AL Magazine Jan/Feb. 2016

ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Makeovers:

5 area women get pampered

january/february 2016

4

tips for renovating your home

How 1 woman has helped the community get

healthy VOL. 4 NO. 1

january/february 2016

W

ith something as important and lasting as a new kitchen or bath, it’s smart to do business with someone right here in our community who will stand behind their work.

And you expect American-made, lifetimewarranty quality. Showplace cabinetry from Freeborn Lumber offers both.

Freeborn Lumber Co. | 917 Plaza Street W | Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507-377-4284

Looking for your

dream

Boat?

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2120 Consul St., Albert Lea | 507-373-9000 www.northstarpowersports.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Let’s get the new year started off right

Editor Sarah Stultz is ready to celebrate a new year at Albert Lea magazine after seeing several makeovers for this issue.

Got ideas?

This is our fourth year! We at Albert Lea magazine want to hear what you think, and we need your brightest ideas for coming issues.

Favorite musicians? Finest artists?

Goofiest pranksters? Best storytellers? Local nightlife? We are openminded. Call Sarah Stultz at 3793433. Feel free to write a letter, too.

Our address is on the right.

There’s something about a new year that’s refreshing and motivating.

Though I try to have goals to better myself yearround, I always like to pick a few things I can try to work toward at the beginning of each year. Sometimes I have been successful at reaching my goals; other times I falter and derail from my goals a few months into the year, only to pick them back up later down the line.

As we worked on this magazine at the end of 2015, I started thinking about myself and how I can grow more this year, be healthier or be a better mom and wife. Some of my goals seem daunting, so I was inspired to hear the stories of some people in this issue who have found success and reached their goals.

We have deemed this issue the makeover edition, as we have focused on the stories of several different people and how they in one way or another have brought about a makeover.

First, we interviewed Albert Lea resident Cathy Otterman, who bought a house in rural Emmons with her husband, Kent. The house wasn’t in the best condition when they bought it, but little by little Cathy is transforming that space into something awesome. So far she has renovated the kitchen and the bathroom with plans to do much, much more.

Since I love home decorating, it was exciting for me to see what she had done. When it’s all done, I hope I may be able to get back in there again and see the finished product.

We also interviewed Alicia Schumaker, part-owner of Ignite Nutrition in Albert Lea, who has led several community weight-loss challenges with others at her nutrition club. Participants have lost thousands of pounds in total in the challenges and have started their own health journeys toward wellness. Not to mention, the winners in the challenges win money. Schumaker shared three recipe makeovers that go to show that you can still enjoy some delicious food while eating healthy.

Lastly, we included before and after photos from a makeover sponsored by Allure Salon & Spa and Holly Karsjens with Timeless Photog. Five women, all former cancer survivors, were awarded the makeovers. Ladies, you looked great, and we hope you enjoyed the pampering.

This is also our first time in the magazine to feature a DIY story. This is something we plan to continue in each issue. This time around we interviewed Ellen Raleigh on how to make a television stand out of pallets. She made it look easy, and we hope that with her directions, you can make it, too.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue, and good luck on your own personal makeover this year.

— Sarah Stultz

2 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

Publisher Crystal Miller Editorial Editor Sarah Stultz Contributing Writers Dani Armbrust Micah Bader Colleen Harrison Jennifer Levisen Crystal Miller Michelle Nelson Troy Irvine Emily Schmidt Sarah Stultz Joe Tscholl Sam Wilmes Contributing Photographers Colleen Harrison Holly Karsjens Jennifer Levisen Crystal Miller Art Art Director Kathy Johnson Graphic Designers Susan Downey Kim Ehrich Colby Hansen Sales & Promotion Sales Representatives Kelly Besco Michele Beyer Renee Citsay Angie Hoffman january/february 2016 Volume 4, Number 1 Editorial correspondence: Editor, Albert Lea Magazine, 808 W. Front St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Online: albertleamagazine.com or facebook.com/ albertleamagazine © 2016 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.

To purchase advertising, call 507-379-3427.

To subscribe, call 507-379-3422.

features

on the cover

ALBERT LEA › january/february 2016

44

moving toward better health Albert Lean Alicia Schumaker and other coaches at Ignite Nutrition are helping the community lose weight and get healthy.

32

5 women get a new look Allure Salon & Spa teamed up with Holly Karsjens of Timeless Photog to give makeovers to area cancer survivors.

38

A.L. woman renovates home Cathy Otterman has renovated her kitchen and bathroom with plans for more.

4 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

Feel Confident

about your smile and your dentist.

Dr. Rachel Nolander-Poppel, D.D.S. Dr. Tricia Nelson, D.D.S.

www.AFD.dental

507-373-5968

2717 Ekko Ave • Albert Lea, MN 56007

ALBERT LEA › january/february 2016

contents Seen

8

18

‘Seven Brides for seven brothers’

12

Albert Lea girls’ hockey

14

Billy MClaughlin and simple gifts

16

Evening of Dazzle

18

Weddings & engagements

Make sure ur To bring in yfoor snowblower ! a tune-up

Departments

22

22

Dazzle: brighten your kitchen

26

Savor: macaroni and four cheeses

31

Savor: Beer review

54

DIY: Pallets into a tv stand

All the rest

34

52

scrapbook

59

Health & Fitness

61

Dietitian’s digest

62

Events Calendar

64

Behind the Scenes

M&S

aLberT Lea MaGaZIne

5 area women get pampered

4

tips for renovating your Home

How 1 woman Has Helped tHe community get

healthy VOL. 4 nO. 1

6 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

Makeovers:

january/february 2016

62

On the cover: Alicia Schumaker is an Albert Lea resident. The cover photo was taken by our own Colleen Harrison at the trail near the Brookside Boat House.

january/february 2016

OutdOOr EquipMEnt Stihl, Exmark & Husqvarna Chainsaws, sharpening, lawn mowers and trimmers 519 Prospect Avenue Albert Lea, MN (507) 377-7705

“I found many

courses that advance my career goals and appeal to my personal interests.”

LET’S WORK TOGETHER Lifelong learning takes many forms—acquiring valued skills, completing a degree, pursuing an advanced degree, gaining a certification, and more. The benefits, however, go beyond tangible career advancement.

Lifelong learning is an enriching activity which can lead to

--- Toni

ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION

personal fulfillment, new and stronger relationships, increased ability to adapt to change, and the discovery and cultivation of your natural strengths.

Is now the right time for you?

Call or visit us on the web today.

Let’s work together to find out.

winona.edu/adult-learners | 507.457.5080

Your Destination for

Shopping, Dining & Entertainment • Over 25 stOres & businesses • specialty shOps • fOOd cOurt • restaurants • mOvie theater • much, much mOre!

I-90 & Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN, Exit 157

Join us on Facebook

507-377-3185

Shopping Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-8 • Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 Some Business and Holiday Hours Vary www.northbridgemall.com

SEEN › ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’

1

2

A cast and crew of more than 50 students presented “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” Nov. 19 to 21 at Albert Lea High School. (1) Heather Braun and Karlie Braun (2) Ashley Vogt, Morgan Rasmussen (bottom center) Leslie Nelson and Sarah Kalis (3) Heyward Sease and Jan Sease (4) Nikki Worman and Maren Worman (5) Jurene Wick and Marvel Beiser (6) Diane Landaas and Marilee Majerus 3

4

5 8 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

6

I finally found a dentist who makes me smile.

Dr. Hung Vu, DDS 507-377-5033 141 E. William St., Albert Lea, MN www.uptowndental.org

Providing the latest in cosmetic & family dental care.

