EDITORS’ NOTES
All things change, and Austin Living is no different. The departure of magazine editor Trey Mewes, who left to pursue new opportunities, brings that change to the forefront. Jason Schoonover and myself are the new co-editors for your Austin Living. As editors, we’ll continue to bring you the high-quality content you’ve come to expect, while also looking to enact changes to make it even better. In the coming issues, you’ll begin to notice some of those changes, some bigger than others, but all of them made with the understanding that we bring this publication into the spotlight that reflects the city of Austin and the surrounding area. Both of us have goals that follow the path that brought this magazine to where it is now, but we also bring new ideas to take it even further. Regardless of these changes, rest assured we will maintain the quality you have come to expect from Austin Living, but we’ll also aim to push it even further. Above all, we want this magazine to reflect the pride that you, the readers, have in the magazine and in the community. We also want to include you. We are open to any ideas, and you are welcome to submit those ideas to both Jason and I. Again, change is inevitable, but it can also be refreshing. We look forward to bringing you many more great issues filled with amazing stories of people who make up this little slice of southeastern Minnesota.
– Eric Johnson
Co-Editors Jason Schoonover and Eric Johnson
It was one of my favorite parts of the holiday. We’d go my grandmother’s house to help her load up the Thanksgiving turkey and fresh-baked pumpkin pies to bring over to my parents’ house for our annual family feast. My grandma has since passed on the torch of cooking the meals, but the holidays are still a great time to come together, even if the same dishes aren’t on the table. Families looking for new traditions have options. We highlight one option by outlining the many holiday meals Hy-Vee serves up each holiday season. For a taste of Hy-Vee’s offerings, turn to Page 24. My family Christmas has almost always come with my aunt giving gifts she crafted throughout the year, like decorative lights, ornaments and wall decorations. The holidays are a great time for creative people to show their skills. We wanted to highlight some of Austin’s creative talents in this issue. To read about four creative hobbyists, turn to Page 34. Or you can read about Diane Pitzen’s festive creations on Page 42.
– Jason Schoonover 2 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
PUBLISHER Jana Gray EDITORIAL Co-Editors Jason Schoonover Eric Johnson Contributing Writers Jason Schoonover Jenae Hackensmith Eric Johnson Rocky Hulne Trey Mewes Photographer Eric Johnson ART Art Director Colby Hansen Graphic Designers Susan Downey Colby Hansen Eric Johnson Kathy Johnson Kim Ehrich SALES & PROMOTION Advertising Manager Jana Gray Sales Representatives Heather Ryks LeAnn Fischer Brenda Landherr Merry Petersen NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2015 Volume 3, Number 6 EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Editors, Austin Living 310 2nd Street NE Austin, MN 55912 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission. For comments, suggestions or story ideas call 507-434-2235. To purchase advertising, call 507-434-2220 © A Minnesota Publishers Inc. publication
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November–December 2015 | Austin Living | 3
WHAT’S INSIDE
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2015
features CRAFTING A HOBBY
Local crafters share their stories of how their hobbies turned into a passion
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BRINGING SANTA TO LIFE
Adams woman shows off her Christmas spirit by creatiing Old World figures of Santa Claus
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SEEN 6 MOWER COUNTY FAIR
Look back at the annual get-together
8 BACK TO SCHOOL
Smiling faces return to class
OUT & ABOUT 14 CONSTRUCTING A PARTNERSHIP
16 RULING ON THE COURT
10 AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING
A display of Packer pride and spirit
12 THE RIVERLAND GALA
Guests dressed up to celebrate the school’s 75th anniversary fundraiser
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The Hormel Institute expansion shows students a glimpse of the future Volleyball referee Deedee Marx governs the net for high school, college and other levels of the game
18 SILVER BELLS AND RED KETTLES
Volunteer rings in the season for the Salvation Army
HOME & HEARTH 20 DRINKING IN THE HOLIDAYS
Read this guide to wines and how to pair them for this holiday season
24 A HOLIDAY SPREAD
Hy-Vee serves up meals for Thanksgiving
TRAVEL 48 GOING FOR GOLDY
Couples spend autumn tailgating and cheering on the Gophers
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extras
54 30 WHAT’S IN STORE
Keep yourself safe and sound on the roads with these easy-to-assemble winter kits
54 GUEST COLUMN
What to look for when selecting a travel professional to plan a trip
56 LOOKING BACK
The Red Ball Route and the Austin Automobile Club
10 60 AREA HAPPENINGS
The biggest upcoming events in Austin
62 BOOK REVIEW
“The Fate of Mercy Alban” by Wendy Webb
64 WHY I LOVE AUSTIN
The small-town atmosphere that boasts of a big future
58 AUSTIN LIVING MARKETPLACE November–December 2015 | Austin Living | 5
SEEN | Mower County Fair Never an event to disappoint, the Mower County Fair once again offered the area a remarkable chance to get out and enjoy some of the best the county has to offer, including rides, food, attractions and everything in between. Fair week featured a strongman, a lively midway, 4-H exhibits and grand array of fantastic grandstand events that made the annual extravaganza the centerpiece of summer once again.
