decorating service. I then realized how much I loved working with my brides that I started Valerie’s Bridal. I had the building for the Mankato store built in the early 2000s and everything grew from there. I have two children who are now fully grown and married with 5 beautiful grandchildren.

ABOUT BEL SOIE AND GLITZ

How do you know each other?

Our families have been friends for the longest time, Paige and Alexa actually went to high school together too. Over the years, they became closer as friends and later working for Valerie’s full time at the New Ulm and Mankato locations. Two years ago, Alexa married Valerie’s son making us all family. What is it like to work together?

Alexa: Surprisingly, we all work very well together! We all have different strengths which makes work not really feel like work.

Paige: A little bit loud, a little bit crazy, but always fun! We are all so different that I think we complement each other.

Valerie: From my prospective I believe this is the perfect combination of strengths. I really feel the girls will be ready to take over this multi tired business when I am ready to retire.

Why did you go into the bridal service field?

Alexa: I’ve always loved weddings as it’s such a happy and exciting time in everyone’s lives. Weddings are a way for brides to express their personalities and it’s so fun to see all the different themes, looks, décor, etc., all come together. The industry is always changing which makes our job fun because we aren’t seeing the same thing season after season.

Paige: I was basically born into it and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Valerie: I first started the decorating business as an outlet for my creative talents. I could see that our local community was in need for this type of business because brides were reaching out to businesses up in the Cities area because there wasn’t anything here at the time. I am a firm believer and supporter of shopping local and growing this community. From the first day I knew my future would be in the wedding industry.

How long have you had Bel Soie? (And Valerie’s Bridal prior)

Valerie’s Bridal first opened its doors in 2006 in our Mankato Location, late 2012 we started our New Ulm Location, which we had originally named Ashlee Bridal. Then in the summer of 2021, we re-launched for a better marketing strategy to a common thread name of Bel Soie by Valerie’s Bridal. We also have our prom store, Glitz Prom, that we started in 2017.

How do you choose the designer dresses you sell?

It’s a mixture of researching trends and looking at the gowns the designers offer each season. We fly out to bridal and prom markets twice a year. During those trips we spend multiple days watching fashion shows and visiting designers’ showrooms picking each and every dress that comes in to our shop each season. We do have some designers we have carried for many years, one of which we have carried from the first day we opened, but we are never opposed to adding designers if we like the dresses they have.

Tell us how the journey works from the bride-to-be entering the shop to the final outcome:

Usually our journey with a bride starts one to two years before their wedding date when they make an appointment to come in and find their dream dress! Once they find that perfect dress from our sample dresses, we place the order with the designer. Each dress is custom made and can take up to 6-8 months to arrive. During that

Alexa Pearson, Valerie Pearson, Paige Umhoefer

wait, we see many of your brides back for bridesmaids, flower girls and tuxedo appointments. Once the bride's dress arrives she will come back in to the store for her first try on. We love to help our brides pick out their accessories and help find that finished look. Our top selling accessories are veils and hair pieces. But it doesn’t stop there. We will help our brides with her alteration options, steam the dress the week of the wedding if needed, and we even offer a wedding dress preservation package for after the wedding. We are here for our brides throughout the entire process.

What is your favorite thing about what you do?

Alexa: I love working with brides and helping create their overall wedding day look. My favorite is when brides come with a photo from Pinterest and I get to help recreate the looks. Mixing and matching styles and fabrics is one of my favorite things to do when working with a bride and her bridesmaids. Seeing the end result on the wedding day makes me so happy.

Paige: I love helping each one of my brides find the perfect style and fit for them and their wedding. There are so many dresses and styles that are available to choose from. People always ask us what our favorite dress is and that is such a hard question. Each appointment I seem to find a new favorite. Everyone’s body shape is different and the style they are looking for to match their wedding theme is different. I love the challenge of finding the perfect one.

Valerie: I love seeing the happiness that occurs when each bride says yes to the dress!

What is the most challenging?

Alexa & Paige: When a bride comes in, it’s supposed to be an exciting and fun time for her to pick out her dress. She has her own style and look that fits her personality. Nothing crushes me more than when a bride is absolutely in love with a dress and her entourage thinks she should go with something completely different and she leaves feeling overwhelmed and defeated. I think it’s a good reminder for anyone shopping with a bride that everyone has different opinions and even if it’s not something that you personally would wear, it may fit the brides’ personality. Brides should also shop to please themselves and not everyone in their group, not everyone is going to love the same look/style, and that’s okay!

