River Valley Woman February-March 2025 by Luxe Quarterlies

BY EILEEN MADSEN Editor

in this first issue of the new year. And we didn’t have to stretch very far. The river valley is studded with local women who went on to achieve various levels of celebrity, in their own communities or across the U.S., on the air, on stage, or on screen.

There she is… Miss Mankato, Miss Minnesota, and Miss America semi-finalist, Emily Schumacher, gracing our Star Power-themed cover. She walks the walk, and talks the talk, as a local, state and national representative. But it isn’t the glamour and bright lights that leaves her stage struck. It’s the opportunity for service, as well as education scholarships. Emily has a passion for cardiac health and is involved in CPR training, automated external defibrillator advocacy, and hosts healthy initiative fund-raising events. We heart Emily.

Natalie Sperl has sought the spotlight for as long as she can remember, starring in school productions and community theater. At age 15 she was modeling professionally for Aveda and Dayton’s, which led to international runway gigs. A self-admitted chaos junkie, Natalie landed in L.A. to pursue her nowsuccessful acting career, appearing in commercials, movies and TV shows, as well as directing. When not on camera or the runway, she takes center stage as lead singer of a pop/punk band. Rock on.

My claim to fame is, not so surprisingly, being editor of River Valley Woman. Shining moments include being stared at and followed by woman in a grocery store who eventually approached me to declare her admiration for the magazine, and my column. Another person with whom I was conducting some business poked her finger at me and proclaimed excitedly, “Lather. Rinse. Repeat!” I may have strutted around just a tad afterwards, but was so honored by both encounters I almost asked for my own autograph.

Cari Moriarty is one of the few female voices on the radio among those that are still predominantly male. This 20+ year veteran is a fan favorite with her Kato Wakeup show on Radio Mankato, along with call-in shows and Kato Hits. Her love of radio, music and pop culture started as a kid and it’s still going strong. So don’t touch that dial.

An entertaining read in more ways than one is our First Person feature, Mollie Fischer, who fell in love with theater when she was brought to musical rehearsals by her actress mom in lieu of daycare. Overcoming her innate shyness, Mollie has made a name for herself as a performer on Norwegian Cruise Line, acting and singing on stage, and currently tours with Diva’s Entertainment. What will she do for an encore?

Our Something Special page showcases New Ulm Chamber of Commerce CEO, Sarah Warmka, who has worked to make her famously German city just that—special. And she’s done it with a pile of sand, yards of turf, and an upside down Christmas tree. This out-of-the-box thinking has brought nation and world-wide attention to the community, as well as thousands of visitors seeking to enjoy the downtown transformation when it becomes a sand volleyball court, or a grass-covered park. Ein prosit!

Our Reader Poll asks about your closest celebrity encounters, and it seems everybody has rubbed shoulders with a “somebody” at one point in their lives—from musicians such as Prince and Olivia Newton John, politicians Hubert Humphrey and Richard Nixon, to athletes including Rod Carew and Oksana Baiul. My close encounters started out with Minnesota TV lunch hour greats Casey Jones and Roundhouse Rodney when they visited my hometown back in 1967. Later I stood right next to tattooed, pro-wrestler Jesse “The Body” Ventura (pre-governor days), and met Senator Amy Klobuchar at a work function (no tattoos visible). The highlight was when I finagled a meet-up with actress Tippi Hedren (of “The Birds” fame) a few years back, right here in my office, when she was visiting this area. She even signed that month’s RVW

River Valley Woman is known for showcasing dynamic, talented and standout women in our area, and this star-powerful issue is no exception. So take a bow, ladies… then strut.

SAVINGS EVENT

FAMILY OWNED

Blinds & More is located in North Mankato and has been locally owned and operated since 2008. We work with both residential and commercial accounts throughout Southern Minnesota and Iowa.

Brook, Davvy & Sadie

By LORI JEAN

PHOTOS BY JAMES TAYLOR, DIGITAL ALCHEMY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE MISS MINNESOTA PAGEANT AND THE MISS AMERICA PAGEANT

Emily Schumacher, former Miss Mankato, the reigning Miss Minnesota, and top 11 finalist in the recent 2025 Miss America pageant, shares the chapters in her life that led to the making of pageant royalty.

The Childhood Chapter

For Emily, her great-grandma Emma’s wedding ring is more than just a piece of jewelry; it symbolizes her deep roots and connection to family. Named after her grandmother, Emily fondly recalls spending time with her as a child, particularly enjoying the moments spent watching Emma bake kuchens—a traditional German-Russian sweet dough filled with fruit. Despite most kids shying away from prunes, Emily loved these special treats.

“She would make me my own little personal kuchen, and I just remember sitting in front of the TV watching cartoons and devouring them,” she reminisces.

Years later Grandma Emma’s ring took on a special significance after her passing. Emily had a tradition of only wearing it during the Miss Minnesota interview portion. In 2024, when she was crowned Miss Minnesota, the ring stayed put.

“Ever since I won Miss Minnesota I’ve never taken it off,” Emily shared.

Emily’s connection to her family also shaped her aspirations in medicine. A pivotal moment occurred when she was a young girl sitting on the staircase of her home. Her father walked in and told her that her grandma just had a heart attack. Although she didn’t fully understand what a heart attack meant at that age, she sensed its seriousness. Witnessing family members battle heart disease planted the seeds for her medical career.

“I used to play doctor in the basement with a toy stethoscope from my mother, who was an ER physician’s assistant,” Emily recalled.

After Emily learned that many heart diseases could be avoided through lifestyle changes, CPR training, and AEDs (automated external defibrillators), she became passionate about how to change something she knew was preventable.

The Young Adult Chapter

Contrary to popular perceptions of tiny tots on runways and reality television drama, for Emily, the call to pageantry is rooted in service. Despite losing her first couple of competitions she discovered quickly that she loved it. Growing up in a Catholic school where her father was principal resonated with the serviceoriented aspect of pageantry that often goes unnoticed. This component, combined with her passion for heart health and the opportunity for scholarships to help fund her dream of medical school, fueled her determination to pursue pageantry. 

