Albert Lea July/August Magazine

ALBERT LEA

JULY/AUGUST 2019

5

MUST-TRY STRAWBERRY RECIPES

magazine

‘IT’S A BIG FAMILY’

AT HAPPY TIME RESORT

SUMMER ENTERTAINING IN THE

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Get out and try something new this summer

Editor Sarah Stultz lives in Albert Lea with her husband, Jason, and son, Landon. She loves interior decorating and gardening.

Got ideas?

This is our seventh 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?

Beautiful home? Best storytellers?

Local nightlife? We are open-minded.

Call Sarah Stultz at 379-3433. Feel free to write a letter, too. Our address is on the right.

2 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

I’ve never been a big camper because, let’s be honest, I like my air conditioning.

I’ve gone traditional camping with a tent a handful of times in my life, but between battling the mosquitos, waking up stiff and missing out on many modern-day amenities, let’s just say it’s not my first pick for an activity.

I do have a handful of friends, however, who enjoy camping on the weekends in the summer in motor homes.

The more I found out about it, the more I thought it was something that might change my mind on the whole camping situation.

Why the change of heart?

For this issue I got to visit the popular motor home campground northeast of Lake Mills and less than 30 minutes from Albert Lea. Happy Time Resort has been in operation for 10 years, and this place looked like it could be a blast.

Set up with a 5-acre pond in the middle, the owners of this place know not only how to create a visually appealing campground but also one that will keep people interested and coming back for more.

Around the pond is a beach area with artificial palm trees that give you a feeling of being on a real beach far, far away from Minnesota.

Aside from the aesthetics and amenities, there’s live music and numerous activities. With all they had to offer, there had to be something for every taste.

Whether it’s recreational activities, social opportunities or chances just to relax, this place had it all.

From what I hear, there’s a waiting list for at least a year — and now I know why.

This place has changed my mind on camping — at least camping in a motor home. The only problem is now I need to find a motor home — and, of course, it needs air conditioning.

In addition to the story on Happy Time Resort, this issue features a story about planning a summer party and another feature with delicious strawberry recipes.

Don’t like being outdoors in the summer?

Stay indoors and check out the Netflix shows our staff reviewed for this issue.

Whatever you do, get out and enjoy something new this summer! The opportunities abound in the Albert Lea area.

— Sarah Stultz

PUBLISHER Crystal Miller EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Stultz Contributing Writers Linda Evenson Sarah Kocher Michelle Nelson Emily Schmidt Sarah Stultz Mollee Tscholl Contributing Photographers Colleen Harrison Sarah Kocher ART Art Director Kathy Woodside Graphic Designers Susan Downey Kim Ehrich Colby Hansen SALES & PROMOTION Sales Representatives Chelsey Benz Renee Citsay Daniel Gullickson JULY/AUGUST 2019 Volume 7, Number 4 EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Editor, Albert Lea Magazine, 808 W. Front St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 ONLINE: albertleamagazine.com or facebook.com/ albertleamagazine © 2019 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.

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ALBERT LEA | JULY/AUGUST 2019

on the cover ENTERTAINING IN THE SUMMER Family’s backyard a perfect place to host an outdoor party

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features SEEING RED Check out these ways to utilize summer’s favorite berry

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‘OUR OWN LITTLE TOWN’ Happy Time Resort offers a home away from home for many during the summer

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ALBERT LEA | JULY/AUGUST 2019

contents

8

Seen 8

18

WEDDINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS

10

ALBERT LEA FLOATS AND PLAYS

12

BIKES, TYKES AND TUNES

14

FISHING OPENER

16

ALBERT LEA LAKERS

Departments 18

DAZZLE: BACKYARD OASIS

22

DIY: UPCYCLED VASE

28

SAVOR: SPANAKOPITA

All the rest 24 54

BOOKS: GREAT READS

56

DIETITIAN’S DIGEST

60

EVENTS CALENDAR

64

WHY I LOVE ALBERT LEA

LOOKING BACK

28 ALBERT LEA

JULY/AUGUST 2019

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MUST-TRY STRAWBERRY RECIPES

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On the cover: Ann Glazier in front of the pool in her backyard.

Photo by Colleen Harrison.

magazine

‘IT’S A BIG FAMILY’ AT HAPPY TIME RESORT

M&S

OutdOOr EquipmEnt For the Precision Cut you Expect

SUMMER ENTERTAINING IN THE

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YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR

Call the

OSAGE CHAMBER

to plan your trip 641-732-3163 or visit www.osagechamber.com to see all upcoming events

SUMMER EVENTS July 4th – Osage Celebration July 11-13 – Ridiculous Days July 31- August 4 – Mitchell County Fair August 10-11 – Cedar Valley Memories Power Steam Show September 20-22 – Cedar River Rendezvous September 21 – Autumn Artistry October 4-6 – Socktoberfest (Annual Fox River Sock Sale) JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 7

SEEN | WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

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(1) Courtney Schnaith and Kyle Sargent (2) Lindsay Reim and Thomas Geesman (3) Lani Poole and Danny Charron (4) Jillian Pentico and Dillon Hanson (5) Mary Ness and Chris Emery (6) Jennifer Hoyt and Charles Makowsky

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5

Your Back to School one Stop Shop

2578 Bridge ave albert lea, Mn 507-473-2117

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 9

SEEN | ALBERT LEA FLOATS & PLAYS

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5 4 Albert Lea Floats and Plays had its fifth annual free boating event June 1 for the community. Community Education brought canoes, kayaks, hamboards and stand up paddle boards at Frank Hall Park for people to use. For the first year, Parks and Recreation provided children’s activities in the form of yard games and a bouncy house as well as craft activities.

(1) Participants take off onto the water during Albert Lea Floats June 1. (2) Trinity Young and Morgan Studier (3) Kristina Thorson and Madison Hasleys (4) Grant Brua, Ashley Benson and Broghan Brua (5) Chandler Miller and Ashley Hagen (6) Jordan and Zane Moen (7) Alex, Tetyana, Nicole, Veronika and Alan Nielsen 10 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

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901 Luther Place | 1861 Eagle View Circle Albert Lea, MN 56007 JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 11

SEEN | BIKES, TYKES AND TUNES

1

2

4 The Freeborn County Statewide Health Improvement Program hosted a Bikes, Tykes and Tunes event May 18 at Frank Hall Park. Along with teaching bike safety tips, organizers offered bike inspections, helmets and there was a drawing for a new bike.

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(1) Drake and Ashton Sternhagen (2) Casper Munson, Spencer Brewer and Madison Brewer (3) Finn, Emma, Mark and Logan Habben (4) Addison Harig, Nikki Everett and Paige Everett (5) Reserve officers Steve Oman and Mattie Lestrud (6) Brogan and Nathan Smith

6

SEEN | FISHING OPENER

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Albert Lea hosted the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener in May with numerous activities for invited guests and the community.

(1) Gov. Tim Walz with Cooper and Laura Cunningham (2) Albert Lea 13AA baseball team (3) Paisley, Kristi and Ferran Hantelman (4) Megan Lindely and Gov. Tim Walz (5) Facilities Services Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea (6) Gov. Tim Walz and Kim Nelson

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12 (7) Rebecca Passer, Gov. Tim Walz, Piper Passer and Darin Passer (8) Makenzie Woitas and Gov. Tim Walz (9) Octavio Hernandez, Sophia and Valeria Lopez (10) Mya Westphal (11) Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Heather Lee, Kim Nelson, Michelle Neely and Ellen Kehr (12) Irie Stueven (13) Randy Anderson, Gov. Tim Walz and Jamie Johnson

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SEEN | ALBERT LEA LAKERS

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Fans from around the area crowded Hayek Field for the Lakers home opener May 31.

