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editor’s note ❧
The people in the conversation There’s something about winter
that makes people stop and think. Maybe it’s the certain change from one year to the next. Maybe it’s the cold that keeps us pent up inside. Regardless, when winter comes to Southern Minnesota, it’s time to get a little introspective. That’s what the great actors and actresses south of the Guthrie do when they walk the boards in Albert Lea and Austin. When they stop rehearsing for a Southern Minnesota photo shoot, each thespian brings their flair and personality to life while sharing what got them motivated to take the stage. Take a look on page 22 at our selection of seven actors and actresses in the area we think you would enjoy watching perform. Get inspired to try something new. Hopefully, you’ll pause, look up and say to that person across the room, “Say, let’s go take in a play this weekend.” When you are done making plans, reflect on how thought and effort it takes to help a special education student succeed. That’s what the parents and teacher of Will Noterman, an Austin teen with Down syndrome, do when they consider his needs every day. There’s a reason why the saying “It takes a village to raise a child,” exists, and there’s no better example than Will and the caring people around him. Will is a special teen with a special story, which you can read on page 36.
Want to observe the beauty of the wild? John Duran can show you how. He’s spent years observing and photographing nature settings to find breathtaking stills of woodland animals. His secret isn’t so secret anymore: Duren shows how patience pays off by waiting for the right moment. Check out Duren’s story on page 9 while pondering his lessons. Finally, re-think your living space with some top tips from local designers. Whether it’s incorporating a grand piano in your home (see page 7) or dramatically improving your home design for next to nothing (on page 14), Southern Minnesota has your next home decorating inspiration covered. So let it snow this winter without a care. There’s more important things to consider than the cold — and the heating bill, and the electic bill, etc. Find a way to relax for a minute or five and meditate on what’s here in your backyard. Feel free to curl up beside the fire with some hot cocoa and the latest copy of Southern Trey Mewes Minnesota.
Editor
Publishers Scott Schmeltzer Crystal Miller Editorial Editor in Chief Tim Engstrom Editor Amanda Lillie Editor Trey Mewes Contributing Writers Andrew Dyrdal Michelle Haacke Rocky Hulne Alexandra Kloster Kelli Lageson Matt Peterson Terri Schlichenmeyer Jason Schoonover Sarah Stultz Garrett Wampler Contributing Photographer Eric Johnson Art Art Director Stacey Bahr Graphic Designers Susan Downey Colby Hansen Kathy Johnson Sales & Promotion Sales Representatives Jana Gray Crystal Miller Winter 2011 Volume 5, Number 5
Editorial correspondence: Editors, Southern Minnesota Magazine, 808 W. Front St. Albert Lea, MN 56007. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission. For comments, suggestions or story ideas call (507) 379-3433 or (507) 434-2230. To purchase advertising, call (507) 379-3427, or fax (507) 373-0333
Send us your most valuable relationship advice! Southern Minnesota Magazine is collecting short tips on what you think is the key to a healthy and happy relationship. The collection of your advice will be published in Southern Minnesota Venus edition in April. Please send your advice to: Wise Sages c/o Southern Minnesota Magazine 808 West Front Street Albert Lea, MN 56007 or e-mail to amanda.lillie@austindailyherald.com with the subject: Wise Sages
To subscribe, call (507) 434-2220 © A Minnesota Publishers Inc. publication
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What’s inside 4 5
Art & Fine Wine in Austin; Naeve Gala in Albert Lea. The Red Power Roundup floods Albert Lea.
DAZZLE ❧
7
A grand holiday How to decorate a room with a grand piano.
SAVOR ❧ A shrine for wine Clarks Grove man has his own cellar.
Capture the wild Taking pictures of animals is not easy.
‘Food’ball hero How to tailgate the weight off.
MOVE ❧ Make fit fun 5 activities to get off the couch.
Nordic needs Skiing in a winter wonderland.
Good gear Snowboard with swagger.
CREATE ❧ Beauty on a budget A.L. woman improves her home a little bit at a time.
8 9 9
11 11 12 14
Features ❧
Along for the ride 13-year-old Will Noterman shows how special needs students shine.
16
22
The Magnificent Seven Actors light up the stages in Albert Lea and Austin. Be sure to watch for these stars.
EXTRAS ❧ Book review Visit this thriller set in our great state of Minnesota.
3
final word ❧ Make yourself at home From Alexandra Kloster
36
on the cover
SEEN ❧
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA WINTER 2011
Sam Gustine is a student at Riverland Community College who also has appeared in the college’s shows and in Austin’s Summerset Community Theatre productions. He says:
“Theater will always be a part of my life.” Be sure to catch him and the six other actors featured on page 22 by visiting stages in Southern Minnesota.
