Jeff Wollin’s talent over 30 seasons of amateur baseball landed him in state Hall of Fame
Inside:
When the Devil went down to Lake Marion
Fieldgate Cheese Store returns to Litchfield
Should I choose Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare?
It is officially pumpkin season. Pumpkins are the favorite autumnal decorations and with some added spice, one of the favorite tastes of the season as well. Pumpkins are so popular in the United States that they have their own special day. National Pumpkin Day is celebrated on Oct. 26.
Here are some fun facts about pumpkins:
Pumpkins have been growing in the United States for longer than the U.S. has been a country. Scientists have found evidence of pumpkins and pumpkin seeds that date back to between 70005000 BC.
In the United States, pumpkins were fi rst grown by the indigenous people of North America. Pumpkins were a very important part of their diets through the winter months because they are high in nutrients and will last a long time before spoiling.
The practice of carving jack-o’-lanterns came to the United States through Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. For many families this is a traditional part of celebrating fall and Halloween today.
Pumpkins are a fruit and are delicious to eat in many recipes. There are many recipes for pumpkin breads, muffins, cake, soups,
and even risotto. Try roasting the seeds from your jacko’-lantern pumpkin for a healthy and tasty snack.
Reading books about pumpkins is another great way to get into the pumpkin season. Here are some fun children’s books featuring pumpkins that can be shared. Books are available to borrow from local public libraries.
“We’re Going on a Pumpkin Hunt” by Mary Hogan Wilcox: A group of children set out at night to find the largest pumpkin. Along the way they encounter a scary jack-o-lantern and overcome their fears to return home for pumpkin pie.
“Pumpkin day!” by Candice Ransom: In this easy-reader picture book, a boy and his family visit a pumpkin patch where they ride on a cart, see farm animals and pick out the perfect pumpkin.
“Froggy Picks a Pumpkin” by Jonathan London: Froggy goes to the pumpkin patch with his class and has an adventure picking out a contest-winning pumpkin.
“Life Cycle of a Pumpkin” by Ron Fridell: This nonfi ction picture book introduces the plant life cycle of a pumpkin.
Until next time, happy reading!
—
Rachelle Golde is children’s librarian at Litchfield Library.
4 COVER STORY: Litchfield’s Jeff Wollin shares stores from a Hall of Fame career
9 MORE TO THE STORY: Brian Haines tells the often-repeated story of when the Devil came down to Lake Marion
October 2023
Vol. 15 No. 8
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11 IN THE NEWS: Popular Fieldgate Cheese returns with a new store at First District
12 MONEY MATTERS: Should you invest … or speculate?
13 MEDICARE: Should I choose Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with a Medigap?
14 FOOD & FUN: Bev Barrett shares food with a fall theme
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Jeff Wollin enjoys telling stories, a trait he’s honed during a lifetime of hanging around baseball dugouts.
He shared a string of baseball-related tales on a recent afternoon as he discussed his induction into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame, when he joined four other members of the Litchfield Blues organization in the state’s shrine to town team baseball.
“It’s surprising,” Wollin said of
the honor, which took place during a ceremony Sept. 16 at Rivers Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. “I know there are plenty of guys I’ve played with and played against that are probably more deserving of being in there as a player.”
Wollin’s town ball playing career spanned 30 years — from his start as a 16-year-old shortstop for his hometown Waconia Lakers to its conclusion as a 46-year-old pitcher with the Litchfield Blues.
During a loquacious narrative that lasted nearly 90 minutes, he ticked off the 12 teams he played for and enthusi-
astically shared sometimes-humorous and sometimes-heartwarming stories as they popped into his mind.
But when asked what kept him playing for three decades, traveling to and playing in small towns across a good portion of the southern half of the state, and making 11 state tournament appearances, all while pursuing
“I always looked forward to playing and it just kept being fun,” he said. “For 30 years, it was just, I can’t imagine not doing it.”
— Jeff Wollin
a high school teaching and coaching career and helping to raise a family, Wollin needed just three words.
“It was fun,” he said.
Full stop, as if that’s all he needed to say.
Prodded to expound, Wollin eventually did.