If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Emily: Good Energy by Casey Means. Why are manholes round?

Emily: Aren’t all holes round?

If you woke up tomorrow with a new ability, what would it be?

Emily: The ability to teleport. I’m so tired of driving!

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

Emily: The way we eat.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Emily: I can’t wave with my left hand, or wink with either of my eyes. At every parade I only wave with my right hand because it doesn’t feel right waving with my left.

If you could trade places with any historical figure for a day, who would it be and why?

Emily: I love Princess Diana. I love the crown, and have always been fascinated with the British monarchy. She was just a class act, but also had a servant’s heart. That was the biggest thing, the woman wore a crown on her head, but still served.

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive who would it be?

Emily: Mother Teresa. There’s something about her that’s just so sweet and caring. She could have chosen a different life, but she chose to live in poverty and serve the poor. I mean the poorest of the poor, and take care of them.

Many people believe pageants degrade women. How would you respond to this?

Emily: I couldn’t think of a more empowering time than standing on a stage and being able to speak what I’m passionate about, and that’s in pageantry. It’s given me an ability to share what I love, which is heart health, wellness, and fitness. And women who compete may also receive scholarship money for higher education.

It could definitely be argued that is the opposite of degrading women, that is empowering them.

Emily: Yes, exactly!

Congrats on making the Top 11 and getting to show the world everything you have been rehearsing and preparing for! What was the experience like?

Emily: It feels like a fever dream. Didn’t hit me until finals night when the intro music played that I was actually there. When they called my name it was a black out moment, and I was in the back and couldn’t even hear it. So I honestly don’t even remember how I got down the stage. I think I survived off of electrolytes. Stress and adrenaline make me not hungry so I had to drink like 3 electrolyte packets backstage just to keep me going.

Any keys to success under the pressure of actually making it onto the big stage?

Emily: I take every phase of the competition one thing at a time. Then once it is done, no matter how it went, I move on to the next thing.

Most people probably don’t know that the Miss America pageant is a full week. What do you do all week?

Emily: It’s a very full week of events. It’s like a week-long sleepover, but no actual sleeping because you’re so busy, so just naps. This year we got to be with the Miss America Teen contestants, which used to be separate, so I loved that experience. Half a day is just orientation, expectations, sponsor gifts, the tradition of the welcome ceremony, and signing your name. My full interview was on Tuesday, almost a full week before the televised competition. Then we have rehearsals, preliminary competition, walking patterns, run of show, hair and makeup, and time to see family and board members throughout the week. The Gold Star Family Gala and Fashion Show takes place. It’s a whirlwind!

Any favorite parts?

Emily: My roommate, Miss Michigan, and I hit it off immediately because we had that Midwest bond. It was just a really authentic friendship, late night talks, making Instagram content together. I’m super thankful for my awesome hair and makeup artist. He was my hype man, kept me going, and was just super positive. Dale Smith Thomas was our keynote speaker and gave an awesome motivational speech that helped remind us not to fall into the comparison trap and remember how amazing we are. The Friday CPR training with the American Heart Association as part of Miss America Fit was super cool for me because I got to help teach CPR to everyone, which was a sort of full circle moment. How are you feeling after the glow?

Emily: Happy and grateful. There are little nit picky things but I’m so happy with how I did. It went so fast so I’m just trying to soak it in, be in the moment, and realize how far younger 19-year-old Emily has come as a “Miss” contestant. Wondering what she would think now being in the top 11. In pageantry we doubt ourselves. Eighteen people are judging you on every little thing about you, so you have to remind yourself that not everyone’s going to like you on a particular day. It could go differently on another day at another competition.

In addition to Miss Minnesota appearances, how are you staying busy?

Emily: Studying for the Medical College Admission Test! But first, cleaning my house, because I can’t study until my whole house is clean. 

 “Right now I’ve won over $45,000 in scholarship money. I’ll be applying to medical school in June debt-free. That is unheard of,” she stated proudly.

The runway hasn’t always been a red carpet for Emily however. She entered college thinking it would be the best time of her life since she was fulfilling her dream of playing college soccer. However the team experienced high turnover among coaches, and when one coach became verbally and emotionally abusive, Emily stood up for herself, but was subsequently kicked off the team.

“The university wanted to silence me by paying me,” she explained.

During this tumultuous time, Emily found her voice through pageantry, which had the formative influence on her character many expect from sports. During this time she credits the Miss America organization for helping her stand up for what was right, eventually being reinstated on the team.

“I was finding myself again, learning how to use my voice even in hard times, which can be really difficult, especially for women nowadays,” she said. “Soccer was the worst and best four years of my life, because I learned when you use your voice there may be repercussions. But in life you have to choose whether to let someone walk all over you, or stand up and face the repercussions.”

The private 8-minute interview portion is the most important part of the competition according to Emily. That interview is different from the one that is televised.

“They can ask you literally anything, from what’s your favorite color, to a political question,” Emily explained. “Contestants spend weeks being peppered with uncomfortable questions in order to tackle sensitive and sometimes controversial, subjects in front of judges. The audience doesn’t witness what goes on behind the scenes.”

Once the final ballot is cast, and the sash and crown are awarded, Emily’s work will be far from done. Through the Miss America organization she is partnered with a new AED company called Avive Solutions.

“Their aim is to make AEDs in people’s homes just as common as fire extinguishers,” she said. “If someone’s suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest, dispatch would hit a button and it would light up all the AEDs within a mile radius, and it would walk you to where that person in need is,” Emily explained.

Emily stands poised, not only as a titleholder, but as an agent of change, ready to make an impact both on stage and beyond. With Grandma Emma’s ring tying her to her roots, and the Miss Minnesota crown firmly atop her head, she plans to make the state, and the world, a safer, healthier place. RVW

The Activist Chapter Today, Emily’s toy stethoscope is a real one, and the pretend 911 calls come from actual people at Mayo Clinic Health Systems where she works as a certified nursing assistant. The vast majority of the calls are people experiencing cardiac arrest. For the last 10 years, she has dedicated her time to teaching the lifesaving skills of CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use to over 4,000 people.