Cover photograph: Eric Johnson Cover model: Sam Gustine Cover layout: Stacey Bahr
REVIEW
Trouble in the Boundary Waters? We represent over 50 companies
You never really intended to get involved. You know how it goes, though. Whatever it was, you were just going to mind your business. You were staying out of the whole thing. You had other, better missions you wanted to accomplish, and you were going to do that — just that — but one thing led to another to another, and pretty soon, you were up to your hairline in something you never asked for. Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor only wanted to spend some meaningful time with his family, but nothing ever happened the way he thought it might. And in the new book, “Northwest Angle” by William Kent Krueger, things turned out even worse. A little family time is all Cork O’Connor wanted. He’d rented a houseboat and had gathered his in-laws and his children on a trip to Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It was supposed to be a relaxing vacation, though Cork knew his daughter Jenny was struggling with a problem. He wanted to give her some fatherly advice and the best way to do it, he figured, was to take her to one of the BWCA islands, where they could talk.
And then the storm hit.
Without warning, the sky turned black as straight-line winds sheared off limbs and separated Jenny and her father. Dazed, Jenny went looking for Cork and stumbled upon a cabin. Inside it was the body of a woman who had obviously been tortured, and a hidden baby. Clutching the child, Jenny found shelter before Cork found Jenny. Staying where they were — even temporarily — wasn’t an option, though, a notion underscored by the sudden, unwelcome presence of a man with a high-powered rifle who seemed to want nothing but the baby. But Jenny wasn’t going to let anything happen to the little guy, and by the time she and Cork were rescued, she was already smitten. So whose child was he? Local officials surmised that the baby was the son of Noah Smalldog, an Ojibwe native with a fast boat and a willingness to break the law. Others say
Troy Thompson LUTCF 1330 W. Main Albert Lea, MN 56007
Bus. 507-377-2852 Toll Free: 877-974-9597 Fax: 507-377-3301 E-Mail: troythompsonagency@ gmail.com
“Northwest Angle” William Kent Krueger © 2011, Atria Books, 357 pages $24.99 by
the child belonged to Sonny Chickaway, Smalldog’s friend. There was no time to wait and find out. Somebody wanted that baby, and he was going to kill everybody in his path to get it. Do you like to read before you go to sleep? Do not — take it from me — do not drag “Northwest Angle” to bed with you. You won’t get one Z if you do. Author William Kent Kruger explores the fictional lives of some of his lesser characters in this book; namely, Cork O’Connor’s eldest daughter, Jenny. Readers have known Jenny from past novels, but this book delves more into her life. If you’re a fan, you’ll be happy to know that other beloved characters are present, too. If you’re not a fan — well, what are you waiting for? If you’re up for a book that will keep you up all night, “Northwest Angle” is it. For you, this is an easy book to get involved in. — Terri Schlichenmeyer Winter 2011 | SMM | 3
SEEN ❧
Above: The Austin Area Art Center put on its first annual Evening of Art & Wine fundraising event on Aug. 25. The AAAC hoped to showcase the efforts of local artists and raise extra funding for more art classes and artist opportunities. Organizers say the night was a smashing success. Below: People from southern Minnesota gathered at the Naeve Hospital’s annual gala celebration on Sept. 24 at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club in Albert Lea. The theme of the night was “The Beat Goes On,” and the focus for the fundraiser was to help the medical center in Albert Lea with providing excellent cardiac services.
4 | SMM | Winter 2011
SEEN â?§
About 25,000 tractor fans converged at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds in Albert Lea for a week in June. The gathering was called the Red Power Roundup. It celebrated products made by International Harvester, from its Farmall farm tractors to its Cub Cadets garden tractors to its Scout pickups to its International refrigerators and freezers. But the old tractors were the stars of the show.
Winter 2011 | SMM | 5
Tickets: In person at the BPAC Box Office, via Ticketmaster at 800-982-2787 or Ticketmaster.com For information on tickets prices and on-sale dates go to www.burnsvillepac.com
Away
ber 5, 2:00pm Saturday, Novem presents ca Christmas Troupe Ameri sement Ladies t: A Church Ba in the Basemen
ber 12 Saturday, Novem Fail Me Now” s “Feet Don’t Rhythmic Circu
Spend your Holidays with the Burnsville Performing Arts Center!
November 11 – November 20
Chameleon Theatre Circle presents “We Gather Together”
December 2 – December 18
Chameleon Theatre Circle presents “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Sunday, December 4
Dakota Valley Symphony presents “Amahl and the Night Visitors”
Monday, December 19
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience
Tuesday, December 20
Girl Singers of the Hit Parade Christmas Show
ber 31 Saturday, Decem n Louie Anderso
12600 Nicollet Ave Burnsville, MN 55337 www.burnsvillepac.com
11 December 9 – ta presents llet of Minneso Twin Cities Ba er Ballet ack tcr Nu e Th
3 December 2 & Are Ringing” hristmas Bells
Lorie Line “C
❧ DAZZLE
A grand holiday How
to decorate a room with a grand piano
While a baby grand piano can easily be the focal point of any room, area designers agree there are many fun and unique ways to decorate this masterpiece for the holidays. Here are a few quick tips! Location,
location, location
Before even thinking about decorating, a few rules apply to the logistics of the piano’s placement in a room. According to interior-home-decorating-ideas.com, never place a baby grand piano near or against a working radiator, heating or cooling vent. Also take care not to put the piano near an outside wall that gets cold or near a window or door that gets drafty.