“When I think about playing baseball, playing town team … I always looked forward to playing, and it just kept being fun,” he said. “For 30 years, it was just, I can’t imagine not doing it. It was fun to play. I enjoyed the guys and the competition, and just had fun playing ball. But, yeah, that’s it, in a nutshell. It was fun.”
Wollin’s eyes lit up while he recounted his early playing days, being on the same team with his older brother, Dave, who played first base with the Waconia Lakers when Jeff joined
was playing Little League, he was playing Babe Ruth, or if I was playing Legion, he was at high school, or if he was on the varsity, I was junior high,” Wollin said. “And so, when I was 16 and he was 20, that was the first time we could (play on the same team).”
After a season with the Waconia Lakers, the Wollin brothers took their talents to the St. Boni Saints where they played together for four seasons until Dave Wollin took a teaching job in Pine City, while his little brother, still attending school at Mankato State University, stayed around the Waconia area for another year.
“We kind of went our separate ways there,” Wollin said. “And you know, that was the last time we ever played together. That was something I don’t think I appreci-
Joining him was Jeff Neutzling of Dassel-Cokato, Randy Schoenberg of Spring Hill, Dave Fischer of Pierz, Mark Davis of St. Peter and Dean Brinkman of Sleepy Eye. Also recognized during the Hall of Fame ceremony Saturday, Sept. 16, was the twin brothers Wayne and Warren Cook, who
ated at the time, but looking back, it was kind of cool. We had five years where we could actually be teammates.”
received the Glenn Carlson Distinguished Service Award. The award recognizes those “whose work, actions and continued promotion have brought outstanding positive recognition to Minnesota Amateur Baseball,” according to the Hall of Fame board.
The Cook brothers — Wayne of Redwood Falls and Warren of Sleepy Eye — spent decades umpiring amateur baseball in the state.
sisting primarily of three families. The team was managed by Corky Gothmann — a Hall of Fame inductee in 2004, now deceased — whose three sons played on the team, while another pair of brothers
Wollin to 6 ➤
Jeff
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also played for the Saints. The Gothmann boys played second, shortstop and catcher, putting Jeff Wollin at third base and his brother at first.
“Basically, the whole infield was two families for about four years, and we had a couple other brothers who played in the outfield, so we had seven out of our nine guys were three sets of brothers,” Wollin said, smiling at the recollection. “We were pretty young, and we took a few lumps, but we got better.
“Dave will tell you, he saved me and the rest of the guys a lot of errors at first base, because he was pretty good at picking the ball out of the dirt, and our wild arms occasionally weren’t right on the money,” he added.
His arm became more accurate, however, and it became what Wollin was perhaps best known for in the last decade or so of his playing career. He developed into a pitcher who was not overpowering, but who knew how to
FAMILY
Wollin and his wife, Carla, have been married 36 years. They have two adult children, daughter Jamie and her husband Brice, and granddaughters Remi and Indie; and son Mitchell.
While the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame induction is based on his playing career, Jeff Wollin has amassed an impressive record as a high school baseball coach, as well. Following are some of the highlights:
hit his spots and work efficiently. He claims to have had an arsenal of just two pitches, fastball and curve. Some who played against him would swear there were more, but Wollin said that’s only because of the variety of arm angles from which he threw his two pitches. Whatever the case, Wollin was effective. Statistics are a bit fuzzy for some
Career record: 402-338, includes a 9-17 record in two seasons at Little Rock, Iowa. Ranks eighth among active Minnesota coaches, 30th all-time overall Litchfield record: 393-321, during 33 seasons (1990-present)
Lion’s All-Star Series coach (North team), 1997
Litchfield Baseball Association Hall of Fame, 2008
Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, 2019
Dick Siebert Award, 2022
of his stops, including Litchfield, but he believes he’s likely the leader in every major pitching category for the Blues.
And there are some things he remembers with great clarity. Like needing just 75 pitches to earn a complete-game victory over Regal while playing with the Litchfield Blues. Or earlier in his career, playing with the Worthington
Cubs, when he needed 76 pitches for a nine-inning win. Then there was the 63-pitch, seven-inning gem for the Blues over St. Anthony.