Many families have reached out to Emily to share their stories and work with her as a result of her dedication to this issue. Of particular influence to Emily was a young woman named Faith, a 19 year old who had a known heart condition, but after working with a cardiologist, was healthy and able to live a normal life. One day when Faith was playing basketball on the outdoor court at Mapleton High School she suffered from a sudden cardiac arrest. Her friends knew exactly what to do and began CPR, however when they ran to get an AED, it was locked inside the school.

“It’s so sad hearing her dad speak about it. It just makes your heart break,” said Emily. “It was as simple as the door not being locked.”

The good news is that these tragedies are preventable. By working with the Miss America and Miss Minnesota organizations, Emily is focusing on prevention, protection, and preparedness to prevent these heartbreaks. Her most recent partnership is with the nonprofit Advocates for Health. This national organization based in Sartell Minnesota is working to place outdoor, weatherproof AED cabinets.

“Access is everything, not having doors locked can save a life,” said Emily. That’s why we are working on getting the ‘Faith’s Law’ bill passed in Minnesota. Just putting up cabinets is all we’re asking for. Because no one has to die.”

The Pageant Chapter

Now that Emily wears the sash and crown for Minnesota, she begins her journey to the national competition. Miss America prep is not for the faint of heart, according to Emily.

“Oh, my gosh! It’s insane! It’s insane! You still have to do the job of Miss Minnesota which is like a full-time job,” she said. “I work part time at Mayo. Then, on top of that there is paperwork for our community service initiative statement and resume.”

Emily spends many hours a week with her interview coach, rehearsing her talent portion which is tap dancing, and oddly enough, she needs to practice walking a certain way.

Silence Is Lonely

By Roy Bain

When at first our hearing begins to fade; Though the signs are foretelling, we may choose to evade. We tell others they don’t speak clearly, they mumble a lot; My concentration is elsewhere, that’s why I ask what.

Please talk a bit louder; your voice is so weak; I could hear you OK, if you would look at me as you speak.

I can hear you just fine, when you’re close at hand.

If you would learn to enunciate, I could understand. Being with family is one of life’s greatest joys; But, don’t expect me to hear with all of that noise.

It’s easy to blame others, though it’s not really fair; It’s your hearing problem, solve it, show others you care.

He who said ‘Silence is Golden’ spoke for himself only; For the hearing impaired, “Silence is Lonely”.

LETS HER LIMELIGHT SHINE

By HOLLY DODGE

From a very young age, Natalie Denise Sperl knew she wanted to be a professional actress. Growing up in New Ulm, Minnesota, she sought the spotlight every chance she could by starring in high school productions and community summer theater in Sleepy Eye. While still in high school, she participated in Minnesota State University, Mankato productions while attending as a post-secondary student.

At age fifteen, she found success professionally modeling for Aveda and Dayton’s at runway shows at the Mall of America in Bloomington. Her modeling connected her to the worldrenowned University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins, which boasts high-fashion alums such as Alexander McQueen. Natalie began runway modeling for Cynthia Rowley and traveled through London, Paris, and Milan.

“Runway shows are sort of surreal. I was used to people being around and fussing, and I was not shy. It was a job, and I loved to help the designers showcase their beautiful clothing,” said Natalie.

Her theatrical aptitude and grace-under-fire mentality contributed to her modeling success. Natalie got an agent and started modeling for the British fashion brand and former high-street store chain Miss Selfridge. She has graced many magazine covers, including Esquire

“Anything can happen. I’ve fallen before during fashion shows, and you just get up and keep walking. It’s really fun. I love all the crazy hurry-up pressure, the makeup, and the hair. Maybe it’s my star sign—Gemini—I just thrive in chaos. It’s not for everyone,” Natalie said about modeling. 

the feeling I had when I arrived, driving down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard …It’s magical, and it still feels the same to me. It’s such a leap I took. I wasn’t shy or scared. I believed so much that’s where I needed to be, and nothing was going to stop me.

I want to make my parents proud. They are so supportive of me and have never discouraged me. They saw something in me.

 After graduating high school, Natalie knew she needed to pursue her first passion: acting. Knowing she needed to go to either New York or California for success, she opted for the warmer weather of California after many Minnesota winters.

A friend of Natalie’s had moved to Los Angeles and was looking for a roommate in Venice Beach. Right after graduation, Natalie flew there with her mom and made the move.

“I remember the feeling I had when I arrived, driving down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard and looking up at the sun. It’s magical, and it still feels the same to me. It’s such a leap I took. I wasn’t shy or scared. I believed so much that’s where I needed to be, and nothing was going to stop me,” recalls Natalie.

Natalie and her roommate wasted no time in LA. They began auditioning as extras on sets, sought agents, and took a lot of photos.

Natalie’s first big acting break came after she auditioned for a music video for Australian singer-songwriter Troy Newman. She arrived at the audition, waited in line, and was pleased to find they were looking for an Edie Sedgwick look-alike. Natalie’s striking dark eyes and chiseled features were a shoo-in for the role.

“I remember seeing my headshot on the table and Jim Hershleder, the director, saying, ‘You got the part.’ I was so happy. There were so many other people there. I was going to be the lead babe in a music video. Growing up watching MTV—I finally got there,” Natalie chuckles.

Her determination skyrocketed her success. Natalie soon began starring in commercials, TV shows, and numerous films. To date, she has over 55 acting credits, including the hit TV series Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, and NCIS.

One of her most interesting projects was landing the role of Greta Garbo for the Oscar Award-winning film Mank. The film was directed by one of her favorite directors, David Fincher. Some of Fincher’s long list of achievements includes directing the films Se7en, Fight Club, and Madonna’s “Vogue” music video.

Often, we are told to dress for the job we want, and that is precisely what Natalie did. After consulting with a makeup artist friend, she spent hours using a glue stick to shape her eyebrows into the iconic Garbo arches. She then wore a thin red lip and period clothing to emulate the Golden Era superstar and headed to the audition.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t seen on the first day and had to return to a second day of auditions.