Sweet
sounds
The website also advises decorators to arrange other furniture around the piano in a manner that will allow people to gain the most listening pleasure. If the room is large and music is being played as a complement to a gathering, placing chairs at the opposite end of the room will allow partygoers to enjoy some conversation with their music.
A
splash of color
If the top of the piano is down, Dee Bjork of The Crafty Maven in Faribault suggests using a wool or silk scarf, or pashmina, as an underlay to other decorations being arranged on top of the piano. Not only does it add another dimension to the arrangement, but it also protects the wood from scratches. Bjork said trendy holiday colors in fabric and overall décor this season span beyond the traditional reds and greens, and include purple, silver and a funky twist on holiday green — lime! Bjork also recommends against using fresh floral arrangements on top of the piano as water could leak from the base. The weight of the arrangement can also be an issue. Instead, place glass bulbs into a jar to create a pretty and safe array of colors and depth to the overall décor.
Light
it up!
Cheryl Nelson, a designer at Ben’s Floral & Frame in Albert Lea, said one of the hottest trends this holiday season is lit branches — artificial branches with lights. Some are battery-operated while others plug into the wall, so anyone can use them to add dazzle to holiday décor. Weaving lit branches through other greenery around the piano is sure to give the area a festive uplift. Nelson also suggested revamping a special centerpiece or family heirloom with lights and displaying the piece on the piano. “Add something new to make it a focal point,” she said.
The
taller, the grander
Becky Gonnerman, owner and designer at Scent From Heaven Floral in St. Ansgar, Iowa, suggested adding a tall, slim Christmas tree next to the piano to add another dimension to the display: height. “It helps to stagger the look and create a nook to tie into lower arrangements,” said Gonnerman. If the top of the piano is down, she recommended using that space to display theme items across the top. Whether its candy canes, Santas, Three Wise Men or family photos, a gracefully arranged theme of items could stand alone to add to the room’s décor. — Michelle Haacke photo by Tim Engstrom, illustration by Stacey Bahr Winter 2011 | SMM | 7
SouthernMNmagHS_Winter2011-12_Layout 1 9/30/11
SAVOR ❧
Considerations for a wine cellar
Jim Hanson of rural Clarks Grove knows all about storing wine. He built his own wine cellar. Hanson’s wine cellar didn’t come easy, however. He had an odd-shaped room in his basement, bits and pieces of 105 cases of wine and some steel shelving. He first figured he would store the wine on the shelving and that would be it. His brother, a cabinet maker, got him to change his mind. “We grew up in the lumber business. You have to do wooden shelving,” he told him. The Hanson family took on the project in 2001. Jim’s wife and sister-in-law painted the walls of the 10-foot by 21-foot room. He and his brothers built racks from redwood and cedar. Some surfaces, such as the ceiling and back wall, have pine tongue-and-groove covering. The ceiling features track lighting and is controlled with a dimmer switch. The cellar can hold up to 2,200 bottles, though Jim only has 1,500 now. The optimum temperature for a wine cellar is 55 degrees. His gets down to 44 degrees in the winter and up to 70 in the summer. Hanson is glad he didn’t go with steel shelving.
“Wood has character like wine,” he said. “Steel doesn’t fit the aesthetics.” — Tim Engstrom Hanson offers tips for adding a wine cellar: • Build racks for cases on one side and racks for onesies and twosies on the other. • Make sure the bottles lie horizontally so the corks stay wet. • Don’t stock too many whites because they don’t age as well as reds. • Keep the wines out of direct light, as light is the enemy of wine. • Keep a small refrigerator for chilling whites. • Size it to your intended use. Hanson says he made his too big and has to shoehorn guests to come drink his wines (without too much protest). He gives many bottles away as gifts, which he says is rather handy when heading out the door to visit friends. • Have a cabinet for glasses. • Leave room for chairs, a table and a CD player to entertain guests either in the cellar or just outside the door.
On the Main Stage
Presented by
Now Playing! In the Fireside Theatre November 4 – December 31!
A Special Holiday Edition The Boys Are Back in Town!
Opens January 10!
952-934-1525 • 800-362-3515 W W W. C H A N H A S S E N D T. C O M
Standing in the wine cellar of his rural Clarks Grove home, Jim Hanson pours a bottle of Marietta Cellars old vine red, a Zinfandel blend. It seemed sharp at first but smoothed out with exposure to oxygen. Photo by Tim Engstrom 8 | SMM | Winter 2011
❧ SAVOR
Freeze frame Photographer John Duren’s secret to great wildlife shots is all in the wait
It’s 5 a.m. — pitch-dark outside — and chances are John Duren is in the woods, waiting.
