River Valley Woman August 2018

THE BIGGEST CARE FOR THE SMALLEST PATIENTS.

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Whether it’s a routine exam or a diagnosis of an illness, Mayo Clinic Health System’s new children’s clinic in Mankato provides exceptional pediatric and adolescent medicine care for your family. Now open at a brand new spacious location, our team of experts is available to provide the care each child needs to stay healthy and happy.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato Call 507-479-2078 to schedule an appointment.

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Publisher: New Century Press Chief Operating Officer: Jim Hensley General Manager: Lisa Miller

Please direct all editorial inquiries and suggestions to: Managing Editor: Eileen Madsen, 507.354.6158, emadsen@ncppub.com

Sales & Marketing Manager: Natasha Weis, 507.227.2545, weisnatasha@gmail.com Sales Team: Erin Herding, Ruth Klossner, Nicki Langlie LeTourneau, Tami Leuthold, Shannon Duffy Peterson Magazine & Ad Design: Exposure Creative Cover Photographer: Rhonda Milbrett Photography River Valley Woman Magazine:

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MN, 507.354.6158 For advertising/editorial contact info and a list of newsstand locations visit rivervalleywoman.com

by Eileen Madsen, Editor

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

you could try, try again, but perhaps you should consider putting a woman in charge. Or, maybe start a gig of your own. You have nothing to fear but success itself. And success can be a scary thing sometimes, but it also means never having to say you’re sorry. Sorry you stayed at that job you grew to loathe and got paid in aggravation. Or sorry you never acted on that great business idea, and now you’re standing with your nose pressed against the window of the boutique or restaurant of the woman who did. At least you have the satisfaction of leaving a grimy make-up smear on the glass, right? Take that you...you successful woman, you.

Succeed is the theme this month and lest you think you have to be a do-it-all, be-it-all diva, relax. Success also means being honest with yourself. Understanding what you are not cut out for and accepting that, is in itself a win. Go ahead and sit this one out if it’s right for you.

This issue showcases just a fraction of the women in the river valley who are successfully running companies, or are helping others find their glory days.

Front and center is Heidi Nelson—and ladies of the club. Heidi’s Clubhouse, that is. After a variety of careers and years of struggle to figure out what her purpose was, Heidi discovered there was strength in numbers. The number of local businesswomen and entrepreneurs who gathered around when she reached out for advice was her eureka moment. She realized her true joy came from coaching women, giving them a space to network, share, and give and get support.

Our most successful Facebook poll to date poses the question: What are the best

qualities for a boss to have? Whoo boy...bosses take note, because readers had a lot to say! So much so that we could not fit in all the responses on the two pages inside. Comments included “Communication... Trustworthiness... Honesty... Showing employees they matter...Sense of humor. Check out our Facebook page for all the comments.

I’ve had a number of bosses, and regardless of how much I liked them or not, I learned something from each one of them, and a great deal more about myself— mostly that I don’t like having a boss. But the best one I ever had was always on your side and looked for opportunities for his staff to grow professionally. He allowed you free rein to do a great job without butting in too much. He also laughed easily. Maybe a bit TOO easily as I recall the time I slipped on something in the office and ended up splayed on the floor in a heap. His reaction was a hearty chuckle as he practically stepped over me inquiring what I was doing down there. Hrrumph. Maybe I should rethink that best boss nomination.

Co-workers and bosses can become almost like a family, but for Sarah Richards of Jones Metal, Inc., and 2018 Woman of Distinction award winner, the business is family, or at least the history of it. Sarah’s great-grandmother, Lulu Page, started the ball rolling with a bakery & cafe, and a rooming house. Inheriting Lulu’s tenacity and work ethic, Sarah—a former golf professional—finally got to do what she wanted years earlier, and that was run the family business.

Sarah is a big believer in mentors and I’d agree with that. The fact that my mentor is Bugs Bunny shouldn’t matter should it? Bugs has a way with words, can sing anything from a hoe down to opera, no one outsmarts him, and after all these years he is still funny, not to mention famous. I am still trying to get that opera part down, however, but it’s good to have goals.

Wendy Fry of The Retrofit Companies, Inc. understands goals. That of her company, staff and the planet. This energy efficient, environmentally aware, lighting company helps other businesses find solutions to their lighting needs that best suits their individual situations. This is something most of us don’t give any thought to when we attend sporting events, school, church and even the gym. When we say someone lights up our lives, that would be Wendy and her team.

Where are we and where are we going? We’re not always sure, but we could maybe get there in a vehicle from Elizabeth Chevrolet. How cool to have your name in lights. Elizabeth Miller, who took over the Mel Carlson Chevrolet dealership from her father, Dan Rolling, wanted to join the firm right out of college but her dad steered her in another direction. After gaining experience elsewhere she joined the business, moving upward to eventually take over the dealership. Now that’s drive.

Three cheers to all the women out there who have found, or are working towards, their own successes. Here’s looking at you—if not in the pages of River Valley Woman, then through your office or business windows. So keep that Windex handy.

If at first you don’t succeed,

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Heidi Nelson Join the Clubhouse!

Transforming your life goes beyond making alterations to certain aspects of how you live. Though this is a great first stride, it likely won’t lead to long-lasting change. Creating goals, sticking to them and taking significant steps that will make an enduring difference is the approach that will help you identify what is lacking and hopefully where to go from here.

BY AUTUMN VAN RAVENHORST

Photos by Rhonda Milbrett Photography

It can take years to figure out there is something missing. Something not right. Something that is making you experience “Blah”—the worst emotion in female existence. But when it finally hits you in the face, you still might need a push to help you brave the task of finding your purpose.

Heidi Anne Nelson has experience going through the motions of living. She did what a lot of women do – supported those around her. This often meant choosing paths that seemingly made sense but provided little to no satisfaction or joy.

“I have had myriad jobs,” said Heidi. “Interior decorating, real estate, insurance, sold cars at Harry Brown’s, worked at Reliance Bank. I’ve supported the businesses of my spouse. But I always felt so unfulfilled and didn’t know what my purpose in life was.”

Her last career at the bank ended when the mother of her current “paperless and silver fox of a husband,” Rick, fell ill and required the two to travel to and from Milwaukee.

“It was just too difficult,” she said. “After I left the bank, I started Be My Guest Loft. We live in a restored commercial building downtown and right next to it was a one-bedroom loft. My son had been living there and after he moved out, rather than renting it to someone long-term, I rented it to people who would come and go as a loft style hotel. I then had a space downstairs that people could rent for events.”

Unsure of what it took to own a business in Faribault, she sought the help of other local businesswomen and female entrepreneurs. This was the beginning of Heidi’s Clubhouse.

“For women, it is different,” she said. “The work and life balance. We tend to have a more emotional way of conducting our business. I needed help in figuring out the best way to do this.”

The group of women met once a month for six months and was comprised of Kelsy Willison of Bluebird Cakery, Holly Sobrack of Westbrack Marketing, Amy Chappuis of Chappuis Jewelers, Suzanne Schwictenberg of the Upper East Side, Heidi Kubes of Smoqehouse, Mary Navarro of Navarro Chiropractic, Alicia Kennedy a professional organizer and Heidi herself.

“Looking back, I didn’t want to do the event space anymore,” she reflected.

“It was a lot of work, I didn’t charge enough. I had gotten involved in things

Board Chair of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

Heidi has also become a life coach herself through the Robbins-Madanes training where she motivates women to make those lasting changes in their own lives.

Heidi prides herself in having struggled and attributes this to her success and talent as a coach.

“I am an ordinary woman who said ‘Yes’ to the life I wanted to create,” she continued. “I’ve had far from a perfect or extravagant life. But those are the motivational stories to tell. I have learned a lot about myself through all the phases and in supporting everyone else, I realized that I had to figure out what I was going to do for me.”

She is a connector who believes women need to connect with other women and wants her space to offer something that women today don’t get in their daily life—human connection that feeds a feeling of value and support.

RVW

Q&A With Heidi

If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be?

and still wasn’t feeling like I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. But people started coming out of the woodwork.”

She felt lost.

Heidi pursued the help of Jasna Burza, a life coach located in Minneapolis. She worked with Jasna for three months. Through the process, they discussed it all. Everything from Heidi’s interior decorating business to the women’s group that had been meeting monthly. But it was the tone in Heidi’s voice that gave it all away.

“The way I spoke about our group of women led Jasna to believe that coaching women is what I should be doing,” Heidi explained. “And I jumped.”

Without a website, understanding of social media or Eventbrite and no clear plan in how she could monetize, Heidi did what she referred to as the “ass backwards approach.”

“It really was,” she laughed.

Heidi has made tweaks to her tactics in order to fit her audience, maintain a balance and accomplish her mission, which is to create a place for women to promote their businesses, make friends and feel connected, supported and empowered. How she conducts things now is different than when she first started, and what she does today could be different next year. But her goal in providing organic networking, offering meaningful events and lighthearted education will remain the same.

She has brought in attorney Deb Korman to speak on legal issues regarding aging parents, Cate Grinney of Edward Jones to teach women how to invest, Ramon Rodriguez Carrion of Ruf Acres Market, to talk about how food impacts life and stress, an author who wrote a children’s book about being a bipolar mother and Kjersten Mirela, creator of Her Spirit Vodka, a company that donates 50 percent of proceeds to female entrepreneurs.

“When you decide you have a dream you want to pursue, some people can be surprised to see you in a new light,” said Heidi.

Heidi currently serves on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota board, Tourism Commission for the City of Faribault, is the recording secretary of the PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization), and is the

Fern, from “Charlotte’s Web.”

What is the best purchase you have ever made? My life coach.

What is your favorite saying/quote? She believed she could, so she did.

What would be on the gag reel of your life? She is destined to be late for her own funeral.

What is your favorite happy hour drink? Her Spirit Vodka and club soda, with a twist.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who don’t give others the benefit of the doubt.

What is your go-to midnight snack?

Hard-boiled egg.

What is your favorite movie?

“Out of Africa” with Meryl Streep.

What is your favorite cheese?

I don’t like cheese.

Is there a universal piece of advice?

Do all things with great love, wear sunscreen, drink more water, enjoy your body while you can.

What scares you?

Really and truly, not making the most of my life.

What is your favorite play?

Wrapped in Love and Glory, a play about the Faribault Woolen Mill by Michael Lambert.

“I am an ordinary woman who said ‘Yes’ to the life I wanted to create”

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Eide Like to Give Back!

This month, I looked to two of our past YWCA Mankato Board Presidents for advice on getting in the business of giving! Jenn Faust and Kate Loging are experts in all things giving – from volunteering, to offering professional services and sponsoring causes close to their hearts. Both are Eide Bailly marketing professionals and I wanted to dig a little deeper in how they account for all their philanthropic priorities in the workplace.

Q: Tell me a little bit about your role at Eide Bailly?

Jenn: I am the midwest regional marketing manager. I help to create and oversee the implementation of strategic marketing and communication initiatives for our offices in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. I regularly measure activity, budget and results for a wide variety of marketing campaigns and leverage data research to determine the best message and vehicles for the audience and goals we’re striving to reach.

Kate: I’m our lead services marketing manager which means I work with our team to develop and implement strategic marketing plans for all of Eide Bailly’s service offerings across all of our geographic markets.

Q: How have you incorporated philanthropy into the work you do?

Jenn: We contribute to a number of local nonprofits with both our time and dollars. As individual employees we can take advantage of a corporate matching program. We’re also allowed eight hours of volunteer time to whatever organization or cause we’d like along with many other Eide Bailly supported community volunteer events.

Kate: I think it’s important to give of time, talent and treasure. I am committed to not only giving financially to multiple organizations in our community but to also serving on committees and volunteering my time for community events. If we want our community to continue to grow and our quality of life to improve, we need to have different voices contributing to the conversation – it truly takes a village. I’m lucky to work for an organization that values contribution to community and encourages employees to get involved.

Q: Do you think it’s smart business to get involved and give back?

Jenn: I think as business owners and employees we often get so caught up in making our goals that we forget about the positive impact we can make on our local communities and to those in need. Giving back with our time, talent, money or goods is key in any good business for a number of reasons; 1) It creates a sense of unity within your team; 2) Gives your team the knowledge that they are positively impacting someone’s life; 3) It’s a great reminder to be grateful for what you have; 4) Provides an opportunity for your company to be recognized for your philanthropic efforts; 5) Gives you a sense of pride of accomplishment — for example, you can help build a house, provide a child with nutrition, etc.; 6) Giving can spark the desire to continue to give back outside of work obligations.

Kate: Yes, without question. There’s a saying that you get what you give – I think we actually get so much more than we give. Whether it’s relationships, a new perspective, learning or just having fun – my gifts and contributions abundantly return to me.

Q: Both of you are former presidents of YWCA Mankato’s board of directors. How has taking on a leadership role in a nonprofit helped your career?

Jenn: I feel like with the leadership roles I’ve been privileged enough to hold, there have been countless benefits that have come back to me. I’ve not only expanded my network of colleagues, but I’ve built some lifelong friendships. I have developed skills to navigate diverse conversations, techniques to spark positive change to move an organization’s mission in a forward motion, learned how to streamline processes with limited budgets and resources, dive into a project outside my comfort zone, give my creative energy a sense of purpose and honestly… the list goes on!

Kate: I’ve met so many wonderfully smart and passionate community leaders who have encouraged, challenged and supported me on my journey. By sitting alongside all of the people who volunteer – they have changed my perspective and influenced how, when and what I contribute. They have helped instill in me a sense of confidence that my voice matters and needs to be heard.

Q: Do you think businesswomen tend to prioritize philanthropy more than their male counterparts?

Jenn: I can’t say in my experience here in Mankato that’s necessarily true, but I do believe that successful businesswomen understand the need to make philanthropy a priority. Getting involved in community boards and nonprofit organizations provide excellent experience for the corporate world. Leadership roles on nonprofit boards are especially beneficial, as they allow women the ability to demonstrate and build confidence in executive roles. Such experience often feeds into career advancement.

Q: If someone wanted to get into the “business of giving,” where should they start?

Kate: It doesn’t take much – find a passion area or gap, express an interest and start making a difference; allow your voice to be heard. If you have time – give it; even if it’s just a one-time deal. I guarantee you’ll be back! If you have treasure – but don’t think you have enough, know that your gift doesn’t have to be big to have an impact. A five-dollar gift can turn someone’s day around. Then, if you still can’t figure out how to contribute, find an advocate or someone to help you explore options – there are plenty of projects, new ideas and initiatives taking shape in our community – it’s important to be a part of the change. RVW

CATE DEBATES Donor Relations Manager, YWCA, Mankato

( Top ) Jenn Faust

Bottom ( Left ) Kate Loging and Daughter

( Right ) Kate & Jenn HCR Summit 2013

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Women are an integral part of the workforce, but they have had to overcome many obstacles along the way. Of course, challenges still remain, but women’s success in the working world is worth commemorating – which will happen on American Business Women’s Day Sept. 22. Are you a woman considering “setting up shop” on your own? If so, here are five tips to consider:

Balance your goals. It’s possible – perhaps even likely – that your business goals will conflict with your personal financial goals. After all, if you’re purchasing new equipment or services for your business, you’ve got less money – at least for the time being – to put away for your own retirement or your children’s education. Hopefully, your investment in your business will pay off in greater income, but, in any case, you will need to balance your personal and professional goals.

Create a retirement plan. As mentioned above, your ability to contribute to a retirement plan may be affected by the amount you put into your business – but that certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a retirement plan. In fact, for your future financial security, it’s essential that you launch such a plan. Fortunately, small-business owners have a choice of plans, including an “owner-only” 401(k), SEP-IRA and SIMPLE IRA. Although the various plans have different requirements and contribution limits, they all offer tax-deferred earnings, which means your money has the opportunity to grow faster than if it were placed in a vehicle on which you paid taxes every year. (Taxes are due upon withdrawal, and withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty.) Plus, your contributions to a retirement plan may be tax deductible.

Five Tips

for Women Business Owners

Arrange for “backup.” Virtually all working women are familiar with the conflict between their careers and their roles as caregivers. Women are still more likely than men to drop out of the workforce for an extended period of time to care for young children or elderly parents and your care giving responsibilities won’t end just because you are now a business owner. Consequently, you need to have someone you trust available to step in for you when your family obligations call you away from work.

Design a succession plan. When you want to retire, would you like to keep the business in your family? If so, you’ll need to create a succession plan that works for you and whomever you’d like to take control. Such a plan can be complex, so you will need to work with your legal and tax advisors – and you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to work out the details.

Build an emergency fund. Maintaining an adequate cash flow will always be a key task – one that involves your sales, billing cycles, inventory and other elements of your business. One way you can help yourself avoid troubles is to maintain an emergency fund consisting of a few months’ worth of your business expenses. You’ll want to keep this fund in a liquid, low-risk account.

Running your own business can be extremely rewarding, but it’s never going to be an easy road. However, with perseverance and careful planning, you can smooth out some of the bumps along the way — and give yourself reason to celebrate American Business Women’s Day. RVW

CATE GRINNEY CFP® FINANCIAL ADVISOR EDWARD JONES This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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MEAL PLANNING

With summer winding down, and school schedules gearing up, now is the perfect time to get your meal plan under control. Planning the foods you eat can help you stick to your health goals and also helps you stay organized by reducing food clutter, waste and nightly stress. Meal planning doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are five simple steps to get you on your way to better health!

1. Inventory your cupboard. Make your meal plan around foods that you already have. Save time and money.

2. Know your schedule. Which days do you have time to cook, and which nights would work better with a slow-cooker recipe or leftovers?