“You really have to have a dedicated mind, and you have to have fun doing it,” says Natalie.

She returned to auditions and received many callbacks. The competition was narrowing down. After one audition, Natalie rode the metro back to Hollywood and Vine. Stepping off the train, she looked down and realized she had landed right on Greta Garbo’s Hall of Fame star.

“I just knew I had it at that moment,” says Natalie. Later that day, she received the call with confirmation that she was cast in the movie. 

Personal mantra: “Leap—there will always be a net.”

Go-to karaoke song: “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Something surprising about you:

“I can work on cars. I just put a convertible motor in a Ford Mustang.”

Any pets?

“I have a sevenyear-old Sphinx cat named Candy Darling. We go everywhere together. He’s my adventure cat.”

Do you ever get nervous?

“No, never. With acting, you get a lot of chances. Sometimes music shows are a little unnerving because it’s all live.”

"

 One of her scenes as Greta Garbo in Mank was alongside award-winning actor Gary Oldman. Their characters rode in a Rolls Royce together, and Oldman’s character would depart with an eccentric lick to Natalie’s cheek. Fincher, known for his meticulous and repetitive takes, shot the scene repeatedly, leaving makeup artists scrambling to reapply Natalie’s blush after each take. The scene that made the film cut was a kiss on Natalie’s cheek.

Natalie’s work on the silver screen requires steadfast determination and motivation. Her acting career is more than just a long list of credits; it proves her ability to adapt, evolve, and stay true to herself in a constantly shifting industry.

“I was once in a scene with Brittany Murphy and Kathy Bates, and I asked Kathy if she had any advice. She said, ‘I always believe in what I am saying. If I believe it, the viewer will believe it,’” Natalie recalls.

In addition to her many talents, Natalie added ‘film director’ to her long list of achievements. In 2020, she directed, filmed, and starred in a short film entitled Caroline. Her directorial debut won numerous awards in the festival circuit, including Best Short, Best Microfilm, and Best Leading Actress.

But Natalie’s star power doesn’t end there. When she’s not on camera, she’s center stage as the lead singer and guitarist of her popular pop punk rock and roll band “Kill My Coquette.” After teaching herself guitar from videos on YouTube, she auditioned additional band members and hit the stage. Kill My Coquette has opened for Bad Religion, Off!, and many others.

“I always grew up around music. I came from a family of musicians. My dad used to blast (Bob) Dylan every morning.

Anything can happen. I’ve fallen before during fashion shows, and you just get up and keep walking. It’s really fun. I love all the crazy hurry-up pressure, the makeup, and the hair.

My brother and I had a band, but we broke up over artistic differences,” Natalie says with a laugh.

No matter what limelight she is in, Natalie’s true star power is inspired by her parents.

“I want to make my parents proud. They are so supportive of me and have never discouraged me. They saw something in me,” says Natalie.

Natalie, a vivacious and determined risk-taker, has this advice for any aspiring artist:

“If you’re in a small town, take the leap and find bigger communities of like-minded people who come from different backgrounds and cultures. Get involved in their community and network like crazy. Relationships are the key to success in most businesses,” said Natalie. “Studying and getting degrees are helpful, but I find that for arts-related professions, you just need to jump in the deep end and learn how to swim. It worked for me. Most of what I know is from being on set, working on a production, and taking it all in. I don’t discount training, though an actor is always training and working on their craft. If a big city isn’t available to you, start where you are to build your tribe. Or create your own work right where you are. You may find the most inspiration is right in your backyard.”

Natalie’s talents show no sign of slowing down. You can catch her in many upcoming films, including Garden State Goddess, St. Peter Street, Broken Brothers, Death Border, and That Day on 101st Street.

Learn more about Natalie’s diverse talents at nataliedenisesperl.com or at killmycoquette.com RVW

By CATE DEBATES

When you hear “in the limelight,” your mind probably first goes to actresses, singers, or evening news anchors. But what about those who are always with us, sharing in our stories and keeping us entertained all day long? Cari Moriarty has been a presence in our lives through her role as the morning host of the Kato Wakeup on Radio Mankato. Her familiar voice has been heard over the airwaves locally for more than 23 years, and she has no plans of stopping.

Cari is passionate about radio, but what has kept her in the industry for so long is the stories of community. Her ability to connect with listeners, concert-goers and those she interviews is authentic. She has a curiosity for others and wants to make sure local stories are heard and shared.

“Radio was the first influencer!” Cari exclaims. “News, pop culture, weather, trends… it all started with radio.”

Cari is a southern Minnesota native hailing from Waldorf, a small farming community outside of Mankato. She grew up with a love of music, concerts and radio. She recalls watching MTV VJs as a kid and wanting so badly to be around musicians and artists, sharing in the joy that is music. Cari grew up begging her parents to drive her into town to get a single-hit album for her disc jockey. “If I couldn’t afford to get the entire album, I

could always go get the single and listen to it over and over again,” she said.

After high school, Cari went to Brown Institute for broadcast journalism in the Twin Cities, with her sights set on being behind the mic.

“Only two percent of professionals make it in radio,” Cari recalls the statistic she heard early on in her career. “I told myself, I’m going to be a part of that group!”

Three weeks prior to her college graduation, she called every station she had connections with and landed her first on-air job at 93X. She worked from midnight to 6 a.m. for three years part-time before finding a full-time job. She took the overnight shifts, chatting up callers at 2 and 3 in the morning. After earning her stripes, Cari was offered an opportunity to move back home and be a part of the stations she grew up listening to. If you listened to the radio in the area from 2003-2004, you may have heard Rebecca Stone, Cari’s early alias, chatting up pop culture or introducing a top of the chart hit.

Cari has now been on local radio in Greater Mankato for more than 20 years—a feat that is nearly unheard of in the radio broadcast industry, especially for a female.

“Radio is a man’s world, even to this day. I’m lucky to have had an excellent female mentor early on in my career,” Cari said.