It’s familiar territory for him, though he can’t recall how many hours or days he has waited. He’s still looking for the perfect shot — the next shot. Duren isn’t carrying a gun; he’s carrying a camera. Duren is a 25-year-old nature photographer who has been perfecting wildlife photography for years. That means a lot of shots and even more waiting. “As far as amount of hours I spent out there, it’s really too much to count,” Duren said. Duren began the hobby as a student at Austin High School, and now the majority of his shots come from deep in the woods of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center on the northeast edge of Austin. Though Duren captures the typical shots of birds, deer and other readily seen critters, his patience has paid off for some rare finds. Not long into exploring the hobby, Duren had one of his most memorable shots when he witnessed two gray foxes and captured one of them on camera. “I got that picture right when I started out, when I knew very little about cameras,” he said. Since that moment, Duren practices and learns with better equipment and takes the quietest, least-invasive approach when working in the woods because he believes being kind to the habitat is more important than getting good shots. He doesn’t chase animals, trample over grass or sneak through thickets to get what he needs. He lets the animals come to him. It’s not uncommon for Duren to sit in one spot for as many as five hours, perhaps more. “The process to getting a good picture is actually more important than getting the picture itself,” Duren said. So he sits and waits. Though he may leave the woods without the perfect shot, he’s content. When all the steps have been performed carefully and the perfect shot comes along, it will be worthwhile. “Then I can look at the picture and be proud of it,” Duren said. — Matt Peterson, Photos by Eric Johnson
Grill this, not that Tailgating is a game day tradition.
It ranks high on the list alongside body painting, beer and touch football in the parking lot outside your favorite stadium. Simply put, it is a must. Your pre-game meal doesn’t have to ruin your weight-loss goals, however. Instead of taking along one of those salty, fat-packed bratwursts, try your hand at a fresh fruit, vegetable and turkey kabob. Take fresh bell peppers, fresh pineapple chunks and boneless, skinless turkey tenders and let them sit together in a bag with pineapple juice to marinate. Once the flavors have merged on the taste highway, take them out of the bag and place them on a skewer. Then you’re ready to toss them on the grill. Charcoal grills are best to capture a rich, smoky flavor. The pineapple is a natural meat
tenderizer and will not only make the turkey tender but will also enhance the meat’s flavor. Eating these tasty treats will save your belt line in many ways and allow you to preserve those extra calories for your game day beer. Devouring one skewer of turkey kabob compared to a Johnsonville Original Bratwurst will save you 99 calories, 21 grams of fat, 763 milligrams of sodium and will increase your protein intake by 13 grams. Before you make your plans for your next pre-game feast, rethink
what you’re going to eat. It may save you from buying a bigger jersey next season. —Garrett Wampler
Turkey kabob vs. Bratwurst 171 Calories 270 1 g Total Fat 22 g <1 g Saturated Fat 8g 47 mg Sodium 810 mg 28 g Protein 15 g
Photo by Eric Johnson Winter 2011 | SMM | 9
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5 tricks for easy fitness Let’s face it, sometimes exercising is just
no fun. Summoning the energy to hit the gym can, at times, be impossible. Here are five simple ways you can create a healthier lifestyle without needing to make drastic changes. 1. Exercise with the dog. You know, man’s best friend? They need exercise, too. So why not do it together? Walking with or playing with your dog is the perfect excuse to be active and still have fun. Walk the dog around the block or chase him around the yard. Better yet, let him chase you. Spending time with your furry friend can be a great motivator. Let the kids join in, too.
2. Dance. Need extra incentive to hit the dance floor? Shaking your booty to the beat can burn up to 300 calories an hour. Dancing is a great way to get fit and have fun. Too shy to shake it in front of your friends? Pull the blinds and dance in your living room with a game console like the Wii or Xbox Kinect. 3. Curb the car. Have errands to run? Walk instead of driving. You’ll burn calories instead of gas money. Bring an iPod along as a replacement for your car radio. 4. Get seasonal. Household chores change each season, so take advantage of the opportunity to brighten things up around your home while also being active. Plant a garden in the spring, wash your car and mow your lawn in the summer, rake leaves in the fall and shovel your driveway in the winter. You’ll keep your body slim — and your wallet will stay thick if you choose not to pay for these services. 5. Jump in bed. Burn calories while showing your partner you love them. Being intimate regularly will keep your body, mind and heart healthy. —Andrew Dyrdal
Skiing for a lifetime
❧ MOVe Stephen Williams is constantly training, even when there’s no snow on the ground.
When the temperature drops and the first heavy snowfall of the year paints the landscape white, most people will be huddled in their homes to keep warm. But not Stephen Williams. As an avid cross country skier for more than 40 years, Williams will strap on his skis when the white stuff flies. He likes to experience the outdoors from a nonpareil perspective. “It’s not so much about going out there and skiing fast,” Williams said. “It’s getting outside and seeing how the rest of the natural world is adapting to the new snow.” Typically, it isn’t an easy task to navigate the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center or Myre-Big Island State Park through feet of thick snow. Williams, who describes himself as an avid outdoorsman, said he often loves how nature reacts to the change of seasons. That’s a change he can easily witness from his skis. “You can experience the outdoors on cross country skis in ways that you can’t otherwise,” Williams said. Williams, who farms near Brownsdale, began cross country skiing in his high school years after he got bored with wrestling and dropped it. “I got tired of wrestling,” he said. “Cross country skiing was more fun.” The choice was a good one, as he said there’s no way he’d still be wrestling 40 years later. His 40 years on skis have been far from a sight-seeing hobby. In his prime, Williams competed in nearly one race every weekend. He even went out for the World Masters in Austria and took 18th and 19th place, which pleased him since he had trained in Minnesota for a competition the Alps. He’s finished third in Mora, one of the biggest races in Minnesota. “I’ve had some good results,” he said. After his few competitions are done for the year, Williams shifts into tourist mode. But that doesn’t mean he intends to stop racing. From what he’s seen during his racing days, Williams said he has plenty of races still left in him. “There are guys that are older than me and faster than me,” he said. “Gives me something to shoot for. I’ve known a lot of real good, older skiers.” — Jason Schoonover Photo by Eric Johnson Winter 2011 | SMM | 11
MOVE ❧
Gearing up
Board: The Burton Vapor Snowboard $1,199.95 If you’re looking to hit the big jumps, the Vapor offers responsive core that is stronger and lighter, thanks to a new wood core board technology. It’s fast and smooth and will bring out the best in any rider.