ShortCuts

Chicken Fajitas Shrimp Stir-fry

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Peppers and Onions

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Broccoli Mix

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3. Choose your recipes and make your list.

Pick recipes that use the ingredients you have on hand. Remember to plan for side dishes. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Once you have your recipes chosen, write down the ingredients you need to purchase. Choosing pre-cut fruits and vegetables is a great option to cut down on prep time, and increase consumption. Our ShortCuts are the perfect solution for a busy family.

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Definitions of Success Can and Should Change

When I was asked to contribute an article for this issue, I knew I wanted to address women entrepreneurs. In my work, I get to consult women in business every day and I am noticing a shift in how they are tackling the challenges of being the CEO. Specifically, I am seeing women paying more attention to life/work balance and assigning more value to self-care and social supports.

My own perspective is shifting and affecting how I work as well. When you are heading toward “retirement” age but have NO intention of retiring, it requires a new updated plan. I now define success very differently than I did when I was 40. How about you?

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS?

Is it making more money? Having control over how you spend your time each day? For some of us, it’s about crafting our own vision of the future! If you are a “connector” perhaps it is also the delicious boost of energy and fulfillment when people or projects come together as a result of what we are doing. For those of you who are perfectionists, success may mean being able to apply your high standards to your work each day. Whatever yardstick you use to measure success, it’s all good! Do what moves you!

I also wanted to share a few thoughts on how to increase your satisfaction, your efficiency and minimize some of the stuff that gets in your way. Such as getting organized or managing your schedule or doing the stuff you don’t want to do like bookkeeping or marketing.

THE KEY IS THE PLAN!

Many times I have been told by a new entrepreneur that they have not taken the time to write down their “Biz Plan.” But rather, it’s simply in their heads. I also know that many of us already in business have an old “Biz Plan” sitting in a desk drawer or on top of a file cabinet that we NEVER look at, or update. Sound about right?

So, here is where I take a stand on that whole “Biz Plan” issue. It’s so much more important than you might think. I’m not going to quote statistics on the level of failure that comes when you resist the planning process. Simply put, would you take a long trip without mapping it out? Would you sit down to sew a garment without a pattern? The answer is no! Not if you expect to get where you are going. Not if you expect the project to fit your initial idea/ concept.

The process of planning is where you learn, explore, confirm and map out the actual work ahead of you. It’s where you have to look the budget straight in the eye and decide how much risk you are ready to take to follow your idea through to the launch of a business or a new product.

Wouldn’t you love to end your day knowing you have a plan that makes sense and that will help direct your activities so you can stop guessing at stuff?

RESOURCES

I’m sure I’m missing some local talent but here is just a short list of resources: Google these, by service type, to find the ones closest to you. Ask for a free consultation!

Business Development Consultants to help you plan and organize Marketing Agencies that can help you plan and implement your marketing Financial Consultants/Planners

Prosperity Initiative - Southern MN Initiative Foundation supporting minority business owners with training and coaching

Small Business Development Center - No cost consulting

RCEF - No cost consulting

SCORE - No cost consulting

Chambers of Commerce may have programs to assist with startups Ask! Port Authority may have local loan funds. Ask!

A FEW TIPS

• Plan. Follow the Plan.

• Reality check that Plan against shifts in the market and adjust goals.

• Track every resource you use. Keep them with your Plan.

• Find other women in business and support each other.

• Accept the fact that your first venture might not work out and don’t let that fact define you as you go forward!

• Take risks with people.

• Check yourself daily. Are you taking care of you?

• Have an exit strategy! Everything you do now will impact that exit for better or for worse.

• Keep your sense of humor. Some days it will be brutal, so smile on purpose if you have to.

“Just do Right, Be courageous, Love, Laugh, Be a Blessing to Someone, Turn Struggles into Triumphs, Learn to say No, Always do your Best, Keep Rising” —Maya Angelou on her rules for success RVW

NANCY GOODWIN N. Goodwin Consulting

LACTATION TIPS LOCAL RESOURCES&

Many women initiate breastfeeding their newborn baby after leaving the hospital. Yet, the challenges women face after returning home can often make it difficult to maintain their breastfeeding goals.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months have fewer bouts of diarrhea, less ear infections and respiratory illnesses. Breast milk provides helpful antibodies that can help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria.

One of the best ways to achieve long-term breastfeeding success is to seek support. Whether it’s through friends, a lactation consultation or a breastfeeding support group, connecting with others is one of the best ways to overcome challenges.

Some common questions breastfeeding moms have:

• Is my baby gaining weight?

• How often should my baby breastfeed?

• Is my baby swallowing?

• How should my breasts feel?

• What should my baby’s diaper look like?

• Is my baby healthy?

Remember, you know your baby best. If you sense something isn’t right, check with your baby’s health care provider, especially if your baby:

• Isn’t gaining weight

• Isn’t wetting at least six diapers a day

• Isn’t having regular bowel movements

• Passes urine that’s deep yellow or orange

• Is consistently fussy after feedings

• Seems sleepy all the time

• Has yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

• Spits up forcefully or more than a small amount at a time

Tips and reminders for nursing moms

• Ask for help from maternity nurses or a lactation consultant early on.

• Let your baby set the pace.

• Have your baby sleep in your room.

• Hold off on a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established.

• Make healthy lifestyle choices — eat a regular diet, drink plenty of fluids, rest as much possible, avoid smoking and check with your health care provider if you’re taking medications.

While not in every community, one resource available to breastfeeding moms is Baby Café, a free drop-in breastfeeding support group that combines the experience of other mothers and advice from Mayo Clinic Health System lactation experts in a relaxed, child-focused environment.

Located at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota in Mankato and, starting June 20 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont, Baby Café takes place each Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and is open to anyone interested in any aspect of breastfeeding.

The goal of Baby Café is to help mothers access the information and support they need to reach their breastfeeding goals. In addition to support, there is an opportunity to ask questions about your baby’s feeding pattern, as well as weigh your baby.

Other local resources include public health nurses, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nurses, La Leche League, and community education and early childhood classes. RVW

SUSAN SPLINTER RN, IBCLC Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato

STRESS ISTHEON RISE IN WOMEN

By Kimberly Haala

TRY these stress busters!

Pursuing a career and raising a family can be so rewarding. But some days “Having It All” can feel like “Having Too Much.” You get up at 5 a.m. to work out or catch up at home, take care of your kids, work all day, shuttle kids, make dinner, volunteer, go to kids’ games. Sleep, wake, repeat.

In today’s busy world, it feels like the pace and expectations are constantly increasing. In a recent study from The University of Arizona’s School of Family and Consumer Resources, 166 married couples kept a daily diary for 42 days. The study found women experienced more episodes of being stressed.

When stress is short-lived with periods of rest between stresses, it can have a positive effect on health. Job interviews, wedding planning or work projects are some examples. Physical stressors, such as running, can improve your resilience and build tolerance to stressors.

Chronic stress can have negative effects on your health. By lowering the immune response, chronic stress can make it more likely to catch a common cold. Chronic stress also causes sleep disruption, increased heart rate and blood pressure, irritable bowels, headaches and fertility issues.

Chronic stress can make it more difficult for women to manage existing conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Stress can even increase the sensation of pain. We can experience unexpected weight gain or loss, hot and cold flashes, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, dizziness. It can impact mental health leading to symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability and substance abuse.

Try these stress busters.

Enjoy social activities, even just for 15 minutes. Play with your children, chat with a friend, talk to your partner.

Physical activity can help relieve stress. You can make it social by taking a walk with a coworker, family member or your dog! Or enjoy your solitude. Some types of exercise, such as yoga and tai chi, address stress response directly. Do what fits your lifestyle best.

Meditation and mindfulness can help reduce your body’s response to stress. You might like the mobile apps Headspace and Calm.

Breathe. Relaxation exercises can help you manage stress.

Take breaks from stress. Even if the stress is sure to return, a break can reduce the negative health effects.

Schedule time in your day for relaxing, socializing, breaks, hobbies and exercise. Carve out small chunks of 15 and 30 minutes. Look at reducing other activities such as watching TV, scrolling through your phone or mindless snacking. What if you tried something new for five minutes?

Record a few accomplishments each day. With a full schedule, you are often looking to the next task or event. That can overshadow what you’ve accomplished. Taking note reminds you of a job well done.

Stress is unavoidable, but having a good plan to manage it can reduce the negative impacts. Remember, the things we overcome tend to make us stronger. RVW

KIMBERLY HAALA PhD, LP Mankato Clinic Department of Psychology

ELIZABETH CHEVROLET

IT’S NOT YOUR DAD’S CAR DEALERSHIP ANYMORE

BY RUTH KLOSSNER

ELIZABETH MILLER ADMITS THERE WAS A TIME when questions about the future of the Truman car dealership she now manages bothered her. She explained, “People would ask, ‘Do you think your brother will take over?’ I thought, ‘Why? He never worked here.’ It was hard for people to wrap their brain around.”

Unlike her brother, Elizabeth did spend most of her working years in the business—during high school and as a college intern, then returning to establish a new position—after her dad insisted she work elsewhere to gain experience.

Elizabeth’s father, Dan Rolling, was a partner with Mel Carlson in the business that was named Mel Carlson Chevrolet from its establishment in 1966 until 2015.

Although Elizabeth wanted to join the firm when she graduated from South Central College in Mankato with a degree in sales and marketing, Dan wanted her to work somewhere else. That “somewhere else” was the Mankato Mall where Elizabeth worked for General Growth Properties—and met her future husband, Mike Miller, when he opened a restaurant in the mall.

After gaining several years of experience in that position, Elizabeth’s dad started talking about needing a finance and insurance division at the car dealership. Sales people had handled the work, but one person was needed to keep track of laws and regulations.

“I said I’d be interested in taking that on…that was 2004,” she recalled. After starting the position, Elizabeth moved up to become business manager, then became general manager in 2014, after her father became sole owner of the dealership. Dan cut back his hours and has not been at the business since the first of this year.

“I still bend Dad’s ear from time to time, but he’s no longer involved in the day-to-day operation,” Elizabeth stated.

( Right ) This 2013 Corvette Grand Sport was headed to Washington State from Elizabeth Chevrolet.

Changing the business name to Elizabeth Chevrolet in 2015 was Dan’s decision.

“My idea was to bring Dad’s last name, Rolling, into it, but there was a Jerry Rolling Chevrolet. My last name, Miller, is too common. Dad ultimately decided to use my first name as the future of the business,” Elizabeth explained.

Elizabeth Chevrolet continues to build on its history. “It’s a family business and we tend to serve families,” Elizabeth said. “We hear a lot of ‘Grandpa bought his first car here.’ Typically, we have a pretty loyal customer base and many long-term customers and their family members.”

Like the customers, many of the dealerships’ 15 full-time and half-dozen parttime employees are also long-term, with many having been with the dealership for many years.

The employees include an all-female service office. Holly Iverson, now parts and service manager, joined the firm 15 years ago as service advisor. The current service advisor—the main point of contact for customer service—is Alysha Meyeraan.

“When I first started, some people had the idea that ‘Women don’t know anything,’ but, over time, they’ve gotten used to it. After all these years, we don’t hear that as much as we used to.”

With two sales people and a sales manager—all men—Elizabeth rarely handles sales, but might do so for an old customer of her dad’s.

“I was business manager before becoming general manager, working with financing and extended warranties. That makes it more difficult for me to transition into the sales role. It’s hard to keep up with all the options—I prefer to leave it to the sales staff—they’re the subject matter experts,” she said.

When she does occasionally fill in for the business manager, Elizabeth finds it challenging. “It’s amazing when you’re not doing it every day. The laws change so often,” she said.

Meeting customers is Elizabeth’s greatest joy. She explained, “Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases they’ll make. It’s emotional. It’s fun to see people on a big day like that, I go out and congratulate them on their new car—and thank them for doing business with us. For many of them, I did the paperwork on their old car. It’s important to have that opportunity to talk to them—since

I don’t get as much opportunity as I used to.”

The business is not without its challenges, as Elizabeth explained. “The internet has completely changed the industry. You don’t get people coming off the street to shop the lot like you used to. It affects our decision of where to put advertising dollars. Our digital footprint is more important than our physical one. Three different dealers have the same car—how do we get them to come here? People pretty much know what they want before they set foot inside a dealership.”

Being located in a small town (Truman, population 1,115) has its benefits and its drawbacks. Benefits include having more loyal repeat customers. The flip side is that there is less walk-in traffic.

Another drawback can be finding good new employees when there is a need. With a shortage of auto technicians throughout the entire auto industry, it can be hard to find and keep good people.

Elizabeth is hopeful, however. “We may see more people going back to tech and trade schools as there’s a swing back from four-year degrees.”

Elizabeth feels that, to be successful, general managers have to have thick skins—and let things roll of their backs. They have to have the passion and love for the business—even though it can be challenging.

Customer vehicle preference continues to change as the sedan market has slipped as gas mileage for SUVs has improved. Crossover SUVs are the biggest market for Elizabeth Chevrolet with the pickup market also big in the rural area.

Elizabeth Chevrolet does not sell electric cars because of certification requirements. Extensive training is required and tools and equipment are expensive.

“I can’t justify the expense for what we’d see at this time,” Elizabeth explained. “I see more focus on improving gas mileage on the vehicles that are already out there. The way technology has changed vehicles in the last five years is amazing. The old saying, ‘It’s not your father’s Oldsmobile’ is more true today than it’s ever been.”

Vehicle color preferences for the 400 to 450 vehicles that the dealership sells each year tend to be white, black and silver. The pearl colors are also popular, but are more expensive as they require three layers of paint.

Elizabeth sometimes stocks unusual colors. “We had a lime green Camaro once. I swore it wouldn’t sell, but it did,” she explained. “Mel used to say there were only two colors to buy a pickup in—red and red.”

In addition to being a Chevy dealership for new cars and GM Certified brand used vehicles, Elizabeth Chevrolet is an Isuzu franchise for commercial trucks, purchased by 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchises across the United States. The dealership sells the chassis, with the bodies built in Lake Crystal.

Meet Elizabeth Miller

After graduating from Truman High School, Elizabeth went on to South Central College in Mankato, earning a degree in sales and marketing. She worked for General Growth Properties at the Mankato Mall before returning to Truman in 2004.

For a time Elizabeth drove from Mankato, then she and husband Mike Miller moved to Lake Crystal in 2009 to reduce her mileage. They moved to Truman in 2014 and Mike does the driving now, going to work at Flexible Plastics in Mankato where he’s a machine operator.

Elizabeth and Mike have two children—Mike’s son, Owen, 15, and their

“PEOPLE WOULD ASK, ‘DO YOU THINK YOUR BROTHER WILL TAKE OVER?’ I THOUGHT, ‘WHY? HE NEVER WORKED HERE.’ IT WAS HARD FOR PEOPLE TO WRAP THEIR BRAIN AROUND. “

( Top ) An all-woman service team provides answers to customers’ questions at Elizabeth Chevrolet. From left: service advisor Alysha Meyeraan, parts & service manager Holly Iverson, and general manager Elizabeth Miller. ( Bottom ) Elizabeth Chevrolet has been a franchise dealer for low cab Isuzu commercial trucks used by 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Trucks from Truman are sold to all 50 states.

Crossover SUVs are the biggest market for Elizabeth Miller and her staff at Elizabeth Chevrolet.

daughter, Meredith, 9. The family just got a camper so they camp quite a bit. Elizabeth and Meredith have kayaks and enjoy that. Elizabeth is on the local Economic Development Association board and is also a member of Truman Pride, a PTA-type organization. RVW

Elizabeth Miller

Summer Schooled

“Did you sign Lily up for anything this summer?” my dad inquired of me while I was sitting on his couch, contemplating whether to make supper or drive through McDonald’s again.

“No, why?” I sneered, annoyed. “Swimming lessons?” he asked. “No, but we go swimming a lot,” I retorted. “Bible school?” “We pray every night,” I smiled. He could see where this conversation was going and changed the subject. My dad knows my oppositional defiance well; he parented it, after all.

This question has been asked of me by numerous people over the last few weeks of our summer vacation. “What did you sign your kids up for this summer?” they all ask cheerily. I answer them, quite proudly, with, “Nothing! We are practicing the art of boredom!”

If you signed your kids up for every available experience under the summer sun, good for you! I simply discerned for my own children that what they really needed to get good at this summer was not expecting to always be doing something. I am a mom, not a cruise ship director. They get screen time until 10 a.m. every day so I can drink my coffee in peace, and after that, we figure it out.

I worry this may not always be the case, however. The RAND Corporation is going to ruin it with their new campaign to end “summer learning loss.” Apparently, students lose the equivalent of two months worth of…drumroll please…. math and reading skills every summer. (A brief aside: Where are the studies positing that every school year, students lose the equivalent of two months worth of creativity? Or imagination?…Just sayin.’) So the 180day school calendar is now regarded as an “incredibly inefficient system of learning.” Their solution? “Summer programs with individualized instruction, parental involvement, and small classes that can keep children from falling behind and reduce the achievement gap.”

Hmm…programmed learning with individualized instruction, emphasizing math and science that helps promote “achievement” in education. Yup,

sounds like school. During the summer. They want to take away summer. This is the part where I create a new hashtag: #savesummer.

Why is the only “learning” that is important academic? I mean, let’s just take a long, loving look at the state of our country right now; gaze deep into our collective soul and ask ourselves a few questions: Where has this system of learning gotten us? What kind of human beings are we creating? What percentage of high school graduates can change a tire? I won’t beat a dead horse here because I know you all are catching what I’m throwing down.