What is your personal favorite style of wedding attire?

Alexa: I feel like each season I have a new favorite style or wedding day look. But I think I will always love that classic simple look whether it’s a ballgown or fitted dress. To me, there’s something about simple that is sometimes more.

Paige: I’m a sucker for a fit and flare dress. It can be simple, lace or even have ruffles—I seem to still always love them!

Valerie: I love anything that is new. It’s like Christmas when a bride puts on a new arrival dress that we haven’t had before. A new look and style is just breath taking.

Any designers you especially admire?

Alexa: I think one of my favorite designers that we currently carry is Lillian West by Justin Alexander. I love the fabrics and the little details that make a big impact on a dress. We have some gorgeous Boho-inspired gowns by them that are so whimsical.

What did you want to be when you were little?

Alexa: Growing up I thought I wanted to be an interior designer. I loved seeing all the details and then overall finished product.

Paige: I think it really depended on the day you would have asked me. It seems a little generic, but something in the arts. Growing up I was always sketching or doodling. I went for a long time thinking I wanted to be a fashion designer, I’m sure my mom could pull out old sketch books filled with designs from when I was in middle school.

Valerie: In the era that I grew up, we did not have a lot of any extras, so as a child I aspired to be independent and a very successful business owner.

Do you have any hidden talents that would surprise people?

Paige: I can cross one eye at a time... pretty pointless talent, but I can’t think of anything else at the moment.

Valerie: In my down time I do woodworking projects and home DIY.

Your best advice to brides (and rest of wedding party/families?)

Alexa: I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t sweat the small stuff. No one knows all the tiny details you have planned. If some things don’t go 100% as planned, it’s okay because they don’t know any different. Also, enjoy the day, it goes by fast.

Paige: Limit your entourage when it comes to dress shopping. You tend to see these large groups on the reality TV shows and it’s always so drama filled. Less is more in this case. Only have the people join whose input means the most to you.

FebruaryMust

1. Evoke Face

Evoke Face is the industry’s first hands-free applicator designed specifically to address cheeks and jowls. The patented technology harnesses the power of RF energy to remodel facial tissue and improve its appearance.

The Skin Clinic Medspa

1603 N Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 651.226.3704 mankatomed.com

2. Comfort Zone Sublime Ampoule

Intensive cosmetic treatment with anti-wrinkle peptide, Growth Factors (EFGs) and hyaluronic acid, for a firming effect and to make wrinkles appear smoother. The skin will immediately appear fuller & smoother and after seven days it will be tighter and more compact and wrinkles will be less evident. Fréy Salon & Spa

429 S Minnesota Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 507.934.7399 freysalon.com

3. Renewal by Andersen Windows:

Professionally Installed by Schmidt Siding & Window

You can be confident in Renewal by Andersen® custom replacement windows, backed by one of the strongest transferable warranties in the industry. Schmidt Siding & Window expert crews install all year round. Renewal by Andersen® windows are custom-made to fit within the exact space of an existing window. Easy, hassle-free way to enhance your home’s comfort. Schmidt Siding & Window 901 N 5th St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.6412 schmidtmankato.com

4. Emsculpt Neo

The first and only FDA cleared noninvasive body shaping procedure that provides simultaneous fat elimination and muscle building in a combined 30-minute session. Multiple treatment applications including abdomen, buttocks, arms, calves & thighs. Can treat BMI to 35! Giddie Skin

530 N Riverfront Dr. Suite 130 Mankato, MN 56001

507.381.7723 giddieskin.com

5. Scrubs & Medical Supplies

Shop our large selection of medical equipment and supplies including stethoscopes, compression stockings, scissors & more! Large in-stock selection. Special orders available at no extra charge.

C&S Supply

1951 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 507.387.1171 or 800.879.1938 candssupply.com

6. Love your Body

this Valentine's Day Basin brings the relaxation of a spa to your home. With a refreshing line of sweetly scented bath bombs, scrubs and soaps that will help relieve your daily stresses. Scents range from Serenity or Electric lemonade and even Florida Sunshine, something to fit every mood. You can find Basin products at your Mankato Hy-Vee’s.

