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july/august 2016

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summer

inspireD by your life

Albert Lea & Freeborn County’s 2014 Medium Business of the Year

Define your style

Are you looking for substance & balance or is your style bright and clean.

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

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Casual Outdoor Living

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Amish made only at Brick Furniture of Albert Lea 225 Broadway Ave • 507-373-2514

EDITOR’S NOTE

Summer activities abound in Albert Lea

Editor Sarah Stultz lives in Albert Lea with her husband, Jason, and two children, Sophie and Landon. In the summer, she enjoys gardening.

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.

Summertime in Albert Lea is probably one of my favorite times of year.

With the gorgeous lakes, plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities and loads of special events and festivals, it always feels like there’s something to do.

That is particularly great when you have children, as children like to keep busy. As I write this, school has only been out for the summer for a few days, but my children are already asking for more things to do.

Some parents are probably more organized than I am, but if you’re looking for additional ideas for stuff to do, we created a full two-month calendar of at least one activity to do each day for the months of July and August. Some calendar items are simply reminders of events taking place in the area; other times, there are simple activities or games that parents — or grandparents — can do with their children. I plan on making a game of it with my own children! Some of the activities should even be enjoyable for adults. It’s my hope that it can remind you of all the fun things happening in the area and give you some fresh ideas as well.

Aside from the feature on summer activities, this issue includes a feature on Hayward native Alix Kermes, who is making a name for herself in the modeling and movie industry, and a feature on the home of Brooke and Jeremy Jacobson. The Jacobson’s home has always been one of my favorites in Albert Lea, and I was thrilled to be able to see the inside. I hope you enjoy seeing it as much as I did!

We are also excited about a new design in this issue for our recipe feature. Our two columnists who write this feature make delicious food, and we hope this can better showcase their creations. This time around, Amy Gauthier created a grilled pizza. It looked delicious!

We appreciate the feedback we have received in recent issues, and we look forward to hearing what you think this time around. We have special plans for our September/October issue as we celebrate 10 years since the creation of Albert Lea magazine and its predecessor Southern Minnesota.

— Sarah Stultz

From our mailbox Twins feature was excellent Thank you for the recent Albert Lea magazine article and pictures of the three sets of twins. It was excellent and made me smile. I was surprised that I knew all three mommas, but I guess us mothers of twins have to stick together. Well done and keep up the good work.

— Ruth De Haan 2 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

Photo of twins brightened day The two-page spread of the six twins in the Albert Lea magazine is an absolute hoot. We laughed and laughed when we saw it. Thank you for brightening our day. Our best wishes go out to the parents of those kids.

— Bev Jackson Cotter

Publisher Crystal Miller Editorial Editor Sarah Stultz Contributing Writers Rachel Breneman Colleen Harrison Kathy Johnson Crystal Miller Michelle Nelson Sarah Stultz Emily Wangen Kelly Wassenberg Contributing Photographers Colleen Harrison Sarah Stultz Art Art Director Kathy Johnson Graphic Designers Susan Downey Kim Ehrich Colby Hansen Sales & Promotion Sales Representatives Kelly Besco Michele Beyer Renee Citsay Jessica Glassell july/august 2016 Volume 4, Number 4 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.

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ALBERT LEA › july/august 2016

An Albert Lea couple takes their love of design and construction to update their Tudor-style home.

46

The dog days of summer Activities abound for children in the Albert Lea area.

42

Making it on the big screen A Hayward native stars in a new college comedy film.

4 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

features

34

on the cover

A cottage on the lake

ALBERT LEA › july/august 2016

contents Seen

8

18

Tiger Trot/Fountain Lake 5

12

land Between the Lakes Triathlon

14

Freeborn County Bike-a-Thon

16

“The Kitchen Witches”

18

Weddings & engagements

Departments

22

22

Dazzle: Fun toys for summer

26

DIY: Welcome sign

30

Savor: grilled prosciutto and Arugula pizza

32

Savor: beer review

All the rest

52

looking back

56

Dietitian’s digest

59

why i love albert lea

60

Events Calendar

64

Behind the Scenes

30 alBERt lEa MagaZINE

M&S

making it on the july/august 2016

Big SCReen LiVing in

a

Cottage on the

VOl. 4 NO. 4

46

On the cover: Brooke Jacobson lives off of Lakeview Boulevard. The cover photo was taken by Colleen Harrison.

OutdOOr EquipMEnt

Lake

july/august 2016

62

ideas for keeping busy this

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

SummeR july/august 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 5

• Design & Planning • Kitchen & Bath • Custom Cabinetry & Hardware • Countertops • Siding & Roofing • Deck & Porch

6 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

• Fireplace & Stone • Flooring & Tile • Lumberyard • Design Consultation • Blinds & Window Treatments • Home Furnishing & Decor

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an

David Goodm

2016 d with my new Am very please for g in while search Jeep Wrangler, e av D r. used Trueca my new jeep I at th eat salesmen Syverson has gr would find the assured me they Jeep They found my Jeep I wanted. lt fe I . e dealership before I left th le ab rt d felt comfo no pressure, an ly ess. I high during the proc e Syverson’s if av recommend D arket. you’re in the m

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1-800-423-6663 • 507-373-1438 • 2310/2320 E. Main • Albert Lea, MN Untitled-6 1

6/13/16 12:46 PM

SEEN › Tiger Trot/Fountain Lake 5

2

1

3

5

The 10th annual Southwest Middle School Tiger Trot and Fountain Lake 5 were on April 16, starting at Brookside Education Center. (1) In back, Lexi Elmer, Bree Wilkerson, Samantha Brumbaugh, Adriana Brumbaugh and Jenna Kleven. Front, Merissa Maxson and Veronica Petersen. (2) Robin Olson, Elizabeth Olson, Judd Moller, Tim Chalmers, Tanner Conn and Joseph Yoon (3) Allyson Butt, Madison Vandersyde, Morgan Luhring and Kendall Kenis (4) Evan Anfinson and Greta Moller in between two Albert Lea Tigers mascots (5) Miguel, Desiray, Lorayna, Oliver and Elliot Ortiz (6) Kim Lardy, Kelly Kingland, Michelle Baseman and Emily Peterson (7) Cameron Davis, 12, comes across the finish line of the 10th annual Southwest Middle School Tiger Trot. Davis was the first person to finish the race.

4

6 7 8 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

Thanks to our loyal customers, we’re celebrating our 5th Anniversary!

under the sun & trees

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Your Destination for

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

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Join us on Facebook

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

Call today to visit our showroom

Explore the New Thorne Crest!

Artist’s Rendering – Entryway

FEATURING:

H New Wellness Center with Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Equipment

H New Club Room, Wood Shop & Parking Garage!

Artist’s Rendering – Bistro

NOW OPEN!

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Limited availability – so call now for your tour!