“There wasn’t a lot of strikeouts,” Wollin said of those games. “They hit the ball … but it was a matter of everything kind of falling together and guys hitting the ball at people.”
There is one particular strikeout, however, that will live in Wollin lore forever. It’s one of those stories he can’t escape, both because of its novelty and its athletic significance. It’s when he struck out former Oakland A’s and Minnesota Twins catcher Terry Steinbach, who after retiring from the majors played with his hometown New Ulm Kaiserhoff. The Blues played host to New Ulm in the early 2000s, and Wollin was on the mound, getting Steinbach on a swinging third strike.
“I’ve got more notice out of that than anything,” Wollin said, chuckling and shaking his head. “There are still people who will mention it. I have an old college friend (who), whenever he sees me, makes a point of introducing me to somebody so he can say, ‘Hey, you know, he struck out Terry Steinbach.’ And then he’ll go tell that story.”
The 2000 postseason with the Litchfield Blues provides plenty of memories, as well. Wollin remembers playing Hinckley in Fairfax, and the Blues being down to their last out with a runner on. The Litchfield batter lifted a fly ball to shallow center field, with a seasonending out a near certainty. Somehow the ball popped out of the center fielder’s glove, the tying run scored, and the Blues went on to win the game. Then they reeled off four more wins.
“We were one catch from being eliminated,” Wollin said.
He witnessed some incredible individual efforts by other players, like Eddie Estrada’s two home run, two double outburst in a state tournament game.
And an unusual individual effort of his own.
“I found a ball I was looking for the other day (from a game) where I was the winning pitcher, and I also got the save in the game,” Wollin said, describing how he threw eight innings and was relieved at the start of the ninth, because the Blues had an eight-run lead.
But when the reliever struggled to find the strike zone and the lead had shrunk to just a couple runs, Wollin reentered to retire the last couple of batters.
“So, I got the win and the save,” he said. “I’m sure somebody’s done it (other than him), but you know, kind of unusual.”
Unusual circumstances seem almost commonplace when one listens to Wollin describe career events.
For instance, twice in his career, Wollin was the winning and losing pitcher on the same day in a state tournament.
One came while a draftee with Regal in 1997. Wollin started and went 8 2/3 innings against St. Michael, then was relieved as Regal lost the lead and the winner’s bracket final game. The loss put Regal into an elimination game less than an hour later. With the pitching staff tapped out from a long tourna-
ment, Wollin volunteered to start the elimination game.
“Everybody’s arm was sore, and I just said, ‘Well, I’ve only been sitting here 15 minutes. How soon are they going to start?’ They said about another 30 minutes or so, so I said, ‘I can stay warm that long,’” Wollin said.
As he recalls, he threw a few innings, and a relievers-by-committee approach got Regal the way for the win, and Wollin was the pitcher of record.
A similar situation arose in 1987 when he was a Windom draftee. He was credited with a win in relief as Windom beat Sleepy Eye. He started the next game that day against Chaska.
“And they were pretty good that year,” Wollin said. “I remember because their first six hitters in the lineup were
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all lefties, and I was always better against righties than lefties because of the curveball. And they got five runs in the first inning, and they went on to beat us pretty handily.”
Chaska played for the state championship the next day, hanging 22 runs on the opposition.
“I think I held them to 11,” Wollin said with a laugh.
“So, twice in state tournaments, I’ve been a winner and a loser in the same day, which is kind of what baseball is all about,” Wollin said. “You can’t be too high or too low, because it can change in a hurry.”
Stories of the fickle fates of the ballpark add up during a 30-year career, but consistent
success does as well. It’s the combination that got Wollin’s name inscribed next to others in the annals of Minnesota amateur baseball history.
That’s a source of pride for Wollin, who taught business education classes for 32 years at Litchfield Public Schools, and who has coached high school baseball for almost 40 years, the last 32 at Litchfield. But in typical low-key fashion, he says good fortune played a role in his Hall of Fame playing career.
“Being a teacher, I was able to get summer jobs — summer rec, baseball and coaching VFW (that) were less like a job and more like a hobby,” he said. “You know, there was a time when the Blues, we were playing 40 games a year. I think just my occupation helped allow me to play 30 years, allowed me to play that many games.