Hy-Vee Hilltop 2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.9070

Hy-Vee Riverfront 410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.1107

7. Somfy Motorized Blinds

Motorized blinds & shades appear at the touch of a button and disappear when you don’t need them. These custom blinds & shades give you the convenience to easily manage room lighting and privacy. Schedule your FREE consultation.

Blinds & More Window Coverings

507.380.5019 blindsandmore.org

8. Relax. Renew. Repeat. Promote total calm and peaceful relaxation. Improve sleep, eliminate fatigue and jet lag, alleviate stress and energize your entire body. All it takes is 60 Minutes of Float Therapy. Call to schedule your appointment today!

Body Concepts LLC

1615 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.381.5467 bodyconceptsmankato.com

9. Healthy, Vibrant Rejuvenated Skin

Skin Essentials offers DERMALINFUSION®, an advanced skin-resurfacing treatment that simultaneously exfoliates, extracts & infuses skin with condition-specific serums for an all-inclusive treatment in one step to improve skin health, function and appearance with no downtime. Call Skin Essentials & schedule a free consultation.

Skin Essentials, Mankato Clinic

1400 Madison Ave. Suite 400A Madison East Center Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.6599 skinessentialsmankato.com

171846

SATURDAY March 5 9am-4pm

Register to attend the Cabin Fever Event as well as the 7th Edition Live October 1

To register for the programs visit deepvalleybookfestival.com

Cabin Fever Programs

Live drawing at the end of each panel!

9am: Welcome & Announcements

Rachael Hanel and Joy Riggs MCs.

10am: A Book’s Journey to Publication

Author/Editor Panel members:

Rachael Hanel, Katie Roiger, Chelsea Farr

Readers hold in their hands beautiful books with eye-catching covers, pleasing layouts, and hardly a word out of place. What does it take to transform a manuscript from Word document to physical book? The presenters will talk about a book’s journey after it’s submitted to a publisher. Readers will get a behind-thescenes look at the publishing process, and writers will learn some tips about how to get a manuscript ready for publication.

11am: Working Together:

Connecting Writers and Readers

Author panel members: Nadia Giordana, Rachael Hanel, and Kiersten Hall

Without writers, readers wouldn’t have any books to read! There wouldn’t be any books to discuss or share. And without readers, writers would be out of business. This panel addresses ways in which writers and readers can connect. What are the things readers can do to support their favorite writers? What—beyond their books—can writers offer readers?

Minnesota has an amazing number of talented authors, illustrators and other publishing professionals. This month, River Valley Woman takes this opportunity to showcase the Deep Valley Book Festival. In March this will be a virtual event which is highlighted below. This fall there will be a live event that is a great time to meet your favorite writers and mingle with fellow book lovers.

FEATURED SPEAKER

1pm: How the Hard Winter of 1880-81 Became Laura Ingalls Wilder's "The Long Winter" Presented by Cindy Wilson, author of The Beautiful Snow

Author Cindy Wilson will share an introduction to the history of the hard winter of 1880-81 as found in the newspaper records of the time, along with some introductory context about Wilder's novel about the long winter. Wilson explores some of Wilder's struggles to convert her family's experience during those months into a full novel within the Little House series.

2pm: Writing a Story Set in the Past

Author panel members: Phyllis Cole-Dai, Terri Karsten, Amy Lauters, Lydia Niebuhr

Writers of historical fiction must stick to the facts, but they also let their imaginations craft vivid stories from the past. Learn about some of the rewards and challenges that writers of historical fiction face when they write a story that is set in the past.

3pm: Angry Housewives and Wedding Misadventures, We've Got Your Back on How to Write with Humor and Creativity

Author panel members: Kiersten Hall, June Kramin, Lorna Landvik

Who doesn’t love the pleasure of literary laughter? As Mark Twain said, “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” Contrary to popular belief, a “sense of humor" is not a magical “gift" a few special people are born with. Humor and writing are skills anyone can develop.

4pm: Final Drawing, Announcements & Closing

Rachael Hanel and Joy Riggs MCs.