(507) 373-2311 www.ThorneCrest.net Artist’s Rendering – New Pool

1201 Garfield Ave. Albert Lea, MN Thorne Crest is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior health care since 1930.

10 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

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

SEEN › Land Between the Lakes Paddle, Pedal, Run

1

2

3

The Albert Lea Paddle, Pedal, Run was May 21 and featured over 50 participants in the three-part event that featured canoeing, running and biking throughout Albert Lea. (1) The start of the canoe races (2) Andy and Mark Christian (3) Officers Rodney Steele, Andrew Nelson, Michael Johannsen and Shawn Willaby (4) Danielle Boss, Julie Jones, Melissa Liestikow and Amber Rankin (5) Angie Peirson, Wyatt Peirson and Juanita Stenzel

5 4 12 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

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

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 july/august 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 13

SEEN › Freeborn County Bike-A-Thon

1

2 More than 80 riders participated in the 44th and final Freeborn County Bike-AThon May 7. This year’s ride raised almost $25,000.

(1) Ryleigh Nelson and Mike Nelson (2) Cheryl Moran and LeeAnn Juveland (3) Matt, Anne and Heather Greibrok (4) Mike Bure, Dave Anderson, Leon Bure and Richard Olson (5) Alex Arneson and Nicole Greibrok (6) Bria Schreiber and Megan Thorson

3

5

4 14 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

6

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You’ll find a home in our community!

St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake 1/2 pg July/Aug ‘14

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507-373-8830 1-888-339-9954 july/august 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 15

SEEN › “The Kitchen Witches”

2

1 3

4

5 People gathered in May at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center for the comedy “The Kitchen Witches.” The play was written by Caroline Smith and directed by Brian Mattson.

(1) Cyndy Bartness, Thelma Krull and Patti Brekken (2) Brett Bair and Teresa Curtis (3) Tom and Tanya Wicks (4) Garlin and Sonia Scherb (5) JoAnne Rahn and Barb Lang (6) John and Judi Kluever (7) Judy Mummert and Becky TennisHanson

6 16 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

7

Wild West Quesadilla Methods 1. Heat grill to medium high.

Measure Ventura Foods Ingredient

1/2 cup Measure

2 1 cup 4

1

3. Grill quesadillas until grill marks show and flip to other Other Ingredients side. Grill until cheese Large (10-inch) flour tortillas is melted. Let cool for 5 minutes. Cut each into 4 Shredded cheddar wedges. Serve with Dean’s cheese Zesty Guacamole Flavored Cooked bacon strips, Dip.Cut into wedges and top crumbled with a dollop of Marie’s Lite Jalapeno chile, seeded & Creamy Ranch.

Dean’s® Ranch Dip

minced, or to taste

1 cup

2. Spread Dean’s Ranch Dip on each tortilla almost all the way to the edges. Sprinkle half of each tortilla with cheese, bacon and jalapeno.

Fold tortillas in half; press lightly.

Dean’s Zesty Guacamole Flavored Dip

* Wear gloves to mince chile and do not touch face.

919 E. 14th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 373-2431 For more recipes, visit our website: www.venturafoods.com

july/august 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 17

SEEN › Weddings and engagements

2

3

1

4 18 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

(1) Mina Souvannasoth and Derek Lavalier (2) Alison Blenka and Christopher Froisland (3) Blake Peterson and Brittany Kelly (4) Cassie Bangert and Tyler Bothern (5) Marnie Hicks and Jonathan Davis

5

6 (6) Meghan Stadheim and Drew Puterbaugh (7) Elissa Goskeson and Eric Volkman (8) Katelyn Anderson and Brady Flatness

7

8 july/august 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 19

DAZZLE › Fun toys for summer

A ball of fun

From kickball to foursquare this ball is perfect for all summertime games.

Made from durable rubber, this ball is sure to last many summers.

Celebrations Party and Gifts, Albert Lea, $9.99

Catch me if you can

Perfect for backyard games of catch, this baseball glove will fit tiny hands.

Tiger City Sports, Albert Lea, $22.99

Things

You

Didn’t Know

You Wanted

By Emily Wangen

Soaring through the skies

This hand launch glider is ready for flight with some assembly and can stay in the air for up to 15 seconds.

Sterling Drug Store, Albert Lea, $14.99

22 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

Game on

Make a dip in the pool even more fun with Ball Dartz. The object of the game is to throw Velcrocovered balls at the target and score the most points.

Ace Hardware, Albert Lea, $19.99

Toys for summer fun

During the summer break, entertainment for children is a must.

We found some fun activities for children of all ages to make this summer the best one yet.

A beach essential

No trip to the beach is complete without this essential. Just fill the ball with air and you’re ready to play Ace Hardware Store, Albert Lea, $1.99

Getting started

This kit includes everything a child would need to create beautiful art. The kit includes paper, whiteboard marker and eraser, paintbrushes, chalk and poster paint.

Celebrations Party and Gifts, Albert Lea, $34.99

july/august 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 23

Protect your eyes

The sting of pool water getting into your eyes is never pleasant; keep the water out with a pair of goggles. The smaller size and fun colors make this pair perfect for children.

Tiger City Sports, Albert Lea, $9.99

Spy games

The classic “I Spy” books now come in a more portable version of a card game. Perfect for rainy days or long car rides, this will be sure to keep children entertained.

Sterling Drug Store, Albert Lea, $7.99

Safety first

Keep your child’s head safe this summer by wearing a helmet on bike rides.

Broadway Bike Co. has many options from toddler to adult helmets.

Broadway Bike Co., Albert Lea, $50

Fun on two wheels

This push bike is perfect for toddlers learning balance. It has no pedals and is meant for children to ride on the sidewalk or in a driveway.

Broadway Bike Co., Albert Lea, $129.99

Batter up

Padded with a layer of foam, this bat is ideal for younger children. It also comes with a ball.

Celebrations Party and Gifts, Albert Lea, $9.99

A piece of the beach

This isn’t just any regular sand.

Sands Alive is easy to mold into fun shapes. The kit includes 1.5 pounds of sand, a pebble and brick roller, sculpting tools and a tray to hold it all.

Sterling Drug Store, Albert Lea, $27.99

Ready, set, hike!

Get outside for a game of catch or get the neighborhood together for a pickup game of football.

Ace Hardware, Albert Lea, $12.99

More

fun acti children vities for to make this sum unforge mer ttable!

Create a masterpiece Let your child’s creativity flow with Crayola sidewalk chalk.

With 24 different colors, sidewalks can be transformed into a work of art.

Ace Hardware Store, Albert Lea, $5.99

Get creative

Let the children get creative this summer with this easel. It has a chalkboard on one side and a whiteboard on the other. It also has trays to hold art supplies.