Lumineers/Veneers • Sapphire Whitening • Restorative Periodontal • Root Canal Treatments • Laughing Gas Laser Check-ups • Crowns • VisiLite Plus (oral cancer screening) Dental Implant • Adults and Children Braces Botox Injections • Juviderm Dermal Fillers

We will protect the things important to you.

Alexis Olson

Brenda Madson

Susan Korn

Home | Auto | Business | Life | Farm 1606 Main St | Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-6446 | www.SecurityInsuranceAgency.com

Meet the writers Dani Armbrust Dani is a dietitian at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

Albert Lea Magazine will continue to reward our Facebook friends with lavish gifts. Be sure to look for our Facebook page and click LIKE. Thanks for your comments on our wall.

Micah Bader Micah covered sports for the Albert Lea Tribune.

This is his last magazine.

Colleen Harrison Originally from Ohio, Colleen likes to explore new places now that she’s in the Midwest.

Troy Irvine Troy is the vice president of wealth management at Alliance Benefit Group.

Jennifer Levisen Jennifer enjoys jogging around Fountain Lake.

She and her husband, Jens, have two sons.

Crystal Miller Crystal enjoys growing flowers. She and her husband have two children, Lauren and Jacob.

Michelle Nelson Michelle is the owner of Ranch & Pet Supply in Albert Lea. Sarah Stultz Sarah enjoys gardening. She and her husband have two children, Sophie and Landon.

Joe Tscholl Joe is the owner of Albert Lea’s Snap Fitness and is a personal trainer.

Sam Wilmes Sam is new on staff and recently moved to the area from South Dakota.

Connect with us on Facebook!

10 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

Just enter Albert Lea Magazine

Assisted Living with Helping Hands Built-in Oak Park® Place features assisted living apartment

homes with licensed nursing staff on call 24-hours.

Planned activities and amenities are customized to individual needs. A wide range of floor plans are available, from cozy studios to deluxe two-bedroom apartment homes.

To learn more about our Assisted Living options and to schedule a personal tour, Call (507) 373-5600 or visit albertleasales@oakparkplace.com.

1615 Bridge Avenue Albert Lea, MN 56007

Assisted Living • Memory Care

www.OakParkPlace.com © 2014 Oak Park Place

Independence when you want it, assistance when you need it.®

Find us on Facebook january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 11

SEEN › Albert Lea Girls’ Hockey

1

2

3 The Albert Lea girls’ hockey team hosted its fourth of 12 regular-season games at Albert Lea City Arena. The Tigers fell 8-3 against Red Wing. Albert Lea’s goals were scored by Hannah Johnson, Maddy Carstens and Ashley Willett.

4

6

(1) Culley Larson, John Jensen and Sam Jensen (2) Rhiannon Farr, Kalie Michaelis and Hailey Adams (3) Chad and Carson Severtson (4) Maddy Funk (5) Kristi Kenis and Tami Goodell (6) Dennis Gillund and Ken Heise (7) Jason Fornwald (8) Maddie Schneider (9) Amy Willett and Brian Beener

8 12 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

9

5

7

Produce State Bank

109 W. Park Ave. Hollandale (507) 889-4311 Member

FDIC

220 E. William St. Albert Lea (507) 373-5500

2401 Brige Ave. Albert Lea (507) 373-8600

www.producestatebank.com

BUY MORE, SAVE MORE! Southern Minnesota & Northern Iowa’s Largest Window Treatment Service

FREE

cOnSUltAtiOn AnD inStAllAtiOn

5% 10% 15% up to 5 blinds

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on 10 or more blinds Voted #1 Place to Buy Blinds in Southern Minnesota!

507-373-8535 • Toll Free 1-877-373-8535 sales@coolwindowshades.com • www.budgetblinds.com 301 1st Ave. S., Albert Lea, MN 56007

ExclUSiVE WARRAntiES PROMPt & cOURtEOUS SERVicE

Coupon must be presented at time of purChase. january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 13

SEEN › Billy McLaughlin and Simple Gifts

1

2

3

5 4

6 14 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

Billy McLaughlin and Simple Gifts performed Dec. 6 at Southwest Middle School in Albert Lea. The Albert Lea High School chorale also performed.

(1) Pat Haugh and Shirley Jensen (2) Pete Van Erkel and Wayne Sletten (3) Billy McLaughlin (4) The band’s tour bus. (5) Billy McLaughlin and Simple Gifts perform. (6) The Albert Lea High School chorale performs.

1428 W. Main St., Albert Lea Tues - Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat: 10am-2pm

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 15

SEEN › Evening of Dazzle

1

2

The Albert Lea Art Center’s Evening of Dazzle to kick off the Festival of Trees was Nov. 28 at Northbridge Mall.

(1) The Albert Lea High School Caroliers (2) Bonita Moeller and Miriam White (3) Dave Wolter, Joyce Nixon, Glen Parsons and Bob Nixon (4) Tom and Mary Ferleman and Tom and July Mullen (5) Opus Four members from left are Debra Linnes, Jane Hanson, Deborah Cooper and Cindy Fjermestad (6) Wow! by Marty Shepard

3

4

5 16 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

6

SUIT YOURSELF

THREE SUITS

FOR $399 See store for Details

NORTHBRIDGE MALL ALBERT LEA 507-373-3142

Coconut Shrimp

Methods Measure Ventura Foods Ingredient

Serving Children 6 weeks thru 4th grade

Phone: 507-373-7979

The first non-profit child care center in Minnesota

2T

Lou Ana Coconut Oil

Measure Other Ingredients

24

Large peeled and deveined tail on shrimp

1T

Cajun or Creole seasoning

1/2

Fresh lime, squeezed

3T

Unsweetened shredded coconut

1. Add coconut oil to skillet and preheat on medium high.

2. In medium bowl, toss uncooked shrimp with seasoning and shredded coconut to coat.

3. Placed shrimp in hot skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes each side until cooked through.

4. Remove skillet from heat and squeeze lime juice over shrimp. Serve immediately.

605 James Ave Albert Lea, MN

www.alchildrenscenter.org

Registration Coming Up This Spring!

919 E. 14th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 373-2431 For more recipes, visit our website: www.venturafoods.com january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 17

SEEN › Weddings and engagements

2 (1) Jodi Moen and Brandon Klukow (2) Emily Stoneking and J. Dwight Seiler (3) Marnie Hicks and Jonathon Davis (4) Jessica Stensrud and Brad Tomschin (5) Hollie Flatness and Mark Grant (6) Kate Bakken and Ned Tieche III

3

1

4 18 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

5

6

8

7

10

11 9

10 13

(7) Mallory Dziura and Eric Veldman (8) Kristin Feuerhelm and Mitchell Wenum (9) Laura Gaudian and Timothy Weller (10) Amy Waits and Matthew Vietze (11) Meghan Meloy and Scott Ness (12) Allison Heilman and John Kyriagis (13) Sarah Veldman and Wyatt Morcomb (14) Kristine Kirsch and Eric Mason

12

13

14

Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm • Sat. 9am-5pm

405 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 • (507) 583-2141 1170 East Frontage Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060 • (507) 455-1000 3110 Wellner Dr NE, Rochester, MN 55906 • (507) 536-7700 132 N. Broadway, New Richland, MN 56072 • (507) 463-0502 287 St. Andrews Dr., Mankato, MN 56001 • (507) 720-0250 www.mainstreetdentalclinics.com 20 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

Shop Downtown Albert Lea

Most salons independently owned and operated. ©2016 Fantastic Sams Franchise Corporation

2352 Hendrickson Rd. Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 507.373.8888

The Color Wheel Repurposed furniture • New gifts & decor • New unfinished furniture

122 W Main St • Albert lea, MN • 507-402-5650 Thursday-Friday 10 am - 5 pm • Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

NeW lINe oF furniture paint COMinG SOOn! (some exclusions apply)

129 South Broadway Ave • Downtown Albert Lea (507) 373-6793 Like us on Facebook!

To follow our updates and events.