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6 (1) Peter Marx smiles after cutting the ribbon to officially kick off the fair during opening ceremonies (2) Annika Arndorfer reacts as the Super Shot begins its drop on the midway (3) A couple of girls high five their friends as they go around on a ride during Daycare Day (4) Mitch Meyer with Stephanie Orum and her son, Kolt, 5, and Zach Bucknell, 4 (5) Brianna Ellingson, 7, runs inside of an inflatable ball (6) Randy and Nikki Breitbarth with their children, Cloey, 6, and Marshall, 2 (7) Lynn Kempner with her daughters, Avery, 9, and Briella, 12 (8) Bill Nelson and his grandson, Riley (9) Jenni and Lynn Klapperick with Kam, 6 (10) Eli Connor-Olson, 3, feeds a goat a carrot (11) Cassidy Shute of Austin maneuvers her steer around during the 4-H Ribbon auction. Cassidy was showing the reserve champion in the steer category.
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SEEN | Back to School The first day of school is an exciting time for everybody from the students to their parents. Each year the grounds of any school is filled with kids and their backpacks, while dads and moms fill their cameras and cell phones with memories. This year, Austin Living asked parents to submit those smiling faces to this edition of the magazine, and they didn’t disappoint. These submissions showed just how excited these kids were to get back to the books. 2
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(1) Three-year-old Grasyn Zielke, preschool at Applelane. Parents are Dan and Jamie Zielke (2) Six-year-old Jonah Klein, first grade at Southgate Elementary. Parents are Cody and Michaela Klein (3) Seven-year-old Mason Kemmerick, second grade at Banfield Elementary and 5-year-old Finley Kemmerick kindergarten at Woodson Kindergarten. Three-year-old Brody Kemmerick, still waiting. Parents are Adam and Breanna Kemmerick (4) Thirteen-year-old Gloria Hansen, sixth grade at I.J. Holton Intermediate School, eightyear-old Luke Hansen third grade Southgate Elementary, 11-year-old Victoria Hansen, eighth grade Ellis Middle School with Cookie. Parents are Corey and Kaye Hansen (5) Five-year-old Brayden Nemec, preschool at First Congregational. Parents are Scott and Kaye Nemec (6) Six-year-old Camryn Deters, first grade at Neveln Elementary. Parents are Nick and Melissa Deters (7) Five-year-old Jaisamy Inthamthirath, kindergarten at Woodson Kindergarten. Parents are Cheuy and Pricilla Inthamthirath (8) Eleven-year-old Jaime Miller, left, sixth grade at I.J. Holton Intermediate School and 13-year-old Justin Miller, Ellis Middle School. Parents are Kelli and Dan Miller 8 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
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SEEN | Austin Homecoming It may not have been what the Austin football team wanted, losing 56-50 in overtime to Red Wing, but it hardly darkened the overall spirit the school showed over the homecoming week. Students from all schools in town wore their Packer red and white proudly, while the high school welcomed past alumni back, took part in the always-epic Battle of the Connects, showed Austin their best in the parade and gave football fans a game they won’t forget.