The defending champions lost the game to the Bancroft Bandits, but hopes are still high to repeat as the Pioneer League champions.

(1) Chris Christianson, Steve Olson, Albert Allen (2) Steve and Becky Peterson (3) Gardell, Leah and Sheila Harms (4) Dan and Kathy Steinmeyer (5) Wes Halverson, Hudson DeBoer, Brenner DeBoer and Cindy Halverson

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5

inform.involve.inspire.

Albert Lea Tribune | 808 W. Front St. | Albert Lea 507.371-1411

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 17

BY CRYSTAL MILLER

DAZZLE | BACKYARD OASIS

THINGS

YOU

2

3

DIDN’T KNOW

YOU

WANTED Get inspired to create an oasis in your own backyard.

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1. Let there be light | Forget the cords — give light with solar power to areas of your yard without electricity. This solar power lantern is made of metal and ready to hang anywhere. Hill’s Gardens, Albert Lea, $34.99 2. Simulate a fire | Create a blazing effect with The Wildfire LED simulated fire base with remote. Indoor or outdoor, water resistant, magnetic base, rechargeable lithium battery, comes with a USB. Border Market, Emmons, $64.99 3. Give some dimension | Create height amongst your outdoor décor with a lantern. This one is 13 inches tall and is available in various patterns.. Border Market, Emmons, $25.99 4. A touch of art | The Eugenia Poodle Topiary offers an artistic style to your ornamental garden or planter. Create and shape your topiary as a sculpture or allow to bloom with small white flowers. Hill’s Gardens, Albert Lea, $33.99 18 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

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7 8 5. Make a statement | Create a statement piece for your backyard with a Stacked Slate Urn Fountain. Available in three sizes, we are showing the small at 32 inches, which is plenty of fountain for most backyards. (Want more? Check out a Fire Fountain Add-On Kit to convert your fountain for evening gatherings.) Garden Diva, Hayward, $485 6. Feed the birds | Coax nature to give harmony to your space with an oriole feeder. Holds 20 ounces of nectar.s. Skyline Hardware Hank, Albert Lea, $26.99 7. Liven it up | Jazz up your pond or patio pond bowl with a wetland creature spraying water. This Crazy Legs Frog comes with a water pump.. Garden Diva, Hayward, $185 8. The perfect atmosphere | No room for a pond?

No problem. A patio pond bowl gives you the opportunity to create a water atmosphere and explore aquatic plants. Round and square shapes are available in various sizes.. Garden Diva, Hayward, prices range from $180-$290 JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 19

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BY ANGELA MOLLER

DIY | UPCYCLED VASE

A NEW FACE FOR

AN OLD VASE Flowers are a classic “thinking-of-you” gift, whether it’s to commemorate a special occasion or to thank a host for a summertime party invitation. Elevate the simple gift of flowers with a charming upcycled vase and handcrafted tag.

Gathering flowers from your yard and a few items from around the house makes it easy and affordable to make friends and family smile.

What you will need:

Angela Moller is a local graphic designer, artist and avid gardener.

She works alongside her husband, Matt, in their handmade business, Homestead Design, specializing in meaningful gifts and custom home decor. Angela and Matt offer craft workshops and sell their work locally at The Boutique at Dinah’s Style at 405 E. William St. in Albert Lea and online at www.homesteaddesignmn.com.

The Moller family spends their summer enjoying Albert Lea’s local recreation and exploring Minnesota.

1

Choose a jar from your recycling bin or a vase from your cabinet (vases are abundant in garage sale free boxes. Collect a few to have on hand).

22 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Glass jar or vase Chalk paint Paintbrush Scrapbook paper Greeting card and/or cardboard Twine Hot glue gun or double-sided tape Flowers

2

Paint the jar or vase with chalk paint, which adheres easily to glass with no prep work. Lightly brush a second color over the dry base coat for a distressed effect.

3

Add a strip of patterned scrapbook paper to the jar or vase, securing with a dot of hot glue or double-sided tape.

4

Create a gift tag for the occasion using craft paper, a previously used greeting card or even a bit of upcycled cardboard from a pretty tissue box.

5

Punch a hole in the corner of the gift tag and thread a length of ribbon or twine through it. Tie around the jar and secure with hot glue if desired.

6

Choose flowers from your garden or purchase an inexpensive bouquet. Pair fresh blooms with a few clippings of shrubbery, greens or hosta leaves to create an interesting arrangement. It’s the thought that counts, and this memorable gift is sure to be appreciated.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 23

BOOKS | GREAT READS

BOOKS YOU

CAN’T

LIVE WITHOUT “Educated”

By Tara Westover

Wow! Family turmoil! Difficult to read but impossible to put down.

This is a very unforgettable memoir about a young girl who was not given the opportunity to attend school. Her dad’s paranoia progressively got worse as the years went by — he didn’t trust any structured entities — school, government, etc. At age 17, Tara left her survivalist family and entered a classroom at Brigham Young University for the first time.

Her educational pursuits then took her to Harvard, and she ended up earning a PhD from Cambridge University. At what point did the family dysfunction become unbearable? At what point does family loyalty become dangerous? Tara’s road to selfdiscovery is brilliantly captured in this book. No matter what genre you generally read, this is one that everyone can enjoy!

“Woman of Ill Fame”

By Erika Mailman

Excellent historical novel. Well written and an easy, enjoyable read. Set in Gold Rush-era San Francisco, the heroine of this novel is Nora Simms, a freespirited and strong young lady who sails from the east coast to California, where she hopes to make her fortune in a way that wasn’t socially acceptable.

Though she is the victim of theft almost immediately upon her arrival in San Francisco, Nora doesn’t let the loss of all her worldly possessions deter her from 24 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

The Sworn Sisters Book Club, from left, are Michelle Rasmussen, Leslie Millhouse, Mary Umstead, Donna Hoaglun, Laural Hanson and Pam Henderson. Pictured in front in the center is Karen Syzmanowski.

achieving her dreams. She is determined to establish herself as one of San Francisco’s premier prostitutes.

Nora takes steps to improve herself, so she can find employment in a high-end parlor house. The murders of several “women of ill-fame” with whom Nora is connected serve to make her doubly committed to finding herself a more reputable, fashionable and safer place to practice her trade. But Nora’s realization of her dream doesn’t provide her with any greater safety, as the murders continue and are even closer to home. Will Nora be able to uncover the murderer’s identity before she becomes the next victim?

5 READS YOU

SHOULDN’T MISS “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan”

“Before We Were Yours”

By Lisa See

A shocking historical telling of a young, poor Chinese girl, whom, because of her perfectly shaped feet (7-centimeter long golden lilies) was able to rise above her station in life. This is the story of two very different social lives coming together when Lily (from a family of poor farmers) and Snow Flower (from an upper class family) were paired by a matchmaker to become “laotong” or lifelong friends. Madame Wang, the matchmaker, gives Lily a fan that bears a secret language developed by the women of Hunan Province as a means of communicating in spite of their isolation.

Lily and Snow Flower use this secret writing to send messages on the fan and on handkerchiefs to one another at significant points in their lives.