Goggles: Airblaster Air Logo Goggles $89.95 With the frame up close to your face, you’ll be able to see plenty to your left and right as the Air Logo gives a wide field of vision. There’s also plenty of ventilation to prevent sweat accumulation and a strap clip.
Ready to hit the powder? If you’re looking for great deals on snowboarding gear, now’s the time to do it before prices go up as temperatures go down.
— Rocky Hulne
Jacket: Seville Jacket $209.95-$259.95 With a design based on a firefighter’s jacket, the Seville from Burton can handle all conditions. It’ll hold up to a day spent sledding, hiking or even shoveling. It comes with a goggle pocket, along with a full-time ergo hood.
Boots: Thirty Two Ultralight $274.95 What snowboard boots are as light as a feather? The Ultralights. These provide a kink-free flex, which improves the range of motion. The boots include a heel hold kit to adjust the heel pocket for all different foot shapes.
Board: Burton Blunt Snowboard $379.95 With a rocker design, the Blunt is effortless to ride and shred. Not to mention you’ll look cool just standing on it. It offers a true twin trick stick that filters the best technology to couch surfer levels.
12 | SMM | Winter 2011
Boots: Women’s Salomon Ivy Boa $198.95 The Ivy Boa offers a flexy feel with a super shock absorbing cut outsole that will keep your toes warm with fur that lines up with your feet.
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CREATE ❧
Assorted books: Some new, some old with fun, colored spines and titles Wicker orb: Sterling Drug
Lantern: Sterling Drug
Ceramic birds: Midwest Antiques of Albert Lea
Five Assorted bud vases: Past and Present Antiques of Waseca
Mirror and stand: Sterling Drug Crackled plate: Steve Tubbs Pottery of Albert Lea
quick hints for designing on a budget
1. Buy neutral furniture. Then add color with throw pillows, blankets or other decorations. You can change those things as your taste changes. 2. Mix old with new. Sometimes furniture given away or sold at antique shops can be your best finds. It can always be spruced up with new handles or hardware.
Antique lunch pail: Grandmother’s garage Birdcage: Midwest Antiques
3. Don’t forget about paint. Paint can go a long way in a room and is fairly simple to change. 4. Sew your own curtains. You can save a lot of money this way, depending on the price of your fabric. 5. Don’t be afraid to pull up your carpet. You never know what treasure you might find underneath!
Assorted jars: Sterling Drug Yellow tin: Midwest Antiques
Tin sign: Sterling Drug Ceramic bowl: Steve Tubbs Pottery
14 | SMM | Winter 2011
“The great thing about decorating with budget-friendly ideas is that if you decide you don’t like it in three months, you can re-purpose it elsewhere in your house or get rid of it without feeling guilty about the amount of money you’ve spent.” — Albert Lea homeowner Laura Lunde
Detailed design on a budget Some
simple changes to transform your living space
Little by little, Albert Lea resident Laura Lunde has transformed her home. Instead of spending thousands of dollars to make the upgrades, she has worked within a budget, drawing on simple, reasonable techniques to make her improvements. “When I moved into my house, it was definitely move-in ready,” Lunde said. “I just had to make it my own.” In 2008, she installed new doors and fixtures on the outside of the cabinets in her kitchen. Without needing to replace the entire cabinets, her whole kitchen underwent a facelift. In 2010, she painted each of the rooms of her home and she bought new furniture this year. “If you’re going to buy an expensive piece, buy it in a neutral color,” she said. “A couch is
something you’re going to have for a long time.” Lunde bought a neutral-colored couch for her living room from Brick Furniture in Albert Lea with the idea of dressing it up with colorful throw pillows and blankets. She followed the same advice when she painted, choosing mostly neutral colors and then incorporating pops of color. Aside from her new couch, Lunde has scoured antique shops and even free giveaways to acquire many of her furnishings. She has sanded, painted, replaced screws and hardware, and transformed piece after piece of furniture into something that’s contemporary and highclass. Lunde’s No. 1 rule is to mix old with new. She has freshened up her built-in shelving unit with new paint and decorated it with a variety of antiques, new accessories and colorful books. She changes out what is on the shelves
at least once a year to keep the space feeling fresh. Instead of installing a new log fireplace, she has incorporated a $400 electric fireplace from Home Depot that helps keep her home cozy and warm, while also serving as a focal point in the room. In the kitchen, just off the living room, Lunde has incorporated several of her own money-saving tips, including making curtains for less than $10 from end-of-season napkins sewn together. “The great thing about decorating with budget-friendly ideas is that if you decide you don’t like it in three months, you can repurpose it elsewhere in your house or get rid of it without feeling guilty about the amount of money you’ve spent,” Lunde said. “Don’t be afraid to try something new. Start small and build up to a bigger change.” — Sarah Stultz, Photos by Eric Johnson Winter 2011 | SMM | 15
ALONG Meet Will Noterman.