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(1) The Austin student section cheers a touchdown during the homecoming game against Red Wing (2) Austin quarterback Jakob Crouch scores an early touchdown against Red Wing (3) Mitchell Whalen, far left, is crowned 2015 homecoming king. From left, Ochan Ochogi, Dean Maric, Nate Conner and Seth Clasen (4) Kayla Jacobsen reacts after she is crowned homecoming queen. From left, Nicole Olson, Jordan Huntley, Betsy Ettinger and Emma O’Connor (5) The freshman pull their way to a win in the tug-of-war during Battle of Connects (6) Dr. Dale Anderson gets the student body laughing during the Distinguished Alumni ceremony (7) Senior Ryan McCormack moves an M&M during a Battle of Connects game 10 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
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(8) Austin’s 2014 Homecoming king and queen Dor Puok and Rosa Palma Neri give their farewell address during the 2015 coronation (9) Band member Katelyn Hillson marches with the Austin High School band during the homecoming parade on Main Street (10) The Austin High School cheerleaders ride by on their float during the parade (11) Mitchell Whalen and Kayla Jacobsen were crowned 2015 homecoming king and queen (12) Nine-year-old Cale Tupy throws candy to bystanders at the parade (13) The class of 2019 kicks up a party on Main Street during the parade November–December 2015 | Austin Living | 11
SEEN | The Riverland Gala It was a night to celebrate education as supporters of Riverland Community College came out to support the school at the 75th anniversary gala at the Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea. The event raised money for scholarships so that future students might find an easier path to getting the education they want and deserve. Attendees were dressed to the hilt as a night of music, food and celebration capped the amazing 75th year of RCC.
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OUT & ABOUT
By The Hormel Institute • Photos Provided
Constructing a Partnership
An artist’s rendition of the new Hormel Institute addition.
Riverland students get a glimpse of the future through Institute expansion
Areas bustling with construction workers will soon be filled with more of the world’s top scientists working to find better ways to prevent, detect and control cancer.
‘You never stop learning’
At this stage of construction, McGough has about 100 workers on site doing a wide variety of work inside and outside. McGough has about 20 different contractors working under it Dozens of workers wearing hard helmets installed drywall for the east expansion, but the company is also the Live Learning in a hallway, poured concrete outside, hammered away inside Center’s general contractor and construction manager. a future lecture hall and worked on details of a new science lab. McGough also is leading two projects for Hormel Foods That was just part of what future construction workers Corp.: The new Spam Museum downtown and a new Research from Riverland Community College’s carpentry program & Development laboratory facility just up the road from the observed during a special tour of The Hormel Institute’s Institute. 2014-16 expansion in Construction has September. rebounded from the As part of its nation’s 2007-2009 extensive education recession, Alms said, outreach initiative, The but the number of Hormel Institute hosted people enrolling in seven Riverland students carpentry programs and their carpentry has not been enough instructor, Walt Alms, to keep up with the for a tour of the ongoing overall construction expansion. The tour was demand. led by the Institute’s During the building coordinator Institute expansion, Craig Jones and Dean Alms connected with Hein, the expansion’s Hein about McGough overall supervisor possibly helping the for McGough — the Riverland carpentry project’s construction Dean Hein shows an interior area of The Hormel Institute’s new addition program, leading to a manager. to carpentry students from Riverland Community College.
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Dean Hein of McGough Construction talks with Riverland Community College carpentry students on Sept. 16 on the north side of The Hormel Institute’s new, 20-lab addition. Hein is the project manager of the 2014-16 expansion.