The author describes the horror and pain of foot binding (meaning crushed to the size of lily flowers — in a ritual of beauty that started at age 6 and took two full years to complete) which will make you cringe but was an essential part of the heritage of these lifelong friends. This is the journey of two girls who grow with each other into womanhood as sworn sisters.

By Lisa Wingate

This was a hard book to read. The subject matter was disturbing and unforgettable, and, sadly, it is based on something that really happened. The story was set in both the 1930s and present day. It follows the story of the Foss children in the ’30s (these kids were from a very poor, but loving home) and Avery Stafford in present day. From the 1930s to 1950, a woman named Georgia Tann ran Tennessee Children’s Home Society. She actually stole poor children from their families and newborn babies from single mothers and sold them to celebrities, politicians and others who could afford them.

Avery Stafford finds a disturbing photograph that leads her into an ever more confusing story of secrets and lies inside her upright, respected family. What follows is a heartwarming story of love, betrayal, memories and staying true to your heart. Overall, a very good book about a dark time in our history, when being poor was enough to have a family ripped apart forever.

“The Pecan Man”

“The Reading Group”

By Cassie Dandridge Selleck Delightful, short and an easy read! A story about justice and injustice, secrets, family, friends and protection.

“The Pecan Man” is set in the mid-1970s in the South. The main character is Ora Lee Beckworth, a widowed white woman with high social status. She befriends the homeless raggedy man called “Pecan Man” to help with some yard work and such. When her black housekeepers’ youngest daughter is raped by the son of the town’s sheriff, events are set into motion that have long lasting consequences.

By Elizabeth Noble

A story that contains multiple storylines and characters with many twists and turns as it follows the trials and tribulations of a group of women who meet to discuss the books they have read: Harriet, Nicole, Polly, Susan and Claire.

One doubts that she really loves her husband.

One loves her cheating husband too much. One is divorced but has a dashing lawyer chasing her. One has the perfect life but is dealing with her mother’s health issues and suddenly discovers that she was adopted. One is a midwife who cannot have children. This first-time novelist does a great job of connecting all of these different stories into one!

“Bag of Bones”

By Stephen King

Four years after his pregnant wife’s untimely death, novelist Mike Noonan still suffers from severe writer’s block. He has a dream that inspires him to return to the couple’s summer retreat in western Maine, a lakeside house called Sara Laughs. Shortly after arriving, he is caught in the middle of a custody battle involving the daughter of an attractive young widow

and the child’s very rich grandfather. Mike begins to write again, and he also discovers that Sara Laughs is haunted and that his late wife, Joanna, is helping him solve the mystery of a blues singer that haunts the lake home. He also learns that Joanna frequented the town the year before she died, unbeknownst to him. There are many twists and turns, and the ending leaves you a bit up in the air! Note: Stephen King reads the audio version of the book and at the end does an interview.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 25

SHOWS | STREAMING REVIEWS

REEL REVIEWS “Hart of Dixie” Review by Deanna Rochleau

HHHHH Full disclosure — I am one of those people who used to race home to watch re-runs of “Little House on the Prairie” after school. I’m not afraid to admit I like “fluff” — the kind of TV shows and movies that explore life in a more innocent and heartwarming way. Enter “Hart of Dixie,” a TV show with a familiar “fish out of water” premise; big city doctor Zoe Hart finds herself living in a small southern town: Bluebell, Alabama. The show focuses on her quest to adjust to her new environment and her interactions with the people who live there.

What really hooked me on “Hart of Dixie” and Bluebell were the friendships that played out. Yes, there is the cliché love triangle or two, but it was the true, unromantic friendships that had me binging “Hart of Dixie” more than once. Zoe becomes best friends with the town’s mayor, Lavon Hayes. Throughout the show, these two support each other, call each other out when need be and genuinely care for each other. One of my favorite moments comes when she is convinced everyone in the town hates her and moving to Bluebell was a mistake. So, she decides to leave town in the middle of the night. As she is packing, Lavon tells her, “You and me, we had a disagreement, we didn’t break up.” It’s an important lesson for friends to be

able to disagree, but the friendship remains.

“Hart of Dixie” is a happy, comfortable show that makes me smile. And there is a very sweet marriage proposal where a bunch of “zombies” sing “Islands in the Stream.” I love that song! Yes, it is cutesy and silly at times, but what is the harm in that?

Originally on The CW, the show is on Netflix and Prime and is four seasons long.

“Rim of the World” Review by Kelly Wassenberg

HH “Rim of the World” is a Netflix original movie that focuses on four teens who are left behind at camp when an evacuation is ordered due to an alien invasion. A space pod lands at the camp containing an astronaut who is alive just long enough to pass on a key that must be delivered to the jet propulsion lab in Pasadena, California. They’ll have to make the 70-mile trek on their own, while evading an alien in pursuit of them.

I feel like the producers of the movie wanted to pay homage to some of the iconic movies of the ’80s and ’90s — such as “Independence Day” and “Jurassic Park” — but it just came off as a cheap knockoff.

Remember the scene in “Jurassic Park” when Timmy and Lex maneuver around a kitchen

26 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

evading a velociraptor and manage to trap it in a freezer? They recreate that scene with an alien dog, which bears a striking resemblance to the demo-dogs in “Stranger Things.”

Scenes like this made the movie highlypredictable.

The plot does carry with it a touch of “The Breakfast Club” vibe in the sense that you have a group of teens from different backgrounds who break down the stereotypes that confine them by the end of the film.

Unfortunately, any kind of positive message the writer may have been trying to convey is overshadowed by characters who are supposed to be about 13 years old delivering overly raunchy humor. I’m by no means easily offended — especially by language — but the dialogue didn’t seem natural in the context of the script. The movie would have been better if it had been toned down, and in some circumstances, completely omitted.

3 SHOWS YOU

SHOULDN’T MISS “The OA”

“Ozark”

Review by Chelsey Benz

Review by Kim Ehrich

HHHH

HHHHH

“The OA” on Netflix is somewhat of a hidden gem. I, myself, have never really been into sci-fi type shows, but this one is an exception. The show is brilliantly made and will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next episode. It will leave you bewildered and begging for answers.

Prairie (played by Brit Marling, who is also the creator and executive producer of the show) returns home after having disappeared seven years year prior. Not only is she seven years older, but we also find out she is not legally blind anymore. While everyone is eagerly waiting to hear where she has been all this time, she is not going to tell just any certain person, not even her family. As the episodes go on, and we hear more and more about her story, you begin to get very invested in her character. No, this show doesn’t have aliens, zombies or vampires in it like those other sci-fi shows; this goes more in-depth about different dimensions or different versions of life our other self is living.

Marling has created a show that is perplex, intriguing, witty and overall something that we as humans should not be able to wrap our minds around, yet she was able to do so in her own way.

Seasons one and two are available on Netflix now.

To say this series is intense is an understatement. It had me on the edge of my seat from the first episode. The plot takes place in the Ozarks when a financial planner, Marty Byrde, needs to relocate his family from Chicago after a money-laundering scheme goes terribly wrong. In order to save his life and his family’s he needs to create an even bigger laundering operation to make amends to a Mexican drug lord. During both seasons, you see Marty turn to complete survival mode doing whatever it takes to keep his family safe.