Commence angry letter writing:

Dear RAND Corporation,

Here are a few of the valuable life skills my children are able to partake in during the summer months when their days aren’t so completely preprogrammed with the staple conventional learning and extra-curriculars that make it impossible to even find time to eat supper together as a family: We drink out of the hose and run through the sprinkler (and yes, our well has been tested for lead and fluoride, sheesh!). We catch frogs during the day and fireflies at night. My 10-year-old feeds my one-year-old and starts working on her babysitting skills. We go swimming (and no, we don’t need a “class” to learn to do that; a lake filled with seaweed tickling your ankles is all the motivation you need to learn to float!). We visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Como Zoo, Valleyfair, and every stinkin’ day of the Brown County Fair. We go in the woods and find deer skulls. We learn how to remove ticks after we come out of the woods. We go visit great-grandparents while we still have the opportunity. We play music for the sweet residents at Divine Providence. We ride our bikes everywhere we possibly can. When we get annoyed with the insane amount of time we spend with each other, we work on conflict-resolution skills. We try out new household chores that can’t be taught during the school year because of homework and reading that needs to get done. We build forts. (So. Many. Forts…It’s agonizing, really.) We have sleepovers and stay up late. We notice how tired we feel the day after a sleepover and take a nap because there is enough time and space during the day to allow us an ounce of self-reflection to notice the fact that our body feels tired and perhaps self-regulation would dictate a nap might be

necessary. We paint. We play outside despite the rain. We sing on a stage in front of people for the very first time—not because we’ve been rehearsing for weeks, but because fun, and joy, and adrenaline made us rush the stage and sing our favorite song. We see our very first rainbow and don’t even take a picture with a phone; we just stare at it and commit the moment to memory. We go visit friends who have just moved for the umpteenth time on their military base in Kansas and realize the sacrifices our military families make first hand. We learn not to take eggs from a broody chicken haphazardly but rather, with stealth. When someone wants “just one more book” at bedtime, we read three more. We learn how to not burn each other with sparklers. Oh, and some days, we do NOTHING! Because our personal value isn’t tied up in what we “got done” today, but rather is tied up in our character. We are not machines measured by output. We are people living this one, wild, crazy life together.

We are a family again. Not a house filled with humans abstractly putting out cogs in a machine to compete with the other cogs down the block for who is the best student, or athlete, or whatever current measurement is used to evaluate the personhood of these poor tiny humans who are just trying to be kids. We are an actual family again. That is the gift summer gives us. Please lay off your “summer learning loss” campaign. My kids are learning plenty.

Sincerely,

A mom who is actually enjoying her kids for once. Happy almost Back-to-School season, everyone! RVW

LORI MATHIOWETZ

Path to Advocacy

VanRoekel cites the birth of her third child, Caden, in 2009, as changing her life’s direction and leading to her passion of advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Caden was born healthy and developed normally until around 18 months of age, when he began to exhibit concerning behaviors, including regressing in language skills. At age 2, Caden was diagnosed with pervasive developmental delays.

VanRoekel was soon introduced to a never-ending world of speech and occupational therapies. “The word ‘autism’ began to be tossed around,” she says, “but I was still confident that he would recover from this ‘delay.’ Because that is what I do. I fix things.”

VanRoekel says it took her seven years to realize that she could not fix this— and more importantly, that her son didn’t need to be fixed. Their family began using the saying: Different, not less.

“What Caden needed was for me to change how the world includes and accepts individuals with disabilities,” VanRoekel says. “And to do so, I had to become his advocate.”

Raising Her Hand

In 2016, VanRoekel left a career in finance and began devoting her time to education and advocacy. She was soon accepted into a nine-month training program called Partners in Policymaking. Created in 1987 by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, the program teaches leadership skills and the process of developing positive partnerships with elected officials and policymakers.

VanRoekel calls the program “life-changing.” Besides learning about advocacy and legislation, she met with congressional delegates and testified at committee hearings.

After the program, VanRoekel continued raising her hand to opportunities. In 2017, she was appointed to the State of Minnesota Special Education Advisory Panel, whose members bring together diverse perspectives to make recommendations on special education issues. She will be the Vice Chair for the 2018-2019 school year. In addition to other community involvement, she is a board member of Leisure Education for Exceptional People (LEEP)—a United Way program—and serves on the ISD77 Special Education Advisory Committee.

Building a Stronger Community

By Laura Murray, Greater Mankato Area United Way

Greater Mankato Area United Way’s annual Women with Heart Luncheon brings hundreds of women together to rally around a need in our region and kick off pledging to the United Way campaign. Our United Way’s 2019 campaign will support 53 essential programs in Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet and Waseca counties.

This year, the ninth annual Women with Heart event featured keynote speaker Melanie VanRoekel, who focused on the importance of inclusion and acceptance—a topic that makes all the difference in creating a vibrant and healthy community.

“We all benefit from being around people who think, believe, behave, worship, speak and live differently than us,” VanRoekel says.

The opposites of inclusion and acceptance are exclusion and disapproval, which happen when a person or group is systematically denied access to rights, opportunities and resources available to others. This can have farreaching effects, leading to negative experiences in housing, employment, civic engagement and other areas, preventing individuals from participating fully in our communities.

For VanRoekel, her personal experiences and continuing education have confirmed that an inclusive community is a stronger community.

“Inclusion and acceptance are about making everything in the community accessible to everyone, different from you or not,” says VanRoekel.

“This means our schools, public buildings, transportation, sidewalks, playgrounds—the environment in its entirety.”

VanRoekel isn’t stopping until that becomes a reality.

We all have the power to influence inclusion in our communities through our attitudes and beliefs, even through the words we choose. VanRoekel recommends using “people-first” language. This means focusing on the person rather than the disability—for example, referring to “a person with autism” rather than “an autistic person.”

When a doctor’s office, hair salon or entertainment venue works to be inclusive (such as accommodating a before-hours appointment), that relatively simple act can make a world of difference for an individual with disabilities and their family, allowing them to feel included and able to fully participate in our communities.

Being a Change-Maker

VanRoekel says that everyone should get involved and find their own passion. She is a proponent of supporting our community’s “changemakers,” and encourages women to volunteer, run for public office and seek appointments to policy groups. “Every single voice matters.”

“Different, Not Less”

Melanie Van Roekel and son Caden

It’s a powerful sight to see more than 500 women in the same space, ready to learn, laugh and make a difference in our region.

Although VanRoekel’s passion lies in disability advocacy, she explains that inclusion and acceptance are relevant to everyone. A person may experience exclusion because of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, social class, religious affiliation, ethnic origin, education level, living standards, appearance or other traits.

VanRoekel could not have predicted the path her life would take, becoming a disability advocate and her son’s champion, in addition to her many other roles, including mom, stepmom, wife, philanthropist, volunteer, mentor and multiple sclerosis (MS) warrior. She credits her wide support system of family, friends, teachers and caregivers. The challenges continue each day, but she would not have it any other way.

“My life is infinitely better because I have Caden as my son,” she says, adding that he makes their whole family more compassionate, loving and inclusive. “He is the bright ray of sunshine that guides us to keep moving forward.” RVW

Some of Melanie’s Tips for Inclusion

• Always be kind.

• Use “people-first” language.

• Purposefully spend time with people who are different from you.

• Support the change-makers in our world.

• Talk to people with disabilities.

• Allow everyone to experience the world fully and not try to protect them as “special.”

• Teach your kids that different is not less.

• Mentor.

Greater Mankato Area United Way programs supporting individuals with disabilities:

• Achieving Dreams for Disabilities

• Arc of Minnesota Southwest: Self-Advocacy

• Gustavus Adolphus College: Gustie Buddies

• Leisure Education for Exceptional People (LEEP)

• Le Sueur County Developmental Services: Life Enrichment

• SMILES Center for Independent Living: Assistive Technology

• For a full list of programs, please visit MankatoUnitedWay.org/our-partner-agencies.

Melanie Van Roekel

Wendy Fry, President of The Retrofit Companies, Inc.

THE RIGHT FIT

FFor Wendy Fry, President of The Retrofit Companies, Inc. (TRC), making the world a cleaner, brighter place is an everyday occurrence. With the company’s mission to “develop and implement customized energy efficient lighting and environmental solutions for businesses,” it happens in every job they do.

“We design and implement customized energy-efficient lighting and environmental solutions,” Fry said. We are a service driven company. We have two divisions—lighting and design, and environmental, running out of two office locations in Owatonna and Little Canada.

The lighting and design division provides the customer with a customized solution utilizing a simple process; though, one that’s hard to find in our industry.

BY KRISTIN SJOLIE

“We listen to what the customer wants, then use our knowledge and expertise to pair the best solution to achieve those goals,” Fry explained. “Special lighting software is used to match appropriate light levels, as well as indicate where any shadows could cause problems. TRC also has remained vendorneutral for over 25 years. Many of our competitors are aligned with one manufacturer or another, very much hindering the ability to match the best solution to the client’s individual system, resulting in a bit of the square peg in a round hole approach to some of the applications. By remaining neutral, we have no reason to recommend anything but the very best value to suit each clients’ individual needs.”

Examples of projects range from an equestrian arena to fitness clubs, schools, churches, cities, counties and businesses of all sizes, including the exterior lighting.

“In the early days of lighting retrofits, there were really only a few choices in finding an energy-efficient solution,” Fry said. “LED changed the game big time. Before LED, we were using a combination of different lamp wattages, color temps, and ballast factors, paired with reflectors. If mistakes were made, products were all compatible and readily available on a shelf somewhere. With LED, many solutions are built to order, so no returning when a mistake is made. Proper design and project management is crucial to the success of these projects. We’ve learned that if the design is faulty, it doesn’t matter how amazing the electricians installing it are, the customer will be disappointed. Thus, after purchasing the final scope of work, our clients make a variety of decisions on how they want to move forward with implementation. Fortunately, we’ve been able to also implement many of these solutions for them.”

The environmental division is an entirely different animal, according to Fry. Given the laws that govern how each waste type can legally be packaged, transported, and treated, there aren’t a lot of opportunities for creativity. Customers of Retrofit are often midsized industrial or manufacturing schools, cities, counties and large commercial spaces.

“We have our own staff of technicians. We find some interesting things in this division. For example, school science labs after one of the Science teachers retire. Occasionally the bomb squad is even called in to help!” Fry said. The team handles lamps, mercury devices, ballasts, batteries, electronics, paints, and a full range of hard to dispose of hazardous wastes. One customer will often create many different waste streams, all requiring different final destinations.

“We bring our knowledge of waste identification, as well as proper labeling, packaging, shipping documents, and maintaining proper paper trails to help minimize our clients’ liability. There are laws governing proper waste storage, as well as disposal,” said Fry.

Fry’s father, Steve Kath, started The Retrofit Companies, Inc. in March of 1992, as part of a pretty remarkable leap of faith. Steve, along with a partner, started Lighting Retrofit, Inc. in Owatonna, in a 10’x12’ office. Today there are 60 employees between both divisions.

What seems like such a clear career fit now for Fry was not as evident when she was deciding what to pursue in college. “I was interested in psychology, but did not like school, and was not sure what I wanted to do,” said Fry. “My father suggested getting a business degree. I earned an associate’s degree, with the idea that I’d continue my education when I discovered what I wanted to do. Through courses, I found I liked marketing and really just liked being out working with people.”

After graduation, Fry applied for an opening in sales in the environmental division.

“Rather than continue on with more school, I was ready to get to work. I began working at TRC in May of 1998, and found I really enjoyed sales. There’s a touch of psychology involved in this career, but I didn’t have to go to school for eight years to practice!” Fry said.

Hungry for growth, in 2000, she moved to the Little Canada office to run the logistics department. Eventually, a full-time replacement for that role was hired and Fry focused on environmental sales, again. In 2007, a management change forced her (reluctantly) into the lighting division. In late 2008, after spending a year and a half learning and selling in the lighting division, Fry was asked to move into the vice president of sales and marketing role.

“After a series of failed sales managers had exited the business, I was asked, “Well, do you want to try it?” Fry said, accepting the opportunity. “This challenge was what I can credit with spurring my entrepreneurial spirit and creativity that has led me to become the visionary for TRC.”

When Steve retired December 31, 2016, Fry moved into the role of president. “My dad and I are similar in our foundations of hard work, our playful and

competitive nature, and also in our forgetfulness and tendency to run a tad late. I do have to admit, though, I’m a much edgier version of him,” Fry said. Fry finds her role as president both challenging and rewarding.

“The biggest challenge is finding the right people to help get the job done,” she said. “Find people who are good at the things you’re not. Then, you do your part and they do theirs. I couldn’t be more of a visionary and our vice president, Dan Harrington, is an excellent integrator. Finally, we’ve found

We bring our knowledge of waste identification, as well as proper labeling, packaging, shipping documents, and maintaining proper paper trails to help minimize our clients’ liability.

strong, committed people who want to work hard as a true team.” Fry shares that the greatest reward is seeing people who like to work at the company and stay.

“In March, we celebrated 25 years in business,” she said. “We presented one award for 20 years of service, two for 15 years, and 11 for 10 years. Wow!”

Community contribution is a company priority. Environmental collection is offered at both sites for TVs, computers, appliances, lamps, batteries.

“We are also a sponsor for Youth 1st, a group that sponsors a variety of youth sporting events in Minnesota,” Fry said. “The focus of Youth 1st aligns with our core values and is training people to be good adults. “Try to win, go after it, but do it in a way you can feel good about. There’s no reason to do it any other way.”

Fry is currently in the process of becoming certified as a woman owned small business. For this designation, she must show she meets the qualifications of small set by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

By carrying out their mission statement, and through their daily work, The Retrofit Companies, Inc., with Wendy Fry as president, are making their community a cleaner, brighter place. RVW

Wendy’sBusiness Success Advice

Do’s:

1. Do know what you’re good at: What do your clients find most valuable about what you do for them? What sets you apart from others in your industry?

2. Do have a target market: Which types of businesses or markets find you to be most valuable?

3. Do focus sales and marketing efforts: Once you know who you want to work with, focus the sales team in on those clients.

4. Do have a road map: Start with the finances—give everyone a number they’re accountable for—know what numbers equal a win. Share details of what needs to be done and where you’re tracking to get there.

5. Do take a risk – try something new: It might create a whole new direction. (Or, it might be one you say you’ll never do again).

6. Do find the very best, talented, hard-working people you can & trust them to make decisions. Accept that they’ll be better than you at many things. Everyone wins!

Don’ts:

1. Don’t just work hard and hope for the best: Strategically map your approach.

2. Don’t believe salespeople are the only ones making (or not) your company money: Those supporting their efforts should be just as accountable in their actions.

3. Don‘t forget about marketing: Be easy to find and make it easy for your customers to understand exactly what you do and don’t do.

4. Don’t say “no” to great opportunities just because you’ve never done it or it looks hard: Building a new road is really challenging. Trying something you’ve never done will usually come with issues you never saw coming, but trying them and succeeding can make the team stronger and make you more versatile.

5. Don’t stop looking for a better way: “We’ve always done it this way” is a dangerous phrase. Stay on top of new ideas and always strive to find better.

In March, we celebrated 25 years in business,” she said.

“We presented one award for 20 years of service, two for 15 years, and 11 for 10 years. Wow!

Creeping Bellflower

When it comes to garden weeds, I’ve come faceto-face with the worst. There’s creeping charlie, quack grass, and my old nemesis, buckthorn. I’m uncomfortably familiar with bindweed, chickweed, purslane, and woodsorrel. But there’s one weed that’s worse than all of these, whose very name strikes fear into my (usually) overly optimistic heart. It’s the gardening equivalent of Voldemort in Harry Potter — “The-Weed-That-Must-Not-Be-Named.”

Alright, I’ll cut the drama and confirm that I’m talking about campanula capunculoides, also known as “creeping bellflower.” Even if you don’t know it by name, you’re probably aware of its disruptive presence in the garden. This invasive herbaceous perennial looks innocuous enough when you first encounter it. It emerges with small heart-shaped leaves that resemble blackeyed susans or common violets. By July, multiple tall flower stalks develop, dangling pendulous bell-shaped lavender flowers all along their stems. The flowers themselves are quite pretty, and the plant is long-blooming, flowering periodically until October.

These showy recurring flowers are likely the reason this European native was once propagated and sold throughout the United States. But even flowers can’t make up for the fact that this plant is a garden bully. Any attempts to weed out campanula rapunculoides will reveal its elaborate and resilient root system made up of spreading rhizomes and deep-seated fleshy tubers. The roots are infuriatingly brittle, and any fragments that break off will quickly form a new plant altogether.

Creeping bellflower reproduces by seed too, with single plants releasing thousands of seeds each year. Between the seeds and the rhizomes, campanula can quickly colonize large areas, especially with consistent moisture. Although it prefers moist sites, campanula isn’t truly picky about its soil conditions, and it thrives in both sun and shade. In Minnesota, creeping bellflower is found sporadically throughout the state, though it is not technically considered an invasive species here.

Control options

If creeping bellflower is in your yard, you probably already know about the removal process and how frustrating it can be. As I mentioned earlier, the biggest issue with this weed is its persistent root system. If you attempt to dig or pull campanula, you will almost invariably leave parts of the plant’s root system behind. Don’t feel bad: this happens to the most seasoned

weeders. The roots are deep and fragile, and they are especially difficult to retrieve from ground that has heavy soil or any sort of stone or paving. New plants quickly regenerate from these small root fragments, as they store large reserves of energy.