Overall, the 2014-16 expansion will nearly double the partnership between the two organizations. McGough now is size of The Hormel Institute’s facilities while also doubling its helping to build Riverland’s commercial construction program overall employment in the coming years from about 125 to by providing the college with extra materials from the Institute’s 250. The expansion has provided significant work for dozens project, such as items for door and Sheetrock systems. of workers and will lead to further economic benefit and McGough also will assist in other ways with training development over the coming Riverland students in years. commercial construction, In 2012, the Minnesota said Hein, who advised the Legislature approved $13.5 students visiting the Institute million in state bonding funds to try to learn all aspects of for constructing the 20-lab construction, if possible, before addition on The Hormel focusing on a specific area of Institute’s east side, with The the work. Hormel Foundation providing He also encouraged the matching funds. Gov. Mark students to get familiar with the Each tax-deductible gift can be written to “The Dayton included The Hormel technological advancements in Hormel Institute – Live Learning Center” and Institute’s expansion as one of construction, saying that those mailed/dropped off at The Hormel Institute, 801 three projects he highlighted changes have led to better, safer 16th Ave. NE, Austin, MN, 55912. Gifts of $500 or in a media event to unveil his work environments. more will be honored on a new donor wall. Donors proposed bonding bill and “You never stop learning,” who give $1,000 or more will be invited to the invited Executive Director Dr. he said. “You never stop June 1, 2016, grand opening and a reception that Zigang Dong to speak on the upgrading what you’re doing.” evening for the first international cancer research project. Hein, who has about The Project conference in the Live Learning Center. Pledges can 35 years of construction Since summer 2014, The be made for up to three years. experience, told the Riverland Hormel Institute has been students that the expansion under a construction to build of cancer research labs at The Hormel Institute is a special an additional 20 state-of-the-art cancer research labs on its project to him, since cancer took the lives of his mother and east side along with — starting this past spring — a new Live mother-in-law. Learning Center lecture hall and multipurpose room on its west “I’m proud to be working on this project,” Hein side. Both additions are expected to be completed late this year, said. with a grand opening celebration set for June 1, 2016.
DONATE TO THE LIVE LEARNING CENTER
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By Rocky Hulne • Photos
OUT & ABOUT
by
Eric Johnson
Deedee Marx doesn’t have your average night job. When Marx, a retired teacher, goes to work at night, she gets to deal with rules explanations, quick decisions and sometimes jeers from a crowd. Marx is a high school volleyball official and this is her 32nd year on the job. She’s officiated at the high school, college, parks and recreation, and Junior Olympic levels in both Iowa and Minnesota. “I really enjoy volleyball and I played volleyball after high school,” Marx said. “There were no girls sports when I was in high school, but I really love watching the competition. I like coming back and seeing how the girls play.” Since she officiates in several leagues, Marx must remember a different set of rules for each organization and that can be the difficult part of her job. Volleyball rules also change frequently, and it becomes Marx’s job to remind coaches of the those new rules. “Every year is a little bit of a challenge because they change one or two rules,” Marx said. Austin High School volleyball coach Cindy Owen described Marx as very helpful with new rules, and Owen likes coaching when Marx is officiating. “She’s very good and she’s very positive,” Owen said. “If you have a question about a certain call, she’ll explain it. She’s been very easy to work with and she’s very friendly.
RULING ON THE COURT
Deedee Marx is a familiar face in Austin and the area as a volleyball referee.
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Owen said Marx’s attitude as an official makes it easier for everyone involved in the match, including coaches and players. “It helps a lot and it makes everybody a little more confident,” Owen said. “Not just with myself, but with the girls too because they’re comfortable with her demeanor and she’s very approachable.” Marx is a big supporter of students staying physically active. She taught physical education and health for 35 years, and she coached volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, softball, and track and field when she first started teaching. Eventually, Marx turned to officiating because it allowed her to spend more time with her children, and she hasn’t looked back since. She enjoys covering competitive matches and likes to see how teams progress season after season. “There’s been some real intense matches, especially at the state tournament. Faribault Bethlehem Academy is a fantastic team; Mabel-Canton and Lakeville North are always good,” Marx said. While she’s not a fan, officiating a five-game match can still be tough on Marx and other officials as it requires her to focus on every play through the entire night. If she loses her focus for a split second, she may miss a call. “You’re pretty exhausted [after a match], because it can be intense,” Marx said. “You have to watch all of the aspects of the game.” After officiating for three decades, Marx has seen some changes in the sport of volleyball. In general, teams have gotten much better, and it doesn’t matter how big the schools are. “A lot of teams are getting to be a lot better than they used to be,” Marx said. “From when I first started officiating, the caliber of play has risen tremendously. You used to be able to say that small schools weren’t as good as big schools, but now you can’t tell the difference between Class A, Class AA and Class AAA.” No matter how well officials make calls on a given night, chances are they’ll hear a complaint or two from the crowd. Some complaints are mild and harmless, but others require action. “We don’t really ignore it. If it continues, there’s certain protocol,” Marx said of fan complaints. “If there’s somebody being really obnoxious, we go to the home coach and they will go to the site supervisor. If it continues, the home team could forfeit the match.” Marx also stays busy by doing volunteer work. She works on two committees with the Minnesota State High School League and works with the Red Cross. To Marx, sports are great for kids. Even if they don’t want to be competitive, park and rec and intramural leagues provide opportunities to play a more laid back style. “It’s lifelong learning as well as a health issue,” Marx said of kids playing sports. “Especially with the iPads and things they can do [that] aren’t very healthy for them, they need to get out and they need to be busy.”
