River Valley Woman September 2023

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BY EILEEN MADSEN Editor

this issue All Ag? Because we are–all ag, that is. I know I’ve hammered on this before, (fun fact: an agri-hammer is used to break up hardened soil), but our products, careers and lives are so deeply connected to farming, any one of us could start a country band by association. My all-girl group would be called The Sugar Beats.

The rural roots of our cover feature, Dr. Ashley Swenson, run deep. She is a sixth generation dairy farmer with the oldest continuously registered Holstein herd in the U.S. dating back to 1885. Her childhood was typical of any farm kid…except maybe the part when she would spend time looking at bovine embryos under a microscope with the local vet who worked with her family’s herd. It’s no wonder that Ashley turned to veterinary medicine as a career, as well as owner of Midwest Embryo Transfer, which she purchased from that very same doctor. Talk about focus.

Martin County has gone hog wild! In an effort to promote the pork industry and tourism, area artists partnered with local businesses to display over 100 life-sized pig statues next to their respective stores. The myth that pigs are dirty is totally blown by the all-women group of designers who depict colorful graphics on these porcine canvases, including quilt patterns, skeletons, rural scenes, flames… you name it. The art of the squeal.

Fun fact: if you didn’t celebrate National Potato Day on August 19, you’ll get another chance today, tomorrow, and any other day, as potatoes are grown in all 50 states, and apparently we love our spuds so much that each of us mash, fry, julienne, dice, then consume 120 lbs of them annually.

Raising ag awareness is key to keeping half-baked ideas about farming, the land, animals and our food in check. That’s where Laura Marsala Peterson, executive director of Living Earth Center (LEC) comes in. Founded in 1996, with the idea that people have access to food security, the intention is to connect people to the land and each other through community gardens, and shared ideas. Common ground, in every sense.

Say cheese! Or milk, meat, corn and soybeans. Photographer Denice Woller aims to preserve the legacy that is the family farm. Riding or trudging along with area farmers, Denice captures the daily lives of farmers and their families as they plow, harvest, tend to livestock, utilize technology, and otherwise make their living so we, in turn can live. Get the picture?

Did you know that there’s a frighteningly high percentage of people who think chocolate milk comes from brown cows? Seven percent, in fact. That adds up to a whopping 17 million people. Three women who are outstanding in their respective fields aim to help educate and enlighten people about ag. We spotlight them on our Applause pages. Haley Madson is the 2023 Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher Award recipient who is passionate about making sure kids know where our food comes from and who produces it. GreenSeam Volunteer of the Year, Naomi Mortenson who, along with her job at Curious Plot, volunteers to make sure we understand the importance and impact agriculture has on us all. Lavyne Rada is the new executive director for FFA Association after a 10-year career in the organization, as well as in education. How now brown cow?

So strike up band, we are all ag this month, and we have all the dirt. Dig?

By RUTH KLOSSNER

PHOTOS BY CARL MAHONEY AND RUTH KLOSSNER

Farmer, veterinarian, business owner, volunteer… and she’s a Mary Kay representative besides!

You’d think that there wouldn’t be enough hours in the day for Ashley Swenson, but somehow she manages it all.

Adopted from South Korea at five months of age, Ashley grew up as a typical farm girl on the New Sweden Township (rural Nicollet) farm of her parents, Paul and Cindy Swenson. Along with her brother Christopher, Ashley grew up doing the things farm kids did—helping feed and water calves and even teat dipping the cows after milking when she was only five years old.

“We probably spent more time playing in the calf hutches—and on top of them—and, like any good kid, eating the (powder) milk replacer,” Ashley recalled. “It tastes awful when you become an adult!”

Ashley and Christopher started showing calves at the county fair long before they were old enough to be in 4-H.

“That was our summer—playing with and training our fair calves,” Ashley remembered. “Then when I was nine and three-feet tall, I showed a six-foot tall cow. Fortunately, Diamond (the cow) was well-trained.”

Ashley’s love for cows continued to blossom as she showed cows at the fair every year during 4-H and took part in dairy bowl and judging contests. She exhibited at the Minnesota State Fair and attended National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. Ashley was also an active member of the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association and was elected treasurer and president.

She was equally busy in school academics and activities graduating from Nicollet High School in 2009.

From there it was on to the University of Minnesota where she earned an animal science undergraduate degree with an emphasis in dairy production in just three years. At the U, she was a member of Lambda Delta Phi sorority, was a DTS Little Sister, and was treasurer of the Gopher Dairy Club. 

 Enrolling in the U’s veterinary school in the fall of 2012, she completed her schooling and added the title “Dr.” to her name in 2016. But that’s not all she did that year.

Swenson graduated from vet school in May 2016, purchased and took over the Midwest Embryo Transfer practice on June 1, and married David Hanson on July 9.

“I don’t know what possessed me to think it was a good idea to make all those transitions at one time,” Swenson said. “Fortunately, my family, David, and David’s family helped me to keep all the puzzle pieces together. I don’t really know if they were all together, but we managed.”

As she had approached her graduation from vet school, Swenson realized that—at a slim five-foot-three—she would have to use more brain than brawn if she was to continue working with cattle. She soon hit on an idea of how to do it.

Ashley had known Dr. David Duxbury, the founder of Midwest Embryo Transfer for decades due to his work on the Swenson dairy farm.

“David had done all of our farm’s embryo transfer work—some for Grandpa Howard, but mainly for my dad—when I was growing up. He was a longstanding friend of the family and a true mentor. He’d bring his microscope and we’d sit at the kitchen table and we’d look at embryos. I wasn’t very old, so I probably didn’t know what I was looking at.”

During her second and third years of vet school, Swenson did a lot of ride-alongs with Dr. Duxbury and found the work to her liking.

“It was a pretty easy transition. One day, maybe in my third year, I called Dux and said something to the effect of, ‘What are your plans with the practice if you retire some day?’ I said something like, “Do you want to grow the business or would you be willing to sell it?’”

That was the start of Swenson’s venture into the business world. During her final year of vet school, Ashley shaped her externships, vacations, and free time around training, ride-alongs, and practicing on the family farm so she could take over the business upon graduation.

When the time came, Dux signed over the business and agreed to stay on the payroll for a year. They worked in tandem to ensure quality but, only a month later, Ashley did her first solo job without Dux as a backup.

“From then on, it depended on the job whether we worked together or separate as two full-time vets. We shared one vet tech, Nancy Vitalis, who had been with the practice almost since Dux started it in 1989,” Ashley said.

Although the practice was founded in Amery, Wisconsin, the office later moved to Osceola, Wisconsin where it remains, mainly for managerial purposes. Ashley continues to live at rural Nicollet, in a home just across the road from the Swenson family farm. It’s just over a two-hour drive to the office.

Meet the family. From left: Ashley’s parents Cindy and Paul, her husband David Hanson, and Ashley.

Swenson’s work is done on-farm, in locations all over Minnesota and Wisconsin.

“If I can get there in my van, I’ll go,” she said with a laugh. “I average about a 250-mile radius of the Twin Cities.”

Understanding ET in cattle

“The bovine ET transfer industry and its implications are a relatively young industry,” Swenson said. “It became more commercially affordable in the 1980s and a lot has changed since then.”

The first calf from a transferred embryo was born in the early 1950s, using a surgical procedure. Today, embryos are collected and transferred without surgery, allowing the tool to become more common. ET uses artificial insemination.

“The difference between in-vivo and in-vitro (IVF) is where the fertilization takes place. In in-vivo, fertilization takes place in the cow; in in-vitro, it happens in an in-vitro dish,” Swenson said. “In both cases, embryos are transferred into a recipient cow or can be cryo-preserved for later thawing.”

Midwest Embryo Services has collected and preserved embryos for export to numerous countries—China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, Argentina, and more.

“It’s more economical to ship embryos than animals. There are biosecurity reasons, too,” Ashley said.

“In-vitro emulates IVF in humans,” Swenson said. “The industry is growing, with other technologies, and more commercialized applications. The industry is primarily IVF now so that’s a skill that I developed and trained for.”

Swenson’s work is split about 50 percent between dairy and beef.

“I equally enjoy both the people and the cattle,” she said. “I like what I do. I get to work with cows. As a vet, I like the vet science part, but I equally enjoy working with elite genetics and elite minds. Many of these farmers are leading the way to the future— the genetics they select, the markets they are developing, the husbandry practices they employ on their farms. I learn as much from them as what I bring to the farms.”

She added, “It’s a very rewarding career. I had debt, added more, and worried about my skill level but, between family support and mentorship, it’s been the best seven years. Each year has looked a little different but I’ve enjoyed—and continue to enjoy— the work.”

Both Duxbury and Swenson have been heavily involved in the

American Embryo Transfer Association and the International Embryo Technological Society. Swenson has chaired the government liaison committee for AETA and worked with the USDA export/import people with the FDA. She’s chaired the health and safety advisory committees for IETS. Last year, she received the AETA presidential award for her work with regulations with the European Union.

The Swenson Dairy Farm

Ashley is the sixth generation of Swensons on Forest Lawn Farms. The Swensons’ dairy herd is the oldest continuously registered Holstein herd in the United States, dating back to 1885 when the Holstein Association began.

It all started with Swen Swenson, Jr., and goes through Ashley’s grandparents , brother and sister-in-law, her parents and now Ashley and husband David Hanson.

With about 300 registered cows total, the herd is primarily Holstein, with some Brown Swiss—the result of 4-H projects some years ago—and a few Ayrshires.

Although Ashley is not on the farm for the daily chores routine, she helps when she can, especially during the busy seasons—haying, planting, and harvesting.

“The nice thing about owning my own business is that I can take time off to help with the family business. I’m the utility player,” she said. “I try not to be gone overnight. I travel about 50,000 miles a year. With the nature of our business, everything is scheduled. I can structure my routes so I can be home overnight, or to help on the farm.”

The Swensons have continued the county fair show ring tradition by leasing calves, heifers, and even cows to 4-Hers from the area. Eight animals from the farm were shown at the Nicollet County Fair, and another at the Sibley County Fair..

“We have a pretty healthy lease program,” Ashley said with a laugh. Ashley and David

So how did Nicollet County farm girl Ashley meet dairy boy David from Pennington County, way up north? It happened at the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, when mutual friend Jacob Achen drug David along to the conference. They hung out together, then all three went on to college at the University of Minnesota. They spent time together at dairy shows and events in the next few years, but it wasn’t until Ashley’s last year as an undergrad that they started dating. They got engaged at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin in 2014. 

 “We enjoy our time at the World Dairy Expo. David and I make a pretty good team at the shows. He likes to get the animals ready, then he stays back in the barn and has me show. We have different skill sets—we make a good team,” Ashley said.

And what do they do in their “free time?”

“Cow stuff,” Ashley said. “Our vacations end up being dairy things. There was the international judging trip to Finland David had. We like our national breed conventions where we get to catch up with friends—as well as the state fair and World Dairy Expo.”