Celebrations Party and Gifts, Albert Lea, $79.99

DIY › Welcome Sign

story and photos by sarah stultz

CREATING A WARM

Kristin Overland enjoys making crafts, sewing and crocheting. She makes and sells wooden signs for weddings with her mother, Sue Sanderson.

Overland, 27, lives right outside of Albert Lea with her husband, Derek, and son, Joshua.

She works in customer service and marketing at Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen.

She took us step-by-step through how to make this welcome sign. It would be perfect in an entryway.

1

Stain wood your color of choice. Let dry.

Cut transfer paper to cover space where the word “Welcome” will be placed. Tape onto board.

26 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

Welcome What you’ll need 1-by-6-by-18-inch piece of wood graphite transfer paper half-pint jar acrylic white paint 16-gauge black wire drill paintbrush pliers pencil

2

Find a font you like in a program such as Microsoft Word, InDesign or another program. Print out the word “Welcome” so that it is about 2 1/2 to 3 inches tall.

Tape word on top of transfer paper. Use ruler to make sure word is placed straight. Leave several inches on right side.

3

Trace over outline of the word with a pencil. Letters will transfer through paper onto the board. Word can also be drawn freehand, if desired.

4

Use white acrylic paint to fill in letters. Let dry.

5

Paint a thick coat or multiple coats on half-pint jar. Let dry.

Use sand paper on the edges to give a distressed look.

6

Place jar where you want it to be on board. Mark where the jar meets the wood on both sides with a pencil near thread of the jar. Drill a hole in both marks.

7

Wrap wire around jar a few times. Stick wire through holes in wood, and use pliers to wrap wire several times until tight on back to hold in place. Snip extra wire. Hang with a bracket or set on a shelf. july/august 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 27

health & fitness

BY kathy johnson

5 fun ways to take your workout into the outdoors Kathy Johnson is the creative director for Albert Lea magazine and the Albert Lea Tribune. During her spare time she is a group fitness instructor at the Albert Lea Family Y. Summertime brings so many options for working out and getting in shape outdoors. With all the beautiful trails and lakes in Albert Lea and the surrounding area, it is easy to make working out fun and carefree.

1. Run, walk, rollerblade or just walk around Fountain Lake on a beautiful summer day. The time flies by and you won’t even think that you are getting fit in the process of enjoying the weather.

This is also a great way to spend time with friends or family and hold each other accountable for finding time for fitness. Try this one to two times per week.

2. Ride your bike. Riding a bike is a fun way to burn tons of calories without feeling like you are working out too 28 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

hard. Again, with this grab a friend and ride at least three times a week. Ride on different terrains such as hills, to develop leg strength quicker.

3. Go for a swim. Swimming is a wonderful way to stay cool and to get into shape. Try swimming a few laps at one of the pools. Build your endurance up by swimming laps two to three times a week, increasing the amount of laps you swim each time. The stronger your core, the stronger your swim will be.Try and do some planks or crunches a couple times a week to compliment your swim. Swimming is a great way to have fun and enjoy the outdoors.

4. Go kayaking or paddle boarding.

Take a kayak or paddle board out on Fountain Lake or any other area lake and spend the afternoon paddling around the lake with friends. This is a good activity to work on your core and upper body strength. Have your kids join you by getting a two-person kayak and enjoy your bonding time. If you don’t own a

kayak or paddle board, you can always rent them reasonably from Albert Lea Community Education, the rental station at Frank Hall Park or from almost any state park. This is the perfect exercise on a hot summer day!

5. Play on a playground. This seems like a silly way to get in shape, but it is so much fun. Your kids can get in on it as well. Go up the stairs, down the slide or balance on a balance beam if the park has one. Get creative and enjoy the time being active and playing with your kids.

Use the playground equipment as fitness tools, lay under the swings and do pullups. Try doing push-ups on a park bench while your kids are playing.

Your options are endless at any park.

Whatever you choose to do this summer to stay fit, have fun with it and try and have your kids join in on the fun.

Remember to bring water with you for all of these activities. It can get hot in these Minnesota summer months.

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july/august 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 29

SAVOR › Grilled Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza

A taste of heaven in a

PIZZA

30 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

by Amy Gauthier

Amy Gauthier is a mother living and working in Albert Lea. She considers herself a grilling enthusiast.

When I think of summer cooking, I think fresh, light and flavorful. I grill almost every night! While that is delightful and delicious, it can also present a challenge (“Grilled chicken again, Mom?”). I am always looking for new dishes to create and grill, and I was delighted to find this recipe for Grilled Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza.

My favorite thing about this dish is the crust, which is packed with the flavor of fresh herbs and garlic (always garlic!). Cooking it on the grill gave the crust a distinct crunch and, of course, added the smoke element we strive for in outdoor cooking. That, combined with the salt of the prosciutto, the richness of the cheese and the tangy, fresh greens — well, it’s safe to say we were in pizza heaven that night!

I can’t wait to try making this pizza a million different ways. Have fun, get creative and enjoy!

Grilled Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza

Ingredients 10 ounces bread flour (about 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons) 1 cup warm water (100° to 110°), divided 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt Cooking spray 2 teaspoons cornmeal 1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded fontina cheese 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon lemon juice 3 cups packed baby arugula 4 lemon wedges

Directions 1. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups and spoons; level with a knife. Combine flour, 3/4 cup warm water, thyme, oregano and garlic in the bowl of a stand mixer with dough hook attached; mix until combined. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.

2. Dissolve yeast in the remaining 1/4 cup warm water in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes or until bubbly. Add yeast mixture and salt to flour mixture; beat at low speed 5 minutes or until a soft dough forms. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray; cover dough with plastic wrap coated with cooking spray.

Refrigerate 24 hours.

3. Remove the dough from refrigerator. Let stand, covered, for 1 hour or until the dough comes to room temperature. Punch dough down. Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Press each portion into a 7-inch circle on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover loosely with plastic wrap.

4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

5. Place pizza dough rounds, cornmeal side up, on grill rack coated with cooking spray and grill for 3 minutes or until blistered. Turn dough over; grill for 3 minutes.

Remove from grill.

6. Sprinkle about 5 tablespoons of fontina over each pizza. Top evenly with prosciutto and pepper. Combine oil and lemon juice in a bowl; add arugula, and toss gently. Divide arugula mixture evenly among pizzas. Serve immediately with lemon wedges. *Recipe from myrecipes.com

SAVOR › Beer review

By crystal miller

The taste and smell of banana bread, but in a beer A Brewery in Luverne, Take 16 is making its mark on the craft beer market.

Beer started flowing in fall 2014 with the help of many investors, and it has gained a following. Take 16 offers six different craft beers, including this Hay Loft Hefe.

The commercial description is that this is a Bavarian-inspired, unfiltered wheat ale with a subtle aroma of cloves, banana and bread. Refreshing and appealing, it’s tradition in a glass.

It’s hefeweizen style of German beer is definitely present, yet it’s a light-enough craft beer that even a Norwegian can appreciate it.