“Tawn Mastrey at 93X radio in the Twin Cities. Growing up, I was taught to sit still, look pretty. Tawn was instrumental in helping me find my voice.”

Cari also says she is lucky to have two other women radio personalities as co-workers, Lisa Kaye and Terri T. pointing out that isn’t typically the case in other radio stations.

Cari loves to interact with her listeners and fans. Her favorite memories of working in the industry are not the big celebrity meet-andgreets, but the exchanges she’s had with fans. She has a “Jeep club” of listeners who discuss their shared love for their cars, the “text club” for the station where she learns where they listen, and how they can relate to an anecdote she shared on-air. Cari also presents at local career days at the schools, and talks to the next generation about her love for music and radio.

With industry changing and more content being produced online, Cari, like so many other radio personalities, now must put herself out there on social media. She is still behind the mic, but now much more accessible.

“My mentor told me to focus on my voice verses my outfit,” Cari said. “I try not to get lost in the likes and views. I ask myself—does anyone really care? Is it going to impact us? I’m not a trendsetter, but I love to know about them and talk about them. I suppose the one trend I want to believe I started was when I dyed my hair purple 10 years ago. I’d like to think local people went for it with hair color after that.”

Coping with always having to be “on” for her listeners, in and out of the studio can be challenging, according to Cari.

“I’ve had to learn that I have the power to say no,” she said. “But it’s also great to meet people who have connected with something I shared on-air. I love being a break in their day, even if it’s just for 30 seconds.”

However, not every listener introduction has been easy, and Cari has learned to have a thick skin if people get upset with her or tell her they don’t listen, but their kids do. When that happens she directs them to one of Radio Mankato’s other stations that is more suited to their interests and tastes.

Outside of the studio, Cari also finds enjoyment at their live broadcasts and concerts. She loves the excitement and energy from a crowd of eager fans, waiting to hear their favorite band or artist. She is most excited by the opportunity to pump up a crowd.

“I’d rather be on a stage for 30 seconds in front of a 5,000-person audience verses 10 minutes in a small group,” Cari admits. “I love going out on stage and being the person to hype up a crowd!”

Her dedication to bringing listeners the latest news and trends goes beyond her office hours. She finds herself researching movies,

awards, and trends even when she is home relaxing for the day. When asked how she keeps such a lengthy schedule, Cari said that she never has been a morning person, and it never gets easier.

“I get up at 4:30 am, work 12 to 5 pm, and then hit ‘mom-mode’ getting the kids from school and to activities,” said Cari. “But my brain never shuts off. News is bi-coastal so in the Midwest we are often the last to hear about things, so we have to always be ready.”

So what is the next big thing for Cari?

“20 years in radio was my goal. After that, I told myself I would feel like I’ve made it a career,” she said. “It’s hard to start a side project on radio due to people’s attention spans shortening. I just want to keep up the good vibes with Kato Hits. And it has always been a goal of mine to write a book someday—a life story.”

Just like her listeners, Cari also has some big dreams of meeting her favorite artists. High on her list would be to introduce the retired artist, Bob Seger on stage, or the Deftones. Her musical interest spans much wider than any top 40 chart…

“Andrea Bocelli is one artist I need to introduce in concert. I promise not to sing with him though,” she said.

Cari would like to offer to mentor other women in radio or broadcasting.

“Radio can be lonely sometimes, so I’d welcome the opportunity,” Cari said.

The ultimate hype-girl, Cari is filled with an unmatched compassion for others and clearly loves her career and her community.

“Enjoy what you’re doing,” she said. “If you’re passionate, you’ll be great.” RVW

Effective ways your bank can help you

MANAGE YOUR MONEY

We’ve all heard the saying, “Cash is King,” but is it possible to have too much cash? Or what if you’re always coming up short? For businesses—large or small—and individuals, it’s all about achieving the right balance.

If a business has too much cash, it could miss opportunities for investment (which looks different for each business) and, in turn, lose potential earnings. On the other hand, insufficient cash flow can lead to borrowing, interest payments, or the need to sell off liquid investments to meet financial obligations. The same principle applies to individuals: understanding income minus expenses over time is key to financial health.

It seems like a simple concept, but according to a study by QuickBooks, approximately 43% of small business owners say cash flow is a problem for their business. On the individual side, 49% of U.S. adults reported some difficulty paying bills, and 1 in 3 Americans (34%) were late on a bill payment in the last 90 days according to a report from Ramsey Solutions. Furthermore, most are unaware that they have a free resource in their back pocket—one that is often overlooked: their bank!

Many banks employ treasury management specialists who can play a pivotal role in improving cash flow for both businesses and individuals. By combining strategic financial planning, efficient cash handling, and insightful advice, they help clients achieve financial stability and growth. Here’s how:

1. Optimizing Payments and Collections

Banks offer products and services to streamline payments and collections. This ensures funds are collected promptly and disbursed efficiently, improving cash flow significantly. For example, tools like automated clearing house (ACH) payments, wire transfers, and mobile deposits can reduce delays and increase operational efficiency.

2. Investment Management

Banks can effectively manage surplus funds by investing them in shortterm, high-yield financial products such as certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, or help identify other investment options. This ensures idle cash generates returns rather than sitting stagnant.

3. Credit Management

For businesses, banks can help identify the advantages of negotiating favorable credit terms with suppliers and optimizing the credit terms given to customers. For individuals, they help manage personal credit by offering strategies to minimize interest costs and fees, such as consolidating high-interest debt or restructuring payment plans.

4. Cash Concentration

Just as individuals often subscribe to multiple streaming services they forget about, businesses and individuals may have accounts at different banks, leading to inefficiency and confusion. Banks can help consolidate accounts and pool funds, improving visibility and enabling quick, strategic cash movements.

5. Risk Management

Market fluctuations and interest rate changes can affect cash flow. Banks offer tailored strategies to minimize these risks, such as locking in interest rates or adjusting payment schedules. Additionally, they assist businesses in reducing operational risks by implementing robust internal controls and procedures to mitigate fraud and errors in treasury operations.

