March 2009 Northfield Entertainment Guide by The Entertainment Guide

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MARCH 2009

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elcome W Vol. 5, Issue 3 March 2009 17 Bridge Square Northfield, MN 55057 507/663-7937 neg@northfieldguide.com Publisher: Rob Schanilec By All Means Graphics

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to the NORTHFIELD ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE™

a renee salon .................................................19 Bridge Square Barbers ................................21

Your No. 1 Guide to what’s going on in and around Northfield – music, food and fun.

Contents

Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra ........11 Carleton College .........................Inside Front Chapati ......................................................21, 34 College City Beverage.................................39 The Contented Cow.............................20, 34 Eastman Music .................................................4

Local Focus: Doug Foxgrover.................................5

Fantastic Sams ...............................................18 Fashion Fair.......................................................5

Local Galleries................................................................6

Fieldhouse................................................12, 34

Theater .............................................................................8

First National Bank .....................Back Cover Freeman’s Formalwear..................................5

Advertising Abby Erickson abby@northfieldguide.com or 507/663-7937

Left Field...........................................................................8

Contributors: Sherri Faye Susan Hvistendahl Locallygrownnorthfield.org Northfield.org Bonnie Obremski Breanna Zarbinski

A Month at a Glance..........................................22-25

Online: at northfieldguide.com! A flippin’ cool digital edition, downloadable PDF, archives and content submission form.

Sports..............................................................................33

Dianne Kyte, Realtor® .................................23

Dining.............................................................................34

Northfield Arts Guild ...................................36

HAPPENINGS – Up Close.......................6-21, 26-27

Froggy Bottoms River Pub.................26, 34 Pam Gillespie, Realtor®................................15 Girls Night Out...............................................35 The HideAway ........................................15, 34

Just Curious: Ann Mosey...............................28-29

James Gang Coffeehouse .................11, 34

Historic Happenings: Susan Hvistendahl....30-35

Jesse James Lanes........................................18

Clubs, Classes and More..........................................33

Didja’ Know?: Bonnie Obremski............................37

Just Food Co-op ............................................39 KYMN 1080 Radio........................................17

Northfield Chamber of Commerce ..Cover Northfield Downtown Development Corporation ..................31

GET IN THE GUIDE!

Northfield Golf Club.............................25, 34

Here’s how it works – we list happenings for free. I know – that’s cool and a great service to the community – but we want our publication to be a great resource for our readers to get out and take it in. Of course, we love our advertisers – and we’ll love you, too, if you get us your happenings information AND advertise. Our rates are affordable and you get a FULL MONTH OF COOL EXPOSURE! But whether you advertiser or not – you need to get information our way: title, time, place, cost, description, photo(s). We’re easy to work with so don’t be shy. There’s a form online at www.northfieldguide.com, you can e-mail to neg@northfieldguide.com or give us a call, 507/663-7937 – we’re nice people. And to advertise – ask for Abby. She’s cheerful, too, mostly.

Ole Café....................................................37, 34

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Northfield Historical Society.....................39 Northfield Kitchen Concepts.....................16 Northfield Liquor Store .................................9 Northfield Retirement Community.........36 Paper Petulum ...............................................24 PJ’s Fabrics and Crafts.................................22 Paradise Center for the Arts .....................26 Premier Banks ...............................................37 Present Perfect ..............................................29 Quarterback Club ....................................7, 34 Rare Pair...........................................................31 Rueb-n-Stein ...........................................38, 34 St. Olaf College............................Inside Front St. Patrick’s Day Parade .............................35 Schmidt Homes..............................................10 Sisters Ugly......................................................29 SNAP Fitness .....................................................9 Jan Stevens, Realtor® .....................................9 Sweet Pea’s Loft & Toys & Treats ............16 That Scrapbooking Place...........................24 Three Links .....................................................30 Willingers Golf Club................................3, 34 Women & Kids on Division.......................11

creative human

Working with woodblock and digital prints. Playing with color and depth. Merging older technology with modern tools. Finding the focus, the center, the heart of the image. Creating a place of discovery and delight in a world of daily concerns.

More at www.redwoodblock.com

MARCH 2009

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Northfield Arts Guild ArtOnWater 217 S. Water St. • 786-9700 artonwater.com ArtOrg Moving Walls Gallery 200 Division St. • 645-2555 artorg.info

Grezzo Gallery 16 Bridge Sq. • 581-2161 grezzogallery.com

Carleton College Art Gallery One N. College St. • 646-4469 carleton.edu/campus/gallery Drawn into Melodrama – An interdisciplinary investigation of the history and persistence of melodrama in film, theatre, art and media. Exhibition developed by Laurel Bradley, Carleton’s director of exhibitions and Carol Donelan, associate professor of cinema and media studies at Carleton College. Through March 11. Gould Library, Carleton College

Photography: “Portraits of Home: Veterans in Search of Shelter in Greater Minnesota.” The exhibit, focusing on homelessness among Minnesota veterans, runs through March 22. Photos are accompanied by narratives describing difficulties veterans have faced in finding adequate and affordable housing. Documentary photographers represented include Stormi Greener, Cathy ten Broeke, Brian Lesteberg, Scott Streble, Chante Wolf and Carlos Gonzales.

My Arctic: Siberian schoolchildren express environmental awareness through art – now until April 5 at the St. Olaf Flaten Art Museum.

The Flaten Art Museum Dittmann Center 1520 St. Olaf Ave. • 646-3556 stolaf.edu/depts/art/ Closed March 21-29 Sabbatical work by St. Olaf art faculty member Mary Griep including: drawings of the Great Mosque of Divrigi, Turkey; the Stav Church of Borgund, Norway; and sacred spaces from the Medieval era. Through March 15 in the Virginia and Jennifer C. Groot Gallery. Gallery Talk March 11 at noon. “My Arctic: Siberian School-Children Express Environmental Awareness through Art” in conjunction with the 2009 Peace Prize Forum (March 6 and 7), “Striving for Peace: a Climate for Change.” Co-curated by Max Holmes and Liz Braun, Woods Hole Research Center, Massachusetts. Through April 5. The Arctic is an amazing place undergoing tremendous changes because of global warming. It is home to some of the Earth’s remaining indigenous cultures, whose way of life is threatened by environmental change. Most of the artists in this exhibit are Evenki and come from communities north of the Arctic Circle, along the Lena River, where they still engage in traditional activities of fishing, hunting and reindeer herding. The artwork depicts the children’s environment and their perceptions of environmental changes going on around them. The Polaris Project, funded by the National Science Foundation, includes faculty and students from several colleges, including St. Olaf. March 6-7: Peace Prize Forum presentations with Polaris Project principal investigators. For details, visit www.stolaf.edu/nppf/. March 10, 7 p.m.: Polaris Project with Carleton and St. Olaf students, Max Holmes and John Schade, assistant professor of biology and environmental studies at St. Olaf and a principal investigator for the Polaris Project. Flaten Art Museum, Dittmann Center Juried Student Exhibition, March 18April 9 in the Jennifer C. Groot Gallery. St. Olaf studio art majors exhibit their work in the 8th annual Student Juried Exhibition. This 2009 exhibition is juried by Christine Baeulme.

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304 Division St. • 645-8877 www.northfieldartsguild.org Gallery closed for renovation March 15-21. Art Leaves No Child Behind – The 2009 All School Art Show. Through March 7. Work by Northfield artists grades K-12. Preview art the week of March 9 for auction at the Guild March 14 as part of NAG’s Auction for the Arts. Painting and drawings by Stephanie Molstre-Kotz. Opening reception March 26, 7-9 p.m. Exhibit runs through April 25.

Paradise Center for the Arts Carlander Family Gallery 321 Central Ave., Faribault • 332-7372 paradisecenterforthearts.org Marv Kaisersatt’s Woodcarving: “More of My Good Stuff,” through March 28. Faribault artist Marv Kaisersatt presents incredible wood carvings to astonish and delight. All School Student Work Exhibit – Opening reception March 6, 5-7 p.m. View work from students and teachers at Faribault area schools throughout the Paradise March 6 through April 8. Pieces may be for sale with proceeds to benefit the schools and Paradise. March Madness Market Friday, March 20, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Juried market of local crafters, artisans and artists. To apply for a space, contact Suzanne Klumb, 507/334-2444 or sklumb@ll.net.

Swag 423 Division St. • 663-8870 Uglydolls

Art Studios with open hours Barefoot Studio Carla Thompson, artist 418 Division St. • 612/309-6084 www.barefootstudio.net Right Brain Ventures Art Barb Matz, artist 305 So. Water St. • 507/581-0425 www.rbv-Art.com Derk Hansen’s Saddle Tramp Studio 18 Bridge Square • 612/388-4507 www.derkhansen.com Got a studio with open hours? Get listed – neg@northfieldguide.com

MARCH 2009

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Theater

Beyond the Season - Men, Women and Thurber

March 6 and 7, 7:30 p.m. March 8, 2 p.m. Northfield Arts Guild Theater James Thurber was best known for his work with the New Yorker magazine, but he was an author, cartoonist and humorist. His works include a theatrical revue, “A Thurber Carnival,” based on selection of Thurber’s stories and cartoon captions. This performance will include selections from “A Thurber Carnival” and other works of Thurber. $10. The Little Prince

Haugen Theater, St. Olaf March 11-14, 7:30 p.m. March 14-15, 2 p.m. Directed by Ross Lambrecht. Adapted from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic children’s tale, a pilot who crashes his plane in the Sahara is met by a strange boy from another planet. While the pilot struggles to repair his plane, he quickly forms a close bond with the little prince, who in turn reveals his profound and simple observations of humankind. This forces the pilot to reevaluate his beliefs about what is truly significant in life. Box office: 507/786-8987. Previous months…

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Rock N Roll Revival

March 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21, 8 p.m.; March 15, 2 p.m. Middle School Auditorium This every-other-year over-the-top musical production always plays to sold-out crowds – and it is most probably sold out again this year, but if you can dig up a ticket it’ll be well worth the effort! Enjoy song, dance and just a lot of great fun, with renditions of classics.