“It just kind of all worked out,” he added. “Probably the biggest thing is I’m glad I got to play in all those different places, because I made some really good contacts. I got to
play with and against a lot of good people, and some colorful characters, a lot of good nicknames, and different leagues and ballparks. It’s just all so fun.”
It was the Roaring ’20s, a time of moral decadence.
An era best categorized by bootleggers, booze, flappers and jazz. Ladies’ dresses and hairstyles became shorter, music became louder, cars became faster and liquor, which was now illegal, flowed more freely than ever. The Great War was over, but the victory party that followed ceased to end.
Rarely was there a place in America that wasn’t touched in some way by the Roaring ’20s. Minnesota, a state once thought of as a rural mecca with country values, became the nation’s top producer of illegal moonshine. The trade was so prevalent across the countryside that it caught the attention of the feds and the likes of Chicago gangster Al Capone. All across the state, ballrooms and dance halls became the centers of 1920s night life. What were once quaint venues for weddings and ceremonies were now filled with jazz music, dancing and booze.
The Lake Marion Ballroom was a pavilionstyle dance hall on the shores of Lake Marion. Cool breezes floated through its summer screens and the full moon reflecting off the lake made it a popular nightspot. To the north was a small outcropping of rocks where mist from the waves could wash over those who sat atop them while listening to the music through the screened
windows. To top off the atmosphere was the popcorn stand that stood outside the ballroom entrance and filled the pavilion with the scent of freshly popped corn. It was indeed a landmark of McLeod County.
To some, the ballroom was a place of grandeur, yet to others it was a den of sin and decadence. At a time when a segment of the population looked to tighten the noose around societal ills, the ballroom was often the sight of moonshine vendors, and it was rumored that “women from disorderly houses from the Cities were brought there for illegal purposes.” It was also rumored that “the dances have been rough and that some of the dancers of both sexes get drunk; that the rooms of the hotel are all engaged in advance and that the cottages are broken into and the rooms occupied by revelers.” If such ill repute was indeed prevalent at the pavilion, it is no wonder that such deeds
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would summon the presence of Satan himself.
It was Sunday, Oct. 30, 1921, the evening before Halloween. For years, Oct. 30 was known as mischief night, the night when pranksters ran amuck with pleasure. It was common to wake up on Halloween morning to find outhouses tipped over, unhinged gates, windows soaped or to see property vandalized. It was the perfect night for a sinister appearance from the Prince of Darkness, and what better place to put a good scare into folks than in a pavilion full of people.
There are many versions of what happened, the following is one of them.
It was intermission at the Lake Marion Ballroom. The musicians were off stage taking a break, and the dancers were mingling among themselves. The weather that night was blustery. It was humid, and a thunderstorm was passing through the area. As the dancers reveled and laughed, a loud clap of thunder shook the pavilion and the rain started coming down. Another earthshattering thunderclap, and then a scream from the crowd as a strange apparition appeared next to the mirrored column in the middle of the dance floor and made its way to the bar.
The lights in the ballroom began to flicker, some claiming they gave off an eerie, un-earthly color. Some witnesses recalled that the musicians’ instruments flew off the stage and splintered as they hit the ground. Then, from the ceiling, a
broomstick began dancing in mid-air and made its way to the stage.
A cry emitted from the crowd, “The Devil is here to get his dues. Repent on your knees. Pray for forgiveness.” Then suddenly, in a flash of smoke, fire and brimstone, Satan was said to have appeared. Some say he came from above, while others maintained he rose from the floor. He did not speak, but made his way through the crowd. As he walked by, a section of scaffold resting against a wall crumbled into a heap of iron.
People screamed, people fainted and people scrambled over the top of one another in a race to the exits. They jumped in their cars and drove away as fast as their old Model T’s would allow. Many abandoned their cars and ran headlong into the darkness. Some were transfixed on the spot, unable to move as the demon strolled by. To those who stayed behind as witnesses, they say the Devil strode out of the ballroom and walked across the water on the lake, disappearing from sight and leaving a scene of chaos in his wake.
The story began to evolve over the next few days, and it gained nationwide attention. The story was told all over the state, in the Minneapolis paper as well as a number of smaller publications. It even hit the papers in Chicago, and some recall that the story was told as far east as New York.