By leveraging these strategies, a Treasury Management Officer can provide invaluable support to ensure businesses and individuals have the funds they need to meet obligations and seize opportunities.

Proper treasury management can make all the difference. Whether you’re running a business or managing personal finances, consulting with your bank can unlock opportunities for financial growth and stability.

By MOLLIE FISCHER

When I think about my career as a performer, the phrase that comes to mind is “Saying Yes and Being Brave.” It’s a mantra that has shaped my life, from my shy beginnings to a vibrant career spanning over 20 years.

As a child, I was incredibly shy. I grew up in North Mankato, Minnesota, and spent a lot of time in the theater, not because I was performing, but because my mom was directing musicals at Mankato West High School. My brother and I were brought along to rehearsals because, as my mom put it, “it was cheaper than childcare.” Sitting in the darkened theater, watching actors come together to sing, dance, and tell stories under bright stage lights, I fell in love. I knew I wanted to be on that stage one day, but my shyness held me back. I auditioned many times as a child but was never cast because I was too quiet. If you knew me now and the usual volume I have in a room, you’d find that very hard to believe.

Everything changed when I pursued my Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater at Minnesota State University, Mankato. For the first time, I was learning incredible stage skills and earning lead roles, which boosted my confidence and made me feel truly seen. Graduating in 2009, I took my first big leap into the professional world. That leap turned into a flight— literally—when I joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2011. From there, I also worked with Carnival Cruise Line, performing as a singer and dancer. These roles allowed me to travel the world, and what an incredible journey it has been.

Highlights of a Life on Stage (and Sea)

One of the greatest joys of my career has been traveling the globe while doing what I love. Performing has taken me to places I never dreamed I’d see—marveling at the Acropolis in Athens, standing in awe at Mount Vesuvius in Italy, and riding a camel by the pyramids of Giza by day before becoming a glitter-faced 1960s dancer on stage by night. Cruise ship performances were thrilling—high-energy, themed shows spanning rock, country, and musical theatre. The caliber of talent was incredibly high, and we were expected to sing like pop stars, perform intense choreography, and wear elaborate costumes—all without missing a beat. I shared the stage with performers from all over the world, including aerialists and magicians, creating unforgettable productions that brought audiences to their feet. These experiences weren’t just about the destinations; they were about connecting with people, sharing cultures, and creating something beautiful together.

It was also through performing that I met my husband, Fede, a sound technician from Argentina. We met on my 2019 cruise ship contract, and it was truly serendipitous. I still smile when I think about how he used to leave notes and chocolates in my microphone drawer. Our shared love for the arts brought us together, and those small gestures

turned into a lifelong partnership. It’s funny to think how my journey from that shy little girl to a seasoned performer led me not only to incredible career opportunities but also to my life partner. How amazing is that?

The Magic of Performance

What drew me into performing wasn’t just the spectacle; it was the magic of storytelling. As a child watching rehearsals, I saw actors and dancers make themselves vulnerable on stage while having so much fun. It was a world of collaboration, fearlessness, and creativity. Over the years, I’ve realized that this art form is about more than entertainment; it’s about overcoming fears, connecting with others, and creating something larger than one’s self.

Performing has shaped my life in countless ways. It’s taught me resilience, teamwork, and the power of saying yes to opportunities— even when they scare me. Each role, each stage, and each collaboration has brought me closer to understanding who I am and what I’m capable of as an artist and a person.

Challenges and Lessons

Like any career, performing has its challenges. Saying goodbye to roles and castmates is bittersweet, and auditions often mean facing rejection and constant comparisons. Standing out in a room full of talent takes persistence, confidence, and the ability to keep refining your craft while believing in yourself.

If I could give advice to my younger self or to any aspiring performer, it would be this: Know your strengths and weaknesses. Be your own

salesperson. In this industry, you have to understand what you bring to the table and how to showcase it. Always be open to new experiences, even if they push you outside your comfort zone. You’ll grow in ways you never imagined.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of bravery. If you don’t try, you’ll never know how far you can go. Saying yes to opportunities, even when they feel daunting, has been the key to my success. It’s how I’ve traveled the world, met incredible people, and grown as an artist and a person.

A Life Beyond Cruise Ships

When I wasn’t performing on cruise ships, I was building my stage career back home in the Twin Cities. I appeared at the Ordway in West Side Story and at the Old Log Theater in Million Dollar Quartet and Ghost: The Musical. I also spent six years as a vocalist with the pop-rock cover band Skitzo Fonik. Currently, I tour with Diva’s Entertainment, performing diverse shows featuring rock, country, pop, and funk. Most recently, I toured their Christmas show in Florida for three weeks.

While my career has taken me far from Mankato, it’s also brought me back home. I’m grateful to continue performing while being rooted in a community that has always been a part of my story.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come from that shy little girl sitting in the dark theater. Performing has given me a life filled with adventure, growth, and connection. It’s taught me to be brave, to say yes, and to embrace the unknown. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

MEDITERRANEAN DIET

The Mediterranean Diet is praised for its health benefits and flavorful, simple dishes. It focuses on whole, minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, especially olive oil. Unlike restrictive diets, it offers a balanced and sustainable way of eating.

Following the Mediterranean Diet has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It has been linked to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers due to its rich antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to improve brain health. Healthy fats support cognitive function and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. When following the diet, people experience better blood sugar control because the diet emphasizes whole foods and balanced meals, beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes or at risk.

STEPS TO EMBRACE THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

Transitioning to the Mediterranean Diet can be simple and enjoyable. Here are some practical steps to get started:

FILL YOUR PLATE WITH PLANTS

Make fruits and vegetables the star of your meals. Aim to fill half your plate with them at each meal.

SWAP YOUR FATS

Replace butter and margarine with extra-virgin olive oil in cooking and as a dressing.

In essence, it’s a holistic and enjoyable approach to eating that’s good for your heart, brain, and overall well-being.

ADD MORE FISH

Aim to include fish in your diet at least twice a week. Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent choices.