The cast of this series delivered outstanding performances, and the subplots have you just as intrigued as the main story. Each character leaves you wanting to know what is going to happen to them next and how they are going to play into Marty’s, now criminal, life. The twists and hurdles he goes through continuously blow you away with wondering if he’ll ever get caught or if he’ll be killed off by his ever-growing list of enemies. I would definitely recommend this binge-worthy Netflix series to any adult looking for an interesting and entertaining thriller/drama. Season three is set to hit Netflix in 2020 so hold tight!

“Stranger Things” Review by Tyler Julson

HHHH By now, anyone who has access to a Netflix account has probably at least heard of “Stranger Things.” For those in the group who haven’t had the chance to watch it yet, I’m here to tell you to do it.

It’s chock full of all the elements of a great TV show: action, drama, comedy and suspense all rolled into one. There’s also a lot of nostalgia factored in for all you ’80s fans. The child-acting is also fantastic. Those kids are all going to be big names one day, even more so than some of them already are.

If you are nervous it might be a little too scary, fear not. While there are a few things that might be slightly frightening, they are almost certainly not enough to keep a person up at night. And the comedy blended in with everything makes it easy to forget all of that. The new season drops July 4. make sure to check it out after enjoying a safe Independence Day. JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 27

SAVOR | SPANAKOPITA

28 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

BY CHEF JOHN LOWERY

SPINACH AND CHEESE SNACK A

CROWD-PLEASER Chef John Lowery has 43 years of culinary experience and is a transplant to Minnesota from Florida. Over the years, he has worked as chefs in various states, including Florida, Michigan and Minnesota.

He has prepared food for celebrities such as Adrian Dantley, Magic Johnson, singing group New Edition and boxer George Foreman. He lives in Conger with his wife, Kathy, and owns Conger Inn Victory Catering.

Spanakopita Ingredients 4 ounces small diced onions 6 ounces melted unsalted butter 24 ounces fresh spinach, cooked and cooled 1 tablespoon fresh mint

1 pound crumbled feta cheese 3 eggs, beaten 1 pound phyllo dough Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Saute onions in 1 teaspoon of butter until tender. Remove and cool.

Combine cooled onions, spinach, mint, feta and eggs. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.

Spread one sheet of phyllo dough out on a work surface. Brush with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top of the first and brush with melted butter. Place another layer of phyllo dough on top and brush with butter.

Cut the dough into 2-inch-wide strips using a pizza cutter.

Place 1 tablespoon of the spinach mixture on the end of each strip of dough.

Starting with the end of the dough strip with spinach mixture, fold one corner of the dough over the spinach mixture to the opposite side of the strip to form a triangle.

Continue folding the dough, keeping it in a triangular shape. (Much like one does when folding a flag.)

Place the phyllo triangles on a sheet pan and brush with melted butter. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or until brown and crispy.

45 calories Makes 90 pieces

Lemon Dill Aioli Sauce Ingredients 3/4 cup mayo 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup minced garlic 1/4 cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon dill 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup white wine

Stir together all ingredients until smooth.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 29

SHOP DOWNTOWN ALBERT LEA

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ExquisitE food & finE winEs A first class dining establishment that reflects the influence of classic french & italian cuisine, and current California trends. we offer a diverse selection of over 100 imported & domestic wines. full cocktail service also available. we feature usdA Prime beef & fresh seafood open thursday, friday and saturday evenings at 5:30 RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 33

34 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

SEEING RED Check out these ways to utilize summer’s favorite berry

Recipes made by COLLEEN HARRISON AND SARAH KOCHER Photography by COLLEEN HARRISON

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 35

Strawberry Trifle

36 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Strawberries are a versatile fruit and can be incorporated into just about any course a number of different ways. Want to make your salad more interesting?

Throw in some strawberries. Want to make lemonade pop with even more flavor?

Blend some of summer’s favorite berry into the recipe.

We’ve provided some recipes that are a twist on an old favorite — instead of strawberry shortcake, give this strawberry trifle recipe a try. Plus, most of these recipes do not involve an oven or a stove, because let’s face it, who wants to turn those on once we get into the dog days of summer?

STRAWBERRY BANANA CHIA SEED PUDDING

around the sides of the bowl over the cake; top with half of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining berries.

Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Ingredients

STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

Makes 4 servings Recipe from Tasty

1 banana, mashed 1/2 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup almond milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup chia seeds 1 cup diced strawberries 1 banana, sliced 1 handful strawberries, diced

Directions

Mash the banana in a medium bowl.

Mix the banana and the yogurt together until smooth.

Pour in the almond milk, vanilla extract, chia seeds and strawberries and mix until well combined.

Pour the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate, covered, for 4 hours.

Spoon the pudding into desired serving dish and top with sliced bananas and diced strawberries.

STRAWBERRY TRIFLE Ingredients

1 cup cold whole milk 1 cup sour cream 1 3.4-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix 2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped 8 cups cubed angel food cake 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Directions

In a large bowl, beat the milk, sour cream and pudding mix on low speed until thickened. Fold in whipped cream.

Place half of the cake cubes in a 3-quart glass bowl. Arrange a third of the strawberries

Ingredients

8 large strawberries, halved 2 tablespoons white sugar 7 cups water, divided 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 cup white sugar

Directions

Place strawberries in a blender; top with 2 tablespoons sugar. Pour 1 cup water over sugared strawberries. Blend until strawberry chunks transform into juice.

Combine strawberry juice, 6 cups water, 1 cup sugar and lemon juice in a large pitcher; stir until blended. Chill before serving.

SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH BALSAMIC POPPY SEED DRESSING Ingredients

3/4 cup raw pecans 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 10 ounces fresh baby spinach 1 quart strawberries 3/4 crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds 1 1/2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Toast the pecans: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the pecans smell fragrant and

the center of a pecan is tan when the pecan is broken in half. (Do not walk away from the oven in the last few minutes of cooking. This is when nuts love to burn.) Transfer to a cutting board and roughly chop.

Place the sliced onions in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let sit while you prepare the rest of the salad (this keeps their flavor but removes the harsh onion bite).

Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients — vinegar, oil, poppy seeds, honey, mustard, salt and pepper — until well combined. (Alternatively, you can shake the ingredients together in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid).

Assemble the salad: Place the spinach in a big serving bowl. Add the strawberries. Drain the red onion and add it. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat the leaves. Assess the amount of dressing. You want the spinach leaves to be nicely moistened but not swimming in dressing. Add a little more if needed to suit your preferences. Add the feta and pecans. Toss lightly to combine.

Serve immediately, with extra dressing on the side as desired.

STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES Ingredients

1 cup sugar 3/4 cup butter, softened 3 egg whites 1 cup milk 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 2/3 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt Red or pink food coloring, optional 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/3 cup confectioners sugar 1/3 cup strawberry jam or preserves 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 37

Directions

Cream sugar and softened butter together.

Once combined, add egg whites one at a time.

Beat the mixture together until fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes on high speed.

Add vanilla extract and strawberry jam and mix until combined.

Alternate adding dry ingredients — flour,

Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding

38 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

baking powder, baking soda and salt — with wet ingredients — the sour cream and milk.

The finished product should be a pale and creamy looking batter.

If a pink or red color in the cupcakes is desired, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring.

Take batter and portion it out into lined

cupcake pans; bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

To make the frosting, whisk the cream until it starts to thicken. Then add in the confectioners’ sugar, jam and vanilla. Beat until soft peaks form.