Fourth Annual Very Short Play Festival Submission Deadline • March 15 The Northfield Arts Guild is soliciting submissions for the Very Short Play Festival to be held May 1 and 2. Submissions cannot exceed ten minutes in length when acted fully on stage. They can be complete short plays or stand-alone excerpts from longer works. Comedy, drama, interactive, musical, absurdist, monologue, any type, any subject matter will be considered. You will be required to produce your selected play for stage. If you live outside the area, you may submit a play, but, if selected, you are responsible for getting that play to Northfield on May 1 or 2. Writers of any age are encouraged to submit their work. Chosen writers must find their own actors and direct their play for performance. Chosen youth plays will be performed on both Friday night, May 1 and as a matinee Saturday, May 2. Selected adult plays will perform on Saturday night only. All technical elements of the play must be staged as minimalistically as possible; lighting, sound, sets and props should not be a significant factor in the action of the play. Winning authors will be notified by e-mail on or before March 31. Direct electronic submissions to Brendon Etter: better@carleton.edu. Send the script as a plain text file or PDF, if possible, or mail paper copies to: Northfield Arts Guild, Attn: Very Short Play Festival IV, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN 55057

HAPPENINGS

Politics and a Pint • 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

The Contented Cow Join in on discussions concerning local issues at this “lightly moderated” open forum. For information on topics, go to www.contentedcow.com.

The Vagina Monologues • 2 p.m.

St. Olaf Handbell Choir Kids’ Concert • 7 p.m.

The Pause, St. Olaf St. Olaf students perform this Obie Award-winning play written by Eve Ensler. It’s been staged internationally, has an HBO television version, and in 1998 became the cornerstone of V-Day, a global non profit that has raised more then $50 million for women’s anti-violence groups. The Vagina Monologues is made up of a varying number of monologues read by a varying number of women, each relating somehow to the vagina, be it through sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, birth, orgasm, the variety of names for the vagina, or simply as a physical aspect of the body. Choir Concert • 5 p.m.

Skinner Memorial Chapel, Carleton Lawrence Burnett directs this free performance titled, “Multifaith Service of Music and Faith.” Donations will be accepted to kickoff American Red Cross Month. Lawrence Burnett

Urness Recital Hall, St. Olaf Film: Quantum of Solace • 7 p.m.

Viking Theater, St. Olaf Seeking revenge for the death of his love, secret agent James Bond sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country’s valuable resource. Starring Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko and Judi Dench. Showing every day through March 28. Northern Roots Session 7:30 p.m.

The Contented Cow An informal weekly gathering of musicians who play acoustic music with roots in the north, particularly Nordic countries. Participants and listeners at all ages and levels of experience are welcome. Quiz Night • 8 p.m.

The Contented Cow Stop in anytime to sign up. There will be teams of four with prizes and the winning team may drink from the “Winner’s Mug” the week following their triumph! MONDAY, MARCH 2 Poker • 7 p.m.

Froggy Bottoms Play Texas Hold ‘em for points and prizes. Free!

MARCH 2009

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HAPPENINGS Monday, March 2 continued Nordic Jam 7-9 p.m.

Nordic Jam

The Ole Café This weekly open acoustic jam session plays from the Nordic countries and their immigrant communities in North America.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Film: Hoot • 7 p.m.

Viking Theater, St. Olaf Actually, two movies: “Quantum” (see March 1 description), and “Hoot,” which involves a family that moves to Florida and is compelled to protect a nest of endangered owls threatened by a real estate developer. Blue Grass and Old Time Jam Session • 7:30-10 p.m.

The Contented Cow This ongoing event is for bluegrass and old-time musicians of all levels, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere of musicians and an evening of entertainment for the audience. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Wine and Food Tasting Benefit 6:30 p.m.

Bostons, Faribault Proceeds after expenses going to support Paradise Center for the Arts. Musical accompanyists are from the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind. International and domestic wines and appetizers created just for the event! $25.

ARTISTS and MUSICIANS wanted for the Entertainment Guide’s Special Visual Arts and Music Editions. E-mail us neg@northfieldguide.com 10

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Film: An Inconvenient Truth • 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 Lecture/Discussion – Conflict Resolution and Jerusalem’s Holy Places: Prospects for Peace in the Middle East • 5:30 p.m.

Athenaeum, Carleton Presented by Professor Yitzhak Reiter, University of Minnesota Visiting Professor of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. Reiter is active in projects of Jewish-Arab dialogue inside Yitzhak Reiter Israel and a senior fellow of thinktanks impacting Israeli policy on the future of Jerusalem and on Arab-Jewish relations. Pizza provided.

MARCH 2009

Viking Theater, St. Olaf Actually, two films: See March 1 for “Quantum” description. “An Inconvenient Truth” is a documentary directed by David Guggenheim and presented by former Vice President Al Gore that explores Gore’s data and predictions on climate change. Arnold Flaten Memorial Lecture: Ceramics and Sculpture • 7 p.m.

Dittmann Center 305, St. Olaf Artist Doug Casebeer will speak. Lecture: Rep. David Bly on Health Care • 7:30 p.m.

Holland Hall 501, St. Olaf Minnesota State Rep. Bly, co-sponsor of the Minnesota Health Act, will speak about the bill that could be a move toward a single-payer health plan for all Minnesotans.

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HAPPENINGS Thursday, March 5 continued Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Art Exhibit Opening – All School Student Work

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault See page 6.

Froggy Bottoms The Contented Cow Todd Thompson Trio

Tavern Lounge Local acoustic music.

Goodsell Observatory Open House • 7-9 p.m. Todd Thompson Trio

Study Hall • 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 2009 Noble Peace Prize Forum: Striving for Peace: A Climate for Change

St. Olaf The first of a two-day event. In 2007, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and former Vice President Al Gore for spreading awareness of human contributions to climate change and their efforts to urge countries, corporations, organizations and individuals to take steps towards counteracting such change. This year the Nobel Peace Prize Forum honors their work. Event features plenary speeches by Richard Alley, R.K. Pachauri (by video), Majora Carter; presenters Robert K. Musil, Larry Resmussen and others; student sessions; art exhibit; dance performance and more. Visit stolaf.edu/nppf for details.

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Goodsell Observatory, Carleton Visitors can use the observatory to view stars, nebulas and planets. Carleton physics and astronomy professors are available to answer questions. Dress appropriately for the weather. Cancelled if skies are cloudy. Readers Theater: Beyond the Season – Men, Women and Thurber • 7:30 p.m.

Northfield Arts Guild Theater See page 5. Carleton Orchestra Concert 8 p.m. James Thurber Concert Hall, Carleton Directed by Hector Valdivia. Rossini’s “Semiramide Overture,” de Fall’s “Three Dances from the Three Cornered Hat,” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 8 in F.”

Dance: Peace Piece • 8:30 p.m.

Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Dittman Center, Studio One, St. Olaf Presented by choreographer Anthony Roberts with St. Olaf student dancers Jen Berghs, Shannon Denzel, Libby Nail, Megan Parlanti, Brittany Paulsen, Meagan Smith, Tiela Talley and Britt Were. Peace Piece represents its creator’s ambivalence and frustration toward the concept of achieving peace through non-peaceable means and the business of politics. The performance is in conjunction with the Nobel Peace Price Forum. A post-performance discussion immediately follows. Also on March 7.

L&M Bar and Grill, Dundas DJ Music • 9 p.m.

The Rueb-n-Stein Burning Chrome

The Contented Cow Jon Manners

Tavern Lounge Voted Northfield’s BEST Male Musician. Playing guitar since 1957. In the early ’70s, he associated with Andrew Loog Oldham, one-time producer for The Rolling Stones. Now playing solo, he says “it’s easier to call a rehearsal and it gives me complete control over the songlist.”

Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Rueb ‘N’ Stein Norwegian Cowboy

Tavern Lounge Old-school country, ’80s rock, alt-country and alt-rock. Songs you don’t want to admit you like. Not really a cowboy. Northwoods Eclectic Norwegian Cowboy

The Contented Cow

Rice County Humane Society Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser • 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Northfield Eagles Club

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 2009 Noble Peace Prize Forum: Striving for Peace: A Climate for Change

St. Olaf The second of a two-day event. See March 6 for details. Bagels and Birds • 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Readers Theater: Beyond the Season – Men, Women and Thurber • 2 p.m.

Northfield Arts Guild Theater See page 5. St. Olaf Orchestra Spring Concert • 3:30 p.m.

Skoglund Center Auditorium, St. Olaf Guest conductor Jere Lanz, conductor of the Rochester Symphony Orchestra.

River Bend Nature Center Free and open to all ages! Sit back inside with coffee and a bagel to watch wild habitat activity through the window with a naturalist.

Ari Herstand Solo, Live CD/DVD Filming • 5:30 p.m.

Dance: Peace Piece • 8:45 a.m.

Dittman Center, Studio One, St. Olaf See March 6 for a description. Saturday Stroll • 10:30-11:30 a.m.

River Bend Nature Center Free and open to all ages! Take a Saturday morning stroll to see what’s happening at River Bend. Each session will explore a different area and have a different theme. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear for hiking. Not suitable for strollers. Readers Theater: Beyond the Season – Men, Women and Thurber • 7:30 p.m.