To control creeping bellflower, start by excavating the ground around the plant. I’ve found that a garden fork (like the kind you’d use to dig potatoes) is the most effective tool for this task. Stick the fork into the soil about four to six inches out from the plant’s base, then slowly lift it until it’s above ground again, shaking the tines to remove excess soil from the tubers you unearth. Stop and pick out all of the root pieces. There will be large tubers (like carrots) and smaller fibrous roots, and all of them are white—so at least they’re easy to spot. You will have to dig down at least six inches to find tubers from well-established specimens. Repeat this process a few times in the affected area until the roots appear to be gone. It’s helpful to take the roots offsite to a commercial composting facility, because your home compost pile will not get hot enough to destroy them.

Within a few weeks, your freshly-dug patch of creeping bellflower will likely re-sprout. This is the most disheartening part of the process, so do your best to stay strong and continue the battle. Take up your fork and repeat the process of hunting and discarding roots. Large campanula rapunculoides infestations require long-term repetition of these tasks, perhaps for several years.

If you have considerable areas to cover (or if you’re just plain losing your mind after years of digging), you might want to consider using an herbicide. Since campanula has limited vulnerability to many common herbicides, glyphosate is probably your best option. It will certainly weaken the plant, but even the most potent full-strength formula won’t consistently kill it. Use a sponge or brush to paint the leaves with non-diluted chemical. May, June, and September are the best months for glyphosate applications, and you should avoid windy or rainy days. As with the digging method, repetition is usually necessary. RVW

Copyright 2018 Laura Schwarz. Reprinted courtesy of Northern Gardener magazine, 2705 Lincoln Dr., Roseville, MN 55113.

LAURA SCHWARZ

A New Ulm native, is a horticulturist and writer in Minneapolis

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Decreasing Clutter Increases Office Efficiency

Do you work in an office, own a business, or work from a home office? Organization is paramount to enjoying your work space and heightening your productivity. Nobody wants to work in a cluttered, unorganized space where it’s hard to move, everything is a struggle to find, and there’s nothing inspiring to look at.

Even a small amount of cleaning and organizing your office area can make a big difference. If you can’t see your family picture on the wall, you need decluttering. If you’re lucky enough to have a window, make sure you can see out and natural light can make its way past stacks of papers and books.

Not sure where to start? Begin with clearing your desk of everything. Put only the items you need back on your desk. For small loose items such as paper clips, staples, coins, etc. use a drawer divider to organize them. You can purchase inexpensive drawer dividers anywhere, or use a small box or decorative container.

Next, organize all loose papers into labeled and alphabetized hanging folders. Color code your files by category for easy access, or file them how you would look for them. State Farm under ”I” for insurance, or “S” for State Farm; it’s up to you. If you color code them, for instance, you could make all financial files green, project files blue, insurance documents orange, etc.

The biggest reminder is that if you can’t find whatever you might be looking for, whenever you’re looking for it, you’ll waste time. The same goes for if you don’t know where to put something when it comes time to put it away, you’ll waste time. Everyone wants to be more efficient.

If storage is necessary and space is an issue, find a place outside of your office to store boxes of documents you need for another time. Utilize file cabinets, locked cupboards, and safety deposit boxes for their purpose. Not everything needs to be right in front of you while you work. You need space to work, and space to think in order to perform at your best.

While you may find a great deal on a case of file folders and legal tablets, your office isn’t a supply storage cabinet. Find a place for excess supplies and keep only what you need. No, you don’t need 30 pens. One of each color will suffice.

Will the installation of a bulletin board or shelving free up some space for you? Then get that simple, inexpensive task done. You’ll wish you did it long ago.

Dedicated space and consistency will help form a habit. You can do it! RVW

TELL & SHOW

The Single Most Important Ingredient in Your Success Story

096233

Now that I’ve caught you with that headline, I won’t keep you in suspense, but first—what it isn’t. The single most important ingredient in your success story isn’t success. It’s distress. Surprisingly enough, when you leave out the struggle that led to your success, you really have no story at all.

Obstacles, failures, setbacks, difficulties, stumbling blocks, hardships, hurdles – you get the idea. This is the distress in your success story. The reason why you need to include it, is because distress causes a physiological reaction in the brain of your listener that pulls them into your story. The result is that they feel like they are not just a spectator, but a participant.

Taking someone on a journey through a dramatic story stimulates rich brain activity. Many writers, movie makers and public speakers figured out the formula for a good story long before we had the neuroscience to prove why it works. Storytelling is an art that we can all learn so that when we share our success stories, we can increase the understanding of our listeners, help people remember our message, and motivate them to act.

What else do you need in a good story? The trigger that caused you to make a change in your life or the world is another ingredient. Most

people live with a problem for a time before they decide to do something about it. The moment you decided to change the status quo is a pivotal point in your story.

A mentor often helps us to overcome the problems and distress in our journey. The mentor could be a friend, a colleague, an author or a teacher. Maybe it’s God. In addition to helping us discover the solution to our problems, the mentor is also concerned about the internal struggles that we’re facing that compromise our confidence and threaten to undermine our determination to press forward. Mix the mentor into your story.

Now you can talk about success. The outcomes of your actions may have led to the future that you envisioned or a better future that you couldn’t have imagined. On the other side of your struggle, you’re different than you were at the beginning. You’re transformed. This is where your passion for what you do will really sing out. This is where empathy kicks in.

Let’s go back to the neuroscience of storytelling in a little more detail. Encountering distress in a story causes the body to release cortisol. Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone.” When you come down from distress and get to the successful resolution of the problem within the story, the body releases oxytocin. Cytotoxic is often called the “empathy hormone.” (There are other physiological reactions but for simplicity’s sake, we’ll focus on these two.)

We need our listeners to travel through distress in our story – in the problems that we encounter and the internal struggles that we face—because it’s the best way to get to empathy. Empathy is the real power in your story because it’s the emotion that connects people.

So here you are on the other side of your story. You’ve traveled through the problem, the trigger, the distress, the mentor, the success and transformation. Your listener feels like they have been a player in your story. What they do with their empathy is up to them, but you can influence some outcomes.

Your story helps your listeners get to know you, developing your relationship with them and nurturing their trust. Your story may change your listeners attitudes or beliefs persuading them to make a decision. You can inspire people to act whether that is to donate, buy, join you in your cause or remind staff of the reason why they do what they do every day.

I heard a story at a networking event that sticks with me. The host told of how he and his wife founded their assisted living organization because of their experiences of caring for his wife’s mother who had Alzheimer’s. I think he was probably one of those innate storytellers who just knows how to reach people because his staff also know the story and they use it to guide their actions. When they have a decision to make they think back to the reason the founders started the organization and they ask each other, “What’s best for Betty?” And so, the story has become not only their mission, but the overriding value that guides their behavior.

If you’re like many people, you might hold back on sharing your success story because you don’t want to toot your own horn, or perhaps it makes you feel vulnerable. But when you mix up the right story ingredients, you’ll be able to reach and connect with people in a more impactful way. As you reflect on your journey, you just might gain insights about yourself that could only be uncovered by the storytelling process. RVW

CREIGHTON Marketing Consultant, Homestead Media LLC

UNLOCK YOUR SECRET WEAPON

FLOATATION THERAPY FOR ATHLETES

Benefits of Floatation Therapy For Athletes

Does your sport demand peak performance? If so, try floatation therapy which allows you to train harder, recover faster and reach all of your physical goals.

The tank leaves you calmer, stronger, and more focused. These qualities are helpful and enjoyable for us all, but for those whose jobs are directly correlated to their mental and physical performance and recovery — from Navy Seals to NFL linemen to professional archers — they are necessary for their work.

Flotation tanks are great for recovery,” says Greg Spatz, a DPT at Resilient Performance Physical Therapy in New York City. After a race or hard training session, your body begins to repair and build upon itself, which is what leads to improvement.

The float tank was found to:

•R educe Pain/Soreness

•Boost Immune Function

•Decr ease Blood Pressure

•Incr ease Circulation

•R educe Endocrine System

•Con tribute to Autonomic nerv ous system regulation

LORI

FUELING FOR THE FUTURE

We have all been there – we get home from a long day of work and the first thing we think of is, “what can I snack on before it’s time for dinner?” Like many adults, kids may be having that same thought after getting home from a long day of school. With the school year right around the corner, it’s important to start it off right for both you and your kids!

When your children get home from school, well-balanced snacks can be a healthy way to fuel their growing bodies. Most children need to eat every three to four hours to replenish energy, and healthy snacks can do just that, as well as improve their attention span and help meet their daily nutrient requirements. The majority of your snacks should come from main food groups (reducing intakes of processed foods) and include both carbohydrates and protein.

Our brains’ preferred source of fuel is sugar and, luckily, all carbohydrates break down into sugar. So by having different sources of carbohydrates available, you are providing a great way to give the kids a burst of energy to be active and alert before their next meal. However, there are different sources of carbohydrates so be sure to choose the right ones. Look for whole grain products such as whole grain crackers and bread to give them energy but also provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And of course, you can never go wrong with a piece of cut-up fresh fruit.

After a long day, it is also important to remember a good source of protein with your snacks. Protein builds, maintains, and repairs the tissues in your body such as muscles, which is important for active kids. Protein also requires a longer time to digest than carbohydrates, so including a protein with your snack can give you just enough energy to get to the next meal, without overeating and spoiling dinner. Quick sources of protein include, but are not limited to, a cheese stick (7 grams), a glass of milk (8 grams), turkey slices (2 oz. 10 grams), hard-boiled eggs (6 grams each), and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (7 grams).

As you look ahead to the new school year, remember, it’s important to make sure both you and the kids are getting the nutrients you need to keep you all up and running. Pairing a good source of carbohydrate with a protein for your next snack is a great way to start and to fuel yourself for the future!

Hard Boiled Eggs in the Oven

This is an easy, no-fail alternative to boiling eggs. No water needed. Just a muffin tin! Shells come off easily. Make a dozen and keep them in the refrigerator for a quick, healthy snack. Eggs may get slight brown spots on them but they don't affect the egg or taste. Muffin liners are optional. If your oven runs hot, you may need to reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Put 1 egg in each of 12 muffin cups.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Plunge baked eggs in a large bowl filled with ice water until cooled completely, about 10 minutes.

LAURA SCHMIDT RD, LD Registered Dietitian, New Ulm Hy-Vee

Easy Homemade Crackers

Custom make your own crackers with seasonings you like such as garlic powder, onion powder, seeds, paprika, rosemary, and more. If you like it, you can add it to your crackers. And no preservatives or added things you don’t want you or your family to eat. You can use whatever flour you wish, or mix and match. Make them ultra crispy or with a bit of crisp-chewy texture. You can even add cheese!

MAKES ABOUT 100 CRACKERS

3 cups all-purpose flour, or a mix of all-purpose and whole grain flours

2 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons salt

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup water

OPTIONAL TOPPING: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon sea salt, dried herbs, chili powder or any seasoning you like.

1. Heat the oven to 450°F: Place a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 450°F. Sprinkle a baking sheet lightly with flour and set aside.

2. Mix together the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

3. Add the oil and water: Add the oil and water to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft, sticky dough is formed. If a lot of loose flour remains in the bottom of the bowl and the surface of the dough, add more water a tablespoon at a time until all the flour is incorporated.

4. Divide and shape the dough into a square: Divide the dough into two halves and set one half aside. Sprinkle your work surface lightly with flour and set the other half on top. Pat it into a thick square with your hands.

5. Roll out the dough: Working from the center of the dough out, roll the dough into a rectangle

roughly 1/8-inch thick or thinner. If the dough starts to shrink back as you roll it, let it rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes and then continue rolling.

6. Sprinkle dough with topping (optional): Brush the surface of the dough very lightly with water. Combine the seeds in a small bowl and sprinkle half of them (roughly 1 1/2 tablespoons) evenly over the surface of the dough.

7. Cut the dough into cracker-sized rectangles: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into individual crackers roughly 1-inch by 2-inches. Alternatively, cut the crackers into squares, diamonds, or use cookie cutters.

8. Transfer crackers to baking sheet and prick with fork: Transfer the crackers to the baking sheet using a metal dough scraper or spatula. It’s fine to crowd the crackers very close to each other. Prick each cracker with the tines of a fork to prevent them from puffing during baking.

9. Bake the crackers in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are browned. Thinner crackers will bake more quickly than thicker ones; you can remove the crackers as they brown to your liking and continue baking the rest. While the first batch of crackers is baking, roll out and cut the remaining dough.

10. Cool and store the crackers: Transfer the baked crackers to a wire rack to cool completely. The crackers will crisp further as they cool. Store the crackers in an airtight container on the counter for 3-5 days. If you’re crackers are a little old and less-than-crispy, lay them on a baking sheet and put them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to re-crisp.

CHEESE CRACKERS Add 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese to the flour mixture. Pulse in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Proceed with adding the oil and water as directed. RVW

Get Prepared for the NEW SCHOOL YEAR with Help from Your Friends at Hy-Vee

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JUNIOR SUMMER GOLF CAMPS

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ALL YOU NEED:

2 apples, variety of your choice

Apple Snackwich AFTER SCHOOL SNACK IDEA!

4 tbsp Hy-Vee creamy peanut butter, divided

4 tsp Bear Naked Fit Granola

4 tsp Hy-Vee mini chocolate chips

4 tsp Hy-Vee raisins

ALL YOU DO:

1. Wash and core apples.

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2.Slice top and bottom off apples; discard. Slice each apple crosswise into 4 slices.

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4.Sandwich two slices to make snackwich.

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JONES METAL INC.

Sarah Richards comes from a strong line of women entrepreneurs and is proud of it. She’s the fourth generation to own/manage a Mankato business.

It all started with Lulu Page, Sarah’s great-grandmother. Lulu put up a building and opened Page’s Bakery & Café, owned and ran a rooming house, and raised six daughters while her husband worked for the railroad.

The spunk that it took for Lulu to succeed has passed down to Sarah who—after two decades as a golf professional— came home to run the family business, Jones Metal Inc.

It was something she wanted to do years earlier, but her father, Tom Richards, discouraged her, saying, “Manufacturing is hard, it’s dying out. You need to go do your own thing.”

“That was hard. I really wanted to be part of the family business, the legacy that had been built in Mankato,” Sarah remembers. “I was gone for 26 years.”

When the opportunity to return presented itself, Sarah didn’t hesitate, joining the business in 2008 and becoming CEO in 2012.

As CEO, Sarah oversees the entire operation and its 95 employees. She depends on five department heads to run specific departments and manage their employees. Fortunately, the plant has a low turnover rate, with employee tenure averaging about 14 years. One department head has been with the company 25 years and the controller—who recently retired—had been with Jones for 43 years.

( Top ) Sarah Richards ( Bottom ) A multipanel history display greets visitors as they enter the Jones Metal Inc plant.

Meet Sarah Richards

Sarah grew up in Mankato and was an entrepreneur from the start. She was in the first group of girls to play Little League baseball when play opened to girls in 1974.

Her first business—with her best girl pal in high school, Betsy (Nelson) Olson—was a mowing business. “We did just enough lawns to get gas money to go to the lake to water ski and to cruise around in the evening,” Sarah recalled. “We were always working on something to make money. The lawn service, farming corn and melons two years, and we both worked at competing sporting goods shops. We golfed and played tennis together, skied and water skied a lot.”

Sarah played tennis, golf, and fast-pitch softball in high school—graduating from Mankato East in 1982—and played varsity tennis in college. She attended two years at the College of St. Catherine and two years at the College of St. Thomas, earning a BA degree in education. After working part-time at Keller Golf Course one summer and teaching high school briefly, she realized that she was a pretty good golfer and could make a career of it. She became a PGA Class A Head Golf Professional in 1994. She was one of only five women—of 300—running a golf club in Minnesota.

Her last golf position was head golf professional and general manager at Cannon Golf Club in Cannon Falls, a role she held for 13 years.

Having always had an interest in architecture, Sarah went back to school—while working in golf—and earned an Associate Science Degree in interior design from Dakota County Technical College in 2008. She worked briefly for an architectural firm in the Twin Cities before returning to Mankato.

“Getting that degree allowed me to have fun—I had a blast, I let things come out that I had been thinking about for 25 years,” she said. “I especially enjoy the spatial design side of architecture. When I built a house in Mankato in 2009, I designed the entire interior layout and features.”

Sarah continues to live in that house near her alma mater, Mankato East, with her two dogs, Frankie and Jonnie, a pair of Miniature Pinschers that are 18 months and two years.

“I have the dogs to help me leave work,” she said. “I’m married to my careers. I worked long hours as a golf pro and also managed a ski school and gave lessons. Skiing is my passion—I want to be able to do it the rest of my life. I enjoy golf—it was a booming business at the time—but skiing has always been my passion.”

Richards also loves tennis, likes to read mysteries, and really enjoys dining with friends—but doesn’t cook.

“I make Christmas cookies from a recipe passed down from my great-aunt and I make dill pickles. That’s about it. I enjoy gardening, especially in pots. That’s been passed down from three generations in my mom’s family,” she said.

Richards is active in a host of community organizations and has been recognized with the YWCA Mankato Women of Distinction Award and the Greater Mankato Rotary Service Above Self Award, among other honors.

( Top ) The welding department is the largest in the company and employs very talented employees. ( Bottom ) A few of the products produced by Jones Metal Inc waiting to be painted.