Once cupcakes have been baked and have cooled completely, top with frosting.

Strawberry Lemonade

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 39

40 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

‘OUR OWN

LITTLE TOWN’ Happy Time Resort offers a home away from home for many during summer Story by SARAH STULTZ Photography by COLLEEN HARRISON

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 41

W

hen Happy Time Resort opened 10 years ago northeast of Lake Mills, owners Samantha and Rodney Hagen were looking for a way to be with their children more.

At the time they had three children, and had previously owned a business in Lake Mills that required them to be away from home more than they wanted.

Samantha Hagen said Diamond Jo Casino had recently been constructed, and they thought a campground would complement that well.

“

It’s a big family out here.

”

— Rodney Hagen, co-owner of Happy Time Resort

They started building in 2008 on 20 of their 60 acres of land and transformed what once was a cornfield and hog house into a familyoriented RV campground with a 5-acre pond, sand beach, playground,

Campers get their own outdoor area where they can set up patio furniture or flowers. Happy Time staff mow the grass, and there’s a staff member who is a master gardener and can be hired by campers to take care of their flowers.

42 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Samantha and Rodney Hagen own Happy Time Resort. bar and hook-up sites.

She said her children were a little skeptical at first of sharing their backyard with strangers, but those feelings quickly changed.

“They’ve made lifelong friends,” she said.

The campground started with 35 sites, and they hoped to reach 50 sites in five years. It has grown faster than they anticipated to where it

Happy Time Resort has an indoor bar area with a stage where bands frequently perform during the summer.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 43

now has 125 sites, with a majority of those being for seasonal campers and about a dozen being for weekend campers with electric, water and sewer hookups provided for all sites.

The campground typically is open from mid-April through midOctober, depending on the weather, and a majority of campers come from within a 60-mile radius, though there are a handful who come from farther away in the Minneapolis and Des Moines areas, she said.

Ages of campers vary from young families with children to retired couples.

Though the campground is a 24/7 business, she said it has been nice for her and her husband to not have to travel to and from work and to be able to have their children work with them.

When campers arrive at the campground, they are greeted with an expansive view of the Happy Time pond, which is surrounded by artificial palm trees, giving the feeling of being near the beach.

Samantha Hagen said the family vacations in the Caribbean, so they wanted to make their beach Caribbean-like.

The stocked pond is good for panfish such as perch and crappies, and people also can utilize paddle boats, a water trampoline and kayaks out on the water. A food truck offers food for people out near the beach, and the two-room hog house that was converted to a bar offers ice cream treats and mixed drinks.

In addition to the water activities, the resort offers volleyball tournaments, potlucks, Saturday night children’s movies, live music a couple times a month, massages once a month and a backyard revival

A pond was created at Happy Time Resort where people can catch-and-release fish, swim or hang out on the beach surrounding the pond.

with artists from Nashville, Tennessee.

She said the campground recently hosted a cancer benefit for one of the seasonal campers and raised more than $40,000.

“It’s a big family out here,” Rodney Hagen said.

Happy Time also features two play sets, hosts children’s activities

“

We just love it. Sam and Rodney and their whole family are just awesome.

They’ll do anything for you.

”

— Sue Skogheim, camper

and in early June was constructing a full-court basketball court that can be converted into a pickle ball court.

Church services are held each Sunday from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.

“We’re like our own little town,” Samantha Hagen said.

The couple said everyone watches out for each other, and they have

Showers are available for those who don’t want to make their campers humid from using them.

heard numerous comments from parents about how safe they have felt with their children there.

Albert Lean Jackie Miller, who has camped at Happy Time for the last 10 years with her husband, Scott, said the campground is like no other campground she has been to, and she enjoys the live music, the weekly church services and the friendships she has made during their time there.

“We just love it out here,” Miller said. “We pretty much live out here.”

She credited the Hagens and their children for making that a reality.

Albert Lean Sue Skogheim echoed those comments.

“We just love it,” Skogheim said. “Sam and Rodney and their whole family are just awesome. They’ll do anything for you.”

She said she and her husband have camped at Happy Time for at least six years and have seen it grow in the years they have been there.

She enjoys the beach and pond at the site and said her grandchildren enjoy it, too, when they come to visit during the summer.

She joked she and her husband, Dave, would live there around the clock during the summer if they didn’t have to work.

Another Albert Lean, Jody Christianson, said her family just got a camper last year, but her parents have been at Happy Time for the last five years and they spent a lot of time with them.

“It’s a great place for family fun,” Christianson said, noting the Hagens are always updating the grounds and making sure children and adults have fun activities.

She said she likes the painting parties, the movie theater for the children and the beach to relax on, and the campground has the best fireworks show for the Fourth of July.

“We have also met lots of great people, and everyone is helpful and friendly,” she said.

Maintenance, including mowing, is provided by campground staff.

To book sites, people can call 641-592-CAMP or email happytime@wctatel.net. Samantha Hagen said weekend sites fill up at least a year in advance.

The resort is at 526 470th St. in Lake Mills. AL

An outdoor patio area is sheltered to beat the heat at Happy Time Resort.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 45

ENTERTAINING IN THE

SUMMER

Family’s backyard a perfect place to host an outdoor party Story by SARAH KOCHER Photography by COLLEEN HARRISON

46 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 47

D

an and Ann Glazier’s pool started as a DIY challenge from a wife to her husband.

“I said, ‘I bet you can’t,’ and he said, ‘I bet I can,’” Ann Glazier said.

There was at least one mark in Dan Glazier’s favor already: He does concrete for a living. About six summers since the pool was put in, the Glaziers have a backyard that features not only a pool — with a fountain — but also a bar, pool house, fireplace, hot tub, rock staircase and a space to shoot some hoops. Between them all, it features six different styles of decorative concrete.

The space also allows Dan Glazier to bring clients down to visualize a concrete they may be considering for their own projects.

Because he did the engineering and design himself, it took a few years to complete, Dan Glazier said. But both the Glaziers agreed that was the beauty of doing it themselves: the opportunity to do what works for them.

“As it went, we made changes, and it just evolved,” Dan Glazier said.

This is also how the family ended up with an approximately 10 foot by 10 foot concrete mural of the USA Wrestling logo at the west end of the pool patio. Dan Glazier set aside a diamond-shaped space in which he said he knew he wanted something decorative. At first, he wasn’t sure what.

Their sons, both wrestlers, asked if the USA Wrestling logo could go on it.

“That fits us,” Dan Glazier said. “Let’s do it.”

“

On those miserable days when it’s 95, there’s no better place to be than just jump in the pool.

— Dan Glazier

”

The fountain was a less unanimous decision. Ann Glazier called it her husband’s baby.

“Nobody wanted the waterfall,” Dan Glazier said.

He said he thought it would be cool and easy to do. A waterfall flows over a pile of rocks in the southeast corner of the pool, trickling into the water and recycling back up into the fountain.

“Honestly, I saw in the huge pile of rocks that we had, I just, I saw the right pieces that I thought would fit to make it,” Dan Glazier said.

The pool itself is managed thanks to plumbing all routed to the

48 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

The Glaziers’ backyard features several places for guests to sit, including this bar area.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 49

basement of the poolhouse, where the pool pump, heater and filter are protected from weather, can be serviced and accessed easily while still being out of sight.

“Some of the coolest things about it nobody sees or knows,” Dan Glazier said.