Those events aren’t all just for fun—Ashley served on the executive committee, was the sponsorship chair, and made a good run for an at-large spot on the national board in 2022 when Minnesota hosted the National Holstein Convention. She’s also treasurer as a member of the board of the Minnesota Holstein Association and has been president of the Nicollet County Holstein Association.

When it’s too cold for cow shows, David and Ashley enjoy snowmobiling.

“Our bucket list is to ride from our farm to his farm. It’s 325 miles by car, door to door. We’ll eventually get it done,” she said.

And in between everything else, Ashley is a Mary Kay representative—something she started back in her college days to earn a little extra money. RVW

BENEFITS OF FLOATING

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BENEFITS OF FLOATING – A float therapy session is bliss. And when you start a regular float practice, you’re in for a total life quality shift.

The benefits of a single float start to wane after a day, so establishing a regular practice builds up cumulative benefits, and you experience health, well-being and life-changing effects, like never before.

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IMMUNITY BOOST – There’s a growing body of research aligning the relaxation of float therapy and immunity boost, as it reduces the effect of inflammatory stress. Healing can be increased for a number of ailments with regular floating.

MAGNESIUM HIT – Many of us do not get enough magnesium from our diets and run at a deficiency, impacting immunity, enzyme regulation, cardiovascular and neurological systems, sleep and muscles, to name a few. Soaking it up through your skin in a magnesium-rich float pod is one of the quickest ways to get a regular magnesium infusion.

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KEEP ACHES AND PAINS AT BAY – Weightlessness and magnesium can help ease musculoskeletal problems that niggle, exacerbated by our daily, repetitive movements, stress or exercise. Regular floating will help relieve pressure points and stop them reaching their peak, promote vasodilation to improve oxygenation to the brain, organs and limbs, and accelerate exercise recovery by reducing lactic acid.

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MEDITATION AND SELF-CARE – Finding time for meditation or relaxation is not always easy. Our best laid plans have the habit of falling to the bottom of our priority list. Booking regular floats means you always have time set aside for mindfulness, in the perfect meditation environment. No distractions.

HAPPY HORMONES – That feeling after a good laugh, yoga class or exercise session, is thanks to endorphins and dopamine, which are also released when you float – that ‘post-float-glow’. Float therapy turns on happy hormones, and turns off the hormone that triggers cortisol release in adrenal glands.

BETTER SLEEP – Sleep quality is one of the first improvements many clients notice after a float session. Sleep is vital to ‘rest and digest’ with physiological and psychological implications for our quality of life. Regular floating ensures this positive effect is continual.

EXPERIENCE SOUTHERN MINNESOTA'S ONLY FLOAT CENTER 2 for 3 for $149 $99

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MENTAL HEALTH – Much research has identified float therapy as the key to managing life stress, and anxietyrelated disorders including PTSD and depression. Float therapy is an important part of a holistic, ongoing approach to support good mental health.

CREATIVITY AND BRAIN FUNCTION – Supercharge your brain and impress yourself and others with new levels of creativity. Research shows that post-float creativity is elevated, thanks to theta state brain waves and better communication between the two brain hemispheres during a float. So, over time, you enhance your ability to create, learn, remember, and absorb new material. 10

DIGITAL DETOX – Our screen time is rapidly increasing, impacting our brains and bodies, so planning digital detox time is essential. One effective solution is regular float therapy, as a counter environment for our brains to switch off and reboot. 11

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FLOAT? – Studies have shown every hour spent floating will help reduce anxiety, depression, blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, with flow-on effects combating fatigue and mood enhancing with stimulation of happy hormones.

For best results, we recommend a regular weekly, or even twice-a-week session – many clients find floating regularly in this way provides the perfect balance in their lives.

By BROOKE WOHLRABE

PHOTOS BY BROOKE WOHLRABE AND RUTH KLOSSNER

What started as an idea to draw tourism and promote local businesses in a southern Minnesota county has blossomed into a sensational and beloved multi-faceted project.

Going Hog Wild in Martin County partners businesses and local artists to create unique hog statues that both represent the businesses while paying homage to the county’s pork producing success.

Originally launched by Jeff Rouse, a business owner in downtown Fairmont, the first hog—named Garbo—sits outside Rouse’s business. He noticed people stopping by to take photo of the pig and decided to expand on it.

“We wanted to develop something that would draw attention to our community. In doing that, we wanted to spotlight our businesses, feature our local artists and honor our pork industry,” Rouse said.

Martin County is the number one pork producing county in the state of Minnesota and in the top five pork producing counties in the United States.

CHULETA

El Agave Mexican Restaurant.

Artist: Ayanna Boerner

Artists Ashley Jensen Haake and Alexandra Hurney work on their hog statues inside Designing Signs Inc. in rural Fairmont.

“We’re very proud of that. It was kind of a no-brainer to use hogs,” Rouse said.

Businesses were approached about sponsoring a hog and, right from the start, there was a healthy amount of interest.

While many of the businesses that first signed up were located in downtown Fairmont, businesses and organizations from the rest of the city—and from other parts of the county—expressed interest, too.

For the first round, 34 hog statues were ordered from SVJ Creative Designs in Kellogg. Each statue is about two feet tall, sits on a two foot platform, and weighs about 400 pounds.

With the hog statues secured and business sponsors lined up, the next step—and arguably the most important—was finding area artists to bring the hog statues to life.

A local non-profit—and sponsor of Going Hog Wild in Martin County— Project 1590, received an $8,000 Prairie Lakes Arts and Cultural Heritage grant for the project. Some of that money was set aside for each artist to receive a $300 stipend for each hog they painted.

Initially, 16 artists from various parts of Martin County and nearby Faribault County applied to work on the project. Coincidentally, all of them were female.

“We thought from day one that this would be popular and that people would enjoy it, but when we started seeing the artwork that these artists were doing, they took it to another level and the job they’re doing is incredible,” Rouse said.

Now into phase three of the project, a total of 20 female artists have completed 78 hog statues. When the project is complete, 101 will be sprinkled across the county.

The artists have been able to work on the statues in a warehouse owned by Designing Signs Inc., which also transported all of the hog statues, manufactured all of the displays, and developed the signage on each of the platforms the hogs sit on.

Ashley Jensen Haake is one of the artists who has worked on multiple hog statues. She’s also a committee member of Going Hog Wild, along with Rouse and fellow artist Nancy Katzer.

Haake was born and raised in Fairmont and has had a long interest in art. She originally went to college and obtained her elementary teaching license, but went back to become a certified art teacher.

After seeing a call for artists in the local newspaper, Haake applied. She’s currently working on her 13th statue.

She works with the businesses to come up with ideas and she said most have been flexible.

“If they know they want corn, it doesn’t matter how it’s presented. I’ve been able to pick my style and make it my own,” Haake said.

Ashley painted hogs for Graffiti Corner coffee shop, Rewind Med Spa, and CCF Bank. One of her most recent ones was for Hugoson Pork. This was the only one Haake’s done that was not painted, but made out of tiles to create a mosaic look.

Hugoson Pork is a southern Minnesota pork producer located in Granada, another small community in Martin County. Angie (Hugoson) Toothaker is a fifth generation owner of the company and also the director of operations.

Toothaker had been a member of Project 1590’s From the Ground Up committee, which has a focus on connecting the ag community with those who may not have agriculture exposure.

“I love the grassroots organizations that people are starting here to bring awareness to and celebrate what makes the area so great. A big part of the area and the community is animal agriculture. I thought this project was a cool way to celebrate that,” Angie said of why their business wanted to get a hog statue. 

CHARLOTTE

The Parks Company, a swine marketing business in Welcome.

Artist: Jori Boeckman & Ashley Jensen Haake

FRANKIE

Fairmont’s Fareware Grocery Store and Bakery.

Artist: Cheryl Petrowiak

HAMMY MIDWEST Bank Midwest in Fairmont.

Artist: Nancy Katzer

 Originally from the area, Toothaker shared that, in her graduating class of 140 students, there were just a small number who had ever set foot on a farm.

“That was so shocking to me because some people have to drive just a couple blocks to get out into rural America. I think a big part of our responsibility and passion is connecting people who live in the city to the food that we eat,” Angie said.

She thinks the hog statues serve as a good conversation starter.

“If someone says, ‘What’s up with the pigs,’ We can tell them that Martin County is the top pork producing county in the state and brings in X amount of revenue and this many jobs. It’s a way to connect with people. That’s why the statues are so cool. So many people in the community have embraced it whether they’re directly connected to the industry or not,” Toothaker said.

“Some people think there’s too many, but others think there’s not enough,” Haake said with a laugh. “Mostly it’s been positive. What else would represent us better? If you’re talking about the whole county, I don’t know what else we would pick. I think we should be proud of it”

Ashley pointed out that the local hog producers in the county are also big supporters of the community, whether it’s donating to local nonprofits or supporting area schools.

“They’re bringing in the bacon in more ways than one,” Haake said.

Alexandra “Al” Hurney is another artist who has been heavily involved with the project. To date Hurney has painted nearly a dozen statues.

Originally from South Dakota, she moved to Fairmont eight years ago with her husband. Like Haake, she has an artistic background. Locally, she’s put on an art exhibit at a Fairmont venue, The Red Rock Center for the Arts, and was commissioned to paint a large mural at a local restaurant, the Marina Lodge.

Naturally, when Hurney heard the call for artists for Going Hog Wild, she sent in her resume.

“When I first got into the project, I said I would paint the pigs that people specifically requested me for,” Hurney said.

She said it varies how long it takes to finish one statue, as it depends on how simple or intricate the design is. However she noted that what takes the most time is waiting for all of the coats to finish drying.

Alexandra explained that she applied about five coats of primer first, followed by several coats of color, and then finished it off with a few layers of top coat. All in all, there’s probably about 15 coats of paint which each require hours of drying time in between.

While the work is meticulous, Hurney has greatly enjoyed it. She said one of her favorite parts of the project has been getting to know other artists in the area.

“I was involved in an art environment in Sioux Falls, so it’s been nice to meet like-minded artists here.”

She noted that not everyone has an extensive art background, which makes the project accessible to hobbyists and others in the community who enjoy art but may not have a detailed resume.

Another thing Hurney has liked about the project is experiencing the joy and satisfaction of the businesses for which she’s painting the hogs.

“I don’t show businesses any sneak peeks so they’re always surprised,” she said.

The statues have been unveiled at several separate occasions. The artists get to interact with representatives of the business and members of the community at the unveilings—which were all open to the public.