Northfield Arts Guild Theater See page 5. Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra: “Finland Memories” 7 p.m.

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Clarinet soloist Jian Quian joins the CVRO along with Heikki Suolahti, Sinfonica Piccola. The program will include Bernhard Crusell’s Concerto for Clarinet in B flat, Einojuhani Rautavaara’ s Cantus Arcticus, Jean Sibelius’ Karelia Suite, Heikki Suolahti’s Sinfonia Piccola, and Armas Järnefelt’s Preludium and Berceuse. Tickets available at www.paradisecenterforthearts.org.

MARCH 2009

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

The Lion’s Pause, St. Olaf Ari Herstand is best known for his solo, live looping abilities: melding guitar, keyboard, trumpet, harmonica, vocals, tambourine and beat boxing seamlessly to create a unique, full band sound. He tours nationally and has opened for artists such as Ben Folds, Cake, Matt Nathanson, Sister Hazel, Soul Asylum, The Bodeans and Joshua Radin. Herstand will be recording a live show, featuring his lookping, at this performance open to anyone who wants to be a part of the DVD filming. LA-based singer/songwriter, Jay Nash, who has toured with Meiko, Justin Nozuka, Gabe Dixon Band, Joe Purdy and played in Minnesota with Maroon 5 and Counting Crows, opens the show. Advance tickets are available to the general public online via www.ariherstand.com or indietickets.com. $7 advance, $10 at the door, free for St. Olaf students. Politics and a Pint • 6 p.m.

The Contented Cow Join in on discussions concerning local issues at this “lightly moderated” open forum. For information on topics, go to www.contentedcow.com.

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HAPPENINGS Sunday, March 8 continued Northern Roots Session • 7:30 p.m.

The Contented Cow Stop in anytime to sign up. There will be teams of four with prizes and the winning team may drink from the “Winner’s Mug” the week following their triumph!

River Bend Nature Center, Faribault Join a naturalist to explore RBNC off-trail at night during the full moon. Moderate hills may be included. Dress for the weather and be prepared to be outside the whole time. Leave your flashlights at home – you'll be using your night vision! Free and open to all ages. Blue Grass and Old Time Jam Session • 7:30-10 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 9

Gallery Talk: Mary Griep Exhibit • 12 p.m.

Guest Recital: DuoSolo • 7 p.m.

Virginia and Jennifer C. Groot Gallery, St. Olaf See page 6.

Urness Recital Hall, St. Olaf Featuring Mary Kirkendoll, flute, and Michael Kirkendoll, piano, blending virtuosity with thoughtful introspection in exciting and interactive experiences.

DuoSolo

Full Moon Night Hike • 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Wake-Robin • 1-2 p.m.

Bittersweet A local duo on strings playing Celtic and Civil War period tunes. Faculty/Guest Recital • 7 p.m.

Man Cave Monday Night Movie for Men • 7 p.m.

Wake-Robin

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault

Theater: The Little Prince • 7:30 p.m.

Poker • 7 p.m.

Froggy Bottoms Play Texas Hold ‘em for points and prizes. Free!

Urness Recital Hall, St. Olaf Julia and Irina Elkina, piano.

Haugen Theater, St. Olaf See page 5. THURSDAY, MARCH 12

Nordic Jam • 7-9 p.m.

MACT FEST 2009

The Ole Café This weekly open acoustic jam session plays from the Nordic countries and their immigrant communities in North America.

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault First of three-day event. Presented by Minnesota Association of Community Theatres. This 19th biennial festival dramatic event will include theatre troupes performing from all over the state, adjudications, workshops and more. The festival of shows, up to one hour in length, are open to the public on Friday and Saturday, $10/adult; $7/senior and groups 10+; $4/students. Go to www.mact.net for details and pricing options.

Music Performance – Baroque Violin Masterclass: Leah Nelson • 8:15 p.m.

Urness Recital Hall, St. Olaf Leah Nelson, New York City, is a baroque violinist who performs period-style concerts across the nation. She has played several times a year at the Basilica in Minneapolis. Several St. Olaf student violinists will perform and she will coach them in authentic techniques.

Distinction Project/Lecture: James Coghlin • 11:30 a.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

Theater: The Little Prince • 7:30 p.m.

Presentation: The Polaris Project • 7 p.m.

Haugen Theater, St. Olaf See page 5.

Dittman Center, Flaten Gallery In conjunction with My Arctic exhibit. See page 5.

Christiansen Hall of Music 232, St. Olaf Arnold Flaten Memorial Lecture • 7 p.m.

Dittman Center 305, St. Olaf Paulette Meyers-Rich, photographer and fine-print book artist, will speak of her work.

Concert: St. Paul Chamber Orchestra • 7:30 p.m.

Boe Memorial Chapel, St. Olaf Free and open to the public, this is a non-ticketing event.

ARTISTS and MUSICIANS wanted for the Entertainment Guide’s Special Visual Arts and Music Editions. E-mail us – neg@northfieldguide.com. 14

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Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Froggy Bottoms Mark Mraz

Tavern Lounge Forget about life for awhile with the piano man. From Billy Joel to Kermit the Frog – Mraz tickles the ivories and entertains requests from the audience.

Mark Mraz

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 MACT FEST 2009

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Second of three-day event. See March 12 description. Occasional Jazz • 5-7 p.m.

The Contented Cow Theater: The Little Prince 7:30 p.m.

Haugen Theater, St. Olaf See page 5. Occasional Jazz

Rock N Roll Revival • 8 p.m.

Middle School Auditorium See page 5.

Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Rueb ‘N’ Stein

MARCH 2009

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HAPPENINGS Friday, March 13 continued Draper Daniels

The Contented Cow Joe Meyer

Tavern Lounge Mark Mraz

Froggy Bottoms Forget about life for awhile with the piano man. From Billy Joel to Kermit the Frog – Mraz tickles the ivories and entertains requests from the audience.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festivities • 1 p.m.

Downtown Northfield It’s not quite St. Patrick’s Day – but If you derive from Irish heritage or just wish you did, join the days’ festivities honoring St. Patrick’s Day. Pre-parade rally begins at 1 p.m. at EconO’Foods parking lot. Bring your flags, banners, coat of arms and walking floats. The parade strolls north on Division and ends up on Bridge Square and Riverside Plaza. Theater: The Little Prince • 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Mark Mraz

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Haugen Theater, St. Olaf See page 5.

MARCH 2009

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HAPPENINGS Saturday March 14 continued Auction for the Arts: Get Down Tonight! • 7-11 p.m.

Northfield Arts Guild Center for the Arts Put on your dancing shoes, your Annie Hall vest and brush your Farrah flip into hairsprayed high gear; this year’s Auction for the Arts gets down and funky with a trip back to the ’70s. Activities include pot throwing (as in ceramics) belly dancing, silent and live auctions and ultimately, a disco dance upstairs at the NAG. Proceeds benefit the Northfield Arts Guild.

Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Fieldhouse Sing for a drink. DJ Music • 9 p.m.

The Rueb-n-Stein Matt Arthur and the Bratlanders

Tavern Lounge Original foot-stompin’ protest songs, hollerin’ gospel blues, and classic covers from such American legends as Johnny Cash, Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Hank Williams.

MACT FEST 2009

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Final of three-day event. See March 12 description.

Auction for the Arts

Rock N Roll Revival • 8 p.m.

The Options

The Contented Cow Lori Landry

James Gang HideAway

Middle School Auditorium See page 5.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Haugen Theater, St. Olaf See page 5.

L&M Bar and Grill, Dundas

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Theater: The Little Prince • 2 p.m.

Quiz Night • 8 p.m. Rock N Roll Revival • 2 p.m.

Middle School Auditorium See page 5. St. Olaf Band Concert 3:30 p.m.

Skoglund Center Auditorium Directed by Timothy Mahr.

Froggy Bottoms Play Texas Hold ‘em for points and prizes. Free!

African Fundraising Feedback • 4 p.m.

Nordic Jam • 7-9 p.m.

Contented Cow Presentation by Bereket Haileab on how funds raised were spent to aid South Africa.

The Ole Café This weekly open acoustic jam session plays from the Nordic countries and their immigrant communities in North America.

Politics and a Pint • 6 p.m.

The Contented Cow Join in on discussions concerning local issues at this “lightly moderated” open forum. For information on topics, go to www.contentedcow.com. Northern Roots Session 7:30 p.m.

The Contented Cow An informal weekly gathering of musicians to play acoustic music with roots in the north, particularly the Nordic countries. Participants and listeners at all ages and levels of experience welcome.

MARCH 2009

Nordic Jam

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 Blue Grass and Old Time Jam Session • 7:30-10 p.m.

The Contented Cow Contented Cow regulars from Farmington play Irish music.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 Wake-Robin • 1-2 p.m.

Bittersweet A local duo on strings playing Celtic and Civil War period tunes. Wake-Robin

THURSDAY, MARCH 19

Film – A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story • 6:30 p.m.

Buntrock Commons, Gold Ballroom, St. Olaf This is a new documentary film on the life of Bill Sackter, a resident of Faribault State Hospital for most of his life. His life and later work in the coffee shop that bears his name were the inspiration for two movies, “Bill” and “Rain Man.” Rock N Roll Revival • 8 p.m.

Northfield Middle School See page 5. Arnold Flaten Memorial Lecture • 7 p.m.

Dittman 305, St. Olaf Artist Allen Brewer will speak. Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Froggy Bottoms Study Hall • 9 p.m.

The Contented Cow Chris Herriges

Tavern Lounge Critically acclaimed singer, guitarist and songwriter based in the Twin Cities. FRIDAY, MARCH 20 March Madness Market • 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Juried market featuring local crafters, artisans and artists. To apply for a space and rates, contact Suzanne Klumb, 507/334-2444 or sklumb@ll.net. Rock N Roll Revival • 8 p.m.