The rocks highlighted in the fountain are companions in aesthetic to the ones that make up both pillars supporting the concrete bar in the northeast corner of the patio. Its larger siblings make up a boulder staircase that leads from the southwest corner of the patio to a grass field below that doubles as a dirt bike course.

While Ann Glazier has seating set up in six different spots around the pool deck, toward the end of the night, it all tends to be grabbed and moved to a central location. Keeping the furniture

easy allows people to recongregate in different places, she said.

Oftentimes, everyone ends up around the fireplace on the south side of the pool.

But separate spaces can also increase the area’s usability, Dan Glazier said. When the sun is beating down, the bar doesn’t always provide as much shade as underneath the overhang of the pool house.

“It depends on the time of the day or what’s going on, there’s someplace to be that fits,” he said.

The family has bean bag boards, a basketball hoop on the pool’s edge (with a movable decorative concrete base) and a full-size hoop on the patio, a ping-pong table and a TV in the pool house for anyone who would like to watch sporting events while they’re over.

“Keeping things simple is the best,” Ann Glazier said. “You want to

enjoy your time, and summer is so short.”

Food typically consists of a taco bar, hamburgers and hot dogs or pizza served inside. Ann Glazier said she tries to keep it easy and kidfriendly.

Her sons often have friends over in the summer to use the pool, so Ann Glazier will keep a spigot container filled with juice and glasses in the fridge for them to avoid half-empty Gatorade bottles.

Dan Glazier’s work means the family doesn’t always have the chance to get away during the summer, his wife said. Instead, they have their backyard. Dan Glazier said it is nice to sit back and see the fruition of his work, which was a big process.

“On those miserable days when it’s 95, there’s no better place to be than just jump in the pool,” he said. AL

Ann Glazier and her husband, Dan, designed their backyard space themselves.

Guests can enjoy a fire ring in this part of the yard.

The USA Wrestling logo is featured on the pool patio at the Glaziers’ house. The family considers itself a “wrestling family.”

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 51

Easy tricks to stay cool without a pool The heat is here, and after a winter like this one, many are grateful for a season of strong sunshine. As temperatures heat up, pick a few ways to enjoy the outdoors without turning into a puddle yourself: • Cut up a few multicolored sponges and poke a hole into the pieces using a knitting needle or bamboo skewer. String the yarn through the hole, and tie it up when you reach a desired length. Dip the sponges in water, and wear them on a hot night.

Consider keeping a collection with your DIY popsicle camping gear or in the back of your car so you have them on the go.

• You don’t need fancy molds to do a DIY popsicle. Use an ice cube tray to freeze juice or Kool-Aid (Oh yeah!) with toothpicks as handles.

• Bust out the baseball bat! String up a grouping of water balloons together or separately on a string and take turns whacking them to be doused in cool water when the balloons bust open.

• Duck, duck, goose — with a twist — can be the perfect outdoor water game. Take a big plastic cup and fill it with water. Children can take turns going around the circle. Instead of “duck,” say “drip” and spill a small amount of water on the head of the person in the circle. When you

Make ice paint by mixing water with food coloring in an ice cube tray and then freezing with a popsicle stick in each cube.

52 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

get to your goose, say “drop” and spill the whole cup on their head! The rest of the rules are the same.

• Cut off one end of the pool noodle and use pieces of it to plug up the end. Duct tape it closed. Then, use something sharp to poke holes in the noodle. Stick the hose in one end and duct tape that in place, too. Loop the hose over a tree branch for the water to spray out the sides of your DIY pool noodle sprinkler. If you’d rather relax in the sun, a regular sprinkler can also provide entertainment and play time.

• Amp up the refreshing power of fruit by skewering pieces on a kabob and popping them in the freezer. These make a healthy and cool snack. For an extra indulgence, dip some pieces in chocolate before freezing!

• Don’t pass by the sponges and suds option of a classic family car wash. For those with smaller kids, bigger cars or who want more time in the water, wash the family’s bikes!

• Use ice cubes for an art project. Fill a tray with water, then mix in a drop of food coloring in each one. Place a short popsicle stick in each cube, then freeze overnight. Lay down old newspaper on your art surface to avoid staining from the homemade paint. Do your art outside for a faster melt as you drag the cube around your page. The finished product will look like watercolor work.

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Fruit Skewers with Sweet Lemon Vinaigrette Everyone loves a good fruit salad, but sometimes that can be so boring. Here the salad gets skewered, then topped with a coconut oil-based sweet and tart vinaigrette.

The fresh mint puts it over the top.

Total time: 30 mins Yields: 12 skewers Measure

Ventura Foods Ingredient

2T

LouAna® Liquid Coconut Oil

Measure

Other Ingredients

1 pint

Strawberries, cleaned and hulled 1 cup Blueberries ¼ Fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 Kiwis, peeled and cut into ¼ inch slices 12 Bamboo skewers 1T Honey ½ cup Fresh mint leaves Juice of one medium lemon

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DIRECTIONS 1. Assemble fruit on skewers as desired.

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2. Warm coconut oil, lemon and honey together for 30 seconds in the microwave and whisk to combine. Drizzle over skewer, top with fresh mint and serve immediately.

For more recipes, visit our website: www.venturafoods.com

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 53

LOOKING BACK | FOUNTAIN LAKE PARK

A band concert was presented at the band shell in 1936.

FOUNTAIN LAKE PARK: FROM EYESORE TO LAKESHORE

By LINDA EVENSON Photos courtesy FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM The three acres at the north end of Broadway, described by Mayor E.L. Hayek as an eyesore, became a beautiful public park along the shoreline of Fountain Lake in the 1930s. Fountain Lake Park was dedicated June 19, 1935, with a ceremony featuring speeches by Hayek and Blanche LaDu, chairwoman of government projects in Minnesota.

In addition to recreational use, the park hosted many events during its first decade: band concerts, talent competitions, pageants, civic meetings and a public wedding. During the state American Legion Convention in 1935, entertainment programs were held there. The park served as a backdrop for the 1941 Memorial Day program and flag-raising. Following the Victory

54 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

Salvage parade in 1942, a program highlighting the scrap metal drive was presented in the park.

A unique event occurred in July 1941. An amended ordinance was before the Albert Lea City Council to permit the sale of beer on Sunday. Hundreds tried to attend the meeting. The council room filled quickly as did the corridors, stairway and sidewalk.

For the safety of the public, the fire department requested the council move the meeting to a more open space. The mayor obliged, requesting all move to Fountain Lake Park. When the meeting resumed, citizens had an opportunity to express their opinions on the ordinance. Following a long discussion, the ordinance was tabled indefinitely.

This 1939 photo of Fountain Lake Park and the extension of North Broadway and Fountain Street was taken from the water tower.

At one time, the park featured a band shell, outlook, flag pole, drinking fountain and a bird house.

A portion of the 1940 Col. Albert Lea Days crowd gathered on the stairs to the park as they continued to enjoy the festivities.

Fountain Lake Park was a federal and city project. The city of Albert Lea purchased the site. Construction of the park was part of a Civil Works Administration and Works Progress Administration project.

An observance of Constitution Day was at Fountain Lake Park on Sept. 17, 1937, marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 55

DIETITIAN’S DIGEST | BY EMILY SCHMIDT

Albert Lea resident Emily Schmidt is a registered dietitian at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. She enjoys writing, cooking and spending time with her son and family.