The project launched in the late summer of 2021, but it’s grown increasingly popular with time. It’s headlined newspapers in southern

GI JOE

American Legion Post #36 in downtown Fairmont. Artist: Kim Koppen

LUG NUT Graham Tire in Fairmont. Artist: Danielle Moeller

ANCHOR Stromberg Trucking/Thedens Farms in East Chain. Artist: Cheryl Petrowiak

Minnesota and has recently made it to several TV news stations including KSTP, KEYC, and CBS News’s Finding Minnesota. People from the state, and even from around the country, have since made a trip to southern Minnesota to tour the hog statues.

“It’s bigger than we thought, bigger than we hoped,” Haake said. Artists involved in the project include Ashley Jensen Haake, Alexandra Hurney, Nancy Katzer, Ayanna Boerner, Sarah Vanasse Miles, Helena Johnson, Cheryl Petrowiak, Danielle Moeller, Deb Ruschy, Kim Koppen, Char Kahler, Lindsay Landsteiner, Vicki Beckendorf, Jori Boeckman, Dani Luniewski, Sharon Boyden, Candy Becker, A. White, Tevi Maday, and Alyssa Sloneker. RVW

MISHKA

BowlMor Lanes in Fairmont.

Artist: Helena Johnson

PINS AND NEEDLES

Old Alley Quilt Shop in Sherburn.

Artist: Char Kahler

OTTO MATER

Kahler Automation, located inside of Fairmont’s Industrial Park.

Artist: Sarah Vanasse Miles

Alexandra Hurney and her daughter, Addie, stand beside a hog statue, “Autumn” that Hurney had painted for Sommer Outdoors in Fairmont.

Laura is seen in front of LEC’s Barn, which is located near the community gardens. The Barn houses equipment that the gardeners can use free of charge but it’s also used up for classes and other events like open mic night.

By BROOKE WOHLRABE

Laura Marsala Peterson, executive director of Living Earth Center (LEC) in Mankato, hopes to carry on a legacy of strong connections between people and land. Peterson has led the non-profit since 2017.

The LEC was originally founded as the Center for Earth Spirituality and Rural Ministry in 1996 and was a sponsored ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

“The sisters wanted people to have access to food security, but also access to connections—connecting with the land and connecting with other people,” Peterson said. This formed the community garden, which is located at 170 Good Counsel Drive in Mankato.

LEC has three pillars—the community garden, the community farm, and programming.

“They’re all under the umbrella of how do we cultivate common ground, which is connecting people to the land and to each other,” Laura said.

Peterson has both a passion for connecting with and understanding people, and sustainable farming.

She was born and raised outside of Denver, Colorado, but attended college overseas at Franklin University of Switzerland, in Lugano, Switzerland. A strong urge to travel, experience, and understand is what led her to the school. While there, she met her now ex-husband, who was originally from the Mankato area.

“I tease that I married into Mankato,” Laura said.

She said it was never on her radar to stay in the area and called herself a mountain girl at heart. Peterson pointed out that while there is a lot of obvious beauty in the landscape that Colorado has to offer, she has enjoyed searching for hidden gems in the Mankato area.

“There are so many here. It’s such a cool place. You have to be open to some different forms of what cool things are and how to find them,” Laura said.

A big part of the curriculum at Franklin University of Switzerland was travel. Every semester, students had to travel to a different country with a professor to learn subject matter specific to the culture.

Some of the places she traveled to included Cuba, Ireland, Morocco, and Sub-Saharan Africa. It was there that Peterson was first introduced to sustainable farming in Malawi and Zambia. “I learned a lot about this notion of permaculture, which is a sustainable form of agriculture, but it’s also a sustainable form of life,” Peterson said.

While a student, Peterson found herself interested in politics and international relations, specifically the connections

between people and how they influence policy. Even though her undergraduate degree is in international relations and international communications, she finds she’s most interested in connections people have with each other and with the land, which ties closely with the work she now does.

Laura graduated from Franklin University of Switzerland in 2006. Several years later, after moving to the Mankato area, got her master’s degree in experimental education at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

“It’s this concept of how education is an active practice. It’s not something you just receive, but participate in,” she said.

Peterson worked for MSU for a time, doing international student recruitment and retention and also worked in admissions for Franklin University of Switzerland.

“I lived on a farm in Minnesota, but literally traveled the world recruiting students and meeting families,” she said. 

Laura Marsala Peterson, Executive Director of Living Earth Center (LEC) in Mankato, stands in the non-profit’s community gardens, which are located at 170 Good Counsel Drive in Mankato.

 At that time, Peterson had a daughter and found that traveling internationally with a toddler was difficult. Fortunately, the job at LEC came up around that time, in 2017.

“It went back to the passion I developed with the concept of sustainability and how, in a lot of places, the relationship with the land is inherent. It was the perfect fit for me to become the director of what was to become a non-profit,” Laura said.

While the School Sisters of Notre Dame started the organization as a small community garden, they wanted to make sure their legacy of people having healthy relationships with the land and with each other moved on. That’s how the LEC was formed as a separate non-profit.

“I was in charge of taking what had been started and turning it into a non-profit,” Peterson said. However, Laura is adamant that she didn’t do the work alone, but rather built off the work that those who came before her had done.

“There’s been a legacy of real powerful women who have come before me and literally laid the ground work for this organization,” Peterson said. Along with the sisters, there was Lisa Coons, Peterson’s predecessor, who was involved in getting people passionate about being involved in the community garden.

“Her legacy and the sisters’ legacy is infused in everything that this organization is about,” Peterson said.

Even though it was started by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the LEC is non-denominational. The organization has greatly grown since. For instance, the community gardens now span 2.5 acres with about 120 plots that community gardeners and their families plant and harvest.

The plots are 10 feet by 10 feet. People register on an annual basis; those who have gardened before get first right of refusal for their plots, otherwise it’s on a first come first serve basis. All of the gardeners

have access to tools and water free of charge. The plots are $30 but Peterson said no one is turned away for an inability to pay.

“Many of the gardeners are utilizing the plots for sustenance—this is the food they’ll grow for their family for the year,” she said.

The gardeners are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their plot on which they can grow anything, as long as it’s not illegal. The garden is organic so no pesticides are used. A wide range of plants have been grown, especially given that the gardeners come from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

“There are a lot of plants being grown here that you wouldn’t be able to access at the grocery store. We’ve got bitter melon—a traditional south Asian/ Vietnamese type of fruit,” Laura said. “In addition to eating the fruit, the leaves can be dried and used as a treatment for diabetes because they may help lower blood sugar. Besides planting food, there is a lot of medicine being cultivated here.”

Some other unique items grown in the garden include managu and saga, which are typically found in east Africa.

Along with allowing individuals to use the community garden, the LEC partners with a number of local organizations, including MSU’s College of Allied Health and Nursing on a dementia-friendly program. Once a week, residents from different memory care facilities in the area come and do programming in the garden with nursing students.

“The idea is, residents can come and connect with a land and be a part of it,” Peterson explained.

LEC also partners with Mankato MY Place, HeadStart, YMCA-Mankato, and MRCI.

“The big point I want to make is that it is about food security—but it extends beyond that. It’s about connection and having people come and, literally and figuratively, share common ground,” Peterson said.

Laura shared several instances where she’s witnessed people come together who otherwise likely wouldn’t have—people of different socioeconomic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

“I’ve seen people on opposite sides of conflict. At one point there was a Vietnam War vet gardening next to a refugee from Vietnam,” Peterson said.

The LEC is more than just the community garden. It puts on a number of events, such as open mic night, a plant identification class, and a natural beauty class where people can learn to use plants and herbs for natural beauty.

The community farm is off of old highway 66. It’s in partnership with Blue Earth County, which owns the land. One half of the land on the site is used to grow produce, which is then donated to Echo Food Shelf, among some other non-profits that work to secure food. The other half is part of the LEC’s emerging growers program, which provides people with land to grow who otherwise would not have access.

“The whole goal is that people can grow food that can be sold at a farmers’ market or food stand. They’re growing a lot of culturally relevant food,” Laura said.

There are currently 18 growers at the site, most of which are east African.

The LEC has a physical office space, now located off Riverfront, and currently has five part-time employees. The non-profit operates year-round and hosts an annual earth conference, which is held each November and covers different topics of environmental and social sustainability.

At some time in the future, LEC will need to find a new space for its community garden as the sisters are leaving Good Counsel and the place will be sold.

Peterson predicts that they’ll see even more demand for community growing spaces in the coming years. She pointed out the benefits are not just health, but that the space is critical for developing a thriving and connected community.

“I love seeing the sharing of ideas and food. There’s something that happens here that is so special,” Peterson said.

Ultimately though, Laura appreciates thinking of the legacy of women who have been a part of growing the organization.

“Everyone has nurtured this organization to the point where it is now and I see my role as nurturing it to the next phase. It’s been an honor,” she said. RVW

Gardeners grow a variety of plants and produce in the garden, including tomatoes, different varieties of basil and many types of flowers.

Bitter melon is one of many unique items that are grown in the community gardens.

By DENICE WOLLER

Background

I was raised on a dairy farm near the small central South Dakota town of Colome—only 15 miles from Nebraska—and it truly was the best place to grow up. My family was incredibly close and my paternal grandma lived on our farm. These experiences taught me the value of faith, family, and a strong work ethic. It took all of us to make a living.

When I was 17 my life changed dramatically. Within a year and half, both my grandma and dad passed away. I also came to Mankato to attend Bethany Lutheran College. I got married when I was 21 and moved to Mankato, and shortly

after to Montana, so my new husband, Eric, and I could finish our college educations. It was difficult for my mom and little brother to continue running the farm, and it was sold a couple of years later.

Anyone growing up in ag realizes that you never truly leave the farm, because it becomes such a part of you. When an opportunity arose for my husband and I to purchase the former Hanel Popcorn farm outside of Mankato in 2013, we were blessed to be able to. It is in a fabulous location, and it has a beautiful barn. It was a fun challenge for me to put my farm girl skills to use while I repurposed scavenged wood, wired lights, cut sheet metal, and whatever else it took to convert our early 

Denice Woller

Rachel Anthony

Jessi Campbell

 1900s barn hayloft into my photography studio. I love being able to share my cozy space with others all while my horses and chickens entertain us with their noises nearby.

What is Leaving Your Legacy?

Everyone has a story to tell, and I consider those stories their legacies. My passion is documenting hard working Americans in their natural habitats so that they can pass along their legacies through imagery to future generations. This includes any form of lifelong career, but farming and ranching documentary is my specialty, and the genre I understand best. Few things bring me more joy than seeing the faces of my clients when they see the “beauty in their daily mundane.” I love that my niche is something so unique, is so important for their family history, and additionally keeps me involved in the world of agriculture.

What is the idea behind it?

Even though I have loved to take photos since I was a kid, I sadly didn’t photograph my own dad working on our dairy farm because we were so busy with the day-to-day. It is now my goal to prevent that from happening to as many agriculture families across the country as I can. In this lifestyle, the hard work repeats itself every day, without pause or recognition. It brings me so much joy to change that for my clients, so they can leave their legacy with beautiful artwork their future generations will treasure.