Rumors of the perpetrator’s identity were widespread. Some claimed it was a prankster, some claimed it was nothing but a ball of lightning and the onlookers were exaggerating the story. Yet
others maintained that it was the Devil, complete with horns, tail and cloven feet. Whatever it was, something indeed happened on that October night in 1921.
At a resort in Norwood, just a few days after the episode at Lake Marion, an intense game of poker was being played in a backroom where a well-known gambler was present. While the players were making bets, tossing chips and laying down cards, it is said that Satan again appeared. How he appeared is unknown. Perhaps it was with a puff of smoke, maybe a ball of brimstone and fire, or perhaps he simply strode through the door. Whatever his means of appearing was, it is said that he accosted the well-known gambler, and in a devilish voice proclaimed, “Now you old rascal. I’ve got you!” What happened afterward is a mystery.
Not long after these events, a letter to the editor appeared in the Leader. Mrs. C.L. Bartlett of Bertha, Minnesota, was skeptical, and was inquiring to the facts concerning the events. She wanted to know what kind of evidence was available to prove that this was the Devil himself and not some prankster. A week later a reply to Mrs. Bartlett’s inquiry appeared in the same publication by, of all people, a local Methodist minister.
Andrus Richardson was born in Chautauqua, New York, in 1869. The Rev. Richardson moved around a lot, and in 1921 found himself in Hutchinson. On Nov. 16 of that year, he wrote a letter to the editor in regard to Mrs. Bartlett’s questioning of the Devil.
Interestingly, the pastor seemed to take offense
that anyone would not believe the Devil appeared. He claimed that only a certain “class of people” went to these dances, and went on to list the events that made these dances so “rough.” He described the scene that night, how the lights became lurid, how the women screamed and how people left the pavilion stricken with terror. It was almost as if he was there himself. He ends his letter stating that the hotel is now deserted, and that “dancing among that class of people has ceased.” Lastly, he proclaims that many who witnessed the spectacle were confined to bed with hysteria, and that those who are hardest to convince it was a hoax were those who were witness to the evil dark prince. At times, while reading through his letter, one could argue that he is saying, “job well done.”
To this day, the Devil at Lake Marion stands as one of the best-known legends in McLeod County. Nearly a century has passed since the event, yet the story remains strong in the minds of all those who’ve heard the tale.
Who was it? Was the Devil merely a man in disguise, was the entire episode just an overreaction to natural phenomena or was it indeed a guest appearance from Satan himself? Perhaps time will tell. For now, however, the mystery behind the legend remains just that, a mystery.
—
Brian Haines is executive director of the McLeod County Historical Society and Museum, 380 School Road N.W., Hutchinson. Do you have a historical anecdote to share? Haines can be reached at 320-587-2109, or by email at director@mcleodhistory.org.
First District Association celebrated the highly anticipated grand opening of its Fieldgate Cheese Store in Litchfield. The event marked the return of the beloved brand and its nostalgic flavors, bringing joy to residents and dairy enthusiasts alike.
The decision to reopen Fieldgate Cheese Store was driven by a strong desire to satisfy the community’s yearning for their favorite cheese, according to Bob Huffman, FDA’s president and chief executive officer. After a temporary hiatus, First District Dairy recognized the importance of reopening the store, which symbolizes the quality of their products and holds a special place in the hearts of customers worldwide, Huffman said.
“We surveyed and talked to the community, and they were like ‘Yeah, I miss that,’” Huffman said. “Local businesses continue to receive calls every week from people asking where they can find Fieldgate Cheese.”
The reopening of the store aligns with First District Dairy’s strategic shift in focus, placing dairy products at the forefront and celebrating the cooperative’s rich history and founding values. The store will offer an array of locally produced goods, en-
suring customers can savor the flavors and freshness that have become synonymous with First District Dairy.
“The idea was to create an environment where you could stop into our store and you can get the basic needs and good quality at the fairest price that we could possibly get,” Huffman said. “We took a lot of pride because if you look at our products, you’re going to find that, especially on the dairy side, everything comes from the majority of our farmer owners.”