To explore sponsorship options, with no obligation, please email: contact@deepvalleybookfestival.com

Deep Valley Book Festival, 2100 Rolling Green Lane, North Mankato, MN 56003.

For more information visit www.deepvalleybookfestival.com

BOOK HIGHLIGHT

Maud Hart Lovelace’

Book The Valentine Box

Reprinted in Full Color

The Valentine Box, was Maud Hart Lovelace's last children's book published by the Thomas Y. Crowell Company in 1966. The book was illustrated by Ingrid Fetz and printed in black and white. The reprint has full color illustrations and a new front and back cover.

The Valentine Box

By Maud Hart Lovelace

It was always hard to be a shy new girl, but today it was especially hard for Janice, because the fifth grade was having its Valentine party. What if there were no Valentines for her in the big red Valentine Box? Then, on the way to school, trudging through the snow, she had an adventure.

For more information and to order: www.mnheritage.com

ASK CANDEE:

Buying or selling a home is arguably one of the biggest transactions of your life, so choosing the right real estate agent for the job is extremely important. Many people will commit to working with the first agent they interview, but I recommend talking with 2-3 local agents and then making a decision based on some of the following information:

Are they familiar with area neighborhoods & schools?

Location, location, location! The old adage that real estate is all about location holds true even today. That’s why it’s so important to choose an agent who is familiar with the location of different local neighborhoods and can tell you about their proximity to shopping, parks, recreation and more, depending on what is important to you. For example, if you have kids and are concerned about what school they will attend, you will want to feel confident that your agent can find you the best location for your needs.

Do they have knowledge of the local market?

While national real estate trends are important to know, it’s even more crucial that your real estate agent understands the dynamics of the local market. How fast are homes currently selling? What type of offer is most likely to get accepted? What is the best price you can expect for your home? How long should you expect your home search to take? These are all questions your real estate agent should be able to easily answer for you.

Are they approachable & friendly?

You’ll be spending a fair amount of time communicating with your real estate agent, so while their experience and competence as an agent are extremely important, you’ll also need to feel comfortable working with them. If you don’t find them easy to talk with, it could make the process more challenging and stressful. Ideally you will find an agent who is both experienced and approachable who will listen to your wants and needs.

How much real estate experience do they have?

I recommend looking for an agent who has at least five years of experience. These agents tend to have a solid network of real estate contacts, know more about the local market and neighborhoods. More experienced agents also tend to have better negotiation skills to help you get the best deal on buying or selling a home.

Seller’s Agent: What is their marketing plan to get your home sold for the best price?

Look for a listing agent who has a solid marketing plan for getting you the best price on your home. Ask them to tell you exactly what they would do to sell your home. Will they be taking professional photography or just taking photos from their own phone? Will they send out postcards to the neighborhood?

Will they post paid ads to social media? A great agent will be able to tell you exactly what their tried and true plan it to market your home.

Buyer’s Agent: Are they a full-time agent who will be available to show you homes quickly?

When you are choosing a buyer’s agent, it’s important to know whether the agent works real estate full time or is more of a “hobby” agent. In a market where homes are selling fast, you’ll want to work with an agent who is available to show you homes fairly quickly. You’ll also want someone who has experience making your offer stand out amongst a lot of competition!

CANDEE DEICHMAN REALTOR® CENTURY 21 Atwood

Joint Replacement Surgery Important Choice, Easy Decision

165172

For quality care, close to home, it’s OrthoEdge . The OrthoEdge Joint Replacement Program features two of the most experienced orthopaedic care providers in the area, The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic and River’s Edge Hospital .

• Over 5,000 successful hip, knee and other orthopaedic surgeries

• 245 years of combined orthopaedic surgery experience

• 1 of 6 hospitals in the nation accredited as a hip and knee replacement center of excellence

Getting the care you deserve and trust, close to home, makes OrthoEdge the right choice for joint replacement surgery.

Learn more at OrthoEdgeMN.com

Recognized for Being the Best!

River’s Edge Hospital has been recognized as a DNV GL Healthcare certified Orthopaedic Center of Excellence for:

• Hip & Knee Replacement

• Shoulder Surgery

• Spine Surgery

Plus, River’s Edge Hospital is top rated for patient experience!