Even more special to me than making the images, is to see the reactions of these hard working individuals when they see their albums. I have made some very serious individuals cry because they see the importance of what they are doing, and why their story is important to be told. This is why I do what I do, so families can always hold these special instances in their hands and hearts.

I, nor my photographer friends from around the country, have ever heard of anyone else doing what I do. My idea truly started in 1997 when I worked for my hometown newspaper. There I did a long feature on one farm/ranch family each month with photos accompanied by a story. It was awarded and well received, and this is honestly what made me

realize my mom had been right, that I should be a photographer. But school, four children in five years, teaching job, etc., detained me from focusing on the agricultural perspective.

In January of 2020, I asked myself why I wasn’t doing what I was passionate about, and I rebranded my business to discontinue all the other forms of photography I had done over the past 20 years, and to focus solely on Leaving Your Legacy, and high school seniors.

It was all God’s miraculous timing for so many reasons, but it is a blessing that He helped me realize that my own legacy is not only my children, but the important and unique work I am doing for others to pass along theirs!

What is your process of taking the photos?

My goal as a documentarian is to not get in the way while capturing these hard working individuals. This photojournalistic and artistic combination of my imagery is obtained by following around each family member while they go throughout their day, and not slow down their progress. You will see me riding on tractors, combines, horses, gators, etc. I get quite filthy, and I absolutely love it! I have also been known to run, climb, and even help chase cattle to get the shot.

Your life through my lens is my mantra for a reason because I strive to capture everyone authentically. There is no set timeline for Legacy Experiences because it is always organic. We can always tell when I have gotten a great synopsis of their daily routine—one that is never routine. Even the most serious farmer will admit after having me around a few hours that they may have even had fun and I really didn’t get in his or her way.

What happens with the photos?

Once the photos are taken, culled, and edited, the clients pick their favorite images to be included in their heirloom album and wall art. The album is included with their Legacy Experience because this documentation showcases the legacy of their family history and will be passed down for their future generations to enjoy. Digital files are an option for purchase, and may also be useful for their business purposes. The photos are not intended to be thrown into a drawer on a thumb drive. The art is meant to be viewed and enjoyed!

Judie Edwards

Why do you think photographing women in agriculture is important?

The role women play in agriculture is imperative for so many reasons. From my experiences, they often feel as if they have a lesser role in the functionality of the farm or ranch, or at least that is what their humbleness demonstrates to me. However, those of us who have lived the lifestyle realize the falsity of that claim. Women often do so much that goes unnoticed, and that is my job, to document and serve as a reminder to their husbands, children, grandchildren, etc. about the many hats that these women wear to keep their farms and ranches functioning.

This is why I feel that I am successful at what I do. I understand the aspects of a life in agriculture because I am a working mother of four, with a home base on my own acreage, and lots of farm animals.

What would you hope future generations learn from the legacy photos you take?

History has always been fascinating and important to me. Nothing ever stays the same, and photographs and videos are truly the only way to capture moments in time. It is my hope that as future generations study the precious history laid before them in the albums I have designed, that they learn from the individuals, technology, landscape, and architecture pictured.

Some of my favorite photographers are those from the Great Depression era. They documented so much raw emotion and history, and I strive to do the same. Even if my images are only ever admired by my client families, that is enough for me to know that I have succeeded in capturing these pieces of history for future generations. RVW

Arleen Van Zuilen

Denice Woller

HALEY MADSON

2023 MINNESOTA AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM (MAITC) OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD RECIPIENT

Please tell us a bit about yourself, what you do:

I am a first grade teacher at St. Anne’s School in Le Sueur.  I grew up in Edina and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College. I currently live in St. Peter.

Why did you become a teacher?

Growing up, I was very involved in my church. I would volunteer to be a counselor at my church camp and I even taught Sunday school when I was in high school. After being in so many leadership roles, my love for teaching and fostering curiosity in others really skyrocketed. I knew when I was a junior in high school that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I have always loved learning new things and sharing my knowledge with others. I thrive off of watching others excel and I love forming new relationships with my students and their families.

Tell us why you thought it important to bring agriculture into your classroom?

I feel like children often believe that food is grown on farms far away in different states. They fail to realize food is being grown in their own backyards. I want to change that. I want my students to realize that Minnesota has a lot to offer and eating locally grown food is a privilege.

I have made efforts to increase awareness and inspire children to think about how deeply agriculture affects us, especially in our agriculturally-reliant community. Students are made aware at a young age just how much agriculture impacts their lives. I am trying to teach lifelong learners how everything we own is in one way or another, related to agriculture.

Do children seem responsive to it?

The students love doing our ag-related activities, especially because they are all hands-on lessons. I have been able to incorporate agriculture lessons into all subject areas.

Projects that have been done include hatching chicks, making ice cream, growing apple seedlings and green beans, and an apple taste test. Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom program also sends us two Ag Mags a year. These are four-page magazines that are full of activities and lessons.

Do you have an agriculture background?

I do not have an ag background. Growing up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, I never thought twice about where my food or clothes came from. Farming was only discussed in terms of an occupational specialty and corn fields provided beautiful scenery to look at while driving. Although my perception of agriculture was very skewed, and I would feel a sense of panic if I was any further than an hour away from the nearest Target, I always enjoyed animals, gardening, and most of all, learning.

What drives you to do what you do?

I feel like I didn’t necessarily learn about agriculture when I was growing up. Now, living and working in a small farming community, I am made aware of just how important agriculture is to this community and its members. A lot of the families at my school have a farming background. Lots of these kids are often telling me how they are helping out at the family farm one way or another. I wanted to be able to show my students just how deeply agriculture affects us.

Were you surprised to receive the MAITC award?

I was surprised by my award! However, I was very honored. I worked really hard for it. Since I do not have an ag background, I would have to put in the work to learn about different topics before I could teach it to my students. I would reach out to parents and they would help me, whether that was taking me for a combine ride or inviting me over to see their animals. Everyone was always very supportive of me and my curiosity to learn more. I am very grateful for the St. Anne’s School community.

NAOMI MORTENSEN GREENSEAM VOLUNTEER OF

THE YEAR

Tell us about your job at Curious Plot. Curious Plot is a marketing, communications, and consulting agency dedicated to working with clients in the food, agriculture, and companion animal care industries. Our agency is based in Minneapolis but has a national presence with offices and employees throughout the U.S. We are owned by Land O’Lakes, but operate as an independent business.

How did you get involved in GreenSeam?

I’ve been a supporter and cheerleader of GreenSeam even before it had a name. I remember hearing about the idea from Jonathan Zierdt when I worked for the Minnesota Soybean Checkoff. It was great to see GreenSeam come to life at the launch event in 2016 and have our agency sign on as an early investor. I officially got involved in 2020 when I was invited to join and chair the Branding and Promotions Committee. It’s been a wonderful experience because I get to work with so many smart and dedicated professionals to help share stories about the ways agriculture connects us throughout the region.

As a volunteer for GS, what were your activities?

Our committee helped establish the

Celebration of Ag as a signature summer event for GreenSeam that celebrates our investors, our region, and the many ways agriculture impacts our lives. We also contributed to the website redesign, creating the GreenSeam GroundBreaker issue of Connect Business Magazine and building a more consistent brand presence for GreenSeam online, in materials and at events.

When did you receive the Volunteer of the Year award and what did it mean to you?

Being selected as Volunteer of the Year for GreenSeam in March 2023 surprised me. It was hard to believe because we are blessed with some of the best volunteers who contribute even more to the organization. However, it was also incredibly meaningful since I grew up on a hobby farm in southern Minnesota, and have worked in ag marketing most of my career. I love the people, the passion, and the innovation that’s woven through this area and the industry. I am also grateful to be part of an organization that’s brought agriculture back into Mankato classrooms, so now my children can learn where their food comes from and access wonderful career opportunities right here in the GreenSeam. It’s a wonderful thing when your personal and professional sides of life align.

LAVYNE RADA

NEW FFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Please tell us a little about yourself and background

I grew up on a family dairy farm in northeastern South Dakota. I was very active in my local FFA chapter and served as a South Dakota state FFA officer. I graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in agricultural education and taught for a year in South Dakota before my husband and I relocated to west central Minnesota. I was an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor in Hutchinson for more than seven years and then transitioned to work for Minnesota FFA as the leadership development coordinator in 2014. A couple of years ago, I became the Minnesota FFA regional supervisor and program manager, and in August 2022, I was appointed as Minnesota FFA’s interim executive director. I currently live in Litchfield with my family and my husband, Zach. I am a product of agricultural education and FFA, and am excited to continue to serve in my new role!

What is FFA?

FFA is an intra-curricular student organization for students enrolled in agriculture, food, and natural resource classes. While FFA’s primary focus is on agriculture, food, and natural resource industries and preparing students for their futures, the organization’s broader emphasis on growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture can be valuable to FFA members and all agricultural education students, regardless of their chosen career paths. By fostering leadership, problem solving, and communication skills, FFA is preparing students for their future through networking, skill development, by promoting personal growth and self-confidence to help students set and achieve goals, take on responsibilities, and positively work to address challenges. The true impact of FFA is in the local community and school where local agricultural education students invest in their local needs. These students are leaders in FFA who work together to address the needs of their peers, schools, and communities.

What does being FFA executive director mean?

What do you do?

I am responsible for managing staff, finances, and operations of the FFA Association while implementing the mission of FFA in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders. Every day is unique in what that looks like, but I work with our student and teacher leaders to support the amazing things happening in our local schools. I work with regional and state leaders and FFA state staff to ensure leadership and career development experiences are available to our students, provide professional development opportunities to our teachers, and provide overall direction for our state programs and events such as the State FFA convention, state fair, and participation at the National FFA convention.

Have you always worked in an agriculturerelated field?

I grew up on a dairy farm near Milbank, SD where my family milked three times a day. Many of my childhood memories are from times on the farm milking, feeding calves, and moving straw bales. In high school I discovered a love for horticulture through agricultural education classes and started working at a greenhouse/floral shop/landscaping business where I worked for over six years. Working in a greenhouse is still one of my favorite things to do, and work that I continued through college. After college, I went directly into teaching, and I have continued to work in education and/or agriculture ever since.

What would you like RVW readers to know about agriculture?

There is a place for everyone in agriculture and agriculture is everywhere! Agriculture, food and natural resource education has prioritized helping students see the potential for careers in agriculture. The food we eat, the environment we live in, and everything we touch is influenced by agriculture.