SNACK ON NUTS & SEEDS

Instead of reaching for chips or sweets, snack on a handful of nuts or seeds.

GIVING A COMMUNITY STAR POWER

By SARAH WARMKA

New Ulm Chamber of Commerce president and CEO

I don’t think very many people grow up dreaming about working at a Chamber of Commerce. I certainly didn’t, but I couldn’t be more grateful for the path my life has taken, and I am beyond honored to work alongside our businesses and community members in doing the work that we do at the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce.

I graduated St. Cloud State University with a bachelor’s in history, and then spent the next eight years working as an archivist at the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud, also earning my master’s in library science with an emphasis on archival administration during that time.

My first experience with New Ulm was visiting with my husband as tourists to attend Bock Fest at Schell’s Brewery, shortly after we got married. We weren’t thinking about relocating at that time. Fast forward four years, when our son was 1.5 years old, we decided we wanted to move to a smaller community, more reflective of our small town childhoods. We considered a few different communities, but after another weekend visit to New Ulm, we were sold! Everyone we spoke with shared how much they love living here, and we were impressed with the variety of businesses and things to do here.

Shortly after moving, I accepted the position of marketing specialist for the Chamber of Commerce. My very first day on the job was the Saturday of Downtown Oktoberfest. Talk about a whirlwind start to a new career! I worked my way up to director of marketing over the next six years before leaving to take the executive assistant position at New Ulm Medical Center. I was drawn to that position because of the great work NUMC does in our community, and I wanted to work alongside the respected leadership team there. I learned so much during my time there, and I can’t stress enough how lucky we are to have the services and care that they offer to our community, which draws patients from around the region to seek the high-quality care they provide.

But I missed the broad community involvement that the Chamber work offered and so, when the position of President and CEO came open in December of 2021, I decided to throw my hat in the ring and return to the Chamber. Our Chamber has a great board of directors and staff, as well as over 100 active volunteers, and nearly 400 member businesses

and organizations. These people and membership investments are the only way the Chamber is able to do the work it does, affecting change in the community, and bringing well-deserved attention to New Ulm.

Momentum is contagious

There has been so much progress and great business ventures happening here and the Chamber is dedicated to continuing that progress. We are doing what we can to help New Ulm thrive, through business/leadership training, access to information and resources, improving our current programs and creating new initiatives.

These new ‘outside-the-box’ initiatives have helped shine the spotlight on New Ulm. We are helping others see what a gem New Ulm is by trying these new things that bring a lot of positive attention for our town. People noticed when we brought 1300 tons of sand to transform the downtown into volleyball courts for the Spikin’ In The Street Sand Volleyball Tournament! That event even attracted the attention of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Their executive director traveled here recently to learn more about our tournament.

We’ve introduced the Growing Forward Mobile Green Space, aka: enough artificial turf to cover an entire downtown block! This came out of the desire to help the community feel connected to the downtown and to their neighbors. The social connections aspect of this is especially important in our post-COVID world. And people like it! We’ve brought it out the last two years for Downtown Oktoberfest, and both years have seen record breaking attendance. Last year’s festival, on Saturday alone, saw between 13,000-15,000 people, 4,000 of whom traveled 50 miles or farther. Our Oktoberfest has consistently been voted one of the best in the country, bringing national attention to our community.

Most recently, we hung a 40 ft. Christmas tree upside down during the holiday season. This attracted attention, as well as visitors, from around the region, and even from around the world! We had tourists from Japan who saw the tree online, and then made the trip to New Ulm when they were visiting family in Minnesota for the holidays. This tree led to several interviews and coverage, ranging from TV to radio, to even Forbes Magazine! One person shared it on their Facebook page with this comment: Sarah, Warmka, Recent

“These neat ideas are what keeps a town on the map and want to be seen.”

We look at the big picture with all of these efforts. These events and initiatives make New Ulm a place people want to live, which helps our businesses with employee recruitment and retention. A strong workforce, who are engaged in their community, is necessary for New Ulm to thrive.

Most of the work the Chamber does is less-visible than sand, turf and trees, however. We are busy doing what we can to ensure New Ulm maintains a strong business community. We regularly meet with business leaders and key stakeholders in order to advocate for the business community. We educate our members on legislative changes and other relevant ‘hot topics’ to help our members stay ahead of the game. We connect businesses with our schools, and foster partnerships that build a stronger workforce, and work to expose our local students to the career opportunities here in our region. We host award programs and highlight businesses and individuals who go above and beyond, setting an example for others to follow. We continue to develop our leaders and future leaders with various programs, such as Network New Ulm, Network New Ulm Youth, and the recently revived Young Professionals group.

Our Chamber Dollar program has surpassed $2 million dollars in local spending, and our social media efforts annually reach between 4 and 5 million impressions. We listen to our members, and our businesses are supportive of our efforts, as is evident by the fact that the Chamber has a retention rate of 95%, and currently has more members (nearly 400) than it ever has in 90 years of existence.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the board of directors, Chamber staff, and all of our members who invest and work hard to help bring to life the Chamber’s vision of leading a vibrant and thriving business community.

New ‘outside-the-box’ initiatives have helped shine the spotlight on New Ulm. We are helping others see what a gem New Ulm is by trying these new things that bring a lot of positive attention for our town.

Upside Down Christmas Tree

Oktoberfest

Someone’s in the Kitchen with Julia Child… Author Paula Johnson

Former New Ulm resident, and graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Paula Johnson shares her journey to becoming an author of a variety of publications including the recent Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space. She currently lives in both Washington, DC, and Maryland. She has worked at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History for 34 years. Meet Paula Johnson on March 14 at her book signing at Lykke Books in New Ulm, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

What was your inspiration for writing Julia Child’s Kitchen?