Sarah’s Top Leadership Tips

1. It is essential to find a trusted advisor and be mentored. Find a good resource and allow yourself to be coached. Also, join a peer group where you can share freely. Everyone around you will appreciate your dedication to personal and professional development, you will enjoy the affirmation and the wisdom of people who have been there, done that, and they’ll help you through inevitable challenges.

2. Surround yourself with collaborative talent that compliments your talents and let them work; they make it happen, you lead and show appreciation.

3. Always take responsibility. You are the leader and if you allow a finger pointing culture to exist, you will never have peace. The buck stops with you; you must accept it, period.

4. Dream big, trust your intuition, strategize, and remember cash is queen.

5. Take care of yourself.

Interestingly, Jones Metal does not have a proprietary project. Instead it works on different product offerings for original equipment manufacturers.

“The variety is terrific. We do have ‘product families’ and most of our work falls in an area we’ve done before. But, even though we’ve made the same item for years, the next one could be two inches bigger or have different hole placements or other requirements,” Sarah explained. “What we do is make lots of parts for other manufacturers. We definitely are a custom-contract manufacturer. In the business, it’s called high-mix, low volume and the biggest challenge with that is profitability.”

October 6, 2018

096567

That we help feed the world, making lots of parts for agriculture,

That we help propel the US Navy, making parts for nuclear subs and aircraft carriers,

That we help power the world, making parts for generators and stand-by power,

That we bring innovation to life by helping companies develop and design prototypes for their next products, and

That we help pave America’s highways, making parts for heavy construction.

• Multicourse small plate experience with complimentar y wine pairings

• Special entertainment will be provided by Scott Rogness and Mike Chinander

$100 per person (seating is limited)

1700 Austin Rd | Owatonna, MN

( Below ) Sarah Richards, center, owns Jones Metal Inc with her brother David and sister Jessica Richards-Palmquist.

Of the company’s products, we like to say...

From large to small, Jones Metal makes the parts.

“There was a time when every Ronald McDonald box in the world was made here. The original Ronald McDonald donation boxes and the ones usually still in place were all made at Jones Metal,” Sarah explained. She went on, “One reason for our longevity is that we’re not a factory making the same widget every day. Our people love that variety and the challenge it brings. There might be a heat exchange unit that’s the size of this conference room or a three-inch clamp.”

That three-inch clamp looks to have a big influence on the company’s future as Jones Metal is the only company in the United States—and one of only two in the world—certified to make the clamps that will hold sensors to monitor anything that flows through a pipe—gas, oil, water, nuclear waste.

“This will be a tremendous growth opportunity for us. We expect it to be a $10 million project for us within five years. After that, we expect it to be $7 million a year. So far there are 144 different sizes or material types,” Richards said. Securing new customers involves risk, Richards explained. “Companies coming to us are under pressure to cut costs. We have to teach them what goes into developing a new product. That’s risky. We hope we’ll get the contract, but don’t know up front. We’re constantly pitching, ‘What can we do to help you with your problems,’ or, for returning customers, ‘What else can we help you with?’”

Jones Metal Down Through the Years

an offshoot of Kato Engineering. Cecil Jones, (Sarah Richards’ grandfather) Kato Engineering owner, realized the need for a reliable sheet metal supplier and also understood that it would be hard for both businesses to operate under one roof.

Cecil realized the value of involving his wife, Mildred in the family business and so Jones Metal would be owned by her. She was an independent, strong woman, was very involved in the business, and sat on the company board for more than 50 years.

Jones’ daughters, Marcia Richards and Kay Jacobson, eventually acquired the stock for Jones Metal Products and also owned Katolight (now MTU Onsite Energy). Richards later became the majority owner of Jones Metal and board chair, with her husband Tom actively involved in running the company.

When Tom passed away in 2004, Marcia was forced into an active role.

By the spring of 2008, Sarah realized that her mother might need some help. When Sarah asked if she should come back, Marcia said, “Good idea.” Though she was surprised, Sarah jumped at the chance.

Sarah and her siblings bought Jones Metal from their mother in 2011. Sarah became CEO the next year, with her brother David Richards as vice president and her sister Jessica Richards-Palmquist overseeing the family foundation and being an active member of the Jones Metal board—even though she lives in Colorado.

Over the years, the business name has evolved through Jones Sheet Metal, to Jones Metal Products, and most recently to Jones Metal Inc.

The biggest challenge Richards faced as the new CEO in 2012 was that the company had not done a lot of active selling for about 30 years. She needed to change that. To reach out, the company rebranded, took on its newest name, Jones Metal Inc., and hired outside sales staff.

“When you go that long without selling, you’re vulnerable. The years 2016 and 2017 were tough but the work we’ve done in sales has started to pay off in new growth opportunities. Orders are in-house, we’re working them through as we speak,” she said.

Also paying off is the fact that Jones Metal became a Certified Woman Owned business in 2015.

“That definitely gives us an extra feather,” Richards said. “It’s not necessarily a requirement with all customers, but it’s an advantage for them.”

The benefit of being a certified women-owned business by WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise) is especially important with government or military work because those entities are required to have a certain percentage of small/ disadvantaged/women-owned suppliers or contractors involved.

“It gives us an advantage when we’re competing for contracts,” Sarah said. “From a selling point, it’s a benefit.”

That certification was a huge bonus to a French rail car company that Jones Metal contracted with to refurbish all the Amtrak Trains on the East Coast, as a certain percentage of the contractors it works with have to be certified small/ disadvantaged/women-owned and American.

To help her in her role as president/CEO, Richards feels it’s important to have a mentor to support her in areas where she needs help and to deliver what it takes to lead people.

“I’ve always had mentors. I also believe that the best leaders are people who are coachable. I’m always interested in something that will make me better,” she said.

Richards takes part in a national fabrication peer council that visits different facilities once a quarter and has a mentor with a manufacturing background. In addition, she has a personal coach, Cindra Kamphoff from Minnesota State University, Mankato. “She’s inspiring. She’s worked with the Minnesota Vikings and is a great confidence builder.”

Richards’ greatest joy in working with the business is the legacy of it being a third generation women-operated business. “I feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” she said. “The challenge of what I’m doing is like a sporting competition—but longer lasting. It gets my adrenaline going!” RVW

( Below ) Sarah Richards

Mildred Jones (Sarah Richards’ grandmother) started Jones Sheet Metal, Roofing & Plumbing in 1942 as

Successful Women Who Came Before Us

I’m not talking about my mother, or aunts or grandmothers. I like to be more dramatic than that when I’m suffering. I take it back to women like Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Queen Victoria, Sacajawea, Joan of Arc, and Cleopatra. Ordinary women who have done extraordinary things. But women nonetheless who probably had fears, heartaches, family problems, envy, self-doubt and bad hair days.

When I think of these women, I imagine them having the same struggles that I have, but their reactions being so much better than mine. I truly believe that when Amelia Earhart’s best friend told her that she didn’t think her flight suit was flattering, that Amelia was strong enough to laugh it off and still invite her to the bon voyage party. And can you imagine Cleopatra having self-doubt about her ability to lead a country, or her beauty or her control over the men in her life? Seriously, like Marc Antony wouldn’t have made the bed every day just to win her over! Major confidence in the face of every day fear.

The first time that I was given the idea to use the strength of the powerful women who have come before me was many years ago when I was going through a heartache that was unimaginable. I could feel my pain in every part of my body and my good friends have said that they had never seen such palpable sadness in someone’s face. I went away for a few days to a spa hotel. I thought maybe a massage would help me to relax, and instead it brought all of my sadness to the surface. It was the massage therapist who told me that I should place my hands on my belly and imagine these women from the past. She told me to remember that I was not the first woman to have ever suffered heartache, sadness and fear. She told me to call on the strength of these women to carry me through this hard time. The act of concentrating on my breathing while thinking about these influential women, was immediately consoling. I suddenly felt a tiny bit stronger. I knew that somehow I was going to survive, just as they had. And, I did.

For each small step that I’ve taken in my life that was a little bit “out there,” I’ve thought about these women. Each time I’ve been afraid to try something new, I’ve thought about the fact that I’m not unique. That all of these women felt the same way at one time or another, and they got through it, and so will I. I know it sounds crazy, but just knowing that I’m

not the first woman who has felt insecure and still has taken action, makes me stronger. I remember that successful women are just regular women who have put themselves in a position of risk. They risk their popularity and their comfortable place of anonymity all at the same time. Successful women go after what they desire. Sometimes quietly working behind the scenes and sometimes roaring like a lioness to make themselves heard.

What I know to be true is that every woman I’ve ever met who I think of as successful, is a woman who is constantly reaching for more. She is actively growing personally, spiritually, and professionally. The successful women I know are grateful, humble, giving, and not afraid to ask for help.

Remember a few months ago when I told you that your thoughts dictate your feelings which then dictates your actions? Well, here are a few tricks about directing those thoughts in order to be more successful that I’d like to share with you.

First, do all things with great love. Period. If you are going to put the effort into something whether it’s for your community, your family or yourself... do it with love. A heart of negativity will never lead to success.

Second, each day find as many ways to be grateful as you can. Seriously. If you can learn to be grateful for the difficult times, you already are successful.

Third, help others. Small acts and large acts of kindness are still both kindness.

Finally, check yourself. There is nothing less flattering than a woman who believes she is better than anyone else, so don’t be that woman. And, don’t be the woman who believes she is less than anyone else, either. You were created to be unique and to give your special gifts to the world! So slip into those big girl pants and get out there… there is an army of women who have come before you, cheering you on! RVW

HEIDI ANNE NELSON Life Coach and Founder of Heidi’s Clubhouse

During some of the most difficult times of my life, I’ve thought about the strong, successful women who have come before me.

Are you successful but bored? Do you have goals that you never seem to achieve? Have you lost site of what makes you really feel joy?

I know exactly what that feels like because I was there. I want to share with you the actionable strategies that can create change that lasts.

I feel passionately that if you can tap into what gives you joy, you can do anything! I will hold you accountable, cheer you on, and get you to the life you love!

HEIDI’S CLUBHOUSE is an organization where women connect with other women and support each other in identifying and achieving their purpose.

flowerpower!

Gardening Times Three

ancy’s hobby extends far beyond her home and yard on South Payne Street—to the city Pollinator Garden on the far end of town and to the flower garden at Oak Hills Living Center in between.

Though she comes from three generations of flower gardeners, Nancy didn’t always have time for her hobby. She and husband John ran Ginkel’s Auction Service for many years and put in long hours. But, it was one of the auctions they worked that brought the Ginkels to the Payne Street home 18 years ago. After doing the auction, John and Nancy bought the house with the “overgrown jungle backyard.”

“Everything was surrounded by messy trees, saplings and overgrowth. We couldn’t see the shed from the house,” she explained. “We didn’t even realize the house had a walkout until we cleared out the dirt and found a slab. We’re lucky, we’re both handy dandy fixer-uppers.”

The area was cleared in stages, eight trees removed, a half dozen new ones planted—and Nancy’s flower gardens began to take shape. Today there are small and larger gardens everywhere—along fence lines, around trees, around the house, pretty much everywhere. And a few have even been removed as Nancy cuts back a bit.

Ginkel admits to being “meticulous” about her plantings and stopped often to pull weeds as we visited. But she added, “If I wanted to get anal and deadhead all the flowers, I’d be living outside!”

Nancy’s love for flowers fills her time. As we looked into the potting shed in the backyard, she pointed to a clock on the door. “I need that…time gets away when you’re out here. You don’t know if it’s three in the afternoon or seven at night,” she said with a laugh.

A few years ago, the Ginkels put up a white picket fence along the front sidewalk. Of that, she said, “It’s finally starting to look like I want it to. There’s good sun on the outside. I’m forever moving stuff around. I won’t mulch until

Because her mother’s favorite flower was the lily, Nancy dug some up at her house and transplanted them to her gardens.

Nancy incorporates other items that are sentimental or family related—like her grandson’s red boots. When her daughter put them on a garage sale, Nancy snatched them up and they now have a prominent place in a backyard garden.

And, with Nancy’s love of gnomes, the comical figures appear here and there. Much of the statuary found in the gardens came from auctions, collected over the years.

Like many of their neighbors, the Ginkels are empty nesters. Daughter Samantha graduated in 2000 and held her wedding in the backyard in 2004.

“There’s lots of privacy back here. We have so much space and had about 200 people in the yard. We used the arbor. We kept the fire pit in—but put a tub with goldfish in it for the wedding,” Nancy said.

“We like it here—we made it our own,” Nancy said. “As humble as it is, it’s mine, all mine!”

If tending to her home gardens isn’t enough, Ginkel also lends a hand with the flower gardens at Oak Hills Living Center and the Pollinator Garden.

Of Oak Hills, where she helps longtime gardener Gigi Rysdahl, Nancy said, “I decided to give something back this year. Gigi is the one who keeps this going. Others come to help out—we appreciate anyone who can come for an hour to pull weeds.”

She went on, “Everything has grown together here. Our first goal is to take out those that are growing over the sidewalks. We’ll have a shovel sale… everything you get when we dig up a shovelful is yours.”

I’m sure everything is where I want it.”

“This is my passion, my hobby,” Nancy Ginkel said as we wandered through the backyard of the Ginkels’ New Ulm home.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY RUTH KLOSSNER

Rysdahl has been working at the Oak Hills garden since the facility was built. Irises, rose bushes, and tiger lilies were the first flowers planted, with others added—some planted or donated for loved ones living at the facility. With a variety of flowers, there’s always something blooming. Rysdahl even added some rocks from Tim Woods’ rock pile at Winthrop. Runnings, Hy-Vee, River Creek Nursery, and Hacker’s have all donated flowers or yard art pieces over the years to help keep the gardens looking nice.

Milkweed plants were brought in about eight years ago to provide food for Monarchs.

“There are lots of birds, bugs, and butterflies up here,” Nancy noted. That means that she has to be extra careful, as she’s allergic to bee bites.

And finally we’re off to the Pollinator Park. There Nancy works with Deb Steinberg, the promoter behind the project.

“I was looking for a place for the three-year-old preschoolers I work with as a para to release Monarch butterflies,” Steinberg said of the park’s start.

In 2015, Steinberg got permission from the City of New Ulm to use city-

“We like it here—we made it our own,” Nancy said. “As humble as it is, it’s mine, all mine!”

owned land at 2250 North Broadway, wrote a grant, and got funding.

With the grant from Pheasants Forever, more than 1,500 plants were planted on one-and-a-half acres of the 14-acre site in June 2016. Prep work was needed as the weeds on the property were very high and had to be burned off, then mulch put down. Holes were drilled and color-coded. The plant flats were also color-coded, making it easy for volunteers to know which plants to put where. Flags remained in place by the plants for the first year or so, to make it easy to see the tiny plants as they took root.

“They say, ‘The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap,’” Nancy said. “This is the third year and they are really growing!”

In addition to the seedlings, $1,000 worth of pollinator seeds was spread on the hillside that’s part of the plot.

There’s always something blooming at the park, as Deb explained, “The grant required that we get plants that would bloom in the spring, summer, and fall. Our project now is to get ID tags so that people will know what the plants are.”

“We see new stuff out here every time we come,” Ginkel said.

To that, Steinberg guided us to a tall milkweed plant and excitedly turned over a leaf, revealing the first Monarch caterpillar. Milkweed was introduced into the park when Steinberg’s preschoolers did a “Buffalo Stomp,” helping to stamp milkweed seeds into the ground, much as buffalo did while crossing the prairies years ago. Deb hopes to do some Monarch tagging at the park this fall.

The park also includes bee boxes where bees lay their eggs. A shade shelter,

purchased from the old Putting Green by Dr. Ann Vogel, will soon be moved to the site.

“Nancy is my number one helper out here,” Deb said. “When we’re working and it gets late, we say, ‘It’s time to go.’ But, it’s a half hour…or two hours… later and we’re still here. We always see something else to do.”

When she’s not working on one of the flower gardens, Nancy and John attend their six grandkids’ games and Nancy does daycare for her daughter from Wednesday evenings through Thursdays. She also loves to quilt in the

1 | Time flies by quickly when Nancy works in her gardens so she has a clock on the door of her potting shed. 2 | Nancy has planted gardens on both the inside and outside of the picket fence along the sidewalk. 3 | Family and sentimental items find their way into the gardens. John drilled drainage holes in the bottom of a grandson’s boots. 4 | There’s always something blooming in the Oak Hills garden. 5 | With a double lot that’s very deep, Nancy and John Ginkel have a large back yard. It hosted daughter Samantha’s wedding in 2004. 6 | Deb Steinberg and Nancy Ginkel among the plants in the Pollinator Garden. 7 | The Oak Hills garden is rather overgrown so Nancy and Gigi are working to thin it out. They’ll hold a “shovel sale” where anything dug up on the shovel will go to the buyer. Residents enjoy seeing the tractor and

PHOTO CUTLINES... PHOTOS BY RUTH KLOSSNER

PAM: The simplest - treat your employees like you would like to be treated.

BRI: Communication skills and clear vision!

FACEBOOK POLL

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST QUALITIES FOR A BOSS TO HAVE?

By Laura Murray

TAMI: Open communication and supportive of their staff.

JENNIFER: I think the best quality a boss should have is being honest to their employees!

MARIAH: Leadership, organization, and compassion. Communication is key, so being able to give constructive criticism, but also being able to just encourage and just say “You are doing a great job.”

AMBER: Supportive and is open to new ideas!

BRIDGET: Integrity. Transparency. Character. An open mind. Empowering.

KATHLEEN: Communication, appreciative, understanding the job assigned.