MANKATO HILLTOP 507-625-9070

2010 Adams Street, Mankato, MN

MANKATO RIVERFRONT 507-625-1107

410 S. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN

NEW ULM 507-354-8255

2015 S. Broadway Street, New Ulm, MN

ST. PETER 507-625-9070

1002 Old Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter, MN

FLUSHOTS

Flu season is right around the corner! Your Hy-Vee pharmacists would like to remind you that it is time to start thinking about flu vaccines. We offer fast and convenient service in a comfortable, private atmosphere. Any time that the pharmacy is open, you are welcome to come in and receive a flu vaccine; no appointment necessary. We accept most insurance plans and offer a 20¢ fuel saver with each flu vaccine. We will have both the injection and nasal spray vaccine available; ask your Hy-Vee pharmacist for details. Let your Hy-Vee pharmacy help protect you from the flu this flu season.

BUDGET EATS

With more people looking to keep an eye on expenses, being smart with your food dollars can make a positive impact. Eating at home can be a healthier—and less costly—option than eating out when you follow these tips.

Eat What You Buy. The average household throws out $640 worth of food each year, according to one survey, and 76% of Americans admit to throwing out leftovers monthly. Keep an inventory of perishables on the door of your fridge and incorporate those foods into your meals to keep them rotating.

Use Frozen Foods. Frozen foods are convenient and cost efficient, plus they come with an extended expiration date. Produce is frozen at an optimal time to lock in flavor and nutrients.

Try Add-Ins. Boost nutrition and make a dish go further by augmenting ingredients. Examples: add fortified wheat flake cereal to meatloaf, shredded cabbage to salad, butternut squash to soup, black beans to chicken salad and kale to quiche. This helps stretch your food dollar and ads nutrients.

Cook Big Meals, Save Leftovers. Get more servings by doubling up on ingredients when cooking a healthy meal like a veggie-laden soup or casserole. It’s really no extra work—and one leftover meal can easily replace a $10 lunch out. Refrigerate and use within a few days or freeze for later use.

Pack A Lunch. A few minutes’ prep time can ensure you have a healthy, nutritious lunch. Prepare several salads in advance so they’re ready to go when you are. Or make a casserole and divvy it up into single servings.

Keep The Pantry Stocked. A well-stocked pantry simplifies the task of putting together a healthy meal on the fly.

Freeze What You Don’t Need. The freezer is your friend. Whether it’s leftovers from last night’s dinner or ingredients for next week’s, a freezer buys you time to prepare foods when it’s convenient. You also can freeze produce that’s on sale or harvested from your own garden.

Make Meal Planning a Priority. Planning meals in advance helps pinpoint the ingredients needed and makes shopping more efficient. Decide what you want to eat and buy just the ingredients called for in the recipes. Having a plan also minimizes those last-minute takeout meals.

Buy Hy-Vee Brands. Hy-Vee products—including Hy-Vee One Step and private labels like Crav’n and Gustare Vita—are priced to save you money over the national brands. Use the savings to stock up on better-for-you foods.

Focus on nutrient-rich foods. Stock up on foods that offer a nutritional punch without knocking out your budget. Eggs, oatmeal, beans, brown rice, and nonfat Greek yogurt are all budget-friendly choices.

INGREDIENTS

½ (16-oz.) pkg. That’s Smart! spaghetti

1 (1-lbs.) pkg. 90%-lean ground beef

1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 tsp. That’s Smart! Italian seasoning

½ tsp. Hy-Vee salt

1 (24-oz.) bottle Hy-Vee traditional pasta sauce

1 (7-oz.) can That’s Smart! canned mushrooms, drained

1 (2.5-oz.) can That’s Smart! sliced black olives, drained

½ (7-oz.) pkg. Hy-Vee sliced pepperoni, divided

1 (8-oz.) pkg. Hy-Vee shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS

1 Prepare spaghetti according to package directions. Drain; set aside.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook ground beef, green bell pepper, onion and Italian seasoning in a large ovenproof skillet until ground beef is no longer pink (165 degrees). Season with salt.

Stir in pasta sauce, mushrooms, black olives, cooked spaghetti and half of the pepperoni. Toss until well combined. Sprinkle with cheese and top with remaining pepperoni slices.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through (165 degrees) serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 390 calories, 7g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 65mg cholesterol, 1040mg sodium, 31g total carbohydrate, 4g dietary fiber, 5g total sugars, 1 added sugars, 25g protein. Daily values: 15% iron, 25% calcium, 0% vitamin D, 10% potassium.

April Graff, MS, RD, LD Hilltop Dietitian 507.625.9070

AGraff@hy-vee.com

Active listening is one of the most important tools in our toolbox of good communication. Active listening is useful in so many areas of our lives—at work, in our friendships, romantic relationships, and more. Being a good and active listener can help us to get along better with people, connect deeper with those we love, and better support our friends and family. Active listening can be defined simply as listening with attention and being engaged in the conversation that you are a part of. Active listening means to listen to understand someone, rather than waiting for your turn to speak and not comprehending what the other person is saying. Active listening allows us to truly hear another person and make them feel heard. Being known as a good listener helps others open up to you more easily and feel safer and more comfortable. Furthermore, active listening helps in preventing and handling conflic t more easily.

Active listening is an important skill to have for the work we do here at CADA. Our advocates practice active listening skills every day in their support to victims and survivors. Being an active listener helps you to understand each person’s unique needs, connect with them, build trust, and help others feel validated. Bringing active listening skills into your own everyday interactions can also help you grow your relationships and offer a higher level of support.

How can you improve your active listening skills? There are several skills you can practice to become a better active listener.

Focus on the person you’re listening to

Setting down other activities or putting your phone down can help signal that you are ready to be present in the conversation and listen to what they have to say. Even moving your body to face the person can show them you’re open to the conversation.

Use nonverbals to show you’re listening

A few ways that you can do this is by making eye contact or nodding your head. Showing that you are attentive can improve the outcomes of discussions as it makes clear to the other person who you care about what they are saying and want to engage with them. By being attentive and not multitasking, you can show someone they’ve got your full and undivided attention.

Ask open-ended questions

Asking open-ended questions shows that you want to learn more, and you’re interested in what the other person is saying. An openended question doesn’t limit the conversation to yes or no answers. Rather, these questions allow the conversation to flow naturally and allow the speaker to tell a story. Some examples of open-ended questions include:

• How do you feel about that?

• What are your thoughts about this?

• What would you like to see happen?

Ask clarifying questions

Similarly to asking open-ended questions, asking clarifying questions shows that you are processing and listening to the information or feelings being shared with you. These questions ask the speaker for more context and help ensure you’re on the same page. Some examples of clarifying questions include:

• What did you mean by that?

• Why do you think that is?

• Can you give me an example of what you mean by that?

If you don’t fully understand what they’re saying, ask for clarification or more details.

Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is a great way to check your understanding with the person talking. Restating what you heard from the other person in different words can both show you’re listening and give the speaker an opportunity to correct any misunderstanding. Some ways to paraphrase is to begin with phrases such as:

• Just to make sure I understand…

• Is this what you meant?

Pay attention to the speaker’s emotions

A conversation’s main purpose isn’t always simply to convey information. Conversations also convey emotions and feelings, which is one of the reasons that active listening is so important. Without active listening, you may pick up on all the information from a conversation, but not the emotional impact or feelings of the other person. Often when talking with someone, we just want our emotions to be recognized and validated. By paying attention to the speaker’s body language, facial expressions, and pauses in speech, you can gauge what emotions they’re bringing to the conversation. Checking in and making observations such as, “It seems like you’re feeling stressed about this,” and then reacting with care and concerns can make the other person feel more comfortable. Oftentimes, these supportive comments or questions can also help to give them confidence to keep sharing or telling their story.

Practicing these active listening skills can help you become a better listener and improve relationships across your life. Actively listening can open so many doors in your life. Who knows? Maybe you will learn something new and surprising from the people in your life!

EMILY SEPPELT CADA Communications Intern

222222

Tickets include a Passport of Savings for special coupons to 20 local boutiques and home stores.

RUNWAY 11

OCTOBER

THE VENUE AT THE POND

TRENDS ON THE TICKETS AVAILABLE

FB @zontamankato zontamankato.org

5:30PM

DOORS OPEN Visit Vendors

6:00PM

Hors d’oeuvre & Dessert Bar

7:00PM SHOW STARTS

Proceeds will benefit local Zonta Scholarships and nonprofits that work to Build A Better World for Women and Girls.

Late summer is prime time for fresh produce from your local farmers' market. You'll find local green beans, peaches, melons, a wide variety of tomatoes, corn, summer squash, zucchini squash, patty pan squash, and more. In Minnesota, we wholeheartedly take advantage of our short time of abundance. Recipes abound from farmers' markets bursting at the seams with fresh, colorful, and tasty fruits and vegetables, meats and homemade goods.

Strike up a conversation with a farmer at the market. They are able to share how the items are grown, when they are harvested, and offer an opinion on how you can use them in your kitchen to feed your family.

For instance, mushrooms have many varieties. A local farmer who grows them can educate you on which may be a great choice for a “meaty” style mushroom to use as a main dish. Did you know hardneck varieties of garlic grow in a colder growing zone such as ours

in Minnesota? Ask when the corn was harvested. The answer should be “picked in the early morning” before the sun warms up the ears. As soon as you pick the ears, the natural sugars in the kernels begin to convert to starch, which causes the sweetness of the corn to decline. The warmer the conditions, the faster this process happens. Picking early in the morning translates to the sweetest of sweet corn.

Ask the farmers about themselves. What is their favorite produce or product? Why do they love their job so much? Getting to know these farmers and growers oneto-one helps us to understand how they are inherent in feeding the world, among so many other aspects of our lives.

This is a quick bread recipe using vegetables. Sometimes I only use zucchini if that’s all I have—be creative!

FRESH FARMERS MARKET BRUSCHETTA

Ingredients

1 plain baguette

¼ c. olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 ears fresh corn, husks and silk removed

1 small zucchini, diced in ¼ inch pieces

1 sweet bell pepper of your choice (red, yellow, or orange), diced in ¼ inch pieces

1/2 c. red onion, minced fine

4 medium green onions, thinly sliced

2 red tomato, diced in ¼ inch pieces

1 lemon, juiced and zested (about 2 T juiced)

2 T olive oil

1/2 tsp. sea salt

¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 T fresh thyme leaves, chopped

2 T fresh marjoram leaves, chopped

4 oz. soft goat cheese (optional)

Preheat outdoor grill until hot. Rub each ear of corn lightly with olive oil. Place on grill and lightly char all four sides. Remove from heat and cool. Slice corn from cob.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice the baguette crosswise into ¼ inch thick slices. In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil and chopped garlic. Spread the mixture onto each slice of the baguette. Place the slices onto a baking sheet oil side up and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned.

Place corn, zucchini, pepper, red onions, green onions, and tomato in a large bowl. Stir to combine

In the same bowl, add lemon juice and lemon zest. Then, drizzle over olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir, taste, adjust salt and pepper if needed.

To assemble bruschetta, spread a small amount of goat cheese over a crostini (optional), top with vegetable mixture, and enjoy!