Deedee Marx calls for a serve while refereeing a match between Austin and Rochester Lourdes in Packer Gym.
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OUT & ABOUT
Silver bells and red kettles
Longtime Salvation Army volunteer is a singing sensation as she rings the bells of giving By Jenae Hackensmith • Photo
For more than 10 years, ringing bells and singing carols for the Salvation Army each holiday season has been a staple for Debra Lambertson. For the last four or five years, Lambertson, 59, has volunteered to ring the bell of giving by a red kettle for about four hours each day. “I like to get the Christmas spirit going early,” she said. “And I like to sing, so that’s mainly what I do is sing and ring the bell a little bit.” After having surgery on both hands, Lambertson said it’s difficult to ring the bell continuously, so she uses the music of her vocal chords instead. Usually seen at Hy-Vee, she has earned the nickname “the Hy-Vee lady” during the holidays. In the past, she also stood by a red kettle at Walgreens and at Sterling Main Street, but said it’s easier to go to Hy-Vee each year since the Salvation Army provides a ride to the store as she doesn’t have a vehicle. “I know where I have to go every day and I don’t have to think about it,” she said. Lambertson tries to sing different Christmas carols every year and mix it up so she doesn’t sound like a broken record. She brings along a book of songs to help with variety and said she thoroughly enjoys singing during the times she’s ringing the bell, although she understands for some who work near where she stands it can get repetitive. “If I forget my books, then the songs are really repeated,” she laughed. She occasionally sings along with the music Hy-Vee plays over the store speakers, if she knows the song, but mostly she sings a cappella. “I’ve gotten a lot of compliments,” Lambertson said. “I’ve 18 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
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had people come over to me and say, ‘I thought that was a record.’” “I guess it echoes throughout the whole store,” she added. Although she usually stands by the kettle alone, she has had other volunteers come and sing along with her. She recalled one group of teenagers who stopped and asked if they could sing with her during her shift. She remembered they stayed and sang with her for about an hour. Lambertson’s history with the Salvation Army started in 1975, when a fellow employee invited her to church and she committed her life to Christ. She started working at a coffee house the Salvation Army had at the time, making popcorn and serving coffee. She has also volunteered with the Christmas Tree program and worked at the Salvation Army Thrift Store over the years. At different times throughout the years, Lambertson has also used some of the services of the Salvation Army, such as the food shelf. She never forgot the help of those services and always tried to give back. “I’ve always had the Salvation Army in the back of my mind for volunteering,” she said. Although a big reason she stands by a kettle is to spread the spirit of the season, she also hopes people will realize how great the need is in each community. “The need is great,” she said. “There are so many people that don’t have enough money to buy food, buy clothing, and it’s a way to show people that they care and that they’re there to support them in whatever way that they can, whether it’s through the thrift store or doing the Christmas Tree or the bell ringing.”
Debra Lambertson is a smiling presence for the Salvation Army in Austin, especially around the holidays when she lends her bell-ringing skills to the annual kettle drive as well as a golden voice that brings the spirit of the holidays to her work.