APRIL: Best qualities for a boss; be supportive, trust your employees, be fair, appreciative, and confidential.

DEANNA: Supporting your decision!

KIK: Empathy/compassion and communication!

DENISE: Lead by example and know that your employees want to succeed. They want to learn and grow. Treat employees like a partner.

SUNDEE: A great boss hires people who are smarter than her without feeling threatened by them. She knows and feels comfortable with the fact that they will someday take her place.

SARAH: Addresses problems in a kind yet assertive approach, and let’s people do their jobs.

KELLI: The best qualities for a boss to have are being supportive, easily approachable, communicate well, and overall caring. If a boss takes care of their employees, the employees will take care of the job.

AMY: A great boss leads by example. They teach employees how to do their job successfully by communicating the expectations in a respectful manner, listening to and answering questions when asked and remembering that success comes in ways that aren’t just monetary. A good boss treats ALL employees equally and shows no favoritism. A successful boss is human and realizes that their employees are too!

SUSY: Empathy and compassion. When a manager loves people, they will make sound ethical business decisions that everyone in the company can feel good about.

JENNY: Best qualities for a boss is to be supportive!! Be a great leader without up on a high horse! Listen to your employees, willing to work right along those who need guidance!! Not afraid to tell others you appreciate them!

MALEAH: I believe that a person needs to be able to understand strength and weakness of others. Have the wisdom to help others grow and become an essential member of the team, and take the time to listen to the needs of the company and staff so everyone is able to be their best

VALERIE: Caring about their employees. Being there when help is needed.

TABIA: Supportive, understanding, and willing to invest in the employee!

More answers can be found on the RVW Facebook page.

TAMMIE: A good boss leads by setting the PACE! Patience Acceptance Consistency and Empathy.

BRI: Communication skills and clear vision!

CHERYL: The best assets a boss can have is their employees and that comes by being fair, compassionate, honest and harboring success for all their employees.

MELISSA: Supportive and appreciative of hard work

BRETT: One that is open and honest about where things are and willing to have a conversation about the future potential and how to realize it.

CLARENDA: Confidence for sure!

RHONDA: Genuine, empathetic, approachable and family oriented—one who leads and listens by example....that’s the type of boss I’d work for.

LACEY: Good listening, understanding, compassion, and leadership but not afraid to work as one with its employees.

CHRISTINE: Someone with good listening skills and is willing to take recommendations from their employees who are actually doing the tough work.

CHELSEY: family orientated And fairness.

RENAE: communication! Being open minded and will listen to ideas. One that not only listens but shows results from listening.

KATHRYN ANN: Know your company, know your employees, know how to step on the production floor and do something. Spend some time with the people in all aspects of the company.

LAURA: I think the best qualities in a boss are being down to earth and approachable.

JULIE: Being a good listener.

STACEY: Compassion for employees and has worked the job themself so know the work they are asking their employees to do.

SARA: Patience and communication for sure!

CONNIE: Leads by example, firm, caring, complementary.

LEAH: Family oriented and willing to work alongside you.

LETICIA: Someone who is able to remain professional, yet realize the value of his employees. You can remain flexible when needed, but able to uphold standards and open communication. If there is transparency, there is trust.

NANCY: Having your back!

TRANACE: Leadership. Making sure you are showing employees that they matter. Giving them tools to succeed and hope someday they aspire to be in your position. Compassion and understanding though sometimes can be hard knowing nobody is perfect and giving the opportunity to learn and grow from mistakes.

BETH: Lead by example and Good listening.

CATHERINE: Get in the trenches along with employees if needed, know what each employee’s job is what they do, but don’t micromanage.

KATHY: Compassion and understanding. Each person is going through so much that you can’t even imagine. It may not be an issue for the company but it is for the employee and knowing that someone, even if it your boss or the company itself, has your back could make the difference in whether or not the employee is a successful person in the company or out of it.

ELIZABETH: Sense of humor. Motivation. Patience and understanding. And great people person. And shows up with a smile no matter what.

MORGAN: Communication and organization. Be able to have open, honest, and clear conversations with employees. Organization because no business can run smoothly without organization even if that means getting in and helping out your employees get organized too.

ANN: A boss that’s fair minded, supportive and appreciative all employees hard work.

TABIA: Supportive, understanding, and willing to invest in the employee!

SHELLEY: Communication skills and integrity!

KATIE: Someone who is approachable and who listens.

ANGEL: Knows how to set clear expectations/ goals for employees & fair.

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED

E-mail Ruth Klossner at cowladyruth@gmail.com by the 10th of the month. Listings are generally for events that are free to the public, or are fundraisers. Listings will be published as space allows and at the discretion of the editor.

Now thru Sun., Aug. 5

• Ribfest, Vetter Stone Amphitheater, 310 W Rock St, Mankato. Musical performances all weekend, variety of rib vendors from across nation. Rain or shine. Info: mankatoribfest.com, 507389-3000 or info@verizoncentermn.com.

Fri.-Sat., Aug. 3-4

• Relay For Life of McLeod County, Masonic West River Park, Hutchinson, 3 pm Fri-5 am Sat. Luminaria & closing ceremonies; survivor lap. Campsite activities, food, silent auction. Info: npokornowski@yahoo. com or 320-582-1054.

• ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ Little Theater, High School, St. James, 7:30 pm. Community theatre production. Advance tickets at Community Ed Office. Info: Facebook or bjhaseman16@ole. augie.edu

Fri.-Sun., Aug. 3-5

• Giant Celebration, 155 S Park Ln, Le Sueur. Dances (Fri & Sat), fireworks (Sat), parade (1 pm Sun), followed by Giant Corn Feed. Ends with crowning of Miss Le Sueur. Info: lesueurchamber.org, 507-665-2501 or julieb@lesueurchamber.org.

• Scott-Carver Threshers Harvest Festival, 19375 Fairview Ln, Jordan. Steam engines, pancake breakfast, craft vendors, food stand, daily parade, live music, operating print shop & lath/ shingle mill, blacksmith, potato digging, vintage baseball game. Info: 952-686-3191, 952492-2062 or scottcarverthreshers@hotmail.com.

• Fun Days, Lake Lillian. Kid’s tractor pull, bingo, raffle, beanbag

GO. BE. DO. CON NECT.

tourney, street dance, grand day parade. Info: 320-664-4111 or llcityclerk@frontiernet.net.

• Pola-Czesky Days, Silver Lake. Toilet Bowl races & street dance (Fri); car show, mini tractor pull, polka mass, street dance (Sat); parade, coronation & street dance (Sun). Info: 320-327-2752.

• Monte Crazy Dayz, citywide, Montevideo. Info: 320-269-5527 or montechamber.com.

• ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ Paradise Community Theatre, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. 7:30 pm Fri & Sat, 2 pm Sun. Broadway & Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, tongue-in-cheek comedy about man-eating plant. Info: 507-332-7372 or info@paradisecenterforthearts.org.

Sat., Aug. 4

• Car Show, Northrop. Collectable cars, trucks & bikes from every era. People’s choice awards. Food vendors, live music. Info: 507-227-2002.

• Adult Mixed Kickball Tournament, City Park, Lafayette, 8 am registration, 9 am start. Park & Rec event; rain or shine. Pre-registration appreciated. 18+, 9-person teams. Info & registration: 612-499-0192 or mickiemousie@gmail.com.

• Medicinal Plants Program, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 7-8 pm. Learn common uses of local plants, like how to make tea from sumac root bark. Meet at Creek Picnic Area next to campground. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Archery in the Park, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 1-2:30 pm. Learn basics, practice on target. For ages 8+. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Dragonflies Program, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 4-5 pm. Net & identify

different dragonfly species. Meet at Upper Picnic Area. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

Sat., Aug. 4 & 18 and Sept. 1 & 15

• An Evening Look at the Carvings, Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, 5-7 pm. Explore rock face in bare feet. Interpreter available to answer questions & direct visitors. Info: 507-628-5591 or jefferspetroglyphs@mnhs.org.

Sun., Aug. 5

• West Newton Day, Harkin Store, 66250 Co. Rd. 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Celebrate heritage of settlement of West Newton, existed from 1856-1901. Info: 507-354-8666, 507-934-2160 or harkinstore@mnhs.org.

• Miracles for Maksin Benefit, Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club, 20513 110th Ave, New Ulm, 11 am-5 pm. Food & beverage, bean bag tourney, bake sale, raffle, silent auction. 3-yr-old Maksin has Stage 3 High Risk Unfavorable Histology Neuroblastoma. Info: mskcc.org

Mon., Aug. 6

• New to Medicare Counseling, Community Center, 600 N. German St., New Ulm, 8-10 am. Counseling provided by trained volunteer. First come, first served basis. Info: 507-3543212.

• Music in the Park, Library Square, Hutchinson, 6:30 pm. Music, treats, popcorn, BBQ contest, beverages. Movie in the Park 9 pm. Rain back up is Peace Lutheran Church. Info: Valerierosemack@gmail.com.

Mon., Aug. 6, 13, 20 & 27

• Music in The Park, German Park, 200 N. Garden St., New Ulm, 7 pm. Different group each week. Free. Info: ci.new-ulm.mn.us or 507-359-8347.

Mon.-Tues., Aug. 6-7

• Charles Lindbergh with the

MHS, Watonwan Co. Libraries—2 pm Mon. at Lewisville, 6:30 pm Mon. at St. James, 2 pm Tues. at Butterfield, 6 pm Tues. at Madelia. Learn about historical figure in program presented by Minn. Hist. Soc. Info: 507-435-2781.

Tues., Aug. 7

• National Night Out, Greenspace Park (off Elm St.), Nicollet. Info: nicollet.org or nicollet.org/ nicollet-s-national-night-out.

Tues., Aug. 7 (every Tues. thru Sept. 18)

• Classic Car Roll In, 508 Main St., Henderson. Cars on display, music, door prizes, vendors, food & drink. Local businesses open. Info: 507-248-3691, hendersonrollin.com or hendersonrollin@gmail.com.

Tues., Aug. 7 & Thurs. Aug. 9

• Music in the Park, Winthrop City Park, 6:30 pm (Tues), 7 pm (Thurs). Refreshments available, prizes. Sponsored by Winthrop Lions & Chamber. Info: 320-5838223 or roepkemarlene@gmail. com.

Tues.-Thurs., Aug. 7-9

• Farmfest 2018, Gilfillan Estate, 28269 Hwy 67, Morgan. 8 am-5 pm Tues; 8 am-4 pm Wed & Thurs. Largest outdoor ag event in Minnesota. First-ever national anthem singing competition. Info: ideaggroup.com/ Farmfest.

Wed., Aug. 8, 15, 22 & 29

• Bike/Car Night Wednesdays, Dave’s Place, downtown Lafayette. Hundreds of cars & bikes, food & beverages available. Info: Facebook or 507-228-8910.

• Music on Main, 5th St. & Main Ave., Gaylord, 5-7 pm, farmers market 4 pm. Live music by different group each week, rain or shine. Weather location—St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Info; facebook.com/Gaylordmom.

Wed.-Thurs., Aug. 8-9

• AARP Smart Driver 8 Hr. Safety

Course, Washington Learning Center Room 104 (door #1), New Ulm, 12-4 pm each day. Info: 507-233-8307 or cfleck@newulm. k12.mn.us.

Thurs., Aug. 9, 16, 23 & 30

• Alive After 5, Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, 5-8 pm. Social gathering, live music, food & beverage outdoors; bring lawn chairs & blankets. Free, sponsored by Schell’s Brewery. Info: 507-3881062 or mflanagan@Citycentermankato.com.

• Bands & Burgers, 416 Main St, Madison Lake, 6pm Live music outdoors, hamburgers with fixings. Family event. Info: 507243-4343, 507-243-4154 or fun@ luckyluremadlake.com.

Thurs., Aug. 9

• 11 @ 7 Concert Series, Central Park, downtown Owatonna, 7-9 pm. Bring chair for free music sponsored by local businesses.

Thurs., Aug. 9 (every other Thur. thru Oct. 4)

• Cruisin’ on Pine & 99, downtown Nicollet, 5-8 pm. Cars & bikes. Craft show at Legion Hall. Food & beverages available. Info: nicollet.org/crusin-on-pine-99.

Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 9-12

• Eggstravaganza. Kids activities, food, 5K run, market, parade (1pm Sat); Rods, Rats & Cycle Show. Info: Facebook.

Fri., Aug. 10

• Dine in the Vines, Crow River Winery, 14848 Hwy 7 E, Hutchinson, 6-10 pm. Locally grown foods, live music, wine & beer in vineyard until sunset. After-party indoors. Info & tickets: 320-5872922, info@crowriverwinery.com, or crowriverwinery.com/events/ dine-in-the-vines.

Fri.-Sat., Aug. 10-11

• Brownton Days, main street, Brownton. Minn-e-Rods (Fri); flea market, 4K & kids’ run, street dance (Sat). Info: Facebook.

Sat., Aug. 11

• Breakfast on the Farm, Guentzel Family Farms, 32172 490th St., Kasota, 7-11 am. Pancake breakfast with freewill offering. See farm animals & tractors, learn about modern farming, talk with

farmers, meet Princess Kay. Hosted by Le Sueur & Blue Earth Co. Farm Bureaus. Info: hewittfarmsinc@gmail.com, 507-330-2942 or Facebook.

• Minnesota Garlic Festival, McLeod Co. Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson. Premier event for lovers of garlic & local foods. Family friendly, food, celebrity chefs, music, artisans, games & lots of garlic. Info: 763-260-0209, info@sfa-mn.org or sfa-mn.org/garlicfest/.

• Celebrate the Garden Harvest Family Day, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, 1-5 pm. Taste fire-roasted sweet corn, bean soup & other seasonal foods, learn about people of Great Plains Village period. Info: 507-628-5591, jefferspetroglyphs@mnhs.org or sites.mnhs. org/historic-sites/jeffers-petroglyphs.

• Archery in the Park, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 1-2:30 pm. Learn basics, practice on target. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.

• Geocaching 101, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 4-5 pm. Learn basics, test skills, find park geocache. Limit 20 people (8 yrs+). Info: 507-3848890 or scott.kudelka@state. mn.us.

• Owls of Minnesota, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 7-8 pm. Learn about owls of Minnesota. Meet at Group Campground. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.

• Wines, Vines & Good Times in the Vineyard, Indian Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave., Janesville, 12-9:30 pm. Live music all day, food, wine & other drinks. Info: 507-234-6222 or indianislandwinery@yahoo.com.

Sat., Aug. 11 & Sept. 8

• Riverside Market and Muse, 807 Prentice St, Granite Falls, 9 am. Shopping, food, art, music & theater on banks of MN River. Info: 320-564-4039 & Facebook.

Sat.-Sun., Aug. 11-12

• Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Festival,

Morehouse Park, Owatonna, 10 am-5 pm. Live entertainment, living history demo, kids’ activities, artisan marketplace. Rain or shine; free parking. Smoker after hours 6:30 pm Sat. Info: 641-8316606 or iowaminnesotapiratefest.com.

Sun., Aug. 12

• Afternoon of Leisure, Harkin Store, 66250 Co Rd 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Bring picnic & enjoy relaxing afternoon learning about frontier hobbies. Refreshments served. Info: 507-354-8666, 507934-2160 or harkinstore@mnhs. org.

• Czech Heritage Festival, 735th Ave, Bechyn, 10 am-6 pm. Ethnic foods, music, entertainment, folk dancers, children’s activities, farmers market. Info: 320-5221218, gwertish@mvtvwireless. com or bechynczechfest.org.

• Threshing Day & Antique Tractor Display, Heritage Acres, 507 W Lake Ave, Fairmont, 1 pm. Tractors, threshing, food. Info: 507236-1257 or heritageacresmn. org/events.html.

• North Mankato Triathlon, Hiniker Pond, 300 Butterworth St, Mankato. Adults 8 am, (1/4-mi swim, 12-mi bike, 3-mi run); kids 3 pm (ages 4-13), divided into age appropriate waves. Info & registration: 507-664-9438.

Sun.- Mon., Aug. 12-13

• Who Did God Create Me to Be Workshop, Conference Center, Best Western, New Ulm, 3-5 pm. Understand self by understanding temperament knit in you. Limited to 25 each session. Info & cost: faithandhealing.org or

Mon., Aug. 13

• New Ulm Medical Center Foundation Golf Tournament, Country Club, New Ulm, 12-7 pm. Shotgun start, buffet meal. Proceeds benefit Heart of New Ulm project. Info: sara.schauer@ allina.com or allinahealth.org/ New-Ulm-Medical-Center/Foundation/Events/.

• I Can Fish, Spring Park, fishing dock/pier, North Mankato, 9-11 am. Kids will learn fish ID, regulations, habitat, fishing safety, more. Those 16+ assisting kids need fishing license. Info: 507389-5464.

Tues., Aug. 14

• Modern Corporate Etiquette Seminar, Small Business Development Center, 424 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, 8-10 am. Addresses importance of soft skills. Info & cost: 507-389-8875.

Tues., Aug. 14 & 28

• Roadhouse Roll-In’s, 713 Main St., Wabasso, 3-10 pm. Info: 507342-2006 or wabassoroadhouse. com/.

Wed., Aug. 15

• Movies at the Library, St. James, 2:15-4 pm. Kids’ movie, popcorn served. Contact library to learn title.

Thurs., Aug. 16

• Medicare Counseling, Community Center, 600 N. German St., New Ulm, 9 am. Information, counseling & one-to-one assistance for Social Security & Medicare beneficiaries. In home if mobility a problem. Free. Info: 507-354-3212.