Tues, Wed, Fri 10 am - 5:30 pm Thurs 10 am - 7 pm Sat 10 am - 3 pm

Fresh Flowers · Plants Consignment • Home Decor • Gifts 507-377-2081

216 South Broadway Downtown Albert Lea

Sun & Mon - Closed

Unique women’s clothing & accessories 105 N. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN 507-473-2111

Featuring a wide variety of genuine antiques 218 S. Washington, Albert Lea 507-377-8212 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4

120 S. Washington Ave. 507-373-5469

Mon-Fri 4:30am-2pm; Sat 4:30am-11am

Being part of the community means

Angie Eggum

Financial Advisor .

127 S Broadway Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2000

Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING | INVESTMENTS | EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

ExquisitE food & finE winEs we feature usdA Prime beef & fresh seafood open thursday, friday and saturday evenings at 5:30 Regularly changing menu, see our website at www.cresendodining.com

507-377-2425 118 s. Broadway Ave, Albert Lea

200 N Broadway Ave. Albert Lea

Phone: 507-373-8216 Fax: 507-373-6220

www.iscfinancialadvisors.com Securities offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Listed entities not affiliated. january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 21

DAZZLE › Gadgets to make your life in the kitchen easier

Bonjour Showcase every nuance of flavor with a French press.

This is great for entertaining and easy to use. Fill the glass beaker with heated water and pour over your favorite coffee.

After allowing the coffee to steep for a minute, push down the plunger to filter out the grounds. Presto!

Copper Kitchen, Albert Lea $39.99

Display and organize your K-Cups Walk in and paint something that is just for you! At Simply Charming Ceramics the pottery is ready and waiting for you.

Check out this K-Cup holder. Personalize with your own creative touch.

This kitchen organizer holds 15 K-Cups. Ceramics, paint and studio time are included in the price.

Simply Charming Ceramics, Albert Lea $18

Things

You

Didn’t Know

You Wanted

By Crystal Miller

Cut carbs for the new year Quickly turn almost any raw, firm vegetable into spaghetti-like strands. Make long, flat ribbons or thin slices. Use this vegetable slicer to make vegetables fun.

Copper Kitchen, Albert Lea, $44.99

22 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

Perfect for your kitchen tool belt Entertain your guests with this unique cake and salad saw. It is both functional and a great conversation piece. This highimpact plastic knife is 12 inches long and 3.25 inches tall.

Celebrations Party & Gifts, Albert Lea $6.99

Brighten your kitchen If our kitchens had as many gadgets as our garages, we would be set. Too often we pass up great kitchen gadgets because we are too practical.

It’s time to be a little frivolous. Albert Lea offers many great gadgets that no kitchen should be without.

Keep your snacks chilled and fresh on ice This iced platter is something everyone needs for entertaining.

Use for cheese, cold cuts, fruit, sushi and more. The top platter is stainless steel. The bottom compartment is clear polystyrene used for ice. The bottom compartment also doubles as a vegetable server.

Sterling: The Drug Store with More, Albert Lea $31.99

Any bean will do Highly concentrated coffee is at your fingertips with this kitchen gadget.

This aluminum espresso maker percolates water through any ground coffee bean you prefer, as the technique is what makes an espresso, not the type of bean.

This process extracts both the solid and dissolved components, leaving you with a thick, syrup-like coffee beverage.

Copper Kitchen, Albert Lea $29.99 A cookie press for all seasons This kitchen gadget is just what you need to spoil your valentine. Use the heart-shaped disc to make valentine cookies for your sweetie. This easy-to-use cookie press is made by Wilton and comes with 16 shape discs.

Raleigh’s Ace Hardware, Albert Lea $25.99

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 23

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healthy pets › Keeping your pet healthy

BY michelle nelson

5 ways to keep your pets healthy Michelle Nelson is the owner of Ranch & Pet Supply in Albert Lea.

As humans, we make New Year’s Resolutions every year to make our lives better. As pet owners, we need to make resolutions to make our pets lives healthier. Here are five ways to keep your pets healthy in 2016.

1. Healthy weight: Fifty-tree percent of dogs and 55 percent of cats are overweight or obese. A healthy weight can be achieved by feeding a good-quality food in the appropriate amount. Use an actual measuring cup when measuring your pet’s food. Start with the recommended feeding rate for your pet’s age and weight on the bag. Keep in mind that this is just a suggested feeding rate. Active pets will require more food than less active pets of the same weight. Cats are often the hardest to keep weight off of, so using cat treats that contain L-Carnitine are helpful for obesity management.

2. Exercise: Make sure you incorporate exercise into your pet’s daily routine.

Whether it’s a walk, a day at doggie daycare or playing fetch in the backyard, pets need physical exercise every day. Exercise prevents dogs from boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. Physical activity for your cat can be playing with motion-activated toys, cat wands or another cat in the house.

3. Supplements: You may be feeding a good-quality food to your pet, but that may not always be enough. Some pets require more of one supplement than the next pet. Pets can suffer from dry, flaky, itchy skin requiring a skin and coat supplement, or some have digestive issues requiring a daily prebiotic to aid in proper digestion. Your pet may be predisposed to hip dysplasia and needs to be started on a joint supplement at an earlier age. Just because your pet has always had dry skin or maybe has always had bad gas, don’t assume this is normal as these are issues that can be addressed, allowing your pets to feel better.

4. Dental Health: Over 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of

dental disease by the age of 3. Brushing your pet’s teeth daily is the best method for removing plaque and tarter. Other helpful dental products include daily dental chews, water additives and dental supplements that will also aid in plaque and tartar removal. Giving your dog raw bones is nature’s ways of keeping your pets teeth clean. Annual dental exams are a must.

5. Regular vet exams: Pets need to see their veterinarian for regular checkups so a complete and thorough exam can be performed to monitor any changes in their health. Make sure you discuss any necessary vaccinations your pet may need to keep him or her protected against distemper, parvovirus and rabies, to name a few. If you are concerned about over-vaccinating your pet, you can have your vet perform a test to determine whether your pet has adequate immunological protection from previous vaccines.

Here’s to a healthy and happy new year for you and your pets! Happy New Year!

Helping Keep Your Pets Healthy • Dry Skin, Dull Coat, Shedding, Hairballs • Bad Breath • Preventative for UTI’s • Overweight • Poor Immune System • Sensitive Stomach, Guaran t e Gas, Loose Stools e d Result 1 Bags s In • Joint Discomfort, Use Arthritis

“We A Your P re Nutri et t Exper ion ts”

2014 E. Main, Albert Lea 507-373-2505 M-F 8-6, Sat 8-3

SAVOR › Macaroni and Four Cheeses

by jennifer levisen

Hello homemade mac and cheese

Macaroni and Four Cheeses

Jennifer Levisen lives and works in Albert Lea. She enjoys finding new recipes to share with her family and friends.

My childhood was littered with those infamous blue boxes of macaroni and cheese. Whose childhood wasn’t? It was a quick, easy and filling meal. And while it wasn’t the most nutritious, you could certainly do worse. Well, fast forward a few years, a preference for homemade food, a macaroni-andcheese-loving husband and an oldest son following in his father’s footsteps, later and I found myself searching for recipes that let me recreate the cheesy

comfort factor at home, but didn’t skimp on taste and included a higher nutritional value. Enter Ellie Krieger’s Macaroni and Four Cheeses.