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HOME & HEARTH
Drinking in
the holidays The holidays come with parties, get-togethers and time with friends, yet parties always beg the question: What should we bring? Many people will bring a nice bottle of pinot noir or zinfandel. Yet certain wines taste best with certain foods, and while it’s all subjective to individuals’ likes and dislikes, ask the host what is being served to figure out what wine will best pair with the meal. As the host,
Heath Kiplinger, floor manager for The Old Mill Restaurant, holds up a glass of wine as he describes how to pair a red wine. 20 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
By Jenae Hackensmith Photos by Eric Johnson
find wthe middle ground with these great wine pairings. Keith Kiplinger, the floor supervisor at The Old Mill Restaurant in Austin, who also works at the bar, has come to know many different wines. Although he said wine is very personalized with each person’s different likes and dislikes, he shared some of his favorite wine and food matches. Continues on page 22
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Continued from page 20 “Some people don’t order according to what they’re drinking,” Kiplinger said. “They just order what they like to eat and order what they like to drink and don’t worry about it.” Kiplinger noted when people who don’t drink a lot of wine come into the restaurant, he likes to start them off with certain wines depending on what their meal is and go from there, changing to a sweeter or more tart wine on their request. These pairings should please your party guests and get them in the holiday spirit:
Menage
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This California red wine, made by Folie A Deux Winery, is a blend of three different types of wine. Kiplinger described this blend as a wine that goes with most anything. “This one being so well rounded you can go with beef, you can go with pork, you can go with chicken,” he said. He likes to start the customer off with this wine and find out if they would like a lighter, darker or heavier wine or maybe even another taste all together. Personally, Kiplinger enjoys a good steak, so he would pair this wine with steak for his own meal, but he said this wine can go with burgers, prime rib or anything.
Moscato
This white wine by Cavit Collection is one of the more popular wines at The Old Mill, according to Kiplinger. “This one has a little bubble to it, so it opens up flavors, opens up your tastebuds to accept the flavors,” he said. “It’s probably our biggest seller of the white wines,” he added. Kiplinger paired this wine with light food such as appetizers, or a lighter meat like chicken. He said the citrus in the chicken and lighter foods goes well with the white blend.
A bottle of The Seven Deadly Zins graces a table looking out over the Cedar River at the The Old Mill Restaurant.
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Pinot Noir
This red wine by Castle Rock Winery is a little more tart yet a little lighter than wines such as cabernet, according to Kiplinger. He matched the wine with meats, mostly whiter meats. “I’ll say pork mostly, but it’ll go with a steak depending on the individual,” he said. He also paired the wine with chicken. With the lighter, more tart taste, it matches well with whiter meats, including meats with citrus flavors and certain fish.
Zinfandel
Kiplinger said this red wine by The Seven Deadly Zins will go well with steak. Depending on the Zin, the wine can be a little more dry with more mineral content to it. Since there is no tartness, the wine soaks into tastebuds with an earthy-like taste instead of a smack. “I like contrast, so when I’m having a nice steak … it just goes, it makes it pop,” Kiplinger said.
Pinot Grigio
This white wine by Walnut Crest is an Italian wine, which Kiplinger mostly paired with chicken or fish. He said because of the lightness of the white meats, pork is also a good choice for this wine. “This one you’re going to get a grassy, a little citrus, more so than chardonnay,” he said. “You’re going to get a little oak, a little more dry.”
J. Lohr, Riverstone
This red wine by J. Lohr Winery will go well with any fish or chicken dish as it has a more buttery taste, with a few more flavors mixed in to create a variety of flavor. “It’s got a little bit of buttery taste to it as well as citrus, a little bit of oak,” Kiplinger said.
Don’t like wine?
Mix up a sweet drink for before, during or after dinner. The Strawberry Crush is one of The Old Mill’s most popular drinks, and Kiplinger said it fits many different tastes.
Strawberry Crush Place in a glass: v 3 strawberries v 3 lime slices v a splash of Sierra Mist Muddle the mix together. Next, add: Rangpur by Tanqueray, a lime-infused gin v Ice v More Sierra Mist. Then stir or shake, and garnish with a lime slice or strawberry. v
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HOME & HEARTH
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A complete holiday meal spread offered by Hy-Vee catering.