TRACY KLOSTERMEYER, CHEF Hy-Vee Hilltop Mankato

FARMERS MARKET BREAKFAST BREAD

Ingredients

2 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 c. granulated sugar

2 large eggs

¼ c. plus 2 T olive oil, plus more for the pan

1/2 c. whole-milk plain yogurt

2 c. shredded vegetables (just one or any combination of beets, carrots, summer squash, or zucchini)

Directions

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9x5-inch loaf pan with olive oil; set aside.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.

Whisk the sugar and eggs together in a large bowl until pale and shiny, about 2 minutes. Add the oil and yogurt. Pour in the flour mixture and fold with a rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in the vegetables, stirring just enough to distribute vegetables evenly throughout. Do not over mix, this can make your bread tough.

Scrape the batter into the loaf pan. Pick up the pan and gently tap it on the counter three times to dislodge any bubbles. Bake until the top is golden-brown, the bread is pulling away from the sides, and a tester inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached, 60 to 70 minutes.

Let the bread cool in the pan 20 minutes. Flip the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Life-threatening bleeding can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Injuries can occur on the farm, at home, in your vehicle or in the community. Knowing how to control bleeding can make the difference between life and death for you or a loved one.

A medical background isn’t necessary to learn the basics of bleeding control. Education focuses on recognizing and responding to life-threatening bleeding with simple actions like applying pressure, packing wounds and using a tourniquet.

Remember the ABCs

Remember the steps of bleeding control with this acronym — ABC:

Alert 911. After ensuring you’re not in immediate danger, the first step is to call 911 to request emergency services.

Bleeding assessment. When emergency services are on the way to provide advanced medical care, you should assess the bleeding. Locate the source of the bleeding by looking for injuries causing blood pooling. Clothing can affect the bleeding, so ensure you identify the wound’s location on the body.

Control the bleeding. After you find the source of the bleeding, applying pressure is the simplest, yet most effective, technique to slow it. You can use your hand to apply direct, firm pressure or cover the wound with any available cloth, like a shirt or towel and apply pressure to that. Push hard and maintain the pressure for a minimum of 20 minutes or until emergency services arrive.

The injured person may feel pain or discomfort from the pressure applied to the wound. Tell the person that the pressure level is necessary to slow the lifethreatening bleeding.

For severe wounds, applying pressure may not be enough to control bleeding. If the wound is large, pack it with any available cloth to help decrease bleeding. For packing material, use clothing or towels; they don’t need to be sterile or new. Any potential risk of infection from the packing material can be treated with antibiotics. The first priority is to stop the bleeding immediately.

A tourniquet is a valuable tool when applied appropriately and correctly, especially if the source of bleeding is on an extremity, such as an arm or leg. Tourniquets are now more available and easier to use, even allowing people to apply a tourniquet to themselves.

Applying a tourniquet requires training to ensure proper placement and tightness to control bleeding. Once a tourniquet is applied, do not remove it even if bleeding slows or stops. Releasing the tourniquet may allow the bleeding to resume. It’s vital for medical professionals, like emergency department staff, to assess the bleeding before releasing the tourniquet.

First aid preparedness

Basic first aid knowledge can make the difference between life and death when someone is bleeding. Knowing the simple steps to take before emergency services arrive will ensure you’re prepared if there’s an injury on the farm, at your home or in the community.

Remember the ABCs — alert 911, conduct a bleeding assessment and control bleeding with pressure, packing or a tourniquet.

Mayo Clinic Health System offers bleeding-control education to schools, community groups and organizations. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma oversees the national Stop the Bleed program. Raising awareness and providing training allows people to respond in a time of crisis to potentially save a life.

GAIL NORRIS Regional trauma program manager Emergency Medicine Mayo Clinic Health System

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Karastan Belleluxe Waterproof wood is the perfect replica of natural wood that is truly indistinguishable from the original and features WetProtect, full-coverage waterproof protection backed by a lifetime

Karastan Belleluxe Waterproof wood is the perfect replica of natural wood that is truly indistinguishable from the original and features WetProtect, full-coverage waterproof protection backed by a lifetime time.

Karastan Belleluxe Waterproof wood is the perfect replica of natural wood that is truly indistinguishable from the original and features WetProtect, full-coverage waterproof protection backed by a lifetime

Karastan Belleluxe Waterproof wood is the perfect replica of natural wood that is truly indistinguishable from the original and features WetProtect, full-coverage waterproof protection backed by a lifetime

224 St Andrews Dr, Mankato, MN 56001 507-625-3472

224 St Andrews Dr, Mankato, MN 56001 507-625-3472

224 St Andrews Dr, Mankato, MN 56001 507-625-3472

224 St Andrews Dr, Mankato, MN 56001 507-625-3472

www.mcicarpetonemankato.com

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September can be stressful for children and parents—even for kiddos who like school!

Are you looking for ways to make the back-to-school transition go more smoothly?

Getting back on a routine can be really good for families. According to Head Start, schedules and routines offer comfort to both adults and children. Children feel more confident, secure and in control when their daily activities are predictable and familiar.

So let’s break down the day to find ways to make back to school better.

Morning

Mornings can be hectic. Waking up earlier—even just 15 minutes earlier—can be helpful for your family. Not feeling rushed can ease stress and bring a sense of calm to any day.

Pediatric occupational therapists recommend using checklists for morning tasks. Post the checklist where you and your kids can see it. Choosing what to wear and getting dressed can slow kids and teenagers down in the morning. Try having them set their clothes out the night before. Make sure shoes and jackets are by the door so there are no last minute searches before the bus comes.

Have a quick conversation about what to expect after school such as sports, activities or after-school care.

Breakfast

Many studies show that when children eat a nutritious breakfast, they function better. Eating a balanced breakfast with fruit, protein and whole grains is best. Try this:

• Place breakfast items on the counter the night before. Put out whole grain bread, peanut butter, bananas, instant oatmeal or whole grain cereal with plates, bowls, knives and spoons.

• String cheese, yogurt, cut up fruit and hard-boiled eggs are healthy, fast breakfast foods too.

With the passage of the MN Free School Meals program this year, children can eat a healthy breakfast and lunch at no cost at school. School breakfasts may be a great option for your family.

After School

Are your children in a safe setting after school? Children who are 11 and 12 years old may be ready to come home after school and take care of themselves. Have them check in with a parent or responsible adult by phone to make sure they arrive. You can also use phone apps such as Find My Friends or Life360 to pinpoint their locations. Set rules and expectations regarding snacks, screen time, homework and activities.

Younger children need supervision, such as a babysitter, family member or after school program. Kids also need to play and move after school. We like to see kids get at least one hour of physical activity every day.

Evening

With sports, work and activities, it can be hard to find time for a family supper. Do quick and easy meals such as sandwiches, or slow cooker meals that are ready when you get home.

Catch up with kids when you are driving them to school or other activities. Find a few minutes before you start the bedtime routine to go through backpacks and take-home folders with them. This gives kids and parents a chance to reset and be ready for the next day.

When it’s bedtime, remember children ages six to 12 need nine to 12 hours of sleep and teens need eight to 10 hours of sleep. Turn off all screens—including phones—at least one hour before bedtime. It works best for kids to put their phones and devices to “bed” in a charging area that is not in their bedroom.

Have a good school year!

DR. KELLY BRYAN Mankato Clinic Pediatrician

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.

Sat, Sept 2

• River Valley Makers Market, Hub Food Park, 512 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, 11 am-3 pm. Info: facebook.com/RiverValleyMakers/.

• Big Dam Show, Rapidan Dam, Rapidan, 5-7 pm. Info: 507236-3145 or dan@mooregrain. com.

• Cobden Day & Crushin the Pull Craft & Vendor Fair Hang Out, City Park, Main St, Cobden. Info: 507-766-6959 or Hangouteventsrock@gmail.com.

Tues, Sept 5, 12, 19

• Classic Car Roll-In, downtown, Henderson. Info: Facebook, 507-291-5846 or hendersonrollin@gmail.com.

Wed, Sept 6

• Car/Bike Nights, Dave’s Place, downtown Lafayette. Info: Facebook, 507-228-8910 or daves.place.lafayette@hotmail.com.

Wed, Sept 6

• BCHS History Book Group, Brown Co Museum Annex, New Ulm, 7-8 pm. Info: education@browncountyhistorymn. org or 507-233-26216.

Thurs, Sept 7

• NU Community Concert Assn’s ‘Broadway Divas,’ State Street Theater, 1 N State St, New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: 507-359-9990, Info@statestreetnewulm.org or statestreetnewulm.org.

• The Grange—A Fraternity of Farmers that Championed Rural America, Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N Minnesota Ave, St Peter, 2 pm. Info: nchsmn. org/events/.

GO. BE. DO. CON NECT.

Thurs, Sept 7 & 21

• Cruz ‘In Lake Crystal, Marston Park, 100 E Robinson St, Lake Crystal, 5-8 pm. Info: lakecrystalchamber.com/events or Facebook.

Thurs-Sun, Sept 7-10

• PrideFest, Riverfront Park, 309 W Rock St, Mankato. Info: 507339-4740 or mankatopride@ gmail.com.

Fri, Sept 8 & 22

• Bike Night & Classic Car Roll In, Crow Bar & Grill, downtown Courtland, 4-8 pm. Info: Facebook or shellirmartin@ gmail.com.

Fri, Sept 8 & Oct 13

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

Fri-Sat, Sept 8-9

• Fall City Wide Garage Sales, Lake Crystal. Info: lakecrystalchamber.com/events, 507-726-6088 or lcacc56055@ gmail.com.

Fri-Sun, Sept 8-10

• Amboy Days, downtown. Info: Facebook, amboyareacommunityclub.org.

Sat, Sept 9

• Human Foosball Tournament & Block Party, 500 S Front St, Mankato, 12-5 pm. Info: MankatoUW@MankatoUnitedWay.org or 507-345-4551.

• Fat Tire Bike Ride, August Schell Brewery Visitor Center Front Entrance, New Ulm, 9:4511 am. Info: Facebook: New Ulm Bicycle Group, 507-2763393 or alicefasna@gmail.com.

• Hermann Fest, Hermann Heights Park, 10 Monument St & Harman Park, 101 N Garden St, New Ulm, 11:30 am-11:30 pm. Info: hermannmonument. com.

• Watonwan County Relay for Life, Fairgrounds, St James, 3-10 pm. Info: localendar.com/ public/stjameschamber.

• Unique Classic Cars Roll-In, 2015 Bassett Dr, Mankato 9 am-2 pm. Info: Facebook.

• Symphony on the Prairie, Benson Park, No Mankato, 6 pm. Info: mankatosymphony.org.

Sat-Sun, Sept 9-10

• Rock Bend Folk Festival, Minnesota Square Park, 224 W Elm Street, St Peter, 1-10 pm Sat, 12-6 pm Sun. Info: rockbendfolkfestival@gmail.com or rockbend.org/contact.