While financial viability remains crucial, the coop-
erative’s leadership acknowledges the challenging market conditions faced by dairy farmers. To strike a balance between offering premium products and maintaining affordability, First District has implemented cost-cutting measures to ensure fair prices for both customers and their dedicated workforce.
“Money is important. We need to keep the lights on,” Huffman said. “However, our loyalty lies with our farmer owners and their commitment to promoting dairy and nutrition.”
The opening of the
Customers search for their favorite cheeses during a visit to the Fieldgate Cheese Store in Litchfield.
Where: 25 W Depot St, Litchfield
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. The store is closed on Sunday.
For more information: Call 320-593-0095
Fieldgate Cheese store not only brings the iconic brand back to Litchfield but also a sense of nostalgia and anticipation. Residents who grew up with Fieldgate Cheese awaited the opportunity to relive their memories and indulge in the flavors that have become synonymous with the brand.
“Fieldgate was in our home growing up and pizzas,” said Josh Barka, chairman of First District’s board of directors. “It was almost like the ice cream truck for us, except we got to eat milk and pizzas when we came to town to get supplies.”
“Cheese is back,” Barka remarked.
You’ll find some big differences between traditional and speculative investments — and knowing these differences can matter a great deal when you’re trying to reach your financial goals.
To begin with, let’s look at the basic types of traditional and speculative investments. Traditional investments are those with which you’re probably already familiar: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on. Speculative investments include cryptocurrencies, foreign currencies and precious metals.
Now, consider these three components of investing and
how they differ between traditional and speculative investments:
The first issue to consider is risk. When you own stocks or stock-based mutual funds, the value of your investments will fluctuate. By owning an array of stocks can help reduce the impact of volatility on your stock portfolio. And owning a mix of short- and long-term bonds can help you defend yourself somewhat against interestrate movements. With speculative investments, though, price movements can be extreme as well as rapid. During their short history, cryptocurrencies in particular have shown astonishingly fast moves up and down, resulting in huge gains followed by equally huge, or bigger, losses. There
just isn’t much that investors can do to modulate the risk presented by crypto and some other speculative investments.
A second key difference between traditional and speculative investments is the time horizon involved. When you invest in stocks and other traditional investments, you ideally should be in it for the long term. But those who purchase speculative investments want, and expect, quick and sizable returns, despite the considerable risk involved.
A third difference between the two types of investments is the activity required by investors. When you’re a long-term investor in traditional investments, you may not have to do all that much, once you’ve built a
portfolio that’s appropriate for your risk tolerance, goals and time horizon. But when you speculate in crypto or other instruments, you are constantly watching prices move — and then making your own moves in response. It’s an activity that requires considerable attention and effort.
One final thought: Not all speculative instruments are necessarily bad investments. Precious metals, for instance, are found in some traditional mutual funds, sometimes in the form of shares of mining companies. And even crypto may become more of a stable vehicle once additional regulation comes into play. But if you’re investing for long-term goals, you may want to give careful thought to the types of investments you pursue.
I have Original Medicare and a Medigap but have been seeing a lot of ads for Medicare Advantage Plans that seem great. I don’t want to fall for just good marketing, though. Are Medicare Advantage Plans better than Original Medicare? How should I choose?
— BillIt’s great that you are taking the time to learn about your options before enrolling in a plan. There are many important choices to make about your health care coverage, and being informed can help you make the best decisions for your own needs.
People with Medicare can get their health coverage through either Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as a Medicare private health plan or Part C). While there are many differences between the two, remember that Medicare Advantage Plans must provide the same benefits offered by Original Medicare, but may apply different rules, costs and restrictions.
Let’s review some of the main differences between these two ways to get your Medicare:
Original Medicare: You will be charged for standardized Part A and Part B costs, including a monthly Part B premium. You are responsible for paying a 20% coinsurance for Medicarecovered services if you see a participating provider after meeting your deductible.
What’s best for you? Original Medicare and a Medigap or a Medicare Advantage Plan? For help in making a decision, call the Minnesota Senior Linkage Line at 800-333-2433.
Medicare Advantage: Your cost-sharing varies depending on the plan. You usually pay a copayment for in-network care. Plans may charge a monthly premium in addition to the Part B premium.