Middle School Auditorium See page 5. Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Rueb ‘N’ Stein Carey Langer

Cary Langer

The Contented Cow A solo artist covering six decades and seven styles of music. From The Everly Brothers and Frank Sinatra, and to Rick Springfield, Dave Matthews and Jimmy Eat World as dictated by the audience, personal favorites and original music.

NEG@northfieldguide.com

Jeff Ray

Tavern Lounge Mighty fine guitar and harp. Ray walks a thin line between blues and folk, one minute strutting a slide-guitar ballad on the resonator guitar, the next minute blasting off into a one-man-band train ride. “Ray has a quality that could only come by blending the birthplaces of Bob Dylan and the blues.” (Des Moines Register). SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Girls Day • 1-5 p.m.

Castle Rock and Roll Café Lots of fun activities for the girls including a free wine tasting. Women in Literature Arts Event • 6:30 p.m.

Paradise Center for the Arts An evening of readings from local women (and girl) writers and favorite works by and about women – poetry and excerpts of longer written works. Discussion on ideas, themes, questions and issues that come up. Rock N Roll Revival • 8 p.m.

Middle School Auditorium See page 5. Karaoke • 9 p.m.

L&M Bar and Grill, Dundas DJ Music • 9 p.m.

The Rueb-n-Stein Inga Johnson, Jerry Johnson and Joel Cooper

The Contented Cow Rock N Roll Revival

Happenings continued on page 30.

MARCH 2009

Check us out online at www.northfieldguide.com

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

The Vagina Monologues 2 p.m., The Pause, St. Olaf

Poker • 7 p.m.

Froggy Bottoms

Blue Grass and Old Time Jam Session • 7:30-10 p.m.

Wine and Food Tasting Benefit • 6:30 p.m.

Choir Concert • 5 p.m.

Nordic Jam • 7-9 p.m.

The Contented Cow

Bostons, Faribault

Skinner Memorial Chapel, Carleton

The Ole Café

Politics and a Pint • 6 p.m.

The Contented Cow St. Olaf Handbell Choir Kids’ Concert • 7 p.m.

Urness Recital Hall, St. Olaf Northern Roots Session 7:30 p.m., Contented Cow Quiz Night • 8 p.m.

The Contented Cow

h c r a M 7 p.m. • Viking Theater, St. Olaf

Descriptions, if available, on 6-21 and 26-27.

March 1-28 – Quantum of Solace March 3 – Hoot March 5 – An Inconvenient Truth

Clubs, Classes and Sports on 33

FREE FILMS

Dining on 34

Rice County Humane Society Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Guest Recital: DuoSolo 7 p.m., Urness Recital Hall,

Presentation: The Polaris Project • 7 p.m., Dittman

Gallery Talk: Mary Griep Exhibit • 12 p.m., Virginia

St. Olaf

Center, Flaten Gallery

Man Cave Monday Night Movie for Men • 7 p.m.

Full Moon Night Hike 7:30-8:30 p.m., River Bend

and Jennifer C. Groot Gallery, St. Olaf Wake-Robin • 1-2 p.m.

Readers Theater: Beyond the Season – Men, Women and Thurber • 2 p.m.

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault

Nature Center, Faribault

Bittersweet

NAG Theater

Poker • 7 p.m.

Blue Grass and Old Time Jam Session • 7:30-10 p.m.

Faculty/Guest Recital 7 p.m., Urness Recital Hall,

Froggy Bottoms

The Contented Cow

St. Olaf

Northfield Eagles Club

St. Olaf Orchestra Spring Concert • 3:30 p.m.

Skoglund Center Auditorium, St. Olaf Ari Herstand Solo, Live CD/DVD Filming • 5:30 p.m.

The Lion’s Pause, St. Olaf

Nordic Jam • 7-9 p.m.

The Ole Café Music Performance – Baroque Violin Masterclass: Leah Nelson

Theater: The Little Prince 7:30 p.m., Haugen Theater,

St. Olaf

Urness Recital Hall, St. Olaf

Politics and a Pint • 6 p.m.

The Contented Cow Northern Roots Session 7:30 p.m., Contented Cow Quiz Night • 8 p.m.

The Contented Cow

Become a part of the Entertainment Guide. Advertise in the next issue.

Call Abby today – 507/663-7937 22

NEG@northfieldguide.com

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Lecture/Discussion – Conflict Resolution and Jerusalem’s Holy Places: Prospects for Peace in the Middle East • 5:30 p.m.

2009 Noble Peace Prize Forum: Striving for Peace: A Climate for Change, St. Olaf

Art Exhibit Opening – All School Student Work • 5-7 p.m., Paradise

Bagels and Birds • 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Center for the Arts, Faribault

Dance: Peace Piece • 8:45 a.m.

Goodsell Observatory Open House 7-9 p.m., Carleton

Dittman Center, Studio One, St. Olaf River Bend Nature Center

Karaoke • 9 p.m., Froggy Bottoms

Readers Theater: Beyond the Season – Men, Women and Thurber • 7:30 p.m.

Study Hall • 9 p.m., Contented Cow

Northfield Arts Guild Theater

Readers Theater: Beyond the Season – Men, Women and Thurber • 7:30 p.m.

Todd Thompson Trio, Tavern

Carleton Orchestra Concert • 8 p.m.

Northfield Arts Guild Theater

Concert Hall, Carleton

Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra: “Finland Memories” • 7 p.m., Paradise

Athenaeum, Carleton Arnold Flaten Memorial Lecture: Ceramics and Sculpture • 7 p.m.

Dittma Center 305, St. Olaf Lecture: Rep. David Bly on Health Care • 7:30 p.m., Holland 501, St. Olaf

Dance: Peace Piece • 8:30 p.m.

Dittman Center, Studio One, St. Olaf Karaoke • 9 p.m., Rueb ‘N’ Stein Norwegian Cowboy, Tavern Lounge Northwoods Eclectic, Contented Cow

River Bend Nature Center

Saturday Stroll • 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Center for the Arts, Faribault Karaoke • 9 p.m., L&M, Dundas DJ Music • 9 p.m., The Rueb-n-Stein Burning Chrome, Contented Cow Jon Manners, Tavern Lounge

MACT FEST 2009

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault

Distinction Project/Lecture: James Coghlin • 11:30 a.m., Christiansen

Occasional Jazz • 5-7 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade/Festivities 1 p.m., Downtown Northfield

Hall of Music 232, St. Olaf

Theater: The Little Prince • 7:30 p.m.

Arnold Flaten Memorial Lecture 7 p.m., Dittman Center 305, St. Olaf

Haugen Theater, St. Olaf

Theater: The Little Prince • 7:30 p.m.

Middle School Auditorium Karaoke • 9 p.m., Rueb ‘N’ Stein Draper Daniels, The Contented Cow Joe Meyer, Tavern Lounge Mark Mraz, Froggy Bottoms

Haugen Theater, St. Olaf Concert: St. Paul Chamber Orchestra • 7:30 p.m.

Boe Memorial Chapel, St. Olaf Karaoke • 9 p.m., Froggy Bottoms Mark Mraz, Tavern Lounge

The Contented Cow

Rock N Roll Revival • 8 p.m.

Theater: The Little Prince • 2 and 7:30 p.m., Haugen Theater, St. Olaf Auction for the Arts: Get Down Tonight! • 7-11 p.m., Northfield Arts

Guild Center for the Arts Conversations in Improvisation 7:30 p.m., Dittmann Center, St. Olaf Rock N Roll Revival • 8 p.m.

Middle School Auditorium Karaoke • 9 p.m., L&M, Dundas Karaoke • 9 p.m., Fieldhouse DJ Music • 9 p.m., The Rueb-n-Stein Matt Arthur and the Bratlanders

Tavern Lounge The Options, The Contented Cow Lori Landry, The HideAway

We want musicians to profile in our 2009 Northfield Entertainment Guide Music Edition. Email neg@northfieldguide.com. MARCH 2009

Check us out online at www.northfieldguide.com

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Theater: The Little Prince 2 p.m., Haugen Theater,

Poker • 7 p.m.

Blue Grass and Old Time Jam Session • 7:30-10 p.m.

Wake-Robin • 1-2 p.m.

Froggy Bottoms

St. Olaf

Nordic Jam • 7-9 p.m.

The Contented Cow

Rock N Roll Revival • 2 p.m.

The Ole Café

St. Patrick’s Day with Heritage, Contented Cow

Middle School Auditorium

Bittersweet

St. Olaf Band Concert 3:30 p.m., Skoglund Center

Auditorium, St. Olaf African Fundraising Feedback • 4 p.m.

Descriptions, if available, on 6-21 and 26-27.

Contented Cow Politics and a Pint • 6 p.m. FREE FILMS

The Contented Cow

7 p.m. • Viking Theater, St. Olaf

Northern Roots Session 7:30 p.m., Contented Cow

March 1-28 – Quantum of Solace March 3 – Hoot March 5 – An Inconvenient Truth

Quiz Night • 8 p.m.

The Contented Cow

Clubs, Classes and Sports on 33 Dining on 34

Pancake Breakfast 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., VFW

Poker • 7 p.m.

High School Orchestra Concert • 7 p.m.

Wake-Robin • 1-2 p.m.

Froggy Bottoms Nordic Jam • 7-9 p.m.

High School Gym

The Ole Café

Nature Center, Faribault

Blue Grass and Old Time Jam Session • 7:30-10 p.m.

Politics and a Pint • 6 p.m.