“This creamy, bread-crumbed topped macaroni-and-cheese get its bright orange color and a big nutritional boost from pureed winter squash,” said Krieger. “Don’t tell and no one will ever know. They’ll just thank you for making their favorite cheesy comfort meal.”

Macaroni and Four Cheeses Ingredients Cooking spray One 16-ounce box elbow macaroni Two 10-ounce packages frozen pureed winter squash 2 cups low-fat milk 1 1/3 cups grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces) 2/3 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese (2 ounces)

½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons plain dry bread crumbs 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions Preheat the oven to 375° F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Place the frozen squash and milk in a large saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until it is defrosted.

Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheddar, Jack cheese, ricotta, salt, mustard and cayenne. Pour this mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine.

Combine the bead crumbs, Parmesan and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbling around the edges, about 20 minutes, and then broil for three minutes, so the top is crisp and nicely browned.

Serves 8; serving size: 2 cups 26 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

Finances › Investing with confidence

by TROY IRVINE

What investors can be thankful about this year Troy Irvine is the vice president of wealth management at Alliance Benefit Group. He can be reached at 507-369-9999 or tirvine@ investorscapital.com.

The year 2015 has presented the world and the markets with considerable challenges. Terrorist shocks, the RussiaTurkey spat, the possibility of a fractured eurozone, the wild ride for Chinese equities and the global manufacturing slump — yes, they have weighed on minds and markets, but as the year draws to a close, there is also much to encourage us and much we can be thankful about economically.

The “fear index” is still quite low. The CBOE VIX — the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index that Wall Street takes as a barometer of investor anxiety — closed at 15.12 as Thanksgiving weekend began — down 21.25 percent year to date. It briefly spiked above 40 this summer, but it has remained below 20 for most of the year.

The “misery index” is at its lowest level

in 59 years. This index — simply defined as the inflation rate added to the jobless rate — has not been this low since the Eisenhower era. As November turns into December, there was a misery index of just 5.3 percent (5.1 percent unemployment, 0.2 percent consumer inflation). Not since the spring of 1956 have these combined numbers been so low.

Inflation has been remarkably mild for some time. Decades, in fact. From 197082, the Consumer Price Index rose an average of 7.7 percent per year. Since 1985, consumer inflation has averaged only 2.8 percent.

The federal budget deficit has been reduced. While you cannot say the same for the national debt, our federal deficit has been halved in just five years. In FY 2015, the deficit ran $435 billion. During 2009-12, it exceeded $1 trillion.

Gas is very cheap right now. In 2012, the price of a gallon of gasoline averaged $3.68 nationally. Fuel industry analysts forecasted the national average price would descend to a low of $2.03 in

December and average just $2.38 across 2016. Oil supply continues to outpace oil demand.

We have seen 68 straight months of job growth. The jobless rate is down to its lowest level since early 2008.

The S&P 500 may manage a 2015 gain after all. We had a correction on Wall Street this summer, but the broad benchmark is about where it was at the end of 2014. It ended Thanksgiving weekend at 2,090.11, up 1.52 percent year to date. The blue chips, too, have clawed their way back from a pronounced summer descent — the Dow settled at 17,798.49 on Nov. 27, down just 0.14 percent so far this year. Since the infamous Black Monday — the day the Dow lost more than 22 percent of its value in 1987 — the Dow’s value has increased by a factor of 10.

There is much to worry about when it comes to the world and the economy, but there is also much to be thankful for and to appreciate as we celebrate the holidays and await 2016.

I CAN HELP

Uncertain if you have enough money to retire on? For 15 years I’ve helped mature investors retire. Help starts with a complimentary second opinion of your portfolio and financial plan.

TROY IRVINE | 507.369.9999 | 877.572.7099 201 East Clark Street | Albert Lea, MN Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation. Member FINRA/SIPC. january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 27

Spill it here.

Send your Letter to the Editor to: Albert Lea Tribune 808 W. Front St, Albert Lea, MN 56007 or e-mail to: letters@albertleatribune.com To subscribe, call 507-379-3422

TRAVEL › Great time to travel

Finally, take some time to travel Your retirement is fast approaching and with it, the opportunity to travel — at last! What a great project, especially as travelling during your retirement years has lots of advantages. Be careful, however, to stay within your limits, as well as your budget. After all, you want to be able to make the most of this opportunity for as long as possible.

Leave when you want Now you can go away whenever you want, which allows you to take advantage of last-minute deals or take part in events that you’ve always dreamed of, such as the Rio carnival or Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to see the Monaco Grand Prix or tennis at Wimbledon.

Take your time Since there’s no limit to the duration of your vacations now, you can take the time to do everything you want. Travelling no longer has to be an exhausting marathon, a whirlwind of visits where you cram in as much as possible in a short amount of time. In other words, travel doesn’t have to be synonymous with exhaustion anymore.

Travel your way Not only do you have time to travel, you also have time to plan your own trip.

You can now put together the trip of your dreams, a journey that will be tailor-made to meet your best expectations.

So what to do? Will you soak up some

Tammi

Sara

PHOTO: jupiterimages / THINKSTOCK

sun in southern climes, explore Europe, or enjoy a total change of scene in Asia?

Will you discover some African cultures, take a Mediterranean cruise, or visit Italy’s most famous museums? Whatever your

destination, you’ll now have the time to admire the world’s great monuments, pedal along the most beautiful bike paths, and see all the new and ancient wonders of the world.

Louise

1-800-328-4298 or 507-373-4705 SINCE 1967 • 130 West Clark Street • Albert Lea, MN

www.4-seasonsvacations.com

David Nelson Owner & Tour Director

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 29

Bridal guide

Winter wedding Planner Weddings of Impeccable Taste Available in the Tribune on January 8th.

Dawson Limousine Service would love to be a part of your special day!

Perfect for weddings, birthdays, concerts, sporting events, transportation to casino or airport.

To subscribe call 507-379-3421

New limo bus Special rates for extended rentals

“Let us design the perfect cake for your Special Day!” Custom Cakes for Descriminating Tastes

Call 507-402-0606 for more information or to book your special occasion transportation 30 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

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SAVOR › Beer review

By Colleen Harrison

Don’t judge a beer simply by its can Don’t let the appearance of this fizzy, yellow beer in a can fool you — this Belgian ale has a bite that lives up to its name.

Pale and golden-hued, Surly Brewing Co.’s CynicAle is for those who like their beers a bit hoppy, but don’t want to down a full-on IPA. CynicAle melds Old World ingredients in a more contemporary style.

French malted barley, English oats and Belgian yeast create honey and black pepper flavors. Lively Slovenian hops provide the floral, apricot and peach notes.

The Belgian-style saison — or pale ale — is fermented with a Belgian yeast strain, resulting in a beer that has notes of lemon citrus from the hops and black pepper spice from the yeast. This combination leaves a dry, “tingly” finish that’s somehow still smooth.

The beer pours golden and clear with a nice, white head. The smooth feel has fairly firm body, if not much fizz.

As far as the can goes, I think the arguments against canned beer are losing steam, and with good reason.

Years ago, it was revolutionary when Oskar Blues started canning its beers.

Over time, some beer drinkers have turned their noses up at canned beer, saying it ruins the taste and diminishes the quality.

Recently, though, craft brewers have embraced the canned packaging format.

Now, even Samuel Adams — whose founder, Jim Koch, once said the brand would never can its beer — is putting brew into cans.

With the format becoming more popular, there’s a contingent of people who say they taste metallic notes in canned beer and those who say you can’t.

I have a friend who started a mobile beer canning business tin Michigan and has now expanded to Indiana. He goes to different microbreweries to can their beer, providing the breweries with another way to market and distribute their product.