Will seems like your typical 13-year-old who loves movies and thinks school is boring. He likes to ride his bike, loves shopping and would eat chicken nuggets all the time if he could.
FOR THE But Will isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your typical teenager. He was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth and doctors think he may be autistic.
RIDE Will forges onward with the help of his parents and his special education teachers at Ellis Middle School in Austin. By Trey Mewes
Photos by Eric Johnson
Will Noterman looks out over his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm north of Adams. 16 | SMM | Winter 2011
“When they said he had Down’s, I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s all right,’” his mother Karen said. “Then you find out all these health issues and all these behavior issues. Many, many — a high percentage — get Alzheimer’s in their 30s. “And it’s like, ‘Jeepers creepers, I sure didn’t know all these issues were going to come up.’” And, according to Karen, Will’s had his share of health problems. One of Down syndrome’s nastier qualities is how it can affect the heart. About 30 to 50 percent of patients with Down syndrome have heart defects and 8 to 12 percent have gastrointestinal tract abnormalities present at birth, according to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. All babies have holes in their hearts as the heart forms, but those holes eventually close. The holes in Will’s heart didn’t close, though, and he had to have corrective surgery to close the holes shortly after he was born. Luckily for him, Will’s family is more than willing to take care of him and make sure he’s safe. His family always knows where he is just in case he gets upset, which is a common trait among people with Down syndrome. Will can’t adapt to change as easily as most other kids, which means he can get upset if something out of his everyday schedule happens. Sudden changes can be difficult for Will to take. Having Down syndrome means Will’s brain hasn’t developed at a normal pace, and his developmental disability is more severe than most, according to his parents. Because of his disability, Will’s speech is difficult to understand, at times. His reading and math skills are near that of a first-grader. But that’s another area Will is fortunate: His teacher at Ellis Middle School is patient and willing to teach something until Will is able to grasp it. “We do things at a slower pace sometimes,” said Kate Jordal, Will’s teacher. “We can be almost repetitive at times. I just find a way to make the same concepts work for them.” Because Will lacks some social skills of an average 13-year-old, he has trouble socializing. He may not understand it’s inappropriate to push and shove or not listen, but there are classes for that at school. Those social concepts “do come easily to the average person, but to some of our students it’s just a difficult concept,” Jordal said. Jordal is one of many saints at Ellis. She comes from a department of saints who have to know all and be all to their students, no matter their needs. Being a special education teacher means teaching all the typical academic courses, plus the life skills and social skills general education students pick up from preschool through grade school. Each
special education teacher is certified to teach at least one of 14 types of special students with all manner of needs, from a student who’s physically impaired with cerebral palsy to someone with a traumatic brain injury. Will’s parents said they want him taking more social skills classes. When they met with Will’s “team” at the beginning of the school year, they told his teachers, counselors and specialists that he requires more socialization. Some days, at school, he gets in a bad mood and doesn’t want to learn. On a Friday when his classmates were getting ready for a birthday party, Will was sullen and somewhat obstinate. He flopped himself onto a table that classmate Rachel was trying to clean. He ran after Mrs. Jordal and disappeared for several minutes when she walked out of the class to talk with another special education teacher. Not every day can be a good day, according to Will’s parents. Though Will started school when he was about 3 years old, he has much more schooling to go. Some special education students go to school until they’re 21, but Karen and Will’s father, Dan, aren’t sure how well school will work for him. He tests at a severely handicapped IQ level, his parents said. “It’s not like he’s going to go out and get a job,” Dan said. “He isn’t ever going to go manage his own money.” Despite his low IQ, Will is always aware of his surroundings. When he decides he wants to work at school, he’ll work just fine. He loves the jobs class, where he and his classmates help clean the cafeteria after lunch. He moves tables with ease, since he’s a pretty big guy. He loves to recycle, as he understands how to keep trash in order. It’s that order that many special education students need. Once he starts working, he smiles, laughs, acts coy, shy and generally happy. Will’s future is as uncertain for him as words are. He does as he pleases and learns what he can. He enjoys meeting people and
Will Noterman turns the tables on the photographer, pretending to take a photo on his toy cell phone.
going shopping. It’s pretty obvious he loves his family, his toys, his movies, his bike. He’ll keep pedaling wherever life takes him and his family will do its best to catch up. “That’s the epitome of a special needs mom,” Karen said. “When you’re on a tandem bike, when you have no control. You’re just along for the ride.” Will Noterman tries to send an email during Kate Jordal’s special ed class for developmental cognitive disorder students at Ellis Middle School.