The Contented Cow

Maple Syrupin’ Day 1-3 p.m., River Band

The Contented Cow Northern Roots Session 7:30 p.m., Contented Cow Quiz Night • 8 p.m.

The Contented Cow

Allspel with KVARTS 5 p.m., Contented Cow Politics and a Pint • 6 p.m.

Poker • 7 p.m.

Blue Grass and Old Time Jam Session • 7:30-10 p.m.

The Contented Cow Northern Roots Session 7:30 p.m., Contented Cow Quiz Night • 8 p.m.

The Contented Cow

Froggy Bottoms KVARTS Concert and Dance • 7 p.m., Eagles Club

The Contented Cow

Bittersweet

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Rock N Roll Revival • 8 p.m.

March Madness Market • 10 a.m.7 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts,

Girls Day • 1-5 p.m.

Arnold Flaten Memorial Lecture 7 p.m., Dittman 305, St. Olaf

Faribault

Women in Literature Arts Event 6:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the

Karaoke • 9 p.m., Froggy Bottoms

Middle School Auditorium Karaoke • 9 p.m., Rueb ‘N’ Stein Carey Langer, The Contented Cow Jeff Ray, Tavern Lounge

Northfield Middle School

Study Hall • 9 p.m., Contented Cow Chris Herriges, Tavern Lounge

Rock N Roll Revival • 8 p.m.

Castle Rock and Roll Café Arts, Faribault Rock N Roll Revival • 8 p.m.

Middle School Auditorium Karaoke • 9 p.m., L&M, Dundas DJ Music • 9 p.m., The Rueb-n-Stein Inga Johnson, Jerry Johnson and Joel Cooper, The Contented Cow Norwegian Cowboy, Tavern Lounge

Exhibit Opening Reception: Molstre-Kotz • 7-9 p.m.

Leaves of Grass Open Mic • 7:30 p.m.

Concert: Marilyn Sellars/Three Links 110th Anniversary • 3 p.m.

Northfield Arts Guild Karaoke • 9 p.m., Froggy Bottoms Mark Mraz, Tavern Lounge

Tiny’s Dogs All Day Karaoke • 9 p.m., Rueb ‘N’ Stein Ian Alexy, Tavern Lounge New Moon Trio, The Contented Cow

Northfield Ballroom KVARTS Concert • 8-11 p.m.

Contented Cow Karaoke • 9 p.m., L&M, Dundas Karaoke • 9 p.m., Fieldhouse DJ Music • 9 p.m., The Rueb-n-Stein Bonnie and the Clydes, Tavern

ARTISTS wanted for the Entertainment Guide’s Visual Arts edition! Email us – neg@northfieldguide.com.

MARCH 2009out online at www.northfieldguide.com

HAPPENINGS

Saturday, March 21 continued

Norwegian Cowboy

Tavern Lounge Old-school country, ’80s rock, alt-country and alt-rock. Songs you don’t want to admit you like. Not really a cowboy. SUNDAY, MARCH 22 Pancake Breakfast • 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Quiz Night • 8 p.m.

Froggy Bottoms Play Texas Hold ‘em for points and prizes. Free! Nordic Jam • 7-9 p.m.

VFW

The Ole Café This weekly open acoustic jam session plays from the Nordic countries and their immigrant communities in North America. Plenty of dance music.

Maple Syrupin’ Day • 1-3 p.m.

River Band Nature Center, Faribault Join sugar bush workers in the spring tradition of maple syrupin’. Help tap trees, collect syrup and observe the evaporating station. All ages welcome. Free for RBNC members, $3 nonmembers. Politics and a Pint • 6 p.m.

The Contented Cow Join in on discussions concerning local issues at this “lightly moderated” open forum. For information on topics, go to www.contentedcow.com. Northern Roots Session • 7:30 p.m.

The Contented Cow An informal weekly gathering of musicians and friends who love to play acoustic music with roots in the north, particularly the Nordic countries. Participants and listeners at all ages and levels of experience are welcome.

NEG@northfieldguide.com

Nordic Jam

TUESDAY, MARCH 24

High School Orchestra Concert • 7 p.m.

High School Gym All-district concert. Blue Grass and Old Time Jam Session • 7:30-10 p.m.

The Contented Cow This ongoing event is for bluegrass and old-time musicians of all levels, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere of musicians and an evening of entertainment for the audience.

Karaoke • 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

L&M Bar and Grill, Dundas

Wake-Robin • 1-2 p.m.

Bittersweet A local duo on strings playing Celtic and Civil War period tunes.

Fieldhouse Sing for a drink. DJ Music • 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

The Rueb-n-Stein

Exhibit Opening Reception: Molstre-Kotz • 7-9 p.m.

Northfield Arts Guild See page 6.

Bonnie and the Clydes

Tavern Lounge Take a step back and resurrect songs of love, peace and flower power from the late ’60s and early ’70s. The Bonnie is Bonnie Jean Flom, the Clydes are Bill McGrath and Scott McMillan.

Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Froggy Bottoms Mark Mraz

Bonnie and the Clydes

Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Mark Mraz

Tavern Lounge Forget about life for awhile with the piano man. From Billy Joel to Kermit the Frog – Mraz tickles the ivories and entertains requests from the audience. FRIDAY, MARCH 27 Leaves of Grass Open Mic • 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 Allspel with KVARTS • 5 p.m.

Contented Cow Preceded by an instrument workshop (see clubs, classes and more on page 33). Participants play what they’ve learned and more.

Tiny’s Dogs All Day Group reading of Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass.” Contact Olivia Frey to read, oliviafrey209@hotmail.com or 507/6454998. Other reading welcome – original writing or writing you love by someone else.

Politics and a Pint • 6 p.m.

Karaoke • 9 p.m.

Northern Roots Session • 7:30 p.m.

Rueb ‘N’ Stein

Ian Alexy

Tavern Lounge Singer/songwriter/guitarist with deft finger-picking, jazzy melodies and heart-warming tales of a well-traveled 20something-year-old. New Moon Trio

The Contented Cow Here’s a taste of 100 years of popular tunes, random requests and spontaneous harmonies featuring Ross Currier on bass, Lance Heisler on drums and Justin London on guitar.

The Contented Cow Join in on discussions concerning local issues at this “lightly moderated” open forum. For information on topics, go to www.contentedcow.com.

Quiz Night • 8 p.m.

Froggy Bottoms Play Texas Hold ‘em for points and prizes. Free! KVARTS Concert and Dance • 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Eagles Club KVARTS, one of Norway’s “Grammy”winning traditional music bands, will play at

Concert: Marilyn Sellars/Three Links 110th Anniversary • 3 p.m.

Northfield Ballroom Marilyn Sellars celebrates Three Links 110th Anniversary. For information and tickets, call Deborah Carpenter, 507/664-8867 KVARTS Concert • 8-11 p.m.

Contented Cow Two members of one of the best-known Norwegian traditional music bands, KVARTS – Jo Asgeir Lie and Tom Willy Rustad, will be playing at the Cow as the start of KVARTS’ American tour.

MARCH 2009

8 with dance instruction at 7. $10. TUESDAY, MARCH 31 Blue Grass and Old Time Jam Session • 7:30-10 p.m.

The Contented Cow This ongoing event is for bluegrass and old-time musicians of all levels, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere of musicians and an evening of entertainment for the audience.

Check us out online at www.northfieldguide.com

Just Curious… And so a few quick questions and answers. By Breanna Zarbinski

Ann Ann Mosey Mosey From dancing in New York to promoting art advocacy in Wisconsin, Ann Mosey has been an active member of art communities across the nation. Now she is focusing her attention on Northfield as executive director of the Northfield Arts Guild. As a new Northfielder, Mosey has proven her dedication to the town through her contributions at the Guild. Mosey, however, describes herself as a team member who works collaboratively with the other employees at the Guild to put Northfielders’ art dreams into action. BZ: You are the executive director of The Northfield Arts Guild. Title aside, what do you do every day? Mosey: I oversee the entire organization with input from staff and board members. Many of us are rather new. I arrived three months ago. Each day is very different. Today, for instance, I wrote grants all morning, I then made connections with local public schools for various artists-in-residency projects, now I am having this interview, and later I will meet with some members of the local art community. BZ: What type of art does the Guild work to support? Mosey: We promote arts education and showcasing arts from five mediums: dance, music, literature, theater and visual arts. We provide education and production opportunities in all of these mediums. BZ: What are some of your top priorities as executive director? Mosey: Right now we are working to stabilize the organization. There has been a lot of change in the past five years and we wish to create an atmosphere of stability. The Board of Directors and I are working to make the day-to-day operations more effective and lucrative. Also, we are working on new strategic plans and financial overhauls.

Mosey: I co-founded a 5013C (a non-profit) art advocacy organization in a college town in central Wisconsin and worked there for five years. We represented various art groups in the county. Before that, I taught dance, including its history and technique, as well as art criticism at Ohio State and Arizona State universities. BZ: Your non-profit in Wisconsin seems very interesting. Can you tell me more about it? Mosey: In that particular town and the surrounding area there were a lot of artists that worked independently of one another. The mission of the art advocacy organization was to create a central place where artists of all mediums could network and showcase their work. We also worked at the government level to garner support for the arts. We also worked to increase support for art in K-12 schools. BZ: Those are quite diverse careers. How did you end up in Northfield? Mosey: This job opportunity brought me here. I am originally from Wisconsin, but after college I moved to New York City to dance. After ten years in NYC I moved to Minneapolis and taught at Xenon for four years. Then I went to graduate school and on to teach at several universities. After co-founding the art advocacy organization in Wisconsin in 2003, I wanted something more challenging to pursue. I also wanted to live somewhere close to an urban environment, and I loved Minneapolis. Northfield seemed like the ideal place. BZ: What do you like most about your job? Mosey: My current job really blends past job experiences together. This position brings together my work in art education, artist-in-residency knowledge, teaching experiences, and my support of art advocacy. BZ: Are there any particular goals you have for the NAG? Mosey: My leadership style is collaborative, so the goals I have for the NAG are really communal goals identified by myself and the staff, board, and other community artists and art organizations. My main job is to make sure we follow through on our goals. One current project is working with other artists to make Northfield an art tourism destination. BZ: How are you planning to make Northfield an art tourism destination? Mosey: For instance, Dean Kjerland (owner of Art-onWater) is working with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) to identify a location in downtown Northfield as a tourist destination, calling it an “arts quarter.” The NAG is the fiscal agent supporting the endeavor. Between 20 and 30 artists from the community are contributing to the project. We are encouraging community members to come and share ideas for projects on April 21. 6-9 p.m., at the Grand. BZ: What types of art classes are you developing at the NAG right now?