Original Medicare: You have the choice to pay an additional premium for a Medigap policy to cover Medicare costsharing.
Medicare Advantage: You cannot purchase a Medigap policy.
Original Medicare: You can see any provider and use any facility that accepts Medicare (participating and non-participating).
Medicare Advantage: You can typically only see innetwork providers.
Original Medicare: You do not need referrals for specialists.
Medicare Advantage: You typically need referrals for specialists.
Original Medicare: You must sign up for a standalone Part D plan if you want prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage: In most cases, the plan provides prescription drug coverage (you may be required to pay a higher premium).
Original Medicare: Does not cover vision, hearing, or dental services.
Medicare Advantage: May cover additional services, including vision, hearing, and/or dental (additional benefits may increase your premium and/or other outof-pocket costs).
Original Medicare: No out-of-pocket limit.
Medicare Advantage: Annual out-of-pocket limit.
Plan pays the full cost of your care after you reach the limit.
Between the two options, one is not better than the other for everyone. Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare are just different, and you may prefer one over the other depending on your needs and priorities.
Because you have a Medigap, I do want you to note that if you switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, you will lose your Medigap. Depending on your state’s Medigap enrollment rules, it may be difficult or expensive to purchase a Medigap later. There are only a few specific protected times to purchase a Medigap under federal rules, but your state may offer additional rights.
To receive individualized counseling on your options, I recommend calling the Minnesota Senior Linkage Line at 800-333-2433. The Senior LinkAge Line is a service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with Minnesota’s area agencies on aging. For more information about Medicare, visit www.medicare. gov.
The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives.
Pumpkins are used for fall treats. Rather than a vegetable, it’s actually an orange fruit that is harvested in October. This nutritious and versatile plant features seeds and flesh that is edible and can be baked, roasted, steamed or boiled. Pumpkins are good for you as they are low in calories, fat and sodium and high in fiber, a good source of vitamin A, B, potassium, iron and protein.
The whipped pumpkin butter made with maple syrup tastes good on waffles, pancakes or French toast. Use honey in the whipped butter when using on toast and rolls.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
3 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions: In a small mixing bowl, add the softened butter and beat with a hand mixer for 2 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat for an additional minute or until fluffy. Store in air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
You can make a quick, appealing, colorful fall drink. It’s made with orange gelatin and apple juice and tastes great on a cool autumn night.
Ingredients:
3 cups boiling water
1 package (6 ounce) orangeflavored gelatin
1 quart (4 cups) boiling apple juice
8 cinnamon sticks
Instructions: Add boiling water gradually to gelatin mix in large bowl; stir 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Stir in boiling apple juice. Serve in mugs with cinnamon sticks. 5 servings.
If you like caramel apples this recipe is perfect for a fall treat. It’s best served when made, so the caramel doesn’t harden. Use a firm, slightly tart apple such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Fuji. To prevent apples from getting brown; add 1-2 tablespoon lemon juice to a bowl of water that covers apples. Caramel topping and marshmallow cream can be used, but will be more runny, and messy to eat. Nachos look even more impressive if you use both red and green apples.
Ingredients:
30 large marshmallows
5 tablespoons butter
35 caramels or 1 bag caramel bits
1 tablespoon water
4-5 apples
Assorted toppings-chopped nuts, crushed candy bars, seasonal sprinkles
Instructions: Melt the marshmallows and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir periodically until completely melted and smooth. Combine the caramels and water in a bowl and microwave until melted. Melt in 45 second intervals and stir each time until caramel is melted. Remove apples from lemon water and dry before arranging the sliced apples on a plate. Drizzle the caramel and marshmallow mixture over them. Add any additional toppings and serve immediately. Serves 10 as appetizers.
Pumpkin French Toast is a good weekend recipe that taste’s like having pumpkin pie for breakfast. Pumpkin puree is canned pumpkin.
Ingredients:
4 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
12 slices thick bread such as Texas toast
Instructions: Set a large non-stick skillet over medium
heat, add a small amount of butter and melt. In a rectangle baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Dip the bread into the mixture, flip sides and then place in hot skillet. Cook until each side is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Repeat with remaining ingredients, serve hot with whipped pumpkin butter and more maple syrup. 12 slices.