Through talking to him and hearing the conversations he has had with other brewers and beer packaging experts, the general consensus seems to be that cans don’t impart flavor.

The lining in cans is a waterbased polymer that doesn’t interact with beer. Essentially, the lining prevents beer from ever touching the metal in the can, which is a good thing. The aluminum in modern cans is so thin, that if the lining was to allow beer through, the beer would eat through the metal before you could get it home from the store.

I agreed with the general

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consensus before, and still do after trying CynicAle. The beer being packaged in a can made no impact on my impression of the beverage.

I’m an IPA fan, personally, but I’d probably buy this beer again. It’s nothing spectacular but is still enjoyable and thirst-quenching; I’ll probably buy more of it next summer when it’s time for daylong yard work in the nice, hot sun.

Don’t be cynical, try this ale!

HHH

1617 W. Main St. • Albert Lea 507-379-2364 january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 31

5

women get a

new look photos by Holly Karsjens of Timeless Photog

Allure Salon & Spa teamed up with photographer Holly Karsjens of Timeless Photog on Oct. 15 to give five area cancer survivors a makeover. Four were nominated by a family member, and one was nominated by a co-worker.

32 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

krisschultz

Kris Schultz, 54, is originally from Hayward but now lives in Wells. She is married with one daughter. Her hobbies are muskie fishing, card making and crafting. She said in April 2015 she was painting her toenails when she noticed she had a pencil-size black dot between her toes. After getting it checked out, it was diagnosed as melanoma. She went to

Rochester on a Friday, and on Monday had two toes removed. A biopsy of her lymph nodes came back clear. She said she has an amazing family and husband who responded and supported her. She encouraged people to check between their toes when painting or cutting their toenails as melanoma in toes is rare. She is thankful for her family who supported her. january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 33

janethimmerich

Janet Himmerich, 54, of Albert Lea is married with three daughters and five grandchildren. She works as a registered nurse and enjoys shopping with her daughters, having coffee, dining with friends, playing bass guitar and artwork.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2014. She started 34 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

chemotherapy in January 2015, surgery in June and radiation in July. She finished treatment in August. Her motto is to have fun as you get older. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she said she told her family that God has a greater purpose with the diagnosis.

Stylist: Kristin Larson

pennyjensen

Penny Jensen, 54, of Albert Lea is married with three daughters and nine granddaughters. She works at Hormel and Home Depot. She was diagnosed in January 2014 with breast cancer after a wellness mammogram through her workplace. She said she realized there are a lot of caring people and lots of

support after she was diagnosed. She was given a benefit in her honor and appreciated all the support she received.

Jensen is happy her treatment is over and would like to thank her family and friends for all of their love and support, especially her husband, Perry, of 35 years.

Stylist: Cheryl Dreyling

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 35

dianehansen

Diane Hansen, 63, of Albert Lea is married with a son, daughter and four grandchildren. She works seasonally for Clifton Larson Allen and enjoys being a Girl Scouts leader. She also enjoys SPIRE, crafts, gardening and working with people. Hansen was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in July 2014 through her yearly mammogram. She had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and

36 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

radiation and just completed radiation in March. She expressed how important her family and friends have been for recovery and support. She stayed as active as possible to maintain as normal of a life as possible. She said she felt blessed with the outpouring of love, support and donations of meals while having her treatment.

Stylist: Michelle Hanson

tarayokiel

Tara Yokiel, 35, of Albert Lea is married with three children. She is a stay-at-home mom and enjoys reading and camping.

She said she was diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma in 1995 at the age of 16. She had 1 1/2 years of chemotherapy at the time she was diagnosed and to date

has had no reoccurrence. In February 2016, she will have been in remission for 19 years. She was told she could not have children, but she proved them wrong. Her motto throughout her illness was to stay positive because life is too short.

Stylist: Amelia Wittmer

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 37

38 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

A REDESIGN

inspiration After photos by colleen harrison story by Sarah Stultz

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 39

Albert Lea couple buys house in rural Emmons, starts renovating it for their home after retirement

T

hree years ago, Albert Lean Cathy Otterman and her husband, Kent, decided to buy a house in rural Freeborn County.

The couple wanted to move out into the country, but at first couldn’t find a house in their price range that they liked.

Then one day — on Otterman’s

birthday — they saw a house online in rural Emmons.

“It was bank-owned, and it was so cheap we just laughed and said, ‘Let’s go out here and look at it just for fun,’” she said. “It looked terrible, but we liked that it’s so quiet out here. It was like I could see what it could be.”

Otterman said there was a bird’s nest in the soffit and a dead raccoon in the attic.

The pipes had frozen and a door had been kicked in. The house had been empty for at least a few months.

“It looked terrible, but we liked that it’s so quiet out here. It was like I could see what it could be.”

— Cathy Otterman

Otterman originally went to college for interior design, and has continued to draw out her redecorating and renovating ideas into floor plans.

The kitchen at the Ottermans’ rural Emmons house before it was renovated was outdated.

Cathy Otterman updated the existing cabinets in the makover.

40 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

“It was a mess,” she said.

But the drawbacks weren’t enough to keep the Ottermans away. They purchased the house, and Otterman has been

working to fix it up ever since as they continue to live in Albert Lea. The couple hopes to live there after they retire.

Otterman, who took interior design classes in college and worked as a master

plan designer at Dayton’s department store, started renovating in the kitchen.

She said she saved the original cupboards, but cut the front panels out and instead put in glass. She ripped out what was behind the cupboards, took out the old counter and sink, reinforced and painted the cabinets, got a new counter from Freeborn Lumber, cut a hole to put

“I look at it as a hobby. “It’s relaxing to me. It doesn’t really matter to me how long it takes. It wouldn’t be fun if I felt it was rushed. We’re not in a big hurry.”

— Cathy Otterman

a new sink in, made an island and painted the walls.

She said she painted more than once as she had originally wanted an all-white kitchen with some grays. In the end, she decided on a pale green for the walls with white cabinets.

Eventually, Otterman said, she hopes to make the kitchen larger with an addition

Otterman has done a number of updates in the kitchen, including a new floor and some new appliances. january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 41

to the house and put in a planked ceiling.

In addition to the kitchen, Otterman renovated the main floor bathroom.

She said she ripped everything out of that room except for the vanity and started over.

She took a class to learn how to do Granicrete countertops, floors and showers, and practiced doing them in a half bathroom upstairs before doing the larger bathroom.

“I figured that was small, and if I messed that up it wasn’t a big deal,” she said.

One of the only things that stayed in the Ottermans’ bathroom when it was made over were the cabinets, which were redone.

42 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

In addition to the countertops, floors and showers, she said she had to patch some walls. The ceiling wasn’t in the best shape either, so she covered it with a plastic ceiling that looks like tin that came in pieces that were 3 feet by 2 feet that she put together.

She ultimately painted the vanity three times before she got the color right and then lastly made the shower curtain and blind for the room.

Otterman said though she and her husband hope to someday retire at the country home, in the meantime they use

it for family parties.

She works at Crossroads Church part time as an administrative assistant and spends her other days working on the house. She has two grown children who are both married, and one grandchild.

“I look at it as a hobby,” she said. “It’s relaxing to me. It doesn’t really matter to me how long it takes. It wouldn’t be fun if I felt it was rushed. We’re not in a big hurry.” AL

4

tips to starting a home renovation project:

• Otterman recommended going online and watching YouTube videos if you want to learn how to do a certain project. She said it’s best to watch

several videos instead of just one, in case the person in the video is not as skilled as he or she should be. After watching the videos, get a sense of whether the project is something you can handle or whether you should call in a professional.