BZ: Before this job, were you involved in similar organizations?

Mosey: Our initial objective is to create consistency in our class offerings. We are also offering open studio time for people to rent work space and designing more ongoing introductory classes for adults. Our goal is to identify what Northfield needs in terms of community-based art education and satisfy that need. BZ: Has the recent economic crisis impacted the NAG and its productions? Mosey: The McKnight Foundation, an organization that provides financial support to groups like ours, recently sent art organizations a letter stating they would be focusing all of their funding on environmental issues. This, of course, is a very important cause, but we will miss their support. Our endowment investments also lost money. We haven’t seen economic losses due to private donations, that I think will become more evident in the next year or two.

Mosey: On March 14 we are having our annual Auction for the Arts. It is a live and silent auction of local fine art and services offered by local businesses. This year’s theme is 1970’s disco. We have many activities planned for the evening. You can get your hair done like Farrah Fawcett, participate in a trivia game, or take a disco dance class. Much of the fine art and services at the auction are linked to major cultural events from the 1970s. For instance, the first Earth Day was in the 1970s, so a local garden shop is putting a garden consultation up for auction. It is also a costume party, so costumes are welcome – anything from disco to Star Wars! BZ: Any other upcoming events? Mosey: Our 50th anniversary begins in August, and we are kicking it off with a garden party. There will be other highlighted events throughout the year.

BZ: How are you strategizing to handle this? Mosey: We need to identify what we do well and focus on those attributes. And we need to simply our efforts, getting rid of any excess endeavors.

BZ: What is your favorite thing about Northfield so far? Mosey: I love the commitment people living here have to making it a very alive place. It is both a fun and interesting place to live and work.

BZ: What are your first impressions of Northfield? Mosey: It is a nice, small, politically and socially active community. People here have wonderful ideas. It seems that many ideas are now being acted upon and more fully developed.

BZ: If someone isn’t involved right now in the NAG, how can they start? Mosey: One of the NAG’s greatest assets is that we are very novice friendly. Even productions at the theaters are family friendly and welcome new comers to participate in productions. It is so easy to walk into the shop or gallery and ask for more information on the local artists represented. We are truly a community arts based organization.

BZ: What are some of the NAG’s upcoming events?

MARCH 2009

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Photo courtesy David Hvistendahl collection

HISTORIC

HAPPENINGS NORTHFIELD STYLE By SUSAN HVISTENDAHL

Odd Fellows/Three Links mark 110th anniversary in Northfield: A Look Back On June 16, 1899, more than 6,000 visitors streamed into Northfield on a dozen regular and special trains and marched in a mile-long parade. Almost exactly a year later, on June 15, 1900, special trains brought in even more visitors who were welcomed by flags flying from windows and awnings downtown. Streamers, which were strung between downtown buildings, floated in the breeze as these visitors, accompanied by five bands, marched in a festive parade through the town. The celebrations had nothing to do with commemorating the town’s routing of the James-Younger Gang in 1876. These crowds were celebrating the laying of the cornerstone of the Odd Fellows Home, followed a year later by the dedication of its first building. The Northfield Independent newspaper reported that the Odd Fellows Anchor Lodge of Minneapolis marched in the 1900 parade with a drum corps and with all 150 of their members carrying red, white and

NEG@northfieldguide.com

The Odd Fellows Home ca early 1940s.

blue umbrellas. They had brought along a float of a large anchor which had the words “The Anchor at Northfield June 15, 1900” printed on it. The Flour City Lodge of Minneapolis was “headed by their goat led by six little Flour City girls nicely attired.” The ladies of the Star of Hope Rebekah lodge of Minneapolis made a fashion statement wearing pink sunbonnets and green sashes. The speaker at the dedication ceremony after the parade said that “in the completion and dedication of this Home we have finished the greatest single act in the history of Odd Fellowship in this state.” Why, you might ask, was there such widespread excitement? And who are the Odd Fellows, anyway?

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) is an altruistic fraternal organization whose roots can be found in the English Oddfellows service organizations of the 1700s, which were composed of “common laboring men” associating for “social unity and fellowship and for mutual help.” This was unusual for the times and so it may be that members were derided as being “peculiar” or “odd.” Another explanation for the name was that the original Odd Fellows were men engaged in various or odd trades. At any rate, they legally incorporated under that name. In North America, Odd Fellows began in 1819 when five members of the Order from England founded Washington Lodge No. 1 in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Seven Stars Tavern. By the time of the cornerstone laying in Northfield, those five members had grown to 850,000 across the United States and Odd Fellows had spread to many other foreign countries. From 1830 to 1899, it was said that eighty million dollars had been expended to carry out the benevolent mission of Odd Fellows, with the sum of three and a half million dollars being spent annually in 1899. The first Minnesota Odd Fellows was established in 1849 in Stillwater. When legal authority was given to establish Rebekah lodges for a female auxiliary to Odd Fellows, Minnesota was one of the first jurisdictions to take advantage of the opportunity in 1869. The Northfield Odd Fellows Friendship Lodge #50 was organized on Nov. 15, 1875.

The Pennsylvania Odd Fellows group was the first to establish a home for its aged and for the widows and children of deceased members in 1876. In 1881, the first suggestion about having such a home in Minnesota was made and a fund was started. By 1898, $25,000 had been raised for a structure for use as an orphanage and home for the aged. Competition ensued among five sites: Minneapolis, Montevideo, Northfield, Winona and Owatonna. Northfield prevailed, offering a 120-acre Josiah Nutting farm on Forest Avenue, within the city limits, close to schools, railroad and the post office. The Northfield lodge and local citizens came up with the $15,000 necessary for the purchase. A book produced in honor of the laying of the cornerstone called Northfield “the Athens of the West,” praising it as a seat of learning, where “culture and refinement is evident.” The Home that was to be built was described as “a true, ideal Home around which shall cluster all the love and tenderness and watchful care that makes home the sweetest, dearest place on earth.” Another publication of this time described the “Odd Fellows Home and Orphan Asylum” as being in a perfect location, “in the center of the garden spot of a state which is one big Eden. Northfield is noted as one of the cleanest and most orderly cities in the state and a center of education and culture.” Harry Wild Jones of Minneapolis (see sidebar) was engaged as the architect for a design of Dutch architectural style, using Northfield red brick with trimmings of cream-colored brick and Kasota stone. The main buildings, annex, farm house and

Historic Happenings continued on next page.

MARCH 2009

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Historic Happenings continued from previous page. two barns represented an investment of $77,619.30, “free from indebtedness.” Each lodge could place one person in the Home at a cost of $1.75 a week for a Lodge member, $1.25 a week for a wife or widow and $1 a week for a child or orphan of an Odd Fellow, with a 50 cents per week charge for an additional member. Each person sent to the Home “shall have at least one good suit of clothes and two suits of underclothing in good condition, and all expense of necessary clothing, medicine, tobacco, etc., during his or her stay shall be borne by the Lodge or other authority having control of such person.” Harry Jones, ca 1901. Photo courtesy of the Harry Wild Jones private collection, Lee Jones, Edina, MN

Harry Wild Jones’ Local Connections In 1899, the fraternal organization called the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, made construction plans for 120 acres on Forest Avenue in Northfield. Three separate buildings joined by corridors were to represent the motto of “friendship, love and truth” and were to house an orphanage, hospital and home for the elderly. Harry Wild Jones, a prominent Minneapolis architect, was engaged to design a Dutch-Flemist Revival Style complex, featuring gables and a red and white brick exterior. In 1905, Watts William Pye, Northfield attorney and banker, hired Jones to design an English Tudor home for himself at 613 E. 4th St. In 1910, Pye turned to Jones again to design the State Bank of Northfield on Water Street. Jones created an Egyptian Revival structure, with columns and two windows on each side of the entrance and a stained-glass dome crowning the roof. This building has been extensively renovated by law partners David Hvistendahl and Ron Moersch since its purchase in 1981 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jones also designed Carleton professor Frederick Hill’s Georgian Revival Style mansion at 419 E. 3rd Street in 1912 and, in Faribault, the Bishop Whipple Church and the City Hall and Library. Elizabeth A. Vandam’s book, “Harry Wild Jones: American Architect,” details his life and works, including Minneapolis landmarks Butler Square and Lakewood Cemetery Chapel. A chapter called “Beyond the Twin Cities” has two pages on “The Northfield Connection” with pictures of the State Bank, the Pye and Hill residences and a drawing of the Odd Fellows Home.