Sun, Sept 10

• Lions Fly-In Breakfast, Airport, New Ulm, 7 am-12:30 p.m. Info: 612-501-2719 or bbschir@ comcast.net.

• Fall Harvest Festival, Church of St. George, 63105 Fort Rd, New Ulm, 10:30 am-3 pm. Info: Facebook.

Mon, Sept 11 & 18

• 8-Hour Senior Driver Refresher Course, CAST Sr Center, 600 N German St, New Ulm, 1-5 pm each day. Info: communityandseniorstogether.org, 507-354-3212 or castnu@ newulmtel.net.

Thurs, Sept 14

• Cruisin’ on Pine & 99, downtown Nicollet, 5-8 pm. Info: nicollet.org/crusin-on-pine-99.

• Lunch & a Bite of History—NU Park & Recreation, Brown Co Museum Annex, New Ulm, 7-8 pm. Info:education@ browncountyhistorymn.org or 507-233-2616.

Fri-Sat, Sept 15-16

• Arts & Crafts Festival &Taste of Hutchinson, Library Square, 50 Hassan St SE, Hutchinson. 10 am-6 pm Fri, 9 am-4 pm Sat. Info: 320-587-5252, info@

explorehutchinson.com or explorehutchinson.com.

Fri-Sun, Sept 15-17

• Mahkato Wacipi, Land of Memories Park, Amos Owen Ln, Mankato. Info: 507-3511198, MahkatoWacipi@ danielzielske.net or mahkatowacipi.org.

Sat, Sept 16

• Lost Marsh Ducks Unlimited/ Pemberton Fire Dept Drive-In Bingo, Main Street Plaza, 141 4th St, Pemberton, 1:00 pm. Info: mndu.org.

• Fall Festival & Shopping Extravaganza, 340 Fair Grounds St, Garden City, 10 am-4 pm. Info: info@blueearthcountyfair.org.

• Bend of the River Fall Festival, Blakeslee Stadium, 191 Stadium Rd Mankato. Info: bendoftheriverfestival@gmail.com or bendoftheriverfestival.com.

• Oktoberfest, Watona Park, 700 Dill Ave SW, Madelia, 1-7 pm. Info: 507-642-8822 or chamber@madeliamn.com.

• Rustic Mamas’ Fall Market, Four Seasons Bldg, 1525 Elm Ave S, Owatonna, 9 am-3 pm. Info: 507-451-1093 or fourseasons@co.steele.mn.us.

Sun, Sept 17

• Legion Post #300's Memorial Paver Area Dedication Ceremony Mini Park, Main Ave, Lafayette, 4pm. Info: 507-7204341 or mark.schuelke@gmail. com.

• NUMAS Haus Annual Event, Turner Hall, 5-9 pm. Info & tickets: numashaus.org/ or director@numashaus.org.

• Auto Restorers Car Show & Swap Meet, Fairgrounds, St. Peter, 6 am-3:30 pm. Info: autorestorerscarclub.com.

Fri-Sat, Sept 22-23

• Fall City Wide Garage Sales, Nicollet. Info: nicollet.org.

• Rice County Piecemakers Fall Splendor Quilt Show, The Historic Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior, 101 NW 6th St, Faribault, 9 am-4 pm each day. Info: 507-384-7182 or tonjamarlartrump@yahoo.com.

Sat, Sept 23

• Waseca Marching Classic Parade & Performance, downtown, Trowbridge Park Bandstand & Jr– Sr HS Stadium, Waseca, 12-9:30 pm. Info: 507-835-3260 or info@ wasecachamber.com.

• NUMAS Haus Hope Grows 2023 Annual Fundraiser, Turner Hall, New Ulm, 5 pm. Info: Facebook.

• Baumgartner Memorial Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus, St Peter, 5:30-6:30 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.

Sat, Sept 23, Oct 7 & 14

• Popcorn Wagon, Brown Co Museum, 2 N Broadway, New Ulm, 10 am-4 pm. Info: Info: education@browncountyhistorymn.org or 507-233-2616.

Sat-Sun, Sept 23-24

• Fall Craft & Gift Show, St Peter Community Center, 600 S 5th St, St. Peter. Info: Facebook, RoseCraftShows.com or 612695-0512.

Sun, Sept 24

• Hilltop Happenings, Hilltop Hall, 206 First St N, Montgomery, 4 pm. Info: wendyzaske@ yahoo.com or HilltopHall. wordpress.com.

• Alma Andina—Soul of the Andes, State Street Theater, 1 N State St, New Ulm, 12-8 pm. Info: 507-359-9990, info@ statestreetnewulm.org or statestreetnewulm.org.

• Mankato Bridal Show, Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, 11 am-2 pm. Info: 507-720-2009, mankatobridal@gmail.com or mankatobridalshow.com.

Tues, Sept 26

• MN Adult & Teen Challenge Mankato Gala, Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, 5-9 pm. Info: mntc.org/event/ mankato-gala/.

Wed, Sept 27

• 50th Annual Bazaar, First Lutheran Church, 719 6th Ave S, St James. Info: flcstjames.org or 507-375-3472.

Thurs, Sept 28

• New to New Ulm Party, Country Club, New Ulm, 5-7 pm. Info & RSVP: chamber@ newulm.com or 507-233-4300.

Fri, Sept 29

• LipSyncBattle Back to the 80’s, Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, Mankato, 7 pm. Info: 507-345-6822, awareness@mnvac.org or mnvac. org.

Fri-Sat, Sept 29-30

• Deep Valley Quilt Show, Nat’l Guard Armory, 100 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Mankato. 10-5 Fri, 9-3 Sat. Info: ad below.

• Oktoberfest, Fairgrounds, Johnson Hall, 400 W Union St, St Peter. Info: 507-508-9662, facebook.com/stpambassadors, or contact@stpeterambassadors.com.

Sat, Sept 30

• BENCHS 1st Annual Family/ Dog Friendly Tails N Trails 5K Fun Run/Walk, Spring Lake Park, 560 Webster Ave, No Mankato, 8 am. Info: Tailsntrails5k@yahoo.com or benchs.org/events/tails-ntrails-5k/.

• Symphonic Series Concert, High School Auditorium, St Peter, 7 pm. Info: mankatosymphony.org.

Sat-Sun, Sept 30-Oct 1

• Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Lightfoot of the Rockies, State Street Theater, 1 N State St, New Ulm 7 pm Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: 507-359-9990, Info@ statestreetnewulm.org or statestreetnewulm.org.

Sun, Oct 1

• Craft & Vendor Fair Auxiliary Fundraiser, MorsonArio-Strand VFW Post 950, Mankato, 10 am-3 pm. Info: VFWAuxiliary950 on Facebook or vfwaux950@gmail.com.

Fri-Sat, Oct 6-7 & 13-14

• Oktoberfest, Best Western Plus, New Ulm. 5 pm -12 am Fri, 1 pm-12 am Sat. Info: 507359-2941.

Sat, Oct 7

• Oktoberfest, Downtown, New Ulm, 10 am-5 pm. Info: newulm.com/downtownoktoberfest, 507-233-4300 or chamber@newulm.com.

• Germanic American Day Oktoberfest Parade, Downtown, New Ulm, 11 am. Info: 507-233-4300, newulm. com/2023/04/07/downtownoktoberfest/ or chamber@ newulm.com.

• Mavericks Women Basketball Harvest Hoopla, Schroeder Farm Event Center, 49186 190th St, Lake Crystal. Info: Facebook.

• George Glotzbach Memorial Ride, German Park, 3rd N & N German St, 9:45-11 am. Info: Facebook: New Ulm Bicycle Group, 507-359-7667 or alicefasna@gmail.com.

• Deep Valley Book Festival, Country Inn & Suites Conf Center, 1900 Premier Dr, Mankato, 10 am-3 pm. Info: deepvalleybookfestival.com.

Sun, Oct 8

• Mankato River Ramble, Land of Memories Park, 100 Amos Owen Lane, Mankato. Info: 507-720-2039 or info@bikemn. org.

Mon, Oct 9

• Senior Driver Refresher Course, CAST Sr Center, 600 N German St, New Ulm, 1-5 pm. Info: communityandseniorstogether.org, 507-354-3212 or castnu@newulmtel.net.

Wed, Oct 11

• Zonta Club’s Trends on the Runway & Passport of Savings Style Show, The Venue at Pond on Madison Avenue, 1850 Madison Ave, Mankato. Info & tickets: zontamankato@ gmail.com or Zonta Club of Mankato Facebook.

Sat, Oct 14

• Maker Fair Minnesota Handcrafted Market, Fairgrounds, 400 W Union St, St Peter, 9 am-4 pm. Info: Facebook, makerfairmn@gmail.com or makerfairmn.com.

• Oktoberfest, Schell’s Brewery, 1860 Schell Rd, New Ulm, 10:30 am-5 pm. Info: schellsbrewery.com/events/ annual-oktoberfest/ or 800770-5020.

• History Fest, Jack McGowan’s Farm, 20002 Hawkeye Ln, Mankato, 10 am-4 pm. Info: 507-625-2257 or historyfestmankato.com/index.html.

What’s Your Super Power?

Is being too nice a vulnerability to be taken advantage of?

In 2006, when I was hired at the State Hospital, I was told, “You’re way too nice to do this job, they will eat you alive and take advantage of you.”

Now that I think back on that time in my life, I was young, pretty, and just out of college when I was hired as a behavior analyst working with the Minnesota Sex Offender Program. It’s crazy to think how we end up in the careers we choose. Believe me, working with one of the toughest population in the field, wasn’t what little six-year-old me dreamt about. I wanted to be a teacher or a veterinarian, until I found out I would have to put animals down if they were sick, not a behavior analyst working with “the worst of the worst” as many people termed this population. But here I was, fascinated with why people do what they do, especially people who hurt others. I was too nice, but I turned that into a strength, given I had to grow into it and stand true to myself and my boundaries, it became my super power. I found I could be kind and direct by grounding in my values, set firm boundaries, and accepting that behaviors are simply a symptom of a deeper wound. Remember, setting boundaries is necessary and accepting behaviors is NOT allowing or justifying them. Yes, even nice people can set boundaries.

I became strong in who I was as a therapist and in turn was respected by those I worked closely with, no matter their background.

“Aren’t you worried they would use your vulnerabilities against you?” would be among the top questions asked, and yes, I was. However, when you realize your vulnerabilities are strengths and connect with others on a human level, no one can use them against you. If I already know my limitations or triggers, when others try to “use them against me” they aren’t as hurtful or powerful. I can say, “Yup, I’m not perfect and I make mistakes, actually a lot of mistakes, but I can learn from them and I can see that even the parts of me I’m not thrilled about or really don’t like others to see, make me who I am, and I value the whole me.”