Kate Jordal runs a special ed class for developmental cognitive disorder students at Ellis Middle School. Winter 2011 | SMM | 17
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22 | SMM | Winter 2011
rey
ewes
im
ngstrom
hotos by
ric ohnson
im
ngstrom
“I’ve kind of always had a
performance bug
inside me, and I guess I never knew what to do with it. Getting the chance to
be someone else for a while is really cool. I like performing, being in front of a crowd. “I really like to sing a lot, and dance, things like that. I definitely like the more community-themed shows. I’ve always had an aptitude for that more, and I always like to make people laugh.
Laughter is very therapeutic,
Sam Gustine
and essential for a happy, well-led life.”
student Riverland Community College
Winter 2011 | SMM | 23
Jordan Wylde student Riverland Community College
“I was drawn to the theater through the musical aspect. I had tried several regular plays and had fun, but
something was missing in it for me.
I was an ultra-tenor in choir and my teacher wanted me for a show called ‘Anything Goes,’ to be part of a barbershop quartet of sailors. I joined and had so much fun
I just never looked back.
“It’s so much fun to try to mold yourself into a character that is just so over
surreal
unbelievable
the top that they are and and yet are made believable. Comedies are by far my favorite shows to do. I also like unrealistic or fantastic plots.” 24 | SMM | Winter 2011
Dave Dahlquist
member Summerset Community Theatre
“It’s lots of fun. I’ve always liked and been interested in playing roles.
I would do it when I was little just playing. Plus the fun and enjoyment, I have met and made some wonderful people and lifelong friends in theater. They’re great people that I enjoy being with. Theater is just an
important part of my life.
“I have been in all types of shows — comedies, musicals, serious dramas, farces, melodramas.
I like doing them all.
We do much less serious drama and Shakespeare, so they are really special when I get to do something like that, so I especially enjoy when I can do drama — either acting or directing.”
Winter 2011 | SMM | 25
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208 Mineral Springs Rd. Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 451-6565
“I actually grew up in the theater. My mom kind of brought me into it. I stayed in it because
Samantha Johnson student Riverland Community College
when I’m on stage, it actually gives me a rush. It feels good. “I prefer doing children’s theater.
You get to be over the top.
It’s a lot of fun. It’s really cool to be on stage and all the kids
laugh constantly.
If you start hearing the seats move, you know that you’re boring and things aren’t going well. Even though they’re kids, it’s easier to tell if they’re interacting with you.”
Winter 2011 | SMM | 27
Glen Parsons
member Albert Lea Community Theatre
“I had always wanted to be a teacher, and when I got to college, I took some acting classes. I thought,
‘Maybe I should change horses,’ but I decided to keep teaching the vocation and theater and acting the avocation. “I’ll be co-directing ‘A Christmas Carol’ for this December but
acting the role of Scrooge, too.
To be honest,
I prefer directing over acting now. I would like to bring some new things to the community people haven’t seen before.”
28 | SMM | Winter 2011
Holiday Kickoff Nov. 3-5 Everything a girl needs to start creating a ruckus! Unique Women’s Apparel
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219 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN info@creatingaruckustoo.com • 507-333-0800
Girls Night Out Nov. 19 Pictures with Santa Dec. 3
Holiday Window Contest: Dec. 1-15 Last Minute Shopping Dec. 22-23
The Merlin Players Present
The Christmas Schooner A Musical Written by John Reeger with Music & Lyrics by Julie Shannon
Dec. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 - 7:30P Sundays - Dec. 4, 11 - 2:00P
Try the Depot Restaurant before. Paradise Center for the Arts * 321 Central Ave., Faribault
Ticket sales begin Nov. 22
Contact us for more information: 507-334-4381 or 800-658-2354
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Call 507-332-7372 during box ofc. hrs. Sponsored by Owatonna Physical Therapy Center; Charter Communications The Cheese Cave of Faribault
Matt Attig
student Albert Lea High School
“What initially drew me to theater
is
when I was younger
I did some shows for a company called Prairie Fire Theater. I went to Sibley Elementary School, and Prairie Fire would come through and do a show, you know, do a show and
get kids excited in theater. In sixth grade, I got the lead role in a musical called ‘Treasure Island’ and that was really fun to do and just since then I’ve stuck with it. “When I get into college, I would like to stick with it, but as a hobby. As much as I would like to pursue it as a job,
it’s a tough road to follow.”
30 | SMM | Winter 2011
Lisa Sturtz
member Albert Lea Community Theatre
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was always as a child interested in play
imagination
acting and , so when we moved to the small town here from the Cities I thought that was something I would always like to do, just the
chance to dress up and pretend and be something else. It made me comfortable enough to pursue something I always wanted to do. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like comedies.
They just have an energy. It has its own
life to it. It feeds its energy and the immediate response from the audience is really nice.â&#x20AC;?