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The grove adjoining the Home was the site of the 1900 dedication ceremonies. Wallace G. Nye, a past grand master, delivered the oration of the day. He commended the “sisterhood of Rebekahs” (the ladies’ auxiliary of Odd Fellows) for furnishing the Home and declared “our Home leans for support upon the sympathetic heart of woman. Her smiles, her tenderness, her influence are needed now more than ever.” He called on all to give support to the Home, “not grudgingly, remembering that this is our one great opportunity for doing something, no matter how small, to temper for others the rough winds of adversity.” The Home was “no asylum, no paupers’ refuge, no mere boarding place but a true Home around which will cluster all the love and tenderness that makes home the dearest name on earth save only God and mother.” Here the aged would be protected, “God’s poor” of both sexes would find shelter, food and clothing and human love and youth would be “taken from the clutch of penury and want” and be “clothed and fed and trained” in body, mind and heart to become “useful men and women and helpful members of society.” With a rhetorical flourish, Nye said, “Our Home speaks louder than any monument for the dead. It says to all, Odd Fellowship gives comfort and rest for the living rather than flowers and monuments after ‘life’s fitful dream is o’er.’” After the benediction, the Northfield Independent reported that “the building was thronged with visitors, all of whom were unanimous in their expressions of approval.” The first resident, an 89-year-old Odd Fellow, moved in on Aug. 2, 1900, followed by nine more men, a widow and five children. By 1926, the number had grown to 126 children and elderly at the Home. In September of 1974, this distinctive first building designed by Harry W. Jones was razed. A Northfield News story that month said, “Because of its unusual architecture, many were sorry to see the old structure go, but the interior had long been worn out.” Increased government regulations and safety codes led to condemnation of other older buildings on the property. New buildings and expanded services on the Forest Avenue site brought a new name, “Three Links Care Center,” in 1989. The new name retained a connection to Odd Fellows since it comes from the logo of the Odd Fellows fraternity, which is three links with the letters F, L and T on them, representing Friendship, Love and Truth. These principles continue to guide the organization in its services to the community of nursing home care, home care, apartments and board and lodging. Three Links will be having a yearlong celebration honoring the 110 years of its history in Northfield. Events include a special afternoon of song and remembrance with Marilyn Sellars at the Northfield Ballroom on March 28 at 3 p.m., a heritage celebration on the Three Links Campus on May 17 from 2 to 4 p.m., the John Falck Memorial Golf Tournament at the Northfield Golf Club on

Marilyn Sellars

Historic Happenings continued on page 35.

Clubs, Classes and More… Glass Garden Beads Beading Class – 507/45-0301

First and third Mondays • Call for other class information. Northfield Public Library – 507/645-6606

Contemporary Woman Book Group – March 17, 7-8:30 p.m. “The Reader” by Bernhard Schlink First Steps Early Literary Center, Mon and Fri, 10 a.m.12 p.m.; and Sat, 10-11 a.m. (for children 6 months-4 years) Infant Lapsit, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Toddler Rhyme Time, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Preschool Stories and Crafts, Thursdays, 10 a.m. Carleton ACT Story Hour, Saturdays, 11 a.m. Just Food Co-op – 507/650-0106

Tuesdays: Knitting Night, 7-9 p.m., 507/645-6331 Knit, chat, share ideas and get help. Feeding Minnesota in Winter – A Local Farmer Panel Discussion, March 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Hear from three larger local producers – Kadejan, Whole Grain Milling Company and Cedar Summit Farm – about the challenges and importance of large-scale local farming. No charge. Preregister in the store. Everyone’s welcome. Second Annual Winter Eat Local Challenge – Sign up for Just Food’s Eat Local Challenge at the front of the store beginning in March and challenge yourself to eat 50 percent of your food from the five-state area for seven days. Challenge goes from March 7 to 13. Look for meal ideas in the store and events throughout the week. Eat Local! Local Winter Foods Sample Day, March 7, 10 a.m.2 p.m. – Meet local producers of packaged grocery items and taste the local difference! Local Food Year-Round: Food Drying 101, March 7, 11 a.m.12 p.m. – Find out what drying is, how long it takes, how to tell when food is dry and storage options. Learn how to dry fruits and vegetables and how to make leathers (rollups), jerky, pet treats and craft ideas. Taught by Mary T. Bell, author and renowned promoter of food drying in North and Central America. Monkey See Monkey Read is selling Mary’s book and will be selling it at the class as well. $12 ($15 for nonowners). Preregister. Movie Showing: Tableland, March 11, 5:30-7 p.m. – Free showing of this beautifully done and inspiring movie about eating locally. CSA Day, March 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Meet local community-supported agriculture farmers and sign up for your share of the harvest! The Key – 507/663-0715

Mondays: Book Club, 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays: Photo Club, 5-60:30 p.m. Art Project Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays: Skate Park meeting, 5-6 p.m. College Prep, 7-8:30 p.m. Learn about the ACT, financial aid, how to write a college essay, etc. The Key will pay for college applications for those not able. Most who show up are paired with a caring and knowledgeable adult. Fridays: Movie Night, 7-9 p.m. Sundays: Writing Workshop, 3-5 p.m.

MARCH 2009

Sweet Pea’s Toys and Treats – 507/645-6555

Game Night, Thursdays, 5-7 p.m. – Fun, prizes and family time! Folk Music Instrument Workshop with KVARTS

March 29, 2-4 p.m., Contented Cow – Instruments of focus include the accordion, bass, fiddle, guitar and the two-row diatonic accordion. Followed by an allspel with participants playing what they’ve learned and more! $20/person. Paradise Center for the Arts – 612/216-1206

Art classes for children and adults call Paradise or go to www.paradisecenterforthearts.org. River Bend Nature Center – 507/332-7151

Nature-oriented activities. Contact River Bend for information, or go to www.rbnc.org. PJ’s Fabric and Crafts – 507/332-7151

Classes include crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting and more! For a full calendar schedule visit, 111.emailcontact.com/calendar/view/5132 My Eyes…My Heart… – 507/650-0340 Call for scrapbooking class information.

S P O R T S

Here are the home games.

Monday, February 2

BASKETBALL – Carleton Women’s vs. St. Olaf, 5:45 p.m. Carleton Men’s vs. St. Olaf, 7:45 p.m. Friday, March 6

BASKETBALL – Raiders Boys’ VS. PRIOR LAKE HOCKEY – Carleton Men’s Club HOSTS St. Olaf, 10 P.M. Saturday, March 7

WATER POLO – Carleton Club vs. Iowa State University, 12:40 p.m. Carleton College Club vs. Illinois State University, 5:20 p.m. Sunday, March 8

WATER POLO – Carleton College Club vs. Lindenwood University, 10:40 a.m. Carleton College Club vs. Illinois Wesleyan University, 2:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 10

BASKETBALL – High School Playoffs at St. Olaf ’s Skoglund Field House, Cross Country Course Friday, March 13

BASKETBALL – High School Playoffs at St. Olaf ’s Skoglund Field House, Cross Country Course Tuesday, March 17

BASKETBALL – High School Playoffs at St. Olaf ’s Skoglund Field House, Cross Country Course Friday, March 20

BASKETBALL – High School Playoffs at St. Olaf ’s Skoglund Field House, Cross Country Course Saturday, March 21

SPEECH – Raiders vs. TBD, 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 31

SOFTBALL – St. Olaf vs. Saint Mary’s University, Mabel Shirley Field, 4 p.m.

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DINING

Support the restaurants that support the Northfield Entertainment Guide.

Chapati

See page 21

214 Division St. • 645-2462 (office 645-1665) www.chapati.us • Closed Mondays – Cuisine of India. Variety of curry and Tandoor entrees including a large selection of vegetarian items. Wine and beer. Contented Cow

See page 20

302 Division St. S. • 645-1665 • www.contentedcow.com 3 p.m.-close – British-style pub with authentic British specialties as well as a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. Extensive patio overlooking the Cannon River. Great selection of imported and domestic draft beer as well as a full selection of wine and spirits. El Tequila – 1010 Hwy. 3 S. • 664-9139 • 11 a.m.-10 p.m. –

Family restaurant offering authentic Mexican cuisine as well as wonderful margaritas and much more. Fieldhouse Sports Bar and Grill

See page 12

620 Water St. • 645-8139 • Open daily at 11 a.m. – A wide selection of delicious entrees in a sports bar atmosphere, featuring burgers, pasta, ribs, steak and much more. Friday night fish fry and daily lunch specials Monday–Friday. Froggy Bottoms River Pub

See page 26

305 S. Water St. • 664-0260 • www.froggybottoms.com • MonSat 11 a.m.-close – New lunch menu! Steaks, salads, pasta and much more. Wide selection of beers and wines. Non-smoking restaurant with cozy atmosphere, thousands of frogs and a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the Cannon River. The HideAway

See page 15

421 Division St. • 645-0400 • Mon-Wed • 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Th-Sat 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 7 a.m.-5 p.m. – Cozy bistro atmosphere serving unique appetizers and sandwiches. Coffee drinks, wine and beer specialties. Hogan Brothers’ Acoustic Cafe – 415 Division St. • 645-

6653 • Sun-Tue 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri and Sat 9 a.m.-10 p.m. – Hot hoagies since 1991. Also soup, sandwiches, Espresso, gourmet coffee and ice cream. James Gang Coffeehouse and Eatery

See page 11

2018 Jefferson Rd. • 663-6060 • Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-8 p.m., SatSun 7 a.m.-5 p.m. – Voted Best Coffeehouse in southern Minnesota. Fresh daily roasted coffee. Wraps, soup, sandwiches, salads, desserts, ice cream and non-espresso drinks. Free wireless internet and business catering available. J. Grundy’s Rueb-N-Stein

See page 38

503 Division St. • 645-6691 • www.ruebnstein.com 11 a.m.-close – Great burgers and famous Ruebens. Casual relaxing atmosphere. Huge selection of imported and domestic beers, fine spirits and wines. Game room, happy hour 3:30-6 p.m., Karaoke on Fridays at 9 p.m. Get your venue listed here or with a display ad in the next Guide – very cool exposure at a very affordable price. Contact Abby – 507/663-7937 or abby@northfieldguide.com

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Northfield Golf Club

See page 25

707 Prairie St. • 645-4026 • northfieldgolfclub.com • TueSat 11 a.m.-9 p.m., dinner menu available starting at 5 p.m.; Sun and Mon 11 a.m.-8 p.m., luncheon menu available – The upper level of the clubhouse, with a breathtaking view of the historic Northfield course, offers a complete restaurant/lounge area. An exquisite array of entrees is professionally prepared by Executive Chef Rafael Perez and staff. Ole Café See page 37 151011 St. Olaf Ave • 645-2500 • Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.;

Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – A coffee shop and cafeteria-style eatery with soups, salads, build-your-own sandwiches, panninis, and during dinner hours – build-you-own-pasta bar. A retail bakery with cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies, bars and breakfast pastries. A pizza bar and fine beers and wines. Quality Bakery and Coffee Shop – 410 Division St.