Although my last name suggests it, I am not German. I am Norwegian.

Norwegians drink a more simple beer, and we use wheat and banana to make banana bread. To drink banana bread plays games on the mind. Once I settled my mind on the fact that I was drinking banana bread beer, I could appreciate the crisp fruit flavors and the hint of spicy cloves. I think I’ll add a little cloves the next time I bake banana bread.

The smell is great and somewhat better than the taste. The wheat and banana come out with cloves, giving it a rich smell mixed with a hint of citrus.

Other craft beers offered by Take 16 are: Kick The Can IPA, Country Mile Kolish, Stormy Jack Stout, Kick The

32 | ALBERT LEA | july/august 2016

Bucket Imperial IPA and Spin the Bottle Pale Ale. Hay Loft Hefe is available for purchase at local liquor stores in Albert Lea and on tap at the Albert Lea Green Mill.

HHH

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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.

july/august 2016 | ALBERT LEA | 33

34 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

keeping busy in the

dog days

of

summer Story By Sarah Stultz PhotoS By Colleen harriSon

Chalking is one favorite summer activity for Jenny Davis and her children.

july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 35

From events to activities, there’s lots to do in Albert Lea this summer

S

ummer break can be a lot of fun, but it can be a challenge, too, if you don’t have activities to keep your children busy.

Jenny Davis, recreation program supervisor for the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department, knows what that’s like first-hand, as she has three children of her own.

Davis and her husband, Ben, used to live in Albert Lea but now live in Austin with their children Owen, 9, Scarlett, 5, and Willa, 19 months.

Davis has worked for the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department for 10 years, overseeing the city pool programs and staff, activities at play parks and other youth events and programming.

“We try to keep them pretty busy, but not too busy.”

— Jenny Davis

Albert Lea’s 41 parks and recreation areas offer a variety of opportunities, including basketball, tennis, fishing, swimming, ice skating and baseball, to name a few.

There are also various activities hosted around the community through the Parks and Recreation Department, Community Education, the Albert Lea Family Y and other organizations, including Music in the Park, Art in the Park, Wind Down Wednesday and Wee Wednesdays, among others.

Some of the activities or events slated are cheap or even free to attend, such as the summer reading program at Albert 36 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

Scarlett Davis climbs a rockwall at Eastgate Park.

Lea Public Library.

In addition to these events and others, Davis said her family looked up a list online of 100 things to do in the summer, and the family plans on going through the list little by little, trying out new things to do in addition to attending various events.

Most of the city events can be found in the Summer Fun Guide that is combined with events for Community Education.

Davis said her family lives in a neighborhood where the children are outside a lot, so her children go outdoors often to play with the others. “We try to keep them pretty busy, but not too busy,� she said.

For a full listing of events and activities to do during the months of July and August, check out the calendars on the following pages. The city, Albert Lea Family Y and Community Ed offer additional activities.

Willa Davis cracks a smile while playing on the Eastgate Park playground.

The Davis girls blow bubbles at Eastgate Park in Albert Lea.

july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 37

2016

JULY SUNDAY

MONDAY

June 2016 S M T W T F

August 2016 S M T W T F

5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 21 26 27 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

S

4 11 18 25

1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

TUESDAY

Third of July Parade 6 p.m.

10

6 13 20 27

Fireworks over Fountain Lake, dusk

11 Play dress up

17

Bake a cake

5 Go for a bike ride

6

12

13 Science Blast 2 p.m.

Albert Lea Public Library

Run through a sprinkler

18

19

Go bowling

25

Have a pillow fight

31

Tie-dye T-shirts

26

38 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

Art Zone Studio, 10:30 a.m., Albert Lea Public Library

14

Summer Carnival, 4 to 7 p.m.

Fountain Lake Park

20

21

27 Beach Luau Play with sidewalk chalk

Blow bubbles

7

Wind Down Wednesday 11 to 8 p.m. downtown Albert Lea

Star gaze

24

WEDNESDAY

S

4 Independence Day

3

keePinG BuSy

6 to 9 p.m.

City Beach

28

in the

summer

dog of days

Y

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

1 Canada Day

Swim, city pool

7

8 Build a fort indoors or outdoors

14

Create a sculpture

15

Play a board game

21

SATURDAY

2 Have a puppet show

9 Go to City Beach

16 Go to a new park

22 Jim Jayes Puppet Show 2 and 3 p.m.

Albert Lea Public Library

Write a story together

Water gun fight

23 Watch a sunrise

Leo

28

29 The ZooMan 2 and 3 p.m.

Albert Lea Public Library

Freeborn County Relay for Life 6 p.m.

Freeborn County Fairgrounds

30 Go camping Myre-Big Island State Park

july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 39

2016

AUGUST SUNDAY

MONDAY

Civic/Provincial Day 1 Play catch (Canada)

7

Picnic at a park

14 Have a scavenger hunt

21 Visit a local nursing home

8

TUESDAY 2

Make homemade ice cream

15

3

Build a time capsule

9

Movie night with snacks

16

“Wizard of Oz” singalong movie, 6 p.m., Fountain Lake Park

22

WEDNESDAY

23

Play disc golf, various locations

4

Make a piece of art out of recycled supplies

10

11

Wee Wednesdays, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Fountain Lake Park

17

Have a dance party

Enjoy ice cream sundaes

18

Wind Down Wednesday, 11 to 8 p.m., downtown Albert Lea

24

25

Albert Lea Farmers Market, 4 to 6 p.m., North Broadway parking lot Virgo

28 Make cookies for neighbors

38 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

29

30 Have a water balloon fight

31 Paint a picture Try a new food

T

Fun in the sun!

Y

THURSDAY 4

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

5 Bayside Ski Team show, 7 p.m.

11

6

Kids Day, Freeborn County Fair

Pelican Breeze II, 6 p.m., Albert Lea Lake

12

13

Roast marshmallows Have breakfast for dinner

18 Make homemade play dough

25

19

Free kayak and canoe rides, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Albert Lea Floats

20

“Cinderella,” 8:30 p.m., Edgewater Park Bandshell

Visit a local nursing home

26

27 Breakfast in bed

Learn a magic trick Play flashlight tag

o July 2016 S M T W T F 3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 24 25 26 27 31

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

S

2 9 16 23 30

September 2016 S M T W T F S 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 41

Alix Kermes may have landed her first leading role in a film, however, she feels her Midwest upbringing has kept her grounded. Kermes is wearing Ahmad Couture.

42 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

making it on the

big

screen Story By kelly WaSSenBerg PhotograPhS courteSy Flรกvio iryoda

july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 43

Hayward native stars in new college comedy film

W

hether it was modeling or transitioning to television and film in recent years, Hayward native Alix Kermes remembers growing up in front of the camera.

Kermes, 22, began modeling at the tender age of 2, mostly in the Twin Cities area.