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Typically, Thanksgiving meals are more traditional, though turkey sat at the center of a table at the Hormel packages for the holiday offer countless customization options. Historic Home by a bottle of wine and near bowls of A traditional $80 turkey meal serves eight and includes mashed potatoes, white cheddar macaroni and cheese, three sides, gravy and rolls. Ham can be substituted for the same and green bean casserole. Even with an aroma of cinnamon cost, while substituting prime rib costs $135. A $50 boneless and nutmeg from a pumpkin pie cooling on a side table, this turkey breast option is great traditional Thanksgiving for smaller groups as it will meal doesn’t feature serve four with three small grandma’s pumpkin pie or sides and rolls. A $135 an aunt’s stuffing. boneless pit ham package, The bronzed turkey which serves 12, includes and three sides are just one six medium sides, gravy and example of the meals Hyrolls. Vee has cooked up for more Bigger groups may than 20 years to give mom prefer the $125 family and grandma the year off. feast, which serves 12 and Each Thanksgiving season, includes six sides and a Hy-Vee prepares meals for larger turkey, along with about 120 families as a rolls and gravy. A $225 way to help them avoid the gourmet feast serves 18 hassle and time of cooking. The Hy-Vee catering department often pairs with the Hormel Historic Home for family celebrations and other events. From left, is Hy-Vee to 20 with a large turkey, “They want to have Kitchen Manager Mark Kanne, Hy-Vee chef Kristine Wolner, Hormel the time with the family,” Historic Home Executive Director Holly Johnson, Hy-Vee Catering Manager prime rib, six sides and a choice of a cheesecake or Kitchen Manager Mark Willy Stephenson, Hormel Historic Home bartender Luke Harrington and chocolate cake. Kanne said. Hormel Historic Home employee Joy Metz. Sides offer countless Hy-Vee cooks the options for customizing a meal, and more can be added at meals, but the food is picked up cold and heated at home with a cost. Along with holiday staples like pumpkin pie, mashed instructions. potatoes, gravy and stuffing, Hy-Vee offers many other “All you have to do is go home and heat it up,” Kanne said. popular dishes like the white cheddar mac and cheese and Catering Manager and Assistant Kitchen Manager Willy green bean casserole that graced the Hormel Home’s table. Stephenson said the prices are comparable to what people Other popular options include edamame salads, yams, sweet would pay for ingredients and unprepared food in the store, potato casserole, cornbread stuffing, scalloped corn, turkey so many families see it as a way to save on the preparation time gravy and many more. to have more time to enjoy the holiday with family. 26 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
“Basically anything that you want, we can get,” chef Kristine Wolner said. “That just may fluctuate the price a bit.” Along with meal packages, HyVee sells many meat and cheese trays, vegetable trays, fruit trays and more, along with hors d’oeuvre packages. Hy-Vee delivers meals for a fee, but they prefer not to on Thanksgiving day, since it’s too busy and most people want meals delivered around similar times. In the past, people who have moved will call and have a meal delivered to family. Plus Hy-Vee is bustling with activity on Thanksgiving Day as many stop in to pick up their meal packages, while others stop in for last-minute ingredients and sides. The grocery store also serves a Thanksgiving Day buffet. “Thanksgiving Day is our busiest day in the kitchen,” Kanne said, noting Hy-Vee’s kitchen and catering staff totals about 35 to 40 people. Thanksgiving Day is a team effort. Along with workers manning a line to divvy out the meals, other lines form to sell the key side items and pies for families stopping in for the final items for their holiday feast. Since it’s so busy, the kitchen prefers to take orders about a week in advance. However, HyVee typically cooks up a few extra pre-cooked cold turkeys on Thanksgiving Day. Stephenson is used to seeing a few people come in on Thanksgiving after forgetting to order it ahead of time. Others have called in after overcooking their turkey to ask if they still have precooked ones available. They usually do. “With the years of experience, you know that you have to kind of think ahead a little bit,” Stephenson said. Though busy, Kanne described the holiday as a fulfilling day and compared the meals to Hy-Vee catering a wedding or event: The staff gets to know the customers, what they want and what they like. “When they get their meals from us, it’s almost like we’re part of their family get together,” Kanne said. Continues on page 28