• AARP Smart Driver 4 Hr. Safety Course, Washington Learning Center Room 104 (door #1), New Ulm, 5:30-9:30 pm. Info: 507233-8307 or cfleck@newulm.k12. mn.us.

• Big Woods Program, Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N Minnesota Ave, St Peter, 7 pm. Big Woods covered 3,000 sq mi of southern MN. See how it formed, rare species found in ecosystem, history over time. Free. Info: 507-9342160 or museum@nchsmn.org or nchsmn.org.

• Senior Learning Series—Life of a Pond, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 12-1:30 pm. For ages 50+, lunch included. Info & registration (by Aug. 9): neycenter.org/ events-programs/, 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org.

Thurs., Aug. 16 & 30 and Sept. 13

• Cruz ‘IN Lake Crystal, downtown, 5-8 pm. If it has wheels, roll it on over to Lake Crystal. Info: 507726-6088, lcacc56055@gmail. com or lakecrystalchamber.com/ news-and-events.

Thurs., Aug. 16 & Sept. 13

• Free Community Meal, First Lutheran Church, St. James, 4:30-6 pm. All welcome, sponsored by area churches. Enter on north side of building.

Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 16-19

• MN Senior Games, Mankato. Multi-sport Olympic style event for people 50 +. Info: 507-3856663, mktosports.com/seniorgames or mnseniorgames.com.

Fri., Aug. 17

• Hot Jazz for Decent People—Tom Wolff’s Dream Wedding, Arts Center, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, 7:30-9:30 pm. Showcasing regional & national jazz musicians. Info: Facebook.

• Dr. Bob’s Scholarship Scramble (Hegrenes Family Foundation), Crow River Golf Club, 915 Colorado St NW, Hutchinson, 2-8 pm. Golf, dinner, prizes. Fundraiser for scholarships for Hutchinson HS students. Info & registration: hegrenes.org, hegrenesfamilyfoundation@gmail.com.

• Car Cruise, Harley Davidson, 2704

W Airport Dr, Faribault, 6-9 pm. Selection of vehicles to view, live DJ.

• Monarch Butterfly Tagging, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 11 am-noon. Learn about & tag Monarchs. Meet at turning circle near park office. Info: 507-3848890 or scott.kudelka@state. mn.us.

Fri., Aug. 17 & 31

• Movie Nights, Mini-Park, downtown Lafayette, sundown. Two movies each night. Co-sponsored by Lafayette Lions & Dave’s Place. Info: 507-228-8910.

Fri.-Sat., Aug. 17-18

• Buttered Corn Days, Allison Park, 4th Avenue NW, Sleepy Eye. 11 am-7 pm Fri, 8 am-8 pm Sat. Free buttered sweet corn Fri; burgers, pie & ice cream, 1919 root beer, live music, kids activities, craft vendors. BBQ rib contest, classic car show, grand parade (6 pm Sat). Info: 507-794-4731 or chamberdir@sleepyeyetel.net.

• ‘Lion King Jr.,’ Paradise Community Theatre, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, 7 pm Fri; 1 & 7 pm Sat. Cast of 20+ children/youth ages 7-18; performances follow 3 weeks of theatre-camp style rehearsals. Info: paradisecenterforthearts.org.

Fri.-Sun., Aug. 17-19

• Threshing Bee, Voss Park, Butterfield. Tractor pull, parade, entertainment, equipment at work, tractor & horse plowing, food. 507-956-2501, butterfieldmn.com/threshing-bee. html or ctybfld@frontiernet. net.

• Cedar Creek Open, 3400 Cedar Park Rd, Fairmont. Check-in & practice Fri., tourney Sat & Sun. Tourney draws 180 pro & amateur disc golfers on one of largest courses in state. Info: 612-850-8795

Sat., Aug. 18

• Family Kayaking, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson, 10-11:30 am. Learn about equipment & techniques while paddling on Frog Pond; all equipment provided. Ages 9+, limited to 6

participants. Info & registration (by Aug. 16): neycenter.org/ events-programs/, 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org.

• Youth Archery, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson, 1-3 pm. Learn to shoot safely; equipment provided. For beginner to intermediate archers, ages 9+. Info & registration (by Aug. 16): neycenter.org/ events-programs/, 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org.

• Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah, Bender Park, 200 N. 3rd St. & 210 Main St., Henderson, 9 am4pm. Hummingbird banding, speakers, kids’ activities, garden tour, displays. Info: Facebook or hendersonhummingbirdhurrah. com.

• Antique/Vintage Tractor Show Competition, Oak St, Sleepy Eye. Antique to mid-70s tractors, judged by brand. Silent auction, prizes, music, food, vendors, local authors. Orphan Trains author presentation 1 pm. Info & cost: 507-794-2161 or kathykrenz@gmail.com.

• STRIVE 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk, Senior High School, 333 E School St, Owatonna, 8 am. Kids’ 400/800M run for 12 yrs & under. Online registration until Aug. 16 at strive.owatonnarotaryclub. org; or onsite.

• Stroke & Stride for Common Cup Ministry, Aquatic Center, 900 Harrington St, Hutchinson, 8-11 am. Do one or all 3—walk the lazy river, swim laps in pool, walk/run path around Linden Park. Info & cost: common-cup. org, 320-234-8344 or commoncupmn@gmail.com.

Sun., Aug. 19

• Bees & Honey Program, Harkin Store, 66250 Co Rd 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. See display, hear ins & outs of beekeeping. Info: 507-354-8666, 507-934-2160 or harkinstore@mnhs.org.

Wed., Aug. 22

• Driver Safety Course, Community Center, 600 N. German St., New Ulm, 8:15 am-12:15 pm. Four-hour refresher safe driving course. Info & cost: 507-3543212.

Aug. 22-26

• US-Dakota War Commemoration. Info: browncountyhistorymn.org/ or 507-233-2616.

Wed., Aug. 22

• Family and Friends CPR, Washington Learning Center (door #1) Room #104, New Ulm, 2-3:30 pm. Learn core skills of CPR. Info & cost: 507-233-8307 or cfleck@newulm.k12.mn.us.

• Crow Creek Tribal Schools with Dr. Robert W. Galler, Public Library, 17 N Broadway, New Ulm, 6:30 pm. Presentation on history of Crow Creek Tribal Schools. Free, open to public, seating first come. Info: newulmlibrary. org, 507-359-8331 or aide@tds. lib.mn.us.

Thurs., Aug. 23

• A Financial Outlook on the Dakota War with Dan Munson, Brown Co. Hist. Soc. Annex, 2 N Broadway, New Ulm, 12 pm. Free, open to public, seating first come. Info: browncountyhistorymn.org/ or 507-2332620.

• Tipi Life with the Lower Sioux Agency, Historical Soc. & Depot Museum, 100 Oak St. NW, Sleepy Eye, 3:30 pm. Learn tipi construction & customs, items found in tipi, seasonal migration patterns of Dakota people. Free, open to public, seating first come. Info: thedepotlady.blogspot.com/ or 507-794-5053.

• Dakota Travois with the Lower Sioux Agency, Public Library, 17 N Broadway, New Ulm, 6:30 pm. Learn Dakota culture & innovations developed to survive on prairie; deeper relationship with nature, sacredness, community & family. Free, open to public, seating first come. Info: newulmlibrary.org, 507-359-8331 or aide@tds.lib.mn.us.

Fri., Aug. 24

• After Wood Lake with Mary Bakeman, Historical Soc. Annex, 2 N Broadway, New Ulm, 12 pm. Free, open to public, seating first come. Info: browncountyhistorymn.org/ or 507-233-2620.

• Ian Kimmel in Concert at State Street Theater, 1 North State

St, New Ulm, 8 pm. R&B/pop artist Jackson Lundy opens for Kimmel & The Heard. Pre-sale tickets at Chamber. Info & tickets: iankimmel.eventbrite.com, 507-359-9990 or statestreettheater@gmail.com.

• Classic Movies for Adults, Library, St. James, 1-3 pm. Popcorn served. Contact library to learn movie title.

Fri.-Sun., Aug. 24-26

• Stiftungsfest, Willkommen Park, Norwood Young America, 10 am-12 am. Old time & polka bands from US & Germany; men & women’s softball tourneys, Hammer Schlaggen, 5K fun run, sheephead tourney, kids carnival, ethnic food. Info: 952-4671812 or info@stiftungsfest.org.

• Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Show, 34605 265th Ave, Le Sueur. See old time farming practices, early town life & activities. Featuring International Historical Construction Equipment Assn & antique heavy trucks. 40+ buildings & 120 acres. Info: 507-248-3515 or

Sat., Aug. 25

• New Ulm Popcorn Wagon, Brown Co. Hist. Soc., 2 N. Broadway, New Ulm, 10 am-5 pm. Historical 1914 popcorn wagon popping on Center St. Info: browncountyhistorymn.org or officemanager@browncountyhistorymnusa.org.

• Lafayette Area Lions Hog & Corn Roast, Fire Hall, downtown Lafayette, 4:30-7:30 pm. Pork chop & sweet corn meal, beanbag tourney, concert by Lafayette Band; followed by fire department’s free street dance, 8:30 pm. Info: 507-240-0048.

• Katie Gropper Walking Tour of Downtown New Ulm, 10:30 am. Free tour of sites related to local girl who experienced U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Meet at Brown Co. Hist. Soc., corner of Broadway & Center. Free children’s crafts follow. Info: browncountyhistorymn.org/ or 507-233-2620.

• Downtown New Ulm Dakota

War Sites Walking Tour, New Ulm, 1 pm. Free tour of sites related to the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Meet at Brown Co. Hist. Soc., corner of Broadway and Center. Info: browncountyhistorymn.org/ or 507-233-2620.

• Digital Photography, Flandrau State Park, 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm, 1-2 pm. Learn to use digital camera (provided). Reservations required. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.

• Animal Tracks, Flandrau State Park, 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm, 4-5 pm. Identify wide range of animal signs & tracks while hiking. Meet at playground at Day Use Area near swimming pond. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Snakes of Minnesota, Flandrau State Park, 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm, 7-8 pm. Learn characteristics of 17 Minnesota snakes, why important to save & protect. Meet at playground at Day Use Area near swimming pond. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.

Sun., Aug. 26

• Hilltop Happenings, Hilltop Hall, 206 First St. N., Montgomery, 4 pm. Musical variety show. No admission—donation accepted to defray costs; pizza sold at intermission. Info: bighonza.com/ hilltop-hall/.

• Cultures United, East Sveadahl Church, 12-2 pm. Featuring Scandinavia food & info. Free will donation.

• Motorcycle & ATV Hill Climb, Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club, 20153 110th Ave, New Ulm, 10 am. Climb on 200 ft. hill. Info: 507-354-2306 or inquiry@flyingdutchmenmotorcycleclub.com.

• Old Schools Day, Harkin Store, 66250 Co. Rd. 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Explore history of old schoolhouses in Nicollet County. Info: 507-354-8666, 507-9342160 or harkinstore@mnhs.org.

• New Ulm City Cemetery Tour, Maintenance Bldg on Cemetery Ave., New Ulm, 2 pm. Free tour of Pioneer Section of cemetery.

Info: browncountyhistorymn. org/ or 507-233-2620.

Sun.-Mon., Aug. 26-27

• Schell’s Bottle Cap Golf Outing, New Ulm Country Club, 1 Golf Dr., New Ulm. Info: 507-3548896.

Tues., Aug. 28

• Beer & Hymns, Main Street Sports Bar, Hutchinson, 6-8 pm. Joyful singing; free. Info: riverofhopehutchinson.org or office@ riverofhopehutchinson.org.

Wed.-Fri., Aug. 29-31

• Red Cross Blood Mobile, Vogel Arena, New Ulm. 1-7 pm Wed. & Thurs., 8:30 am-1:30 pm Fri. Info: 507-354-8356.

Thurs., Aug. 30

• Canvas in the Courtyard, 14848 Hwy 7 E, Hutchinson, 6-8 pm. Wine & painting event, 40 spots available. Info & registration: thepaintfactorymn.com/ event-registration/?ee=1207 or 320-587-2922.

• Meat-a-palooza, Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca, 6-9 pm. Samples of MN meats & brews from local chefs and brewers. For 21+. Learn from experts— farmers, chefs, butchers & brewers. Live outdoor music. Info & cost: 507-835-2052 or info@ farmamerica.org.

Sat., Sept. 1

• Monarch Tagging, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 9-10:30 am. Collect data, tag monarchs, observe. All ages. Reservations required by Aug. 30. Info: 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org.

• Monarch Tagging, Flandrau State Park, 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm, 4-5 pm. Learn about Monarchs & tag. Meet at DayUse Area. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Archery in the Park, Flandrau State Park, 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm, 1-2:30 pm. Learn basics & practice on target. Meet at staff housing area. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.

• New Ulm Battery, Fort Ridgely, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 12-3 pm.

Battery members will talk about black powder & fire canon. Info: nchsmn.com.

Sat.-Sun., Sept. 1-2

• Toy Show, Civic Center, 1212 N Franklin St, New Ulm. 9 am-4 pm Sat., 10 am-3 pm Sun. Cars; trucks & various collectables. Info: 507-381-8234 or 507-3818235.

Sun., Sept. 2

• The West Arrives in West Newton, Harkin Store, 66250 Co. Rd 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Lonesome Ron, King of the Valley Yodelers, will share Western music. Info: 507-354-8666, 507-934-2160 or harkinstore@mnhs.org.

• Swan Lake Paddle, boat ramp at Nicollet Bay of Swan Lake, east of Nicollet, 9-11 am. Leisurely paddle with Minneopa naturalist. Be prepared for all kinds of weather, bring water & snack. Info & registration: scott.kudelka@state. mn.us or 507-384-8890.

Thurs.-Fri., Sept. 6-7

• Minnesota Shorts Play Festival, Lincoln Community Center, 110 Fulton St, Mankato, 7-9 pm. 14 of the best short plays in nation—7 each night. Info: 507-420-1881 or mnshorts@yahoo.com.

Thurs.-Sat., Sept. 6-8

• Citywide Garage Sale, Fairmont. Sidewalk sale of epic proportions. Info: 507-235-3303.

• Springfield Fall Citywide Garage Sales. Info: springfieldmnchamber.org.

Fri.-Sat., Sept. 7-8

• Lake Crystal Chamber’s City Wide Garage Sales. Info: lakecrystalchamber.com.

• Hot Iron Days, City Park, Lamberton, 9 am. See & participate in iron casting, blacksmithing, more. Ageless Iron display, petting zoo, wagon rides, music, food. Info: 507-752-7601 or hotirondays.wordpress.com.

Sat., Sept. 8

• HermannFest, Hermann Heights Park, 10 Monument St, New Ulm. Food & music all day. Thunder In The Valley by New Ulm Battery & New Ulm Municipal Band. Fireworks over Herman

Heights. Info: 507-359-8347, hermannmonument.com or HermannMomumentSociety@ gmail.com.

• Mankato Walk to End Alzheimer’s, School Sisters of Notre Dame, 170 Good Counsel Dr., Mankato. 8:45 am registration., 10 am walk. 1- or 3-mile route. Family friendly. Info: alz.org/walk or 507-289-3950.

• Reinbows 8th Annual Kids Rodeo & Fall Festival, 43341 480th Ave, Windom, 10:30 am-4 pm. Kids’ rodeo, carriage & pony rides, carnival games, petting zoo, POET corn box, kids’ activities, food. Info: 507-822-0526 or reinbows@windomnet.com.

• Drew’s Crew Colorfest 5k Run/ Walk, Harmann Park, 2nd North & Garden St, New Ulm, 11 am. For all ages, 5K walk thru residential area, DJ, food, live auction 1:30 pm. Benefit for Drew Aufderheide who is battling Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. Register by Aug. 17 to get t-shirt. Info & cost: drewscrew.org/ or drewscrewbenefit@gmail.com.

• Utschtallung-Heritage Fair, 1803 Mountain Lake Rd, Mountain Lake, 10 am-3 pm. Village with Minnesota’s only authentic Mennonite homestead, exhibits in 19 buildings, antique machinery, Minnesota Telephone Museum, music, ethnic food. Info: 507-4272023 or mnelson@mountainlakemn.com.

• Vesta Rib Fest, 160 Front St E, Vesta, 2-8 pm. Hosted by Vesta Lions Club. Info: 507-762-3140 or cityclerk@vestamn.us.

• Rice County Historical Society Fall Flea Market, 1814 NW Second Ave, Faribault, 8 am-2 pm. Antiques, collectibles, crafts, art, more. Info: 507-332-2121 or rchistory.org/#.

• Prairie Seed Collection, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 9-10:30 am. Help staff by collecting & sorting native seeds. No experience needed; wear proper clothes including gloves & footwear for uneven terrain among tall grasses and plants. Info & sign-up: 507-384-8890 or

• Hutchinson Fall City-Wide Garage Sales. Info: 320-753-3635, info@explorehutchinson.com or hutchinsonleader.com.

• Fall Festival Social, St. Anastasia Church, Hutchinson, 5:30-8 pm. Outdoor social, food by KCs, live entertainment, fun for kids, shopping, silent auction. Info: 587-6507, lthul@stanastasia.net or stanastasia.net.

Sat.-Sun., Sept. 8-9

• Fall Festival & 40th Anniversary Celebration, Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. 11 am Sat-3 pm. Sun. Family-friendly, celebrating agriculture; tram rides, tractor display, threshing demo, food, tours. Info: 507-835-2052 or info@farmamerica.org.