Her memories of those days, as well as her transition into acting at 5, are fond, but they have faded. She vaguely remembers a few car commercials and a Campbell’s soup ad. She also recalls traveling to Canada to work on an episode of “Kevin Hill.”

The earliest role she vividly remembers was playing the role of Lily in “Gilmore Girls” at age 9.

At the time, her mother, Johnna, would

fly with her to California during pilot season. She would often find herself in a room full of girls vying for the same position she was.

“Honestly, it’s a lot of excitement,” Kermes said.

She compared the audition to a job interview.

“You’d typically go in there, and there would be one or two people,” she said.

“Sometimes they read the lines with you and sometimes they don’t.”

After the casting agents narrowed the playing field down to two potential candidates, Kermes auditioned one last time before a panel of about 10 to 12 people.

“As a 9-year-old, in front of all these adults staring at you, I guess you get

nervous,” Kermes said, though she does feel the experience taught her how to interact well with adults.

When she finally got the coveted position, she admits she was “freaking out.”

“As a kid on set it is so much fun,” she said. “I went to studio school, so I had a tutor that was sitting there and teaching myself and another little girl on set. I had a trailer that I got to hang out in, and of course you always get to meet all the stars and all of the other people you’re working with.”

Kermes was disappointed as the role didn’t develop like she had hoped.

When cast for the part of Lily, she was not just chosen for a role on “Gilmore Girls.” She was cast as a series regular for a spinoff of the show called “Windward Circle.” The spinoff didn’t pan out.

“As a kid on set it is so much fun. … I had a trailer that I got to hang out in, and of course you always get to meet all the stars and all of the other people you’re working with.”

— Alix Kermes

Alix Kermes grew up attending Albert Lea Area Schools before moving to Florida to attend college.

Kermes is wearing Ahmad Couture.

44 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

“It is tough when a series loses funding, but looking back I think it was definitely for the best because I would have been in a totally different stage of my life,” she said.

While she played a supporting role in the movie “Prodigal Son,” for the most part, Kermes said she took a break from acting during both her high school years at Albert Lea High School and college years at the University of Florida.

“I had my network built up,” she said.

“I had all the connections. I had director friends. I had my agents. I had friends in business that all kind of still supported me, and for me it was important to get my degree.”

She graduated in May 2015 from the

university with a major in sustainability studies and a minor in agricultural and natural resources law and zoology. In July of that same year she was hired by Tech Partners in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as a national IT recruiter, staffing different technology positions throughout the country.

Kermes said acting was on the backburner at the time. She knew it was there, but it wasn’t her priority. Then she was approached to do “What Happened Last Night?” in September.

The college comedy centered around Kermes’ character, Sarah Dawson, and Danny Barker, who is played by Clayton Snyder, known for his roles in the “Lizzie McGuire” series and movies. In the film, Sarah and Danny wake up in bed together with no recollection of how they got there. The movie then takes its audience back to the day before so they can watch the events unfold for themselves.

Kermes’ younger siblings, Levi and Sage, have speaking roles in the film, and her parents Tony and Johnna are extras.

The movie also features model Amber Rose; Shelley Regner, who appeared in the “Pitch Perfect” movies; WWE superstar David Otunga; and Jake Thomas, who also had roles in the “Lizzie McGuire” series and movies.

The movie will be distributed worldwide later this year.

While other projects were about gaining experience, Kermes said she learned much more during the making of this film because she was more involved in the production process from start to finish. This included acquiring funding for the project, helping choose the cast and working with the music supervisor.

Does this mean Kermes has been bitten by the acting bug? Not necessarily. While she describes acting as a passion, she’s also quite happy with her career at Tech Partners.

“Long term, it’s kind of hard to say where I’m going to go from here because last year, if you would have asked me at this time, I would have said, ‘I don’t know about acting. It’s kind of on the back-burner,’” she said.

Kermes will be the first to admit the future is unknown. AL

Alix Kermes, 22, began modeling at 2 and acting at age 5. Kermes is wearing Ahmad Couture.

Story By Sarah Stultz PhotoS By Colleen harriSon

A

cottage

e k La

on the

46 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

The Jacobsons have lived in their lakefront home for about 2 1/2 years.

july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 47

Couple takes passion for design and construction to update Tudor-style home on Fountain Lake

A

cottage with a touch of nautical and farmhouse design.

That’s how Albert Lean Brooke Jacobson describes her home off of Fountain Lake.

The house, at 1301 Lakeview Boulevard, was originally built in 1934.

Brooke Jacobson, and her husband, Jeremy, bought it about 2 1/2 years ago from Jane and Harvey Hofkamp, who had lived there for more than 40 years.

“I like older homes with lots of character, and this one is chock-full,” Brooke Jacobson said. “There isn’t another house like it in Albert Lea.” The Jacobsons, who have two children — Nora, 6, and Charlie, 7 — said they had not originally planned to move to that neighborhood, but they fell in love with the home.

The Tudor-style house includes several original interior design elements,

including the fireplace mantel, a set of french doors and the front door itself.

Some of the other highlights include built-in-book shelves and a three-season porch.

“It’s a great summer home and a great winter home as well,” Brooke Jacobson said.

After the couple purchased the house, they said they took off wallpaper and painted every room.

They pulled up carpet and restored the hardwood floors underneath in both the dining room and living room. They have also updated the flooring in the kitchen, built a custom sectional with trundle beds for the basement and freshened up some of the landscaping.

As a designer, Brooke Jacobson puts her own touch on the house. She said she often rearranges the house for a fresh feel and loves to decorate for the seasons.

In late May and early June, the couple took some bushes outside the front of the house and built a deck where they can now sit out and watch all of the happenings on and around the lake.

“I like older homes with lots of character, and this one is chock-full. There isn’t another house like it in Albert Lea.” — Brooke Jacobson

The Jacobsons started Red Door Construction last year, which they run out of their home.

48 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

Jeremy Jacobson said while it is busy in front of the house with the vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Lakeview Boulevard and the boat traffic on Fountain Lake, he appreciates the opportunity for privacy in the backyard.

The backyard is enclosed by a wooden gate on all sides and features various seating areas, along with a potting station, landscaping and other amenities. There are also several trees nearby for shade.

The space is perfect for entertaining.

The couple said the house is a combination of them both, as Brooke

Another of Brooke Jacobson’s favorite features of the house is a flower-potting station in the backyard.

The Jacobsons named their business, Red Door Construction, after the red door of their home.

The Jacobsons custom-built a sectional in their basement that doubles as a guest bed.

Jacobson is a designer and her husband is more knowledgeable about carpentry.

“She’s the vision, and I’m the muscle,” Jeremy Jacobson said with a laugh.

Brooke Jacobson said their favorite thing to do is fix up homes, and they have dreamed of owning their own construction business for years.