In my work as a curator and public historian at the National Museum of American History, I collect objects, conduct research, and create exhibitions, publications, and programs for the benefit of the public. In 2001, I was a member of the team that collected Julia Child’s kitchen from her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Julia, an enormously influential cookbook author and teacher, and whose television cooking shows spanned 40 years, has inspired generations of home cooks across the United States. Her kitchen was the heart of her home and contained an amazing

array of tools, equipment, artwork, books, and culinary gadgets. The museum collected everything in the main kitchen from Julia herself, who told us about the significance and history of many of the objects. We also collected architectural components and furniture, and assembled it all faithfully in a gallery for public view in 2002. The response to seeing Julia’s kitchen was immediate and robust and, more than 20 years later, it is still on display (though in a different gallery) and still commands attention.

After working with the kitchen and speaking with visitors about their reactions over so many years, I felt it was time to write a book that would provide more background on the kitchen and its contents, and that would expand on some of the stories that have garnered such interest from the public. Writing the book allowed me to conduct more research in the archives (Julia’s papers are housed in the Schlesinger Library at Harvard University) and to interview people who actually cooked with Julia, testing recipes, helping to prepare meals, or appearing with her on any of the three television series from the 1990s that were filmed in her home kitchen. I wanted to hear from people who had had that experience and who could provide another, deeper dimension to our understanding of this wonderful and quite complex culinary space. The resulting book contains those stories, along with stunning photographs that allow readers to really see Julia’s kitchen treasures.

As a Minnesota native, how do you tap into your roots in what you do?

As a curator, I have collected some wonderful objects and archives from Minnesota for the national collections, including material from the Nordic Ware Company (of Bundt pan fame and so much more), and, recently, material from Chef Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota), who established an organization NATIFS (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems), in addition to his award-winning restaurant Owamni, in Minneapolis.

What are your favorite types of books to read?

I read a lot of histories and biographies as part of my work. I also like browsing through cookbooks and reading books on different aspects of food and culture. I do love fiction, too, and have read everything written by Louise Erdrich, my favorite Minnesota author.

When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

I have always loved language and wordplay. Just ask my sister about the rhymes and ditties and stories and poems I blathered on about when I was a kid. As an English major in college, I liked experimenting with different kinds of writing while I was also reading a lot of different authors. So I knew writing would be part of whatever I did in my life, but the idea of being an (capital A) Author, that was hard for me to imagine. Truthfully, I don’t think of myself as an author, but as a curator who has had the good fortune to work for both local and national museums where the job matched my interests in history, culture, objects, and place. Over the years I have encountered many Americans with diverse experiences and stories to tell, and I have found that bringing their experiences to light through exhibitions, programs, and publications was where I could do my best work. In addition to Julia Child’s Kitchen, I have produced two books on maritime history: The Workboats of Smith Island (The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997) and Working the Water: The Commercial Fisheries of Maryland’s Patuxent River (University Press of Virginia, 1988).

WOMEN TAKE LEAD IN VETERINARIAN MEDICINE

Chances are, if you have been to the vet in the last several years, you have seen a female veterinarian along with a gaggle of female technicians. In 2022, 87% of veterinarian school applicants, and 88% of technician applicants were women. Although veterinary medicine is one of the top 10 professions that is dominated by women, it was primarily men not that long ago. In fact, there is no other profession that has experienced such a significant gender shift as veterinary medicine (according to Cornell Studies). Since 2007, women have taken the lead!

In the 1940s only 28% of the working class were women. Fast forward to today and women make up 50% of the workforce. At one time, vet med was a good financial choice, especially when compared to the cost of school. As years have passed, the cost of school has gone up while the financial gain of the profession has drastically gone down. One theory for such a gender shift is that the financial gains that once attracted men, has also driven them away in today’s world. Although vet medicine is in the medical field, and the cost of a degree in today’s world is comparable to human doctors, the salaries are nowhere near one another, driving men who were interested in medicine, to work with twolegged patients instead. When interviewing vet students, not only were men attracted to the profession for financial gains but also because of a desire for independence and lack of supervision. This too has changed. With the increasing costs of medical supplies, staff, drugs, insurances, overhead, fees and so on, more and more private pet hospitals can’t afford to stay in business, and sell out to big corporations. Pair this with ever changing medicine and human expectations of care, the ability of vet med to have “independence” is an old dream.

When women were asked what drives them to this profession, they report #1 is their love for animals. Followed by the image of veterinary medicine on television shows, movies (remember Dr. Doolittle) and books. Many also had interest in the field since they were children, and reported their interest in science and the study of disease. It is not surprising that women who tend to be more emotionally sensitive, sympathetic and like caring for individuals are attracted to the profession, and did not list financial attractiveness as even one of their top five reasons to enter the field. Yet, the internet may have you believe that the veterinary field is full of greedy, money-grabbing veterinarians.

Just as in any profession, women can still be expected to work long hours, be the primary caregiver for children, take on a higher load of emotional labor both in and out of work and yet, the veterinary field remains under paid and without flexible schedules. Even with an ever-changing profession there are some things that just won’t change. The need for vet care continues to rise, and it’s not all just cute puppies and kittens. Veterinary medicine has the second highest suicide rate (second to dentist) than any other profession. This is largely due to the emotional toll that comes with the profession. It is not simply a job you clock out of at the end of a trying day. Those same women who have dedicated their lives to helping others, may bring those cases home with them each night.

So are there concerns about a profession that is primarily one gender? When interviewing female veterinarians, a large percent have no interest in owning their own clinic. When asked why, women report that they feel the business may not be profitable, they won’t want to staff clinics, and they want more work/life balance. This means that many pet hospitals would sell out to corporate companies, driving up the cost of care. There is also a concern of staff shortages due to low financial incomes, implying women are “ok” with making less, until they can’t afford to live, requiring them to leave the field altogether.

Yet, just as in any profession the glass ceiling is always breakable. In 2007, 29% of practice owner’s were women, but in 2019, 41% of privately-owned practices were owned by women! Despite the challenges, women continue to set and break goals. Amelia Earhardt said it best, “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.”

NICOLE LUECK, CVT MN Valley Pet Hospital Mankato

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507-382-0669 or amber@amberstravel.com

Informational trip flyers available upon request! 507-382-0669 or amber@amberstravel.com

Informational trip flyers available upon request!

507-382-0669 or amber@amberstravel.com