• Rock Bend Folk Festival, Hwy 169 S, St. Peter, noon each day. Celebrate southern MN folk arts & artists. Original arts & crafts, music (blues, bluegrass, jazz), food, fun. Music begins noon each day. Free admission. Info: 507-934-3400, www.rockbend. org or spchamb@hickorytech. net.

Sun., Sept. 9

• Lions Club of New Ulm Fly-in Pancake Breakfast, Municipal Airport, New Ulm, 7 am-12:30 pm. All-you can eat; free to fly-in pilots. Advance tickets at Chamber. Free KidsSight eye screening available. Info: 507-354-8940, 612-501-2719 or bbschir@comcast.net.

• Gemutlichkeit in Goosetown, Riverside History & Nature Learning Center, New Ulm.

• Grandparents’ Day, Harkin Store, 66250 Co Rd 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Grandparents & grandkids play games popular 150 years ago—dominoes, tic-tac-toe, pick up sticks, graces, checkers, rolling hoops, crafts. Info: 507-354-8666, 507-934-2160 or harkinstore@mnhs.org.

• St. Anastasia Fall Festival, 460 Lake St SW, Hutchinson, 11 am-4 pm. Chicken dinner, bingo, progressive auction, bake sale, used books, county store, games, entertainment, food booth, train

ride, raffle. Info: 587-6507, lthul@ stanastasia.net or stanastasia.net.

Wed., Sept. 12

• Uniting Cultures—Teatro Del Pueblo, High School, Little Theatre, St. James, 7-9:30 pm. Entertainment uniting cultures.

Thurs., Sept. 13

• Immigration Community Theater, High School, Little Theatre, St. James, 7-10. Teatro del Pueblo performing “Help Wanted.” Free will donation.

Fri.-Sat., Sept. 14-15

• Arts & Crafts Festival & Taste of Hutchinson, Library Square Park, 2 Main St S, Hutchinson. 10 am-6 pm Fri, 9 am-4 pm Sat. Artists, crafters. Free admission & parking. Taste of Hutchinson food court. Info: 320-587-5252 or info@explorehutchinson.com.

Sat., Sept. 15

• Scenic Byway River Run—Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Run, 410 N Cedar St, Belle Plaine, 8:30 am. Supports clean-up efforts of 61-acre site on banks of MN River, northern edge of Belle Plaine. Info: 952-873-0855 or belleplainefestivals@gmail.com.

• Old Sod Day, Belview, 8 am-4 pm. Heart of the Prairie 8K & 5K Run & Walk; country music show, men’s softball, medallion hunt, breakfast, Show & Shine Car Show; hot air balloon demo, craft & flea market, kiddie train rides, grand parade 6:30 pm. Info: 507-9382272 or Facebook.

• New Ulm Fireman’s Dance, Event Center, 301 20th St S, New Ulm, 5 pm.

• Grape Stomp & Vendor Show, Indian Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave, Janesville, 12-9 pm. Stomp, watch and/or cheer for others as they compete for wine prizes & best costumes. Live music. Info & tickets: indianislandwinery.com.

• Multi Cultural Fiesta, parking lot behind CCF Bank, St. James, 4-10 pm. Music, games, food, fellowship, information booths.

• Nickle Dickle Day, Waconia. Live music, 5 & 10k fun runs, Nickle Dickle Tickle for 6th grade & under, 3 on 3 basketball tourney,

classic car & truck show, mechanical bull ride, store deals, library book sale, food. Info: 952-4425812 or ksites@destinationwaconia.org.

• Multicultural Fiesta, Baileys Restaurant and Bar, 505 1st Ave S, St James, 4-10 pm. Share cultures with food vendors, exhibitors, music & dancers representing many nationalities. Info: 507-3753333 or stjmnchamber@gmail. com.

• Circle the Lake 5K, 10K & Half Marathon, Circle Lake, Forest Township, Faribault, 9 am. Walk/ run; proceeds go to cleaning lake & improving water quality. Strollers, dogs & iPod welcome. Info & registration: circlethelake.com.

• Cornerstone Car, Truck, Motorcycle & Tractor Show, Cornerstone Evangelical Free, 1500 SE 18th St, Owatonna, 2-5 pm. All vehicles welcome, participant voted trophies awarded. Music, hot dogs and refreshments. Kids’ Hot Wheels races (cars provided). Free. Info: Facebook.

Sat.-Sun., Sept. 15-16

• Motorcycle & ATV Flat Track Races, Flying Dutchman Motorcycle Club, 20153 110th Ave, New Ulm, 12 pm. Info: 507-354-2306 or inquiry@flyingdutchmenmotorcycleclub.com.

Sun., Sept. 16

• Snakes of the Minnesota River, Harkin Store, 66250 Co Rd 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. See variety of fascinating reptiles, handle and learn. Info: sites.mnhs.org/historic-sites/harkin-store, 507-3548666 or harkinstore@mnhs.org.

• Auto Restorer’s Car Show & Swap Meet, Nicollet Co. Fairgrounds, 400 W Union St, St Peter, 6 am-3 pm. Info: 507-345-6541 or http:// clubs.hemmings.com/autorestorers/.

Tues., Sept. 18

• Hero for Life Banquet, Event Center, 301 20th St S, New Ulm, 5:30 pm. Info: consideryouroptions. org/, First Choice Pregnancy Services, fcps.tlc@gmail.com.

Fairs & Farmers' Markets

FARMERS MARKETS

• Arlington Farmers Market, Arlington Comm. Center Parking Lot, 204 Shamrock Dr.. Jun. 11-Sept. 24, Mon. 4-6:30 pm. Vegetables, canning, baked goods, special events. Info: Facebook, 507-964-2378 or arlingtonmn.com cityhall@ arlingtonmn.com

• Gaylord Farmers Market, downtown, 5th & Main Ave. Vegetables, fruits, honey, preserves & baked goods. Jun.Oct., Wed. 4-6 pm in conjunction with Music on Main. Info: 507-232-3497.

• Gibbon Farmer's Market, Hwy 19, Gibbon. Baked goods, arts & crafts, vegetables, jams. July-Oct., Thur. 3-5:30 pm (times may vary)

• Glencoe Area Farmers Market, 1107 11th St., adjacent to historic City Center building. Fruits & vegetables, flowers, herbs, baked goods, canning, crafts. Mid-Jun.-Oct., Thurs. 3-6 pm. Info: 320-864-3650 or glencoechamber.com

• Hutchinson Farmers Market, open air pavilion at 25 Adams St. SE. Ginger & cultivated mushrooms, honey & maple syrup, herbs, herbal teas, baked goods & candies, potted peonies, cut flowers, preserves, crafts, meats & soaps, scrubs & lotions. May -Oct., Wed. 2:305:30 pm & Sat. 8 am-noon. Info: FB @hutchinsonfarmersmarket, 320-234-5652 or jpage@ ci.hutchinson.mn.us

• Lake Crystal Farmers Market, Collis C-Store parking lot. Fresh produce , baked goods, more. July thru Oct., Fri., 2:30-5:30 pm. Info: 507-304-2759 or 218-3304974.

• Litchfield Farmer Market, VFW parking lot, 915 E Hwy 12. Organic foods, baked goods, arts & crafts, flowers, eggs, herbs, vegetables, honey, jam, meats, plants, fruits, pet food. Thurs 2 -5:30 pm.

• Madelia Farmer’s Market, Madelia Community Hospital & Clinic, 121 Drew Ave. SE. Flowers, eggs, herbs, vegetables, honey, plants, fruits. Wed., 4:00-6 pm, May-Oct. Info: mchospital.org or http://nfmd. org/mn/madelia/1006381/

• Madison Lake Farmer’s Market, 400 Main St. May to Oct., Sat. 9 am-12 pm. Locally grown/ raised/handmade goods. Info: ci.madison-lake.mn.us/ or mlfm2014@yahoo.com

• Mankato Farmers Market, Best Buy parking lot, 1895 Adams St. Fresh local produce, sustainably raised meat, bedding plants, cut flowers, eggs, honey, baked goods, berries, herbs, preserves, soap, lotions, hand-sewn items, woodcrafts. May-end of Oct., Sat. 8 amnoon. Tue. & Thur. 3:30-6 pm. Info: 507-382-9337 or mankatofarmersmarket.com

• New Ulm Farmers Market, Cash Wise Foods Parking Lot, 1220 Westridge Rd. Thurs. 2:305:30 pm, Jun. 14-Sept.; Fresh local produce. Info: 507-3592921 or keith@knuj.net

• North Mankato Farmers Market, Messiah Lutheran Church, 1706 Lee Blvd. Locally grown fruits & vegetables, baked & canned goods, handmade products. Mon. 3:30-6:30 pm, June 11-Sept. Info: 507-3406984 or 507-625-4141.

• New Prague Farmers Market, Carbone's parking lot, 801 1st Street SE. Fruits, vegetables,

baked products, flowers, honey, jelly, herbs, annuals, perennials. Sat. 9 am-noon, mid May-Oct.; Wed. 3-7 pm, mid Jun.-Oct., Info: Facebook.

• Owatonna Farmers’ Market, Central Park. Fresh vegetables, flowers fun hand-crafted items. Sat. 7 am-12 pm, May-Oct. Info: Facebook or owatonnabusinesspartnership.com/farmer-s-market

• Redwood Falls Farmers Market, Municipal Parking Lot. Vegetables, fruits, cut flowers, cheese, honey, eggs, chicken, preserves, salsas, pickles, breads & pies. Jul.-Oct., Tue. 2-6 pm, Sat. 9-12 am. Info: 507-8294583 or redwoodfarmersmarket@hotmail.com

• St. Peter Farmers Market, downtown on Minnesota Ave. Locally grown vegetables, baked goods. Jun. 23-Oct. 13, Tue. 3-6 pm & Sat. 8:30 amnoon. Info: 507-420-7684 or stpfarmersmarket@gmail.com

• Wells Farmers Market, Marketplace Foods Parking Lot. Locally grown fruits & vegetables. Jul.-Oct., Wed. 4-6 pm & Sat. 9 am-noon. Crafts, fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, plants, flowers, jams/jellies, salsa, pickles, baked goods. Info: 507-5252879, or wellsareachamber.com

• Winsted Farmer's Market, Winsted Ave., Winsted. Baked goods, arts & crafts, flowers, herbs, vegetables, honey, jam, plants, fruits. May-Oct. Sat. 7 am-12 pm (times may vary). Info: WinstedChamber.com

COUNTY FAIRS

Wed.-Sun., Aug. 1-5

• Sibley County Fair, Arlington. Info: 507-964-5698 or sibley-

countyfair.com

Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 2-5

• Meeker County Fair, Litchfield. Info: 320-583-8291 or meekerfair.com

Wed.-Fri., Aug. 8-10

• Renville County Fair, Bird Island. Info: 320-979-0176 or renvillecountyfair.com

Wed.-Sun., Aug. 8-12

• Brown County Free Fair, New Ulm. Info: 507-354-2223 or browncountyfreefair.com

• Carver County Fair, Waconia. Info: 952-201-9585 or carvercountyfair.com

Wed.-Sat., Aug 15-18

• Cottonwood County Fair, Info: 507-831-0023 or cottonwoodcountyfair.org

• Nicollet County Fair, St Peter. Info: 507-934-2684 or nicolletcountyfair.co

Mon.-Sun., Aug. 13-19

• Martin County Fair, Fairmont. Info: 507-235-9576 or theotherbigfair.com

Tues.-Sun., Aug. 14-19

• Steele County Free Fair, Owatonna. Info: 507-451-5305 or scff.org

Wed., Aug. 15

• Tri-County Fair, Mankato. Info: 507-934-7828 or co.nicollet. mn.us/258/Extension

Wed.-Sat., Aug 15-18

• Cottonwood County Fair, Info: 507-831-0023 or cottonwoodcountyfair.org

Wed.-Sun., Aug. 15-19

• McLeod County Fair, Hutchinson. Info: 320-587-2499 or mcleodcountyfair.com

Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 16-19

• LeSueur County Fair, Le Center. Info: 507-340-4925 or lesueurcountyfair.org

augustMust

HAVES

1 | Mirimyn Relaxed Vintage Accent Cabinet

With two doors and an adjustable shelf, this accent chest offers additional storage space for wherever it's needed in your home. Inspired by relaxed vintage style designs, this piece features a gorgeous antique white finish, and a scroll pattern adorns the mirror panels on the door fronts.

Rooms and Rest

Furniture and Mattress 1760 Madison Ave., Mankato, MN 56001 1704 North State St., New Ulm, MN 56073 roomsandrest.com

2 | Let Class

Meet Sass

Don’t be afraid to mix a classy elegant top with a pair of sassy distressed jeans and some fun accessories. Let your look show your true personality. Bella’s Trend Tip: Mix it up! Bella Nova Boutique

521 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.257.3751

3 | Back to School Supplies Get your back to school supplies now at Hy-Vee. We have just

right, from crayons to notebooks, to glue and binders. Plus convenient and delicious snack and lunch foods.

HyVee New Ulm

2015 S. Broadway St. New Ulm, MN 56073 507.354.8255

4 | Kamado

Joe Grills

An ancient, asian-style grill, the kamado is a thick-walled cooker that imparts rich, smoky flavor to meats, fish and vegetables. relatively unchanged for centuries, air flows through the grill’s ceramic body and out its vented dome, chunk charcoal comes to life as smoke and heat. Kamado Joe is proud to draw on that tradition, modernizing the grill’s classic style with unparalleled craftsmanship, innovative accessories and a range of flexible cooking surfaces. simple to configure and cook on and easy to clean, all aspects of these grills were developed to make sure every grilling experience is as fun and rewarding as it can be. DeGrood's Home Store 220 St. Andrews Drive, Mankato, MN 507.388.9391 shopdegroods.com

4 096220

augustMust

HAVES

5 | Refine Your Wardrobe Transition season is upon us as we head into August. With warmer days and chillier nights, layering is the way to go! Refine your wardrobe at any Refinery location and of course shop our Home Décor and Gift items as well. The Refinery Boutique Chaska, St. Peter, New Prague and Minneapolis, MN 507.934.5981 therefinerymn.com

6 | One Step for a Good Cause Pick up One Step Bottled water and help HyVee donate towards clean, safe drinking water worldwide. Clean-water projects include digging wells in South Africa, South Sudan, Nigeria, Haiti and Kenya. Stop in and stock up today.

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

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

7 | Bothered by a Double Chin?

Skin Essentials offers KYBELLA, the only FDA-approved cosmetic injection used to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat beneath the chin. Discover if KYBELLA

is an option for you, schedule a free consultation at Skin Essentials, call today!

Skin Essentials, Mankato Clinic

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

8 | Cozy Up at the Fire

Pit UL listed outdoor gas fire pits and fire pit tables are the perfect complement to your backyard, deck, pool or patio. No matter your exterior design style – modern, trendy, traditional, farmhouse, or contemporary –gather around a Warm cozy fire pit with your friends and family!

Glowing Hearth & Home 241 St. Andrews Drive, Mankato, MN 56001, 507.345.8084

9 | Relax & Detoxify

The Sauna Pod is a modern-day evolution of detoxification and healing in a private, safe and sanitary space. Each Sauna Pod has its own private room. Sweat out toxic particles and feel rejuvenated today!

Body Concepts LLC

1615 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 507.381.5467 bodyconceptsmankato. com

Untouched photos of paid model.

10 | FREE

UPGRADES

Top down bottom up shades are exactly what they sound like— you can lift from the bottom as you would a traditional shade, or you can lower them from the top to let sunlight in from above while maintaining privacy in the bottom part of the window. Get your FREE cordless or top down bottom up upgrades during the month of August on select blinds.

Blinds & More Interior Design Group

507.380.5019

blindsandmore.org

11 | Volleyball

Anyone? The Nike Pro Women's 3" Training Shorts are perfect for Volleyball season. These shorts feature sweat-wicking fabric to help keep you dry and comfortable during your workout. A bodyskimming profile allows for easy layering. This compression short is a must have for any workout wardrobe. It features an elastic waistband with Nike Pro call-out, flat seams for comfort, and a heat transfer Swoosh.

Scheels

River Hills Mall

1850 Adams Street

Mankato, MN 56001

scheels.com

507.386.7767

12 | Media Credenza

This unique red 4-Door Media Credenza measures 72”W x 18”D x 39”H with the option of ordering in finishes. This accent furniture is a versatile piece which complements any modern farmhouse, rustic or traditional style. Visit our store to see all our fine furnishings and so much more.

Nordaas Home Furnishings & Decor

10091 State Hwy 22, Minnesota Lake, MN 56068, 800-658-7076, nordaashomes.com

13 | Scrubs, Medical Supplies & Accessories

Shop our large selection of medical equipment and supplies including stethoscopes, compression stockings, scrubs, scissors and more! C&S Supply has a great in-stock selection of quality uniforms & footwear. Special orders also available at no extra charge.

C&S Supply

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

She Knew She Had a Choice

She Chose OrthoEdge for Joint Replacement Surgery.

Here’s Why:

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

• 3,000 successful hip, knee and other orthopaedic surgeries

• 245 years of combined orthopaedic surgery experience

• 1 of 13 hospitals in the nation accredited as a hip and knee replacement center of excellence

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

Learn more at OrthoEdgeMN.com

095187

Recognized for Being the Best!

River’s Edge Hospital has been recognized as a DNV GL Healthcare certified Hip & Knee Replacement Center of Excellence. Plus, River’s Edge Hospital is top rated for patient experience!