With this passion, the couple opened Red Door Construction about a year ago.

The business is named after the red door on the front of their house. The business operates out of their home and has one other employee besides themselves.

Brooke Jacobson, who graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1999, said she has been a designer for 12 years and worked at Minnesota Corrugated Box and The Marketing Plant. Jeremy Jacobson, who graduated from ALHS in 2000, worked at Larson Contracting as an estimator.

With Red Door Construction, he works as the lead contractor, and his wife works as the design lead.

The new business does mainly residential work, but it has completed

The woodwork and fireplace in the Jacobsons’ home are all original.

50 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

The home has a threeseason screened-in porch with a front-and-center view of Fountain Lake.

some commercial projects as well.

Brooke Jacobson said she likes working for her own company because she can stay at home with her children in the summer.

In the future, the couple said they have

a few more projects in mind at their house. They would like to update the bathroom, the kitchen and a portion of the space behind the house. They are also contemplating opening up the kitchen and the dining room. AL

july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 51

LOOKING BACK › Summer festivals

Albert Lea’s American Legion Post 56 honor guard was a prominent part of the nation’s Bicentennial Parade on July 4, 1976. This photo was taken near the corner of North Broadway and Fountain Street.

Summertime is full of festivals

By Ed Shannon PhotoS courtESy FrEEBorn county hiStorical MuSEuM Summertime for Albert Lea and area residents provides many opportunities to participate in or enjoy watching various festivals, especially parades.

These festivals represent two different types of events. Some are special and may take place just once in a lifetime. Two prime examples are the Colonel Albert Lea Days in 1939 and 1940 and the nation’s bicentennial celebration on July 4, 1976.

Other festivals take place on a regular basis during the summer months each year. These annual events include the Bayside water ski shows, the Fourth of July fireworks, Eddie Cochran Weekend and Car Show, Wind Down Wednesdays, the

52 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

One of the most unusual floats in a local parade was a real handcar on rails sponsored by the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.

Sparky and Short Stop golf tournaments, Freeborn County Fair and the Third of July Parade.

This last event has been a part of local life since 1992, according to Tribune files.

The change in dates for the local parade reportedly came about because several musical groups, political candidates and various organizations and business firms wanted to also be a part of the Austin parade on the morning of the Fourth of July, and maybe even the Blooming Prairie parade during the afternoon of Independence Day. Also, some folks could be spectators at two or three of these area parades.

On Aug. 2, 1977, a group of men gathered at the Bridge Avenue entry to the Freeborn County Fair on opening day.

Incidentally, the small merry-go rounds are still a part of the present archway entry during fair time.

One of the first units in the Minnesota Territorial Centennial Parade on June 1, 1949, was the Albert Lea High School band.

One part of the 1940 Colonel Albert Lea Days parade provided proof that oxen could also be used to pull wagons back in pioneer days. This photo was taken near the corner of South Broadway and Main Street.

A 1940s parade featured two symbols based on the Hollandale-Maple Island area. One was a huge potato, and the other was a small windmill to emphasize the locale’s strong Dutch heritage.

july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 53

healthy pets › Traveling with your pets

Michelle Nelson is the owner of Ranch & Pet Supply in Albert Lea.

8 summer travel tips for your pets

For some pet owners, a vacation without your four-legged family members just wouldn’t be a vacation. But traveling with your pet can be stressful for both you and your pet. Here are a few travel tips to make the ride more enjoyable for the entire family.

1. Keep your pets safe in a well-ventilated carrier. Make sure the carrier is fastened in tightly and does not shift when you apply quick pressure to the brakes. You may also choose to use a car-rated harness that is tethered to the seatbelt.

2. If you are planning a long trip, make sure you start with several short trips and gradually increase them each time. Just like people, pets also get motion sickness and often anxiety while traveling. If you discover that your pet does not travel well, try using products like Travel Anxiety by HomeoPet, Composure

by VetriScience or a

54 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

BY michelle nelson

Thundershirt. All of these products naturally provide relief from motion sickness and fear of travel. You will want to experiment prior to your big trip to see how large or frequent of a dose your pet will need.

3. Your pet travel kit should include food, bottled water, a leash, poop bags, vaccination papers, pet first aid kit, treats and their favorite toy.

4. Make sure you feed your pet two to three hours before you plan on leaving.

Immediate travel after eating may upset your pet’s stomach and make for a very long, uncomfortable trip for everyone.

5. Bring your own water from home or buy bottled water while on the road. Tap water can vary greatly from one place to the next and can result in tummy upset for your pet.

6. Plan on more frequent stops during your trip. Pets will

need to get out and get plenty of exercise.

Most rest areas have a specified area just for pets; otherwise, look for a dog park.

This will allow your pet to run off leash and burn some excess energy. Don’t forget the ball if your pet likes to play fetch. This is a great energy burner for the kids, too.

7. Never leave your pet in the vehicle unattended. Even with the windows cracked, on a sunny day, your vehicle can heat up enough to cause heat stroke in your pet. For example, on an 85-degree day with the windows slightly cracked, the vehicle temperature will heat up to over 100 degrees in 10 minutes and in 30 minutes will heat up to over 120 degrees.

8. Don’t forget the flea and tick/ Heartguard treatment. Make sure you take every precaution to protect your pets from parasites and other pests. If you are using a monthly treatment like K9Advantix or Nexguard, you can always use natural repellents so not to overdose your pets.

Happy and safe travels this summer!

july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 55

dietitian’s digest

BY Rachel BReneman

Nutrition is key for active children

Rachel Breneman is a Hy-Vee dietitian and a nutrition expert promoting healthy eating throughout the community. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, fun-runs and more are keeping your family busy and moving this summer. Proper nutrition for your child is important to keep him or her active! As a parent and/or coach it is your job to help keep these kids hydrated, healthy, growing and strong.

Sports nutrition for children is important, especially during those allday tournaments and long training periods. Children’s nutrition needs are different than adults, based on their rapid growth, increasing muscle mass and hormone changes.

A good rule of thumb is this: Since your child is growing, he or she should not be losing weight. Try to help them maintain or gain weight if they are involved in a training program. Try to avoid fast food and junk food in attempts to help them gain weight; instead, turn to high-calorie items such as nut butters, cottage cheese, full-fat Greek yogurt, avocados, hummus, protein powders and milk to add to your child’s meals for a boost in calories. Adding a snack between meals, such as a homemade trail mix, can also help children meet their calorie needs.

56 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

Try a healthy dip with crackers, veggies and fruit, Greek yogurt cream cheese on a bagel, or check out hy-vee.com for an avocado smoothie recipe!

Always, always, always keep your child hydrated. Children should be drinking fluid before, during and after activities.