This easy candy corncolored dessert is perfect for a seasonal treat. It’s made with vanilla pudding, orange gelatin and cool whip. It looks nice in a tall parfait -type clear glass so you can see the layers.
Ingredients:
1 package (3.4 ounce) vanilla flavor instant pudding
1 3/4 cups cool whip
1 cup boiling water
1 package (3 ounce) orangeflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water
1 1/2 cup thawed Cool Whip
24 candy corn pieces (about 3/4 cup)
If you’re looking to buy pumpkins and squash head to your local farmers market. Local growers have a variety for sale.BAKING WITH BEV Barrett to
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Instructions: Beat pudding mix and milk with whisk 2 minutes. Spoon into six dessert dishes. Refrigerate.. Add boiling water to gelatin in medium bowl; stir until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water. Refrigerate 20 minutes until thickened but not firm. Spoon gelatin over pudding layers in dessert dishes. Refrigerate one hour or until firm. Top with Cool Whip and candy. 6 servings
This is a simple way to make a Halloween dessert pizza. You could use your imagination with favorite Halloween candy for the toppings.
Ingredients:
1 roll refrigerated sugar cookies
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup candy corn
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup vanilla frosting
For the best Pumpkin French Toast, make sure to use thick slices of bread such as Texas toast.
Instructions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-inch pizza pan with foil, grease foil with shortening. Cut cookie dough into 1/4-inch slices; arrange in pan. With floured fingers, press slices together to form crust. Bake15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Use foil to lift cookie from pan. Carefully remove foil from crust. Place crust on serving platter or tray, spread peanut butter over the crust. Sprinkle candy corn and raisins evenly over
top. In a small microwavable bowl, microwave frosting uncovered on high for 10-15 seconds or until drizzling consistency. Drizzle frosting over the cookie pizza. Cut into wedges. This is an easy recipe to customize. Use your favorites to create a fall- or Halloween-themed treat. Serves 16.
This sweet and salty treat is quick to make in 20 minutes. It’s made using Halloween colors, but you can use the recipe for other holidays by changing colors of candy. You can
use 12 ounces vanilla candy coating instead of the Bakers chocolate.
Ingredients:
16 Halloween Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups miniature pretzel twists, coarsely broken
1/3 cup raisins
3 (4-ounce) packages Bakers white chocolate, broken into small pieces
1/2 cup candy corn
1/4 cup Halloween sprinkles
Instructions:
Spread cookies, pretzels and raisins into 13X9 baking sheet that is sprayed with cooking spray. Melt chocolate according to package directions. Drizzle over cookie mixture. Spread to evenly coat all ingredients with chocolate. Top with candy corn and sprinkles; press lightly into chocolate with back of spoon to secure. Cool until firm then break into pieces. 20 servings.
The League of Minnesota Cities recently recognized 35 state lawmakers, including Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Acton Township, as 2023 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the past year’s state legislative session.
Legislators of Distinction are approved annually by the league’s board of directors in recognition of the collaboration of state and city officials needed to successfully serve shared communities and meet the unique needs of rural, urban, and suburban resi-
dents across Minnesota.
To be eligible for the award, legislators must achieve one or more of the following criteria:
Be generally and reasonably accessible to League representatives;
seek input on issues of importance to cities;
listen to League concerns and be receptive to League-provided information on issues;
sponsor and/or support
League initiatives;
speak out on behalf of the interest of cities; and
demonstrate the importance of partnership between the state and cities.
In its recognition of Urdahl, the League of Minnesota Cities said he played a critical role in the eventual passage of a bonding and general fund financing package, making sure that the maximum possible funding was designated to city water, wastewater, flood control and stormwater infrastructure needs.
Award winners received a letter of appreciation and
a certificate. A copy of the acknowledgement letter was also sent to the mayor of each city in the legislator’s district.
The League of Minnesota Cities is a membership organization dedicated to helping cities throughout Minnesota build quality communities through effective advocacy, expert analysis, trusted guidance, and collective action. The League serves its more than 830 members through advocacy, education and training, policy development, risk management, and other services. For more information, visit lmc.org.