• Look online and in magazines for home decorating and renovating ideas. She said she uses Pinterest, Houzz.com and Google image searches. She keeps a binder of

magazine photos she cuts out.

• Remember you don’t have to buy everything new when renovating, and you don’t always have to spend a fortune for the projects.

Otterman’s kitchen, for example, reused the cabinets. She said everything can be painted and made like new.

• Measure and sketch out your ideas. Otterman maps out her ideas on graph paper.

Otterman updated almost the entire bathroom in the house with new walls, counters and décor. january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 43

An

added incentive photos by colleen harrison story by Micah Bader

44 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

Alicia Schumaker runs Ignite Nutrition in Albert Lea.

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 45

Ignite Nutrition hosts 6th community challenge with prizes for top weight loss

A

lbert Leans have an extra incentive to lose weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle: the almighty dollar.

In Ignite Nutrition’s sixth community challenge, over 40 participants lost a combined 418 pounds in 12 weeks, and more than $2,100 was divided among the winners.

“Each time it gets bigger and bigger because people hear about the success (stories),” said Ignite Nutrition co-owner Alicia Schumaker. “It’s open to everyone in Albert Lea and the surrounding areas.

Anybody can join.”

Alicia Schumaker runs Ignite Nutrition in Albert Lea.

To enter, each participant pays $35.

The winner of the sixth challenge was Lupe Reyes, Schumaker’s father. He was awarded $599. He has finished five challenges, lost 80 pounds and dropped from a size 44 to 34.

46 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

“Some of the money from the winnings I used to buy new clothes because they were all too baggy,” Reyes said. “I feel more energized, and I’m able to lift weights and do a lot more things.”

To level the playing field, Schumaker said participants are judged based on percentage of body weight lost.

In addition to making a difference for him personally, Reyes said he approved of

“Some of the money from the winnings I used to buy new clothes because they were all too baggy. I feel more energized, and I’m able to lift weights and do a lot more things.”

— Lupe Reyes how his daughter assists others in their weight-loss struggles.

“I’m proud of her owning her own business and helping people get healthy,” he said.

Weight loss is one of several ways Ignite Nutrition tracks progress. More specific data can be found with the Tanita Ironman scale at the club that determines body fat, muscle mass, hydration, metabolic age and other factors.

New challengers might not see weightloss results right away, but they might be able to see work paying off in other areas, Schumaker said.

“If you have someone who starts working out more and eating healthier, sometimes they end up gaining a pound, and they might be really frustrated,” she said. “But, if they see that it came from muscle, that their body fat actually went down and that they lost inches, that’s really motivating for people.”

The challenges range from seven to 12 weeks, and participants have weekly weigh-ins and bi-weekly measurements,

Ignite Nutrition is at 701 Marshall St. in Albert Lea.

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 47

Schumaker said. Each week, she also makes sample recipes available to participants with nutritious food.

“Alicia always has recipes for regular food, but she makes them healthier, and you still get that same taste,” Reyes said.

After each challenge, a potluck celebration follows, where participants bring healthy recipes and prizes are awarded.

Schumaker, a 2009 Albert Lea High School graduate, has a degree in corrections from Minnesota State, Mankato. However, after working in her field for about a year, she decided to

48 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

change her focus to wellness.

“The nutrition club was a completely

“It’s really rewarding on my end because it’s something I love doing. I absolutely love going to work every day. It’s cool seeing people change their lives.”

— Alicia Schumaker

different atmosphere,” Schumaker said.

“That’s when I realized that when I go to probation, people don’t want to see you,

and it’s really negative. When I go to the nutrition club, everyone wants to see you, and it’s positive.”

For about a year and a half, Schumaker owned Avid Nutrition in Mankato before she moved to Albert Lea to start Ignite Nutrition, which opened Nov. 10, 2014.

She said she co-owns the business with Shinead Cunningham and Emily Peterson.

“It’s really rewarding on my end because it’s something I love doing,” Schumaker said. “I absolutely love going to work every day. It’s cool seeing people change their lives.” AL

Schumaker co-owns Ignite Nutrition in Albert Lea with Emily Peterson, left. and Shinead Cunningham, not pictured. Adam Blanshan, right, is a part-time coach at the location.

’s Aliciahy healt s pick 1. Chicken Enchiladas

1 enchilada (153 calories, 17 grams protein) 1 pack low-carb wraps 1/2 packet taco seasoning (reduced sodium) 12-15 ounce can chicken 1 small can enchilada sauce 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese 1 cup cottage cheese 1) Preheat oven to 300°F. Spray pan and lightly coat bottom of pan with 1/4 can enchilada sauce.

2) Mix chicken, taco seasoning and cottage cheese in bowl.

3) Assemble enchiladas with 1/3 cup chicken mix and 1 tablespoon enchilada sauce. Roll up. Pour rest of sauce over enchiladas and top with cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

2. Spinach, Chicken and Feta Pizza Whole pizza (510 calories, 38 grams protein) 1 lavash wrap 1/4 cup white pizza sauce 1 1/2 cup fresh spinach 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese 2 ounces chicken 1/8 cup feta cheese 1) Preheat oven to 350째F. 2) Top lavash with sauce, spinach, chicken, mozzarella cheese and feta cheese.

3) Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

50 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

3. Tex Mex Taco Boats Servings: 8 (265 calories, 21 grams protein) Olive oil pan spray 1 pound ground turkey (93 percent) 2 tablespoons of garlic 1 can black peas (drained and rinsed) 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese 1 cup corn 2 spaghetti squash 1. Preheat oven to 375째 F. Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds. Lay face down on baking sheet. Bake for 35-45 minutes until done.

2. Meanwhile, spray cooking olive oil and cook ground turkey and garlic. When done, add beans, chili powder and corn. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup cheese. Stir.

3) Remove baked spaghetti squash, and let cool a few minutes. Fluff each squash boat with a fork, releasing some strands, leave squash in shell. Fill each boat with 1-cup mixture and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cheese each. Bake additionally for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

4) Serve with Greek yogurt, lettuce and taco sauce.

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 51

SCRAPBOOK

Photos courtesy of the Freeborn County Historical Museum

A downtown makeover Downtown Albert Lea has changed many times throughout the years. Though many buildings look different today, some prominent ones still look the same.

This photo was taken prior to 1887 and contains mainly frame structures. The brick building with two awnings extended on the second floor is 119 S. Broadway. This photo is looking south.

The 300 block of South Broadway, east side, corner of South Broadway and East College Street. Taken prior to 1899. Businesses, from left: L.O. Greene & Sons, Coal, Wood & Hay; Broadway Boarding & Feed Stable; offices of R. Clement, attorney and Emil Nelson (handled abstracts). Hotel Albert was built on this site in 1900.

Current site of US Bank, 331 S. Broadway.

A wide-angle shot from the intersection of South Broadway and East William Street. The brick building at 119 S. Broadway can be identified by one extended awning on the second floor. The prominent building in the center of the photo is the current Shoff building at 139 S. Broadway. At the time of the photo in 1904, the building was First National Bank. To the right, the post office is visible at the intersection of East William Street and South Newton Avenue. To the left in the photo is the old Opera House (100 N. Broadway). It is the large darker building with two smokestacks.

52 | ALBERT LEA | november/december 2015

The 200 block of East Clark Street, north side; Drommerhausen Carriage Repository; photo taken prior to 1900. The American Gas Machine Co. structure was built on this site. The Albert Lea City Hall and public library building replaced the American Gas structure in 1967.

This photo was taken in 1898 and is a closer view of the 100 block of South Broadway, east side, looking north.