645-8392 • Opens 6 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday – Owned and operated by the Klinkhammer family since 1949. Quality baking from scratch using delicious family recipes with no preservatives. Custom cakes, homemade breads, donuts, pies, cookies, espresso, lunch and more. Quarterback Club

See page 7

116 3rd St. W. • 645-7886 • Mon-Sat • 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. – Family friendly dining in Northfield for 37 years. House specialties include broasted chicken, BBQ ribs and flame-broiled hamburgers. The Tavern of Northfield – 212 Division St. • 663-0342

Sun-Thu 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m., lounge open daily 3 p.m.-midnight – Located in the historic Archer House since 1984, The Tavern hosts casual dining with a wide variety of homemade menu items and specials daily featuring fresh fish on Fridays and prime rib on Saturdays. The Tavern Lounge sports a deck overlooking the Cannon River, appetizers and a full bar with live music Thur-Sat. Tiny’s Dogs All Day – 321 Division St. S. • 645-6862 • Mon-

Thu 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Historic former pool hall, Tiny’s continues to delight patrons with great hot dogs, sandwiches, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Features include New York-style coneys, Chicago-style Vienna Beef, as well as Tiny’s own classic dog. Since 1947 Tiny’s has offered Northfield’s largest selection of specialty tobaccos and quality cigars. Willingers Bar & Restaurant

See page 3

6900 Canby Trail, Northfield • 952/652-2500 • Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. -9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m. – High above the course, with views of Willingers Golf Club’s fairways, greens, lakes, wetlands, ponds and trees, this venue offers dining with casual, upscale cuisine. Enjoy dinner or simply a beverage at the bar. Also available for wedding receptions, banquets, meetings or small gatherings.

CLASSIFIEDS 50¢/word – 30-word minimum. Payment due before publication. Fax or e-mail text or inquiries to 507663-0772 or neg@northfieldguide.com.

Historic Happenings continued from page 32. Aug. 6 and a “High Heels – High Hopes” Gala at the Grand Event Center Nov. 14. The book commemorating the cornerstone laying of the Odd Fellows Home in 1899 ends with these words: “While we thus build this Home let us remember that we build for the future. We lay the foundation, our successors will enlarge as needs require. Let us make for ourselves a history of faithful service – of duty done. And as the endless chain of Odd Fellowship link by link encircles the globe may our work keep it bright and stainless and hand it down, strong and unbroken to coming generations.”

Three Links continues the tradition of faithful service of the past 110 years and looks forward to handing it down “strong and unbroken” to succeeding generations. Thanks to the Northfield Historical Society archives, the Northfield Public Library for microfilms of early sources, Darlene Christensen Pfahning for her Odd Fellows research, Elizabeth A. Vandam for her book “Harry Wild Jones: American Architect” and for providing the picture of Jones, to David Hvistendahl for the post card of the Odd Fellows Home and to Deborah Carpenter and Pat Vincent of Three Links. And applause for Marilyn Sellars, for her March 28 performance at the Ballroom which kicks off the 110th anniversary celebrations.

MARCH 2009

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D K

idja’ now?

Water cooler essentials on hot button topics

By Bonnie Obremski, locally•grown RepJ

Surveys in: Better advertisement, home and afar The Representative Journalism Project issued a survey in January to 60 business owners or managers from a variety of fields to find out what resources they tap into the most and why. Twenty of them responded (including Rob Schanilec of the Northfield Entertainment Guide), six did so anonymously. The eight-question survey elicited a wide range of responses. However, there was consistency in the answers to the questions “How can organizations or other members of the Northfield community help businesses in the city?” and “Out of all the ways you try and promote your business, what produces the most results?” That consistency could indicate a need for a city-wide “shop locally” advertising campaign matched with a

MARCH 2009

campaign to advertise Northfield’s businesses even more within surrounding communities to draw in more tourists. On shopping locally: “The best thing organizations and other members of the Northfield community can do to help businesses is to patronize them,” Gerry Mahowald, owner of America’s Mattress on Clinton Lane, wrote. “If they have a good experience, spread the word. Most community members do not realize how much of the local tax burden is picked up by its businesses. I rent my store and pay close to $12,000 a year in property taxes. I think Northfield could help increase its business by promoting all of the benefits of buying local. Our leaders need to make people aware of the benefits (and there are many) of shopping locally.” “Shop and eat local,” an anonymous survey responder wrote. “Don’t just say it. Do it.” Yet another anonymous responder wrote, “Try to help keep the consumers’ dollars local through events and promotions. Help with advertising Northfield locally and in surrounding areas.” “The obvious two ways people in Northfield can help is to promote the businesses in town and buy locally. And I really feel Northfield does a great job of this,” Pam Roy of PJ’s Fabric and Crafts on Professional Drive, wrote. On better business advertising, especially beyond Northfield: “Join forces and funds with organizations and businesses with similar goals to increase overall business traffic in Northfield,” Nicole Maloney, owner of Sweet Pea’s Loft on Division

Didja’ Know? continued on next page.

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Didja’ Know? continued from previous page. Street, wrote. “We need to let the rest of the cities know that we are here and what we have. Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Edina and others all have an organization that does mass marketing on a regional and local level using radio, TV and the Internet. Why not Northfield?” “I think it’d be great to see the city come up with a campaign to promote itself outside the immediate area,” April Ripka, owner of the Sketchy Artist on Division Street, wrote. “Some of the businesses in the past year have pooled together to take out an ad in the Twin Cities and other areas, but we can’t always afford much else. An ad here and there won’t be as effective as a larger campaign.” “I believe that if more of us business owners collaborated together and partnered up for events or cross promoted our businesses we may be more successful,” Jennifer Welch owner of Sociale Gourmet on Jefferson Road, wrote. “It’s not easy or inexpensive to market our businesses individually, this could ease that cost and show that we want to support our community together.” “I think the Northfield News needs to try to do more to help local businesses,” an anonymous responder wrote.” They want your advertising dollars but do nothing in return to tell about new business in town or how businesses help the city of Northfield.” “The organizations in town do little to communicate the expertise we have in town,” said an anonymous business person.” I am continually amazed by the brains we have here and surprised because there is little format to get that information out.” Non-profit corporations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation have goals to continue to promote the city’s businesses and tourism. NDDC Executive Director Ross Currier wrote, “The Chamber and the NDDC are marshaling more collaborations for their ‘shop local’ efforts, trying to get more leverage out of the local market represented by students and are looking into more effectively targeting the community’s promotional dollars outside of Northfield.” Increased information sharing, market research “Organizations can provide a forum for businesses to get together, cooperate and pool resources,” Alex Beeby, manager of Just Food co-operative grocery store, wrote in January’s survey. “The key here is making sure these sessions aren’t just a waste of time. For example, a local salary survey would be helpful in helping to get a sense of what appropriate pay levels are. Another example would be a conversation about joint advertising possibilities or joint training opportunities.” “All must realize that a thriving downtown means a thriving city and a decaying downtown is a dying city,” Norman Butler, owner of the Contented Cow, wrote. “Realize also that the NDDC and NEC exist because the Chamber has done and continues to do a poor job. The Chamber’s continuing takenfor-granted existence and automatic lion’s-share of the money is why the NDDC and NEC are less effective than they could be. Realize that, to date, key senior city staff and downtown business and property owners are at loggerheads and that currently the city seeks to regulate and not enable downtown

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development. Listen to those people who have ‘skin in the game’ and support their initiatives.” “I believe that other members of the Northfield community, whether it being other businesses or organizations, can help promote any small business by WOM testimonials. WOM (word of mouth) recommendations can be the best asset any business has,” Leah Erickson, Certified Veterinary Technician at Cannon Valley Vet Boarding & Retail Store, wrote. “Sixty percent of Northfielders do not shop downtown. We could do a better job of serving their needs,” Jerry Bilek, owner of Monkey See, Monkey Read, wrote. “Keep business owners in the loop regarding opportunities whether it’s for relevant seminars, discounted merchandise (my wall panels for instance) or services that would be particularly beneficial to that business,” Rob Schanilec, owner of By All Means Graphics, wrote. “There’s a certain amount of having to be proactive in engaging business to tap into services. It’s not enough to simply post that they are out there. There needs to be a sense of partnership, that I’ve discovered a valuable fit between this and your businesses and I’m going to help you tap it.” “We could use help from organizations willing to serve as interfaces between our farm, other farming operations in our area and the rural development division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, a farmer, said. “We don’t have an organization doing this for our operation right now, but we are actively looking for an organization to do this for us. Want to weigh in? Go to LocallyGrownNorthfield.org.

MARCH 2009

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