Cook healthy with these summer recipes on the grill

This summer, branch out and try some new fun recipes. It’s easy to get into a rut with grilling and other common summer meals and side dishes, so here is some inspiration for you. The shrimp kebabs are a great source of lean protein, and the side dishes are loaded with fiber and antioxidants. Check out more healthy Mayo Clinic recipes at www.mayoclinic.org/ healthy-lifestyle/recipes.

Bean Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Dietitian’s tip: Beans are an excellent source of soluble fiber, the type of fiber that can help control blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Number of servings: 6 Ingredients For the vinaigrette: 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped Ground black pepper, to taste 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

56 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

For the salad: 1 can (15 ounces) low-sodium garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (15 ounces) low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained 1 medium red onion, diced 6 lettuce leaves 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped Directions To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, parsley, garlic and pepper. While whisking, slowly add the olive oil. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the beans and onion. Pour the vinaigrette over the mixture and toss gently to mix well and coat evenly.

Cover and refrigerate until served.

To serve, put 1 lettuce leaf on each plate.

Divide the salad among the individual plates and garnish with chopped celery. Serve immediately.

Shrimp Kebabs

Dietitian’s tip: No fresh herbs? Use 1/4 teaspoon each of dried tarragon and rosemary.

Lime juice and fresh cilantro is another great combination for grilled shrimp.

Number of servings: 2 Ingredients 2 wooden skewers (8 inches each) 1 lemon, juiced 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh tarragon 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 12 pieces shrimp, peeled and deveined (21/25 size) Directions Soak skewers in water for at least 10 minutes. Preheat the grill on high.

Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs and seasonings in a medium glass bowl. Place shrimp into lemon marinade; let stand for 5 minutes. Skewer the shrimp and place on the grill. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until shrimp is thoroughly cooked.

HEALTH & FITNESS | BY MOLLEE TSCHOLL

Mollee Tscholl is co-owner of Albert Lea’s Snap Fitness.

Decide today to make physical fitness a priority

Physical fitness is defined as being in a state of good health. It not only includes exercising regularly, but also getting enough rest, consuming a healthy diet and balancing stress levels. The benefits of being physically fit are vast, but three big ones are healthy weight control, decreased risk of disease and an overall higher quality of life.

The value something holds can also be described as it’s worth.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the value our country places on physical fitness. It seems to be becoming less and less, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because we’ve become so busy, we just don’t have time. Maybe it’s because we’re tired, because we’ve become so busy. Or maybe it’s because we’ve developed bad habits because we’re so tired. Whatever the reason, we seem to have pulled away from making taking care of ourselves a priority.

I think it’s human nature to forget — forget the health problems we once had; forget that certain diseases run in our families; forget that we are aging, and aren’t going to live forever. By the time we remember, it’s usually because some unwanted diagnosis has more than likely demanded our attention, forcing us to value health care and treatment options.

So, what if we changed our thinking? And we started seeing physical fitness for what it’s worth. What if we started making time now, so we can have more time later on. What if we saw it as a savings now, rather than an expense, because of the health care bills we’ll be more likely to avoid later on down the road.

The value of something is, more often then not, in the eye of the beholder. So, take a look at yourself and decide today to make physical fitness a priority in your life. The benefits you’ll receive will be worth it!

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 57

FINANCES | BY EDWARD JONES

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When should you see a financial professional?

It can be challenging to achieve your financial objectives. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone — but when should you seek help?

Here are some of the key life events in which you might be able to benefit from the services of a financial professional: First professional job — Eventually, you will land that first job, which will offer benefits and a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. Since you may not have any experience with a 401(k), you may have several questions: How much should I contribute? What sorts of investments should I choose? When should I change my investment selections? A financial professional can help you review your plan and explain the aspects that may affect your investment choices.

Marriage — When you get married, you and your spouse may decide to merge your finances, including your investments. But if each of you brings similar investments to the table, you might create some redundancies. A financial professional can look at your respective portfolios and recommend ways to diversify. Generally, the more diversified you are, the greater your protection against market downturns that primarily hit one type of asset class.

(However, while diversification can help reduce the impact of market volatility, it can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses.)

Children — Once you have children, you’ll have new responsibilities — and you’ll have some new financial issues that should be addressed. If something happened to you, could your children still have the same lifestyle and educational opportunities? Would they even be able to stay in the same home? To help ensure your children’s security, you may need to add more life and disability insurance. While life insurance could help pay for your children’s education, you also should prepare for education costs as if you will be around. So you may want to consider an education savings investment such as a 529 plan. A financial

58 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

professional can help you with your insurance and education-funding needs.

Retirement — Once you retire, you will face a variety of financial decisions, but here’s one of the most important ones: How much money should you withdraw each year from your retirement accounts?

To choose an annual withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your needs, you should consider several factors: how much you have in your retirement accounts, how much Social Security you’ll receive, what other sources of income (such as part-time work or consulting) you might have, your age at retirement, your spouse’s projected retirement assets, your retirement lifestyle, and so on. It might not be easy for you to consider all these elements and then arrive at a suitable withdrawal rate, but a financial professional has the experience, training and technology to help determine a figure that could work for you. These aren’t all the life events that may lead you to contact a financial professional, but they should give you a pretty good idea of the type of assistance you could expect over time. So, consider reaching out for the help you need, when you need it. Doing so could help make your life easier as you move toward your financial goals.

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California LLC.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico LLC.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts LLC. Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California LLC.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico LLC.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts LLC.

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HEALTHY PETS | BY MICHELLE NELSON

Michelle Nelson is the owner of The Pet Authority in Albert Lea.

It’s banned in several countries, but legal in U.S.

Fifteen years ago I opened up my home to an injured barn cat. Needless to say, she never made it back to the barn as she loved being in the house.

This was my first “indoor” kitty, so I did what I thought everyone did, I had her declawed. I still remember very clearly bringing her home after the procedure, still not fully recovered from the anesthesia. She cried all the way home. I watched her stumble out of her carrier with blue bandages on her legs. I could see the pain in every single movement she made. What had I done? I was in tears, as I never expected this simple routine procedure to cause such pain to my kitty (her name was Cali). Right then and there, I vowed to never have this done to a cat I owned again.

Since I was new to having a kitty as an indoor pet, I didn’t ask the right questions, if any, about the procedure. I really thought it was basically pulling out the nail and deadening the roots so the claws did not grow back. Boy was I ever wrong!

Why they call it declawing is beyond me, as it is actually “de-toeing.” The procedure involves 10 separate toe amputations on the front paws, and if the hind paws are done, add eight more amputations. The declawing procedure involves cutting between the second and third bones and amputating the last bone that contains the claw as their claws grow from the bone, unlike human nails, which grow from the flesh. You could liken the procedure to cutting your own fingertips off.

Cats walk on their toes — most mammals, including us humans, walk on the soles of their feet. This would explain why my Cali was in such extreme pain when trying to walk after her procedure. And because she is a cat, it didn’t take her very long before she was able

to hide her pain, allowing me to think she was completely healed.

But that is their natural instinct, to hide their pain, because an injured cat quickly becomes their larger predators’ next meal.

When I was young, my grandpa had his leg amputated from the knee down. It did not heal in one week like I assumed my cat’s paws were healed. It took months to heal, and even years after, he had phantom pains that were extremely painful in a leg that no longer existed. It makes me question if our cats have phantom pains. Pain is very often the root cause of undesirable behaviors like eliminating outside the litter box and aggression, including biting. Litter box avoidance is the No. 1 reason why cats end up in the shelter.