The brick building at 119 S. Broadway (from the first photo) has a barber pole near it. It is the fifth building to the left of the McMahn & Greene building with the awning extended or the third building to the right of the Opera House.

The 100 block of East Clark Street, north side; photo taken circa 1916. From left: Opera House; J.P. Johnson, tailor; The Minute Lunch Room; The Fair Store. The frame structure of the J.P. Johnson shop was replaced with a brick building. It is the present site of Power 96 radio, 109 E. Clark St. january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 53

DIY› Making something from nothing

transforming pallets into a

television

stand photos by colleen harrison story by sam wilmes

54 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 55

A

lbert Lea resident Ellen Raleigh has made saving money and making something out of nothing a life passion.

“I don’t like to spend money on expensive furniture, so if I can make something we need, I’m going to try to make it,” Raleigh said. “Pallet projects are always unique, and if you don’t mind the time and energy, it’s basically free.”

A stay-at-home mom, Raleigh, 29, has two daughters, Lillian, 3, and Lauren, 9. Her husband, Matt, is the owner of Raleigh’s Ace Hardware in Albert Lea. “You get a sense of accomplishment when you make something out of nothing,” she said.

There is also more sentimental value when you can create homemade items.

“The uniqueness, you can’t buy something like that from a store,” she said.

Albert Lea magazine asked her if she’d share the directions for one of her projects.

She gave these step-by-step instructions on how to make a television stand from pallets. The project typically takes about four to six pallets and about eight to 10 hours to complete, aside from drying time.

1. Select grade A pallets that have nicer or newer wood with no cracks, stains or paint. Several pallets might be needed, depending on what you will be making.

The two most common pallet wood types that are used are yellow pine and oak.

When selecting pallets, make sure not to use those marked with an MB. That means that they have been sprayed with harmful pesticides.

It might be a good idea to take one or two extra pallets because, when you take them apart, you can sometimes wreck the planks. Anyone interested should ask any retailer, as they sometimes give pallets away for free.

2. Disassemble pallets by using a

56 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

Television stand

Supplies 4 to 6 pallets One handful of finishing nails 10-ounce bottle of Titebond wood glue 4 hinges hasp wood stain Tools mitre saw hammer crowbar belt sander or sanding block

hammer, a crowbar or a 5-foot prybar.

Doing so can take some time and some patience. Try to get as many good, full planks as possible. Pry the pieces apart, and pull out all of the nails.

3. Lay out the wood on the floor to make sure the pieces have the same thickness and length.

4. Start to assemble the panels for the sides, top shelf, bottom shelf, middle shelf and two doors. The two sides of the television stand need to be 34 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Find three planks that, when placed side by side, measure 12 inches. Cut the planks with a mitre saw so they all measure 34 inches. Next,

brace them together with a smaller piece of wood on the backside with glue and nails. The glue and wood need to be clamped together for 20 minutes, and the glue needs to dry for 24 hours before working with it any more. The two side panels will then need a 34-inch long, 3 1/2-inch wide corner piece attached to

what would be the face or the front of the television stand.

The top shelf should be a little longer at 42 inches. The middle shelf and bottom shelf will be on the inside and will need to be 40 inches in length. The panels will also need to be 12 inches wide.

The doors measure 17 by 17 inches.

These are made of smaller planks placed side by side, cut and braced together like the other panels.

5. Sand the panels. Use a belt sander to sand all sides and edges of each panel.

Remove any glue, and make sure the pallet wood is nice and smooth.

6. Assemble panels together. The two side panels with the corner plank attached should be able to stand alone.

Place the top shelf panel on the top of the two side panels, and glue and nail the edges together. Attach the middle and bottom shelves by making a bracket, similar to bracing the planks together.

Start with the bottom shelf, 3 1/2 inches from the bottom. After attaching a bracket or brace and inserting the bottom shelf, measure 17 inches up from the shelf and make another bracket or brace for the middle shelf.

Once the shelves are all glued and nailed in place, the shelves need to dry again for 24 hours.

7. Trim around the top and bottom.

This part makes the shelf look nice and finished. Start with the front, and then do the sides. Measure the thickness of the planks; Raleigh used planks that were

three-fourths of an inch. The front trim needs to be three-fourths of an inch longer on each side of the television stand, so the piece should then measure 34 1/2 inches in length. Turn the mitre saw so it cuts a 45-degree angle. Cut the corners on each side so they measure 34 ½ inches from tip to tip. Do the same for side-trim pieces. Then glue and nail the trim, matching the corners together and clamping the corners, if possible. Dry for 24 hours.

more all sides and corners. Remove any glue that may have dripped and dried to the project. Dust off all sawdust.

8. Sand the entire piece. Use the belt sander or sanding block to sand once

10. Attach doors with hinges and add a hasp to lock the doors closed.

9. Stain, paint or use whatever type of finish you like. Raleigh said she likes to use a foam brush for stains, but if you use a brush with bristles you can get between all the cracks and planks a little easier. She used a dark maple stain and finished it with a polyurethane clear coat to help protect the wood and make it easier to clean.

january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 57

Thorne Crest Senior Living

Comfortable and familiar.

Community ■ Independent

Living ■ Assisted Living ■ Rehabilitation ■ Health Care ■ Memory Care

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58 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

O

health & fitness

BY JOE TSCHOLL

Simply starting to move is key to exercise makeover Joe Tscholl is the owner of Albert Lea’s Snap Fitness and is also a personal trainer there.

What is the best way to exercise?

This question and its surrounding factors of method, duration and intensity seem to be under constant scrutiny in a fitness world that is everevolving. One aspect of exercise that appears to be nearly indisputable, however, is that it must be sustainable.

We must be able to continue doing it until the exercise routine becomes a part of our daily lives. If this does not happen, there are no benefits — none whatsoever — to be gained from what would otherwise be a sedentary life. So if I could offer one very simply makeover idea to start, it would be to be like the Do-Groove guy in those Blue Cross and Blue Shield commercials: simply start moving. Less sitting; more moving!

It’s been said that sitting is to our generation what smoking was to generations before us.

Once you’ve incorporated more movement into your daily routine, and you feel motivated to take the next step in developing a consistent exercise regime, we would suggest taking into account two important points. The first is

made by Bret Emery, a nutritional consultant and fitness coach at Emery Fit in Alpharetta, Georgia. Emery believes, “Heart rate is key. That’s the speedometer of the body. If we speed the body up it will burn more calories, just as a car will burn more fuel if it speeds up.”

In other words, if you want to burn calories, you need to move at an intensity that raises your heart rate. The higher the intensity of the workout, the greater the number of calories burned per minute.

This is especially important to take into consideration if weight loss is your goal.

Right after that statement, I must also be quick to point out that diet cannot and should not be left out of the equation.

The second point beneficial for you to consider in your exercise makeover is one made by Timothy Church, M.D., out of Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Church states “the majority of the mortality-related benefits” from exercising are accomplished during the first 30 minutes of exercise. For those of you who don’t particularly enjoy exercise, this is great news. It does not have to last an hour for you to reap the physiological benefits. What’s more, scientists are discovering that other forms of exercise can be just as beneficial

to your health as those that were once considered to be the gold standard (running and cycling) in fitness.

One such form is yoga. Yes, yoga! In a study performed at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, researchers found that yoga out-performed aerobic exercise when it came to balance, flexibility and strength improvements, as well as enhanced energy levels and social functioning. It was also especially effective at reducing stress by acting both as exercise and meditation combined. Albert Lea is fortunate to have its very own yoga studio right here, locally. The studio, called Essence of Yoga, at 136 S. Broadway Ave., offers a variety of yoga classes as well as another favorite, barre (a mixture of pilates, dance, yoga and functional training).