What type of fluid is best? Water should be your top choice if activity is less than an hour. Sports drinks are an acceptable source of fluid if activity totals more than 60 minutes. Alternating between water and sports drinks is helpful for multiple game days or all-day tournaments. If your child prefers something flavored, try watering down sports drinks; the amount of sugar in these drinks is not necessary for hydration. A great recovery drink for kids and adults is 8 ounces of chocolate milk. Always discourage energy drinks; they are much too high in caffeine for a child’s diet.

It is recommended by Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans that children ages 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. Don’t hold your kids back; encourage them to play a game after dinner, make your own obstacle course in the yard or turn to www.hy-veekidsfit.com for a familyfriendly competition. Let your children know that health and fitness is a family affair and participate in exercise activities as a team.

If you are searching for a great summer activity to get your kids motivated to be active, be sure to get involved with Hy-Vee’s Pinky Swear Kids Triathlon in the Twin Cities in August. This non-traditional triathlon is fun and fitness-friendly for youth of all skill levels. The focus of the Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Triathlon is participation and raising money for

children with cancer. Our goal is to help kids in the community learn they are never too young to make a difference in another person’s life. Register now to participate in Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Kids Triathlon at www.pinkyswear.org/hy-vee.

Cucumber Bites From CookingLight www. myrecipes.com/recipe/cilantrolime-chicken-with-avocado-salsa Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 chicken breast half, about 1/4 cup salsa) Ingredients 6 cucumber slices 2 tablespoons plain hummus 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese Squeeze of sriracha hot sauce Directions Top each cucumber slice with a little hummus, then sprinkle with cheese. Top each slice with a few dots of sriracha.

Nutrition facts per serving: 120 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 14 milligrams cholesterol, 211 milligrams sodium, 7 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, 6 grams protein.

— Adapted from EatingWell Inc. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Finances › different styles of investing

by edward jones

What’s your retirement contingency plan?

You probably have thought about what you’d like to do during your retirement years. But all your plans probably depend, to at least some extent, on your financial situation. What happens if you reach the age at which you wish to retire and you just don’t have the money you thought you’d have?

If this occurs, it’s time for “Plan B.” What does that look like? Here are a couple of possibilities: • Continue working. If you like your job, you may not mind working an extra year or so. You’ll be bringing in more income and contributing more to your 401(k) or other retirement account — and, perhaps almost as importantly, you may be able to avoid tapping into these retirement accounts, thus giving them more time to potentially grow. (However, once you turn 70 1/2, you’ll need to begin taking withdrawals from your 401(k) and a traditional IRA.) But if you are really not enamored with the idea of working any longer, you might find that even the ability to beef up your retirement plans for another couple of years isn’t much consolation.

• Adjust your retirement lifestyle. It’s pretty simple: If you don’t save as much

as you had planned for retirement, you probably can’t do all the things you wanted to do as a retiree. For example, you may not be able to travel as much, or pursue your hobbies to the extent you’d like.

Clearly, you’d like to avoid these “retirement contingency plans.” To do so, though, you’ll need to take steps well before you retire. The most important move you can make may be to contribute as much as you can possibly afford to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.

During the last several years before you wish to retire, you may be in a strong position to “max out” on these plans because, at this stage of your life, your income may be at its highest point, your children may be grown and you may even have retired your mortgage. If you still have money left with which to invest, you may want to look at other tax-advantaged vehicles that can be used for retirement.

While it’s important to put in as much as possible to your retirement accounts, you need to do more than that — you also must put the money in the right

investments within these accounts. Your exact investment mix should be based on your individual risk tolerance and time horizon, but, as a general rule, these investments must provide you with the growth potential you’ll need to accumulate sufficient resources for retirement.

Of course, as you know, investments move up and down. You can’t prevent this, but you’ll certainly want to reduce the effects of volatility as much as possible when you enter retirement.

Consequently, during your final working years, you may need to adjust your retirement accounts by shifting some of your assets (though certainly not all) from growth-oriented vehicles to income-producing ones.

It’s a good idea to have contingency plans in place for virtually every endeavor in life — and paying for your retirement years is no different. But if you can make the right moves to avoid the contingency plans in the first place, then so much the better.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

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TRAVEL › Traveling with ease

How to zip through airport security

Airport security lines are so long that hundreds of flyers at several airports have reported missing their flights, and the head of the Transportation Security Administration recently warned passengers to continue to expect delays over the summer. While signing up for TSA pre-check — a program that makes preflight risk assessments — is the most common piece of advice to flyers looking to shorten their waits, there are other ways, according to Michael Holtz, the owner of SmartFlyer, a global travel consultancy specializing in airfare. Below, he shares these tips for speeding through airport screening.

Navigate the security lines as you would a crowded bar.

Actually getting in an airport security line can waste precious time, he said.

“There is usually a bottleneck at the beginning of the line because passengers are fumbling around trying to find their IDs and boarding passes, but have yours out and ready to go, and navigate your way to the front of this crowd like you do at a bar when you want to order a drink,” he said.

If you have a boarding pass on your email, take a screenshot of it just in case the Wi-Fi signal at the airport is weak and you can’t load it.

Pick the shorter line.

Holtz said most airports have two security areas.

“One of the areas is usually far more crowded than the other because there are more flights going out of the gates near it,” he said. “Seek out the security screening point that’s less busy. You’ll likely have to walk farther to get to your gate once you get past security, but you’ll save time not being held up at security.”

Pick your flight times wisely.

During the weekdays, avoid travel early in the morning or from 5 to 8 p.m., Holtz said, because those are the hours when business travelers tend to fly. Also, Saturdays, in general, are a good day to fly to many destinations because leisure travelers usually head out for their trips on Fridays and return on Sundays, and there is limited business travel.

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Pay the airlines.

For fliers with a more flexible budget, Holtz said a handful of carriers in the United States have fee-based programs that help travelers whisk through airport security. Delta, for example, has a separate entrance that is part of Terminal 5 at Los Angeles International Airport where Delta One (business class) passengers can check in and are led through expedited security via a private elevator.

American Airlines has a Five Star Service program for first and business class customers; it’s available in 12 domestic airports and five international airports. For a starting price of $250 for the first adult and $75 for each additional adult, services include a curbside meet and greet and priority security screening, where available.

JetBlue’s program affordable: Passengers flying out of more than 60 domestic airports can buy an Even More Speed add-on to their ticket for $10, which gives them access to expedited security lanes. The expedited security perk also comes with an Even More Space ticket for roomier seat.

why i love albert lea

BY Rachel NolaNdeR PoPPel

Why I

L Albert Lea Rachel Nolander Poppel is the owner and a dentist of Advanced Family Dental in Albert Lea. She and her husband, Kevin, have two children, ages 3 and 1. albert lea is not only where i live.

Albert Lea is my home. I was born at Naeve Hospital, graduated from Albert Lea Senior High, moved away for college and the start of my career, but ultimately returned home to my roots. I love Albert Lea. I love the friendly people and the supportive close-knit community. I love that my many extended family members are here. My cousins are some of my best friends. I love the fact that Albert Lea is a wonderful place to raise a family.