There’s power in being treated how you want and deserve to be treated. We don’t need to let others’ perceptions of us based on our gender, age, or skin color, dictate our profession or our worth in our profession. If I would have listened to them, I may not be this far in my journey, nor found how being “too nice” is my super power. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and it’s essential to recognize that being successful doesn’t require perfection or extraordinary abilities. It’s about setting realistic goals, working hard, learning from failures, and staying persistent. Remember, your worth and potential should never be determined by someone else’s narrow perceptions.

ANORIA ZUEHLKE, MA, LPCC Bridge to Growth Wellness Therapy Mankato

Love EYE It!

It ’s been said the eyes are the window to the soul. Globally the eyes have the greatest effect as the first thing that draws us to another person. Here are a few things you can do to help ensure your peepers are on point and properly cared for. The development of fine lines and wrinkles is a main concern for most people in the eye area. Over time, movement from facial expressions creases the delicate skin. Dry skin exacerbates the look of fine lines and wrinkles by building up in pores and creases, accentuating their shape. Another common problem is a puffy appearance. This can happen when the under-eye muscles lose firmness and appear to droop, migration of tissue and fat to the under-eye area creating little pillows, or bags, or from an accumulation of fluid resulting in a puffy or swollen look. Lastly, a darkened color or hollowed appearance can develop as the eye area loses collagen, fat pads, and firmness. The dark blood vessels under the eyes become more visible as the skin thins, contributing to the color change.

Products and in-office procedures can help with signs of aging around the eyes.

Because the skin in this area is thinner than other skin on your face and has very few oil glands, it’s harder for it to stay hydrated, causing signs of aging.

Eye creams can help. Formulated differently than products for the entire face, they ’re made with lower percentages of active ingredients to decrease irritation. They often have more moisturizing ingredients to help combat the drying effects associated with thinner skin and fewer oil glands. Apply eye cream as gently as possible. A pea-sized amount is all that ’s needed. Too much product can clog pores and migrate too close to the eye leading to irritation and puffiness. Dot the product on, gently pat it in with the pad of your finger, rather than rub, and work clockwise, starting inside to out. Focus product application to the orbital bone and under the eye area due to the delicate nature of the skin unless it ’s formulated for eyelid use.

As we age, the muscles of the eyelids stretch and weaken, leading to the appearance of drooping, or low-lying lids, known as ptosis. Although it can affect adults of any age, it occurs more often with advancing age. Specific eye drops such as Upneeq can help. They work by activating receptors in the upper eyelid muscle, causing it to contract, lifting the upper eyelid, and producing a more open, alert look for hours.

The skin around the eyes, including the eyelids, is very sensitive to sunlight. Nearly 10 percent of skin cancers are found near the eyes. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful rays is also a major contributor to premature aging by breaking down collagen, so use SPF sunglasses to help prevent signs of aging, as well as certain sun-related eye diseases. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts or macular degeneration, as well as create lines and wrinkles. Spending

time outdoors without sunglasses or proper eye protection creates an additional risk of damage from sand, dust, wind, and even snow.

In-office procedures can also help mitigate signs of aging around the eyes. Sublime Facial Contouring combines laser light and radiofrequency energy to heat the dermis, stimulating the production of new collagen to tighten skin laxity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Microneedling, PDO Threads, and Sublative Skin Resurfacing create micro-injuries, leading to new, healthier skin cells, collagen, and elastin through the skin’s natural wound-healing process. This helps to plump and firm skin, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize the overall appearance of dark circles.

One of the most common cosmetic treatments to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles are neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport. These injections to the crow’s feet and brow area cause the muscles to relax, softening their appearance and helping to prevent new ones from forming. For the right candidate, dermal fillers can be an option for the under-eye area. Hyaluronic acid filler is injected into this area, filling in the volume loss to keep the skin looking taut, youthful, and brighter. For some, placing filler in the mid-face area can also help with the signs of aging around the eyes.

Vitamins A, C, and E are essential for maintaining good eye health. Deficiencies in particular vitamins can increase the risk of some eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, and spinach are known as the top super foods to improve vision and aid in eye health. The Prevent Blindness organization recommends that everyone receive a comprehensive eye exam, through dilated pupils, on a regular basis. Generally, a complete eye exam should be performed every two to four years from age 20-64, and one to two years for those 65 or older, with a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist. Those with special risk factors may need an eye exam more frequently.

A fun fact for you—green is the rarest eye color in the world, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Only two percent of the population is sporting these beautiful peepers. Green eyes are a genetic mutation that results in low levels of melanin. Green eyes don’t actually have any color; the irises themselves have no pigment. So, visit your favorite medspa, eat your veggies, treat your body right, get regular checkups, sleep, use an eye cream, don’t forget the SPF, and throw on those shades to help your eyes continue to dazzle.

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

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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!

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because investing in your health should be your priority

At Jo’s – we're all about being realistic, making sustainable changes and developing a permanent lifestyle. When you're ready to begin - we're ready to help you reach your goals.

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My excitement in training people is obvious from the first time we meet. I train across the spectrum - from those making lifestyle goals and changes – whether it's through strength, restorative or athletic based training, and weight management plus a whole lot more...

I care about every client I train. Success & goalbased training is my mission. My gym supports everyone in a non-intimidating atmosphere – so whether you are a novice or a seasoned athlete, you are always welcomed at Jo's.

507-995-0317

Deep Valley Book Festival Holds its 8th Edition

Award-winning and best-selling historical and crime novelist William Kent Krueger will be the keynote speaker at the 8th edition of the Deep Valley Book Festival, held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Country Inn and Suites conference center, 1900 Premier Drive, Mankato.

Krueger is the author of the Cork O’Connor series of books. His latest book, The River We Remember, will be released Sept. 5. Copies of his books will be available for sale at the festival. According to the author’s website: “The River We Remember is an unflinching look at the wounds left by the wars we fight abroad and at home, a moving exploration of the ways in which we seek to heal, and a testament to the enduring power of the stories we tell about the places we call home.”

Throughout the day attendees can participate in hourly drawings for books and other gifts, special programs, and Krueger’s keynote address. Other featured authors are Kathryn Randall and Redmond Herring. The festival is free and open to the public. Attendees can mingle with more than 60 authors and publishers, with all genres of writing represented.

The Deep Valley Young Writer and Artist Competition Awards will be presented to students ages 7 to 18 who entered and had their work judged by a professional authors and artists. Support for the

Deep Valley Book Festival is provided by local sponsors, Festival Friends, and the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council. The Deep Valley Book Festival is the largest literary festival of its kind in southern Minnesota.

The Deep Valley Book Festival gets its name from the setting of the beloved Betsy-Tacy children’s books written by Mankato-born author Maud Hart Lovelace.

The Deep Valley Book Festival connects readers and writers in a celebration of literature and literacy.

The festival features dozens of authors, illustrators, publishers, literary organizations, and hundreds of books!

Visit with a favorite author or meet a new one, have your book signed, or listen to authors talk about their works. The festival features programs, workshops, speakers, or panel discussions, book giveaways, and more.

The Deep Valley Book Festival is organized by an all-volunteer all-women committee of local writers, publishers, and book lovers. Current committee members are Julie Schrader, Rachael Hanel, Pam DeMarce, Sandi Garlow, Kirsten Hall, Heather Harren, Jennifer Jenson and Joy Riggs.

To see a lineup of authors or to become a Festival Friend, visit deepvalleybookfestival.com. Follow Deep Valley Book Festival on Facebook for the latest news and updates.

After dreaming of being a trial attorney, but failing her LSAT twice, Sara Blakely found herself selling fax machines door-todoor (it was the ’90s).

In 1998, while she was getting ready for a party, she decided to cut the feet off her pantyhose and wear them under her new cream slacks.

The idea for Spanx was born that day, and the undergarment company now has over 750 employees and pulls in $400 million in annual revenue.

Sara started Spanx with $5,000 of her own money. She hustled hard for many years before finally selling her first product to Neiman Marcus by asking the product manager if she would come to the bathroom and see the before and after on Sara, wearing the same pair of white slacks.

Five years of hustle later, Sara landed on the cover of Forbes Magazine for being the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world. She credits much of her success to her father, who regularly asked, at the dinner table, “What did you fail at this week?”

Sara said, “If we had nothing to tell him, he’d be disappointed. He knew that many people became paralyzed by the fear of failure. His attitude taught me to define failure as not trying something I want to do instead of not achieving the right outcome.” So powerful!

Sara practiced what she learned from her dad—failing forward. In fact, Spanx would not exist if she had not failed her LSAT.

Sara said, “Everyone has a multimillion-dollar idea inside them. Edison said, ‘Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.’”

Sara followed her purpose, maintained a powerful attitude, defined failure on her terms, and turned difficulties into opportunities. She chose to get gritty!

So many times, as women, we can put other people’s desires above our own, and let failure stop us from following our purpose or dreams.

I use academic, psychologist, and popular science author, Angela Duckworth’s definition of grit: “passion and sustained persistence applied toward your long-term goals.” I use this definition because it is backed by academic research, and the impact of grit has been found to be life changing.

Let me explain. When you are gritty, you are tenacious—sticking with your interests over long periods of time. You stay the course despite obstacles, failures, rejections, or negativity.

Your passion comes from an intrinsic interest in your work and craft. You know your work is meaningful and helps others. Your perseverance allows you to be resilient in the face of adversity. You have a devotion and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. When you are gritty, you stick with commitments to your vision, yourself, and others. You don’t give up hope. You do what it takes to serve.

And that’s why grit has been described as the number one predictor of long-term success.

So, if grit is so important, how do we develop our grit? Here are six ways to develop your grit.

• Grit starts with understanding what you really, really, really want, both short-term and long-term, for both you and your career. What is it that you really want?

• Grit is manifested by working toward long-term goals—those that take years or months to achieve. What big goals are you working toward?

• Grit is powered by your purpose and owning it each day. Why do you do what you do? How do you live your purpose? How do you serve others with what you do or deliver?

• Grit is fueled by the empowering emotions you need to thrive: optimism, hope, confidence, and especially gratitude. Do you choose to feel good even when things are hard?

• Grit is ignited by an unwavering commitment to powerful self-talk about yourself and your career. How do you remind yourself that you have the skills and resources to be successful?

• Grit is powered by compassion for and forgiveness of yourself and others. Can you bounce back and move on quickly when things don’t go perfectly?

When you cultivate your grit each day, you know exactly where you want to go—and you get there quicker. As women, if we all cultivated our grit daily, the world would be a better place because we would all be living with more purpose, passion, and persistence.

Excerpt taken from Beyond Grit for Business by Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D. Available at beyondgrit.com. Visit cindrakamphoff.com for more information.

CINDRA KAMPHOFF, PH.D., CMPC, PCC Keynote Speaker, Executive Performance Coach & Author President and Founder, Mentally Strong Consulting

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