To summarize, when planning your next exercise makeover, I suggest to first just focus on moving more! After you’ve mastered that, find something you enjoy that you can maintain for 30 minutes at an intensity level that raises your heart rate above resting. How will you know if you have succeeded? If you have been able to sustain your new regimen and make it apart of your weekly routine, then give yourself a big pat on the back!

You are on your way to better health! january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 59

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Finding Solutions . . . One Client At A Time

Stephanie Haedt has practiced law in Albert Lea since 2005. Stephanie practices in the areas of employment law, business law, family law, civil litigation, medical assistance, and estate planning. Stephanie provides personal attention to clients to find solutions to their unique circumstances.

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by Minnesota Lawyer.

Stephanie also spends significant time giving back to the communities in which she lives and practices. Stephanie currently volunteers for The Blue Zones Leadership Team, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Albert Lea Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce-Worksite Wellness Girl Scouts and Stephanie Committee, Austin Youth Hockey.

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211 S Newton Ave • Albert Lea, MN • (507) 373-6491 • www.albertlealaw.com

dietitian’s digest

BY Dani Armbrust

Plan ahead to stay on track this year

Dani Armbrust is a clinical dietitian at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. This is a great time of year to start setting new goals for healthier eating habits, but do you have a plan? One of the most important factors in making sure we are able to stay on track with our new goals is to plan ahead. This year, try to think about setting realistic goals and how you can better prepare yourself to be set up for success.

Planning ahead to make healthy food choices doesn’t have to be all about losing weight. There are plenty of other reasons to work on improving your eating habits including: managing health conditions, setting a good example for your children (especially if you have picky eaters), improving physical activity performance, making eco-friendly food choices and sticking to a budget.

Here are a few key points to remember when setting up your plan for healthier eating: Make a menu Whether it is planning for one week at a time or one month at a time, make sure you know what you’re going to eat in the upcoming days. Planning our meals and snacks helps us stay on track because it takes the guesswork and spontaneity out of our food choices. Generally, when we are planning ahead, we have good

intentions and will likely make better choices. On the other hand, when we save our food decisions for the last minute, chances are our choices will be less than ideal.

If you are new to meal planning, you may want to work at it one week at a time. It can be a little overwhelming to try to plan for more than that. Also, get the family involved. Sitting down together to discuss what meals you would like to eat for the upcoming week is a great activity for everyone. Plus, it can minimize meal time complaints because everyone has the opportunity to contribute ideas.

If you really want to keep it simple, you could even designate a type of meal for each day of the week. Then all you need to do is vary it a little each week, and you will soon have an entire month planned.

Here is an example: Monday: Mexican dish using beans (*meatless Monday) Tuesday: Chicken Wednesday: Fish/Seafood Thursday: Rice or pasta dish Friday: Hot sandwich or burger night Saturday: Eat out Sunday: Soup, stew or chili Write a grocery list Just like with making a menu, if you don’t have appropriate food options on hand, it’s much more difficult to make healthy choices. Try to keep a running

grocery list and finalize it before going to the store. You can use your meal plan as a guide for your grocery list. I also like to do a last call with the rest of the family to make sure I get the things they want as well. And, most importantly, try to only buy what is on your list.

Anticipate the need for a restaurant meal This tip refers to both the meal planning and the actual act of choosing a food at a restaurant. First, if you know there is a certain day(s) that you are likely to not cook, go ahead and plan to eat at a restaurant. The key is, however, to think about what would be your best choice before you order. It is possible to stay on track when eating out; it just takes some investigating. Fortunately, a lot of restaurants have their menus online and even have the nutrition information available.

Plan for slip-ups This might be the most important tip!

It you think about it, we are constantly making food choices. There is no way we can be perfect all the time. Setting healthy eating goals should be about making gradual lifestyle changes that are sustainable. Trying to eat perfectly all the time is a recipe for disaster. So, cut yourself a break every once in a while.

And if you do get off track for a short time, make sure to get right back to where you left off! january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 61

events calendar january

february

Gourmet Food Auction

The Big Freeze

29

When: 5 p.m.

Where: Wedgewood Cove Golf Club Cost: $20 per person, $35 per couple

january

More info: About a dozen chefs from local and regional eateries, caterers and kitchens show off their best work for the sake of discerning diners. The event, which raises money for Education Days at the Big Island Rendezvous and Festival, is limited to 200 people.

9

‘The Beaux Strategm’ When: 7 p.m.

Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $20 for adults, $12 for students

More info: Shown live from the National Theatre in London, this play is of two young men who have blown their fortunes in London.

Shamed and debt-ridden, they flee to provincial Litchfield with the goal of marrying for money. Lodged at the local inn, they pose as master and servant and encounter a variety of people, but their greatest obstacle is love.

january

30

‘Turandot’ When: 11:55 a.m.

Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $20 for adults, $90 for a fiveopera pass More info: Nina Stemme, one of opera’s greatest dramatic sopranos, takes on the title role of the proud princess of legendary China in this Metropolitan Opera performance broadcasted live in high definition.

Tenor Marco Berti is Calaf, the brave prince who sings “Nessun dorm” and wins her hand.

62 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

6

When: all day Where: Edgewater Bay Pavilion Cost: It is free to attend, but the cost to participate varies by event More info: This festival celebrates winter activities and aims to get folks out of their houses and into the great outdoors.

Events: • Frozen Fun with Early Childhood, noon to 2 p.m., featuring Elsa and Anna live characters from Disney’s “Frozen.”

• Chili cook off, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Blue Ice Plunge, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Parks and Recreation children’s games, face painting, crafts and obstacle course, 2 to 4 p.m.

• Snowshoe Shuffle • Geocaching • Snowmobile radar runs • Belgian horse-drawn wagon rides

February

27

Buddy Holly Tribute When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $15

february

More info: Denny Charnecki and the DC Drifters will perform a tribute to American musician Buddy Holly, who was popular in the 1950s. Holly died in 1959 after his airplane crashed after leaving a show in Clear Lake. The show coincides with the events honoring the musician in Clear Lake.

11-14 february

17-20 ‘Don’t Hug Me, I’m Pregnant’ When: 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 14 Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: 18 adults, $10 students More info: Directed by Sue Jorgensen, “Don’t Hug Me, I’m Pregnant” takes place in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota, in a little bar called The Bunyan, owned by Clara and Gunner Johnson. Clara is 8 1/2 months pregnant with their first child when a freak snow storm occurs as she goes into labor, and Gunner realizes he’s going to have to deliver the baby in the bar.

february

28

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra When: 7 p.m.

Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $15 More info: Ranked one of the best orchestras in the world, the Berlin Philharmonic will perform Beethoven Symphony Nos. 4 and 7.

The performance will be broadcast to Albert Lea in high definition. january/february 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 63

INSIDE ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

behind the scenes Emily Peterson, Alicia Schumaker and Adam Blanshan show off some of their gear.

Cathy Otterman was nice enough to make treats for us when she was interviewed by Albert Lea magazine.

ral a natu ’t n s i there le, When urce availab ues o echniq light s hting t d g i l t n oo differe ed in f p the are us o kee aphy t r g zing o t o ph appeti ng. g n i k o si food lo etically plea sth and ae

We wanted to find a party hat for Albert Lea magazine Editor Sarah Stultz’s photo and came across this hat at Celebration’s Party & Gifts.

It states “All Hail the Birthday Princess” on the front, so we flipped it around for the photo.

Afterward, we gave the hat to Michelle DaVeiga, who sells classified ads for the Tribune and who is nicknamed “Princess.” She plans on wearing it in April for her 50th birthday.

64 | ALBERT LEA | january/february 2016

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