Winter 2011 | SMM | 31
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Christmas Carol
December 1-4 (matinee) & December 7-10, 2011
How to Talk Minnesotan
April 26-29 (matinee) & May 2-5, 2012
Oliver
July 12-15 (matinee) & July 18-21, 2012
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www.riverland.edu facebook.com/myriverland
final word ❧
Make yourself at home “This couldn’t be
anyone else’s house but yours.” That was what my best friend said the first time she visited me in Minnesota. I think the same should be said about all our homes. I’ve never understood people who choose a house because it will be easy to sell, or who decide against unusual aesthetics because they wouldn’t appeal to future buyers. It’s as if they’re caretaking the home, not living in it. Unless we plan to live in our current houses for the rest of our lives, I agree there are things that might make selling difficult down the road. I wouldn’t put shag carpeting on your walls like Elvis did at Graceland or grow a tree through the center of your house just because “The Swiss Family Robinson” is your favorite book. When it comes time to sell and you need to turn your house back into a marketable property, you can wipe out a lot of eccentric choices with a coat of paint and the price of a storage unit to hold, what my husband, Graham, calls, “the weird stuff.” I like my weird stuff. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to live in a cross between an old-fashioned movie palace, a haunted house and St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, basically the happiest, coziest place on earth that also happens to be a little creepy and gothic. And I want it to feel like it’s Christmas every day too. That leaves one with a lot of interesting decorating choices. When Graham and I first moved into our house, it had huge expanses of white walls and beige carpet. When I stood in my living room I felt like I was drowning in a vat of Cream of Wheat. Rather than embarking on a complete magazine perfect remodel, we allowed our personalities to seep into the house little by little until it felt like ours.
36 | SMM | Winter 2011
My vintage Charlie Chaplin movie posters hang above the television, “The Kid” on one side and “Modern Times” on the other. These represent everything I love about Chaplin and what he stood for. Live by your heart and brain equally, and a shoulder shrug is a perfectly good response to any question.
Ruby red and emerald green walls greet me with a “Merry Christmas!” every morning. I love the red green combination and a little Yuletide cheer on a dreary March day never hurt anybody. The matching jewel toned carpet lining the stairways makes me feel like I’m always on my way to my own coronation. That feeling can do a lot for a gal on a bad day, believe me. Graham thinks my disembodied glass head and porcelain hand border on the macabre, but I think they’re beautiful. The head used to model hats in an old-timey department store. Now it sits in my living room and at night, when the moonlight hits
it just right, it looks like it’s floating. The hand rests on my bedroom dresser. It’s hardly Thing from “The Addams Family.” It’s delicate and graceful. It reminds me of Marie Antoinette if she came to visit and left without her hand. Above the sofa are clocks showing the current times of Moscow, Beijing, Paris and London because you never know when you’re going to have to flee the country, and it’s a good idea to have the local time of your destination. On the opposite wall are giant framed collages of scary, religious iconography. I made them myself because being crafty calms me, but I’m not into knitting. Our desks and books are in the loft. Above Graham’s desk is a virtual hall of fame of 1960s democrats with very sincere, earnest expressions on their faces. On my desk is a picture of General Douglas MacArthur in full regalia. When I was little I thought every picture of MacArthur was my dad, so I sort of have a soft spot for the old guy. You definitely feel a tense political vibe when you sit up there, so most of the time we just grab the book we need and scram. One of my favorite things in our home is the stepladder that belonged to Graham’s Grandma Clara. It was in the kitchen of the house she lived in for more than 60 years until she died at the age of 96. Clara was the most independent, self-reliant person I’ve ever met. Her stepladder, which she sat on while baking endless sheets of cookies, now stands proudly next to our fireplace and reminds us to be strong, steadfast and committed to living a good life. None of the things I’ve mentioned were particularly expensive, but they all have meaning for Graham and me. When we sell our house, most of it will disappear so that the new owners can imagine their own possibilities. Until then, we’ll continue to live in our little castle of curiosities. These strange extensions of ourselves reflect who we are. That is what a home should do because we are all more than renters or owners of a house; we are the keepers to the keys of our lives. Woodbury resident Alexandra Kloster appears in each issue. She may be reached at alikloster@yahoo.com, and her blog is Radishes at Dawn at alexandrakloster.com.
405 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 • (507) 583-2141 1170 East Frontage Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060 • (507) 455-1000 3142 Wellner Drive NE, Rochester, MN 55906 • (507) 536-7700 132 N. Broadway, New Richland, MN 56072 • (507) 463-0502 After Hours Emergency Only *507-456-5822 www.mainstreetdentalclinics.com
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Many stores open at 10pm for our savvy shoppers! First 100 shoppers receive a $10 gift card!
SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS: November 24th Thanksgiving Day Opens 10 pm November 25th Black Friday Stores Close 8 pm November 26th Saturday 8 am - 8 pm November 27th Sunday 9 am - 8 pm December Saturdays 3rd - 17th 9 am - 8 pm December Sunday’s 4th - 18th 9 am - 7 pm Christmas Eve. 9 am - 4 pm Christmas Day - Closed
I-35, Exit 48 • 40 miles south of Minneapolis/St. Paul • 40 miles west of Rochester
www.MedfordOutletCenter.com
Register to win gifts from our stores throughout Black Friday weekend & throughout December!
507-455-4111 • 6750 West Frontage Road, Medford, MN 55049