In hindsight, I wish I would have explored other options to minimizing the cat claw damage around my home other than declawing (de-toeing) my sweet Cali. Since cat scratching is a normal feline behavior, it just needs to be redirected. Here are a few alternatives to declawing: 1. Cat scratching posts: Catnip can be applied to the post to attract them.

2. Trim your cat’s nails every couple of weeks.

3. Protect off-limit areas with double-sided tape, aluminum foil or plastic sheeting.

4. Spray citrus essential oils on areas you want to keep your cat away from (ie. couch).

5. Nail caps can be used to cover your cat’s nails.

6. Pheromone sprays and my favorite CBD salve (rub on inside of ears) help to relieve anxiety or stress.

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www.thepetauthority.com JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 59

EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY

JULY

3

17, AUGUST

THIRD OF JULY PARADE

14

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Bridge Avenue and Fountain Street in Albert Lea Cost: Free to attend

WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY

More info: The Third of July Parade is easily one of the biggest events of the summer outside of the Freeborn County Fair. The sides of Bridge Avenue and Fountain Street will be packed with people young and old with floats, marching bands and politicians parading down the road.

When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Broadway in Albert Lea Cost: Free

JULY

JULY

11-14

ROCK ’N’ ROLL THE LAKES

“STATE FAIR”

13

When: Check-in from 8 to 10 a.m.

Where: Fountain Lake Park Cost: $32 for adults; $20 for students; $10 for youth ages 5 to 17; free for children under 5 More info: Cruise around the lakes of Albert Lea in one of three different routes — either a 10-, 30- or 50-mile option. All three cruises hug picturesque lake shores and offer a variety of southern Minnesota scenery.

During the ride, bicyclists will likely spot eagles, pelicans and countless other birds and wildlife. Food stops will be set up along the route, along with music for all ages to enjoy.

Helmets are required. The event is a fundraiser for the Albert Lea Area Cyclists and the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota.

60 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

AND

17-20 When: 7:30 p.m. on all days except for July 14, when the performance starts at 2 p.m.

Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for students More info.: Set against the colorful backdrop of an American heartland tradition, “State Fair” travels with the Frake family as they leave behind the farm for three days of adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair. Mom and Pop have their hearts set on blue ribbons while their daughter and son find romance and heartbreak on the midway.

More info.: Wind Down Wednesday returns to downtown Albert Lea for its second and third festivals of the summer.

The festival is set up like an outdoor market with food, drinks, live entertainment and vendors selling arts and crafts. Note the August event is on the second Wednesday of the month.

AUGUST

13

“THE EVERLY BROTHERS EXPERIENCE FEATURING THE ZMED BROTHERS”

JULY

27 “A HARD DAY’S NIGHT — BEATLES TRIBUTE” When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $20 More info.: Started in 2006 in the Twin Cities, “A Hard Day’s Night” is a highenergy authentic replication of a Beatles performance. The group plays authentic instruments, wears authentic costumes and sounds just like the real thing.

JULY

30-

AUGUST

4

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $25 More info: Since 2016, brothers Zachary and Dylan Zmed, along with their partner and drummer Burleigh Drummond, have celebrated the music and history of The Everly Brothers legacy with crowds all across the United States and overseas. They strive to pay homage to their personal roots by infusing an instinctual blend of entertainment and contextual education in their performance.

FREEBORN COUNTY FAIR When: Grandstand entertainment begins at 8:30 p.m.

Where: Freeborn County Fairgrounds Cost: Admission to the Grandstand is free with paid gate admission. (Children under 10 are free; students ages 10 to adults are $10 and seniors 65 and over are $6 on Wednesday.)

More info.: Grandstand entertainment includes Ashley McBryde on July 30; Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye on July 31; Hairball on Aug. 1; Casting Crowns on Aug. 2; and LANCO on Aug. 3. The demolition derby will be at 4 p.m.

Aug. 4.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | 61

Congratulations to our graduates and thank you for your support!

The Riverland Community College Foundation supports students and programs at Riverland Community College campuses in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna. On behalf of the 518 graduates this spring, we share our gratitude for all the ways our students receive support from this community. Whether you provide scholarships, industry partnerships in the community, encouragement to students, job training, or employment after graduation – you make a difference for Riverland students!

Thank you for supporting Riverland students! www.riverland.edu/foundation

PARTING SHOT

Lens and Shutter Club member Liz Reichl took this photo of Asiatic lilies.

WHY I LOVE ALBERT LEA | BY LEAH STADHEIM

Why I

L Albert Lea Leah Stadheim lives in Albert Lea with her husband, Seth; two daughters, Kaitlyn and Taylor; and two bonus children, Vayda and Ledger. She works at the Shell Rock River Watershed District and enjoys the outdoors, classic cars and writing.

A city girl living in a small-town world — sounds like the plot of every Hallmark movie my daughters have ever watched. That’s me, though. I was born and raised in St. Paul, just a few miles from our state’s Capitol. I love city life: the busyness, the noises, the diversity, the options and even the traffic! So, when given the opportunity to move to Albert Lea in 2013 with my two daughters, I was nervous. How would we adapt to small-town living? Will we meet any friends? And most importantly, where am I going to get coffee?

My fears quickly subsided after we moved into our first home near Sibley Elementary on the southwest side of Albert Lea. They say people are your best asset to small-town living, and we were welcomed by the best! Over the years, these neighbors grew into family as we babysat each other’s kids, enjoyed backyard bonfires, gathered for block parties and celebrated holidays together. My husband, Seth, and I even got married in our backyard with most of our neighbors in attendance.

Unlike a big city where people often keep to themselves, I’ve learned that socializing is very important to life in a small town.

While I’ve definitely had to step out of my comfort zone and introduce myself to people, there are so many opportunities to do 64 | ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

so in Albert Lea. While working for the Shell Rock River Watershed District, I get to collaborate closely with the best co-workers. These lake lovers take pride in our community, and it shows in our ever-improving lakes. This job has also afforded me the opportunity to meet and work with other amazing community leaders like those on the Lakes Foundation of Albert Lea, Freeborn County, city of Albert Lea, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau. My daughters’ schools have proved to be another great resource to meet people. Albert Lea schools are filled with excellent educators, selfless coaches, friendly kids and welcoming parents. Both of my girls (and bonus kids!) have created lifelong friendships here, and as a parent, that makes my heart happy.

Finally, Albert Lea has lots of coffee options! While I’m partial to a big cup of Kwik Trip’s house blend (a special shout-out to the staff on Front Street), there are so many cute coffee shops around town to meet friends at.

So besides the usual perks to living in a small town — lower cost of living, less crime, quicker commute to work, and more space — I love Albert Lea for the people. People who smile and hold the door open for each other, people who invest in the future by starting a business here and people who volunteer at community events and festivals. Albert Lea is a successful community because of the people who are proud to call it home.

And when I really miss the sights and sounds of St. Paul, I’m only an hour and a half away!

JOINT TREATMENT OPTIONS CLOSE TO HOME.

When an injury or pain in your hip, knee or shoulder threatens to slow you down, don’t wait to seek help. Our orthopedic and sports medicine team is available to provide immediate care and treatment options so you can get back to enjoying life.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea Call 507-473-9962 for an appointment.

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