Unlike many of my high school classmates, I did see myself coming back to Albert Lea. I knew I wanted to live near my family, among friends and have my future children have their grandparents close.

One of the locations in Albert Lea that holds a special place in my heart is Edgewater Park. Much of my life’s history includes events at this local gem.

My earliest memory of Edgewater Park is attending my dad’s annual work picnics at the small, lower pavilion in

the early 1980s. I remember hot, sunny weather, playing with all the kids, coolers of ice-cold pop, hotdogs and water balloon tosses. I remember attending birthday parties for my elementary school friends at the large, upper pavilion and playing for hours on the play equipment.

When I was old enough to ride a bike around the lake, my best friend and I would pack picnic lunches — peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit rollups and cans of pop wrapped in tinfoil to keep cold — and ride to Edgewater Park to play and enjoy our picnic lunches. We were always afraid to use the bathrooms because we had convinced ourselves there was going to be an animal in there since they didn’t have any doors! The band shell made a great stage for pretend concerts and shows we would rehearse. The big, square stone water fountain was always fun, too!

As I grew older, Edgewater Park meant watching our friends perform on the Bayside Ski Team in Edgewater Bay. It also meant boat rides and fun summer days soaking up the sun on Fountain

Lake. Edgewater Cottage became a popular spot to host high school graduation parties, many of which I attended. After my senior year of high school, I worked as a Parks and Recreation Department playpark leader.

One of my assignments was to help teach a weeklong camp for school-aged kids at the cottage. More recently, I held my groom’s dinner at the Edgewater Cottage. My 15-year high school reunion was at the upper pavilion (let’s hope more classmates come to the 20 year!).

There are so many fond memories of events that occurred at Edgewater Park.

The best is yet to come, however, as Edgewater Park is now my and my children’s favorite place to play. Many afternoons are spent swinging and sliding on the play equipment and feeding the ducks by the water’s edge. I love to see my kids’ faces light up when we turn into the park — they know we’re about to have some serious fun! It’s great so many families take advantage of the wonderful park. A day always comes to a wonderful close watching the sun set over Edgewater Bay. I love Edgewater Park! july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 59

events calendar july

july

3

14-17

Third of July Parade

july

When: 6 p.m.

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

20-23

More info: The Third of July Parade is easily one of the biggest events of the summer outside of the Freeborn County Fair. This year’s parade theme is “Let Freedom Ring.” 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.

“The Wizard of oz” When: 7:30 p.m. July 14-16 and July 20-23, 2 p.m. July 17 and 23 Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for students More info: Staying true to the 1939 motion picture it is based upon, “The Wizard of Oz” showcases Dorothy making the long journey from Kansas to the Land of Oz. Adventure awaits as she travels down the yellow brick road and is joined by a few traveling companions — Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. Toto will make an appearance as well.

july

15-16 arT & Garden Tour When: 4 to 7:30 p.m. July 15 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 16 Where: Six locations in the area Cost: $10 More info: The beauty of art and gardens will collide during this annual Albert Lea Art Center event.

Six gardens are lined up for this year’s tour, and an artist will showcase his or her work at each home.

Tours are self-guided, allowing participants to enjoy each garden at their own leisure.

July

16 April SorenSen MeMoriAl HAlf MArAtHon When: 7:30 a.m.

Where: Country Inn & Suites Cost: Free More info: $50 for individuals and $100 for relay teams through June 30.

This 13.1-mile race is in memory of April Sorensen, an Albert Lea High School graduate who was found dead in her Rochester home on April 17, 2007, in an apparent homicide.

Sorensen enjoyed exercise and being outside and routinely ran with both her father and sister.

July

29 July

July

16 Ming CHiAo group exHibition When: 1 to 3 p.m.

Where: Freeborn County Arts Initiative Cost: Free More info: This internationallyacclaimed show features artists who use East Asian brush-painting techniques. The exhibit kicks off with an artist reception and will continue through August.

20 August

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freeborn County relAy for life When: 6 p.m.

Where: Freeborn County Fairgrounds Cost: Free More info: The opening ceremony celebrates the lives of people who have battled cancer. A survivors’ lap and then a caregivers’ lap follow the opening ceremony, followed by a luminaria ceremony.

Wind doWn WedneSdAy When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: On Broadway in downtown Albert Lea Cost: Free More info: Wind Down Wednesday returns to downtown Albert Lea for its fifth year. The festival will be set up like an outdoor market with food, drinks, live entertainment and vendors selling arts and crafts. The event will be once a month and different bands and singers will perform.

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albert lea Floats

Cruise to the Cove

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When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Golden Point Launch on Albert Lea Lake Cost: Free

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2-7

More info: Enjoy free kayak and canoe use on Albert Lea Lake from Golden Point Launch, the new boat launch at Frank Hall Park. There will also be other water sports ands activities for children, along with food vendors.

Freeborn County Fair When: All day Where: Freeborn County Fairgrounds Cost: Price of gate admission More info: The 133rd annual Freeborn County Fair — termed the Best Six Days of Summer — kicks off Aug. 2.

Throughout the week, Grandstand entertainers include LOCASH on Aug. 2, Chris Janson on Aug. 3, Jerrod Niemann on Aug. 4, Ted Nugent on Aug. 5 and The Charlie Daniels Band on Aug. 6.

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that’ll be the Day When: 7 p.m.

Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Cost: $20 More info: This show salutes and pays tribute to rock ‘n’ roll greats Roy Orbison, Linda Ronstadt and Gene Pitney. Entertainers are Wayne Luchau with female vocalists from the Girl Singers of the Hit Parade.

Look for favorites including “Pretty Woman,” “You Got It” and “Town Without Pity,” among others.

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31

When: 4 to 8 p.m.

Where: Wedgewood Cove Golf Club Cost: Free More info: The fifth annual Cruise to the Cove will showcase vintage vehicles. All years and models are welcome. Food and drinks will be available at the restaurant inside or outside in the food trailer.

Fountain Lake and its surrounding areas as seen from a glider.

july/august 2016 | alBERt lEa | 63

INSIDE ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

behind the scenes

Alix Kermes was featured on the May 13, 2003, episode of The WB’s “The Gilmore Girls.” She was cast as Lily, whom was described as a bookworm. Photo courtesy of The WB/ Carol Kaelson

One of the Tribune’s summer interns jumped on board to help out Albert Lea magazine for the Things you Didn’t Know You Wanted feature.

Like the Albert Lea Magazine page on Facebook for insider info, unseen photos and prizes!

64 | ALBERT LEA | juLy/AugusT 2016

Alix Kermes poses with her co-star, Milo Ventimiglia, during taping of an episode of “The Gilmore Girls.” Alix was a guest star on the episode which aired May 13, 2003.