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Changing tastes on display over the holidays By Jason Schoonover • Photos
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Eric Johnson
Hy-Vee has catered meals for many years for Bednar, who Mark Kanne met with a potential catering customer recently works for Smyth Companies at Hormel Foods Corp.’s corporate who asked what kind of foods Hy-Vee could cater and prepare office. Bednar raved about Hy-Vee’s catering and kitchen staff for them. Hy-Vee’s kitchen manager was a bit taken aback by being easy to work with and ready with great ideas, all while the question. being reasonably priced. “What can’t we do?” Kanne asked. “Just about anything you want to have for an event, they’ll “The variety is just so much,” he added. make it,” he said. In recent years, Hy-Vee has expanded its offerings signifiPlus, Hy-Vee has continued addcantly in its kitchen and catering ing items as Kanne and Stephenson department, and many of those have seen tastes change in Austin. options are on display during the “Ever since cable TV came out holidays. Christmas is busy for and you get the food network, and Hy-Vee but in a different way than now we’re not doing fried chicken Thanksgiving. While many meals nearly as much as we used to do are dished out for Thanksgiving, it,” Kanne said. “Food tastes have Christmas features catered private gone to a whole different level — home parties or business parties what people expect.” where Hy-Vee workers will often “A lot fancier,” Stephenson deliver meals, customize a menu agreed. and often help serve up the meal Kanne and Stephenson agree — all services that mimic much of people want high quality food and what Hy-Vee does year-round. often aren’t afraid to pay a little Though some prefer sit-down more. With that, the job always inholiday meals, the folks in Hy-Vee’s cludes learning opportunities, and kitchen have seen snack-themed the Hy-Vee crew has never shied items become a popular Christmas from trying new things. option for catered events or people “It’s a learning curve,” Stephenstopping in to pick food up. The son said. “You just go with the most popular Hy-Vee items around times. You just figure it out. It’s the Christmas season: meat and fun.” cheese trays, or people want to “It’s fun, stressful,” Kanne added bring home the bacon. with a laugh. “Anything bacon wrapped,” Planning, Stephenson noted, Kanne said with a laugh. is a big part of the process, but To Kanne and Catering Manager he joked it can be stressful. The and Assistant Kitchen Manager Hy-Vee catering offers plenty of sides to go with your holiday season itself has grown, as Willy Stephenson, bacon-wrapped holiday meals including favorites like mac and cheese. many Thanksgiving and Christmas water chestnuts are popular item celebrations stretch several weeks before and after the holidays for a simple reason: “Those are crazy good,” Kanne said. when families and businesses find times to celebrate. Stephenson loves them with a sweet red chili sauce and For situations like that, Kanne finds many people prefer to added you can eat them like popcorn. Hy-Vee also sells several rent venues, such as the Hormel Historic Home or another spot, shrimp trays, along with many fruit and vegetable trays, meat as a way to keep the holiday mess out of the home too. In fact, balls, wings and more. HHH Executive Director Holly Johnson has put together party Many similar tasty dishes such as crab rangoons, egg rolls, and meal packages at the home in partnership with Hy-Vee. sliders, dips, and a table of cakes, brownies and other desserts Hy-Vee prefers to schedule most holiday parties and events at proved a big hit for Jon Bednar when he recently organized the Austin High School class of 1975’s 40th reunion for 120 people. least a few weeks in advance. “No matter what, we make it happen,” Kanne said. “They put a spread out that was great,” Bednar said. 28 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
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Winter survival WHAT’S IN STORE
By Jenae Hackensmith Photos by Eric Johnson “It’s better to be safe than sorry” is a phrase many people have heard throughout their lives. When it comes to traveling during Minnesota winters, it is one phrase everyone should remember. Since most people carry cell phones, being trapped in a car for hours isn’t as likely as it once was, but during a blizzard or out in the country with fewer cell phone towers and not as many people driving by, being stuck for hours is still a strong possibility. So stock the car this winter with tools that can help get out of a ditch, water and food that can help keep your body going, and other items that can help make being stuck in your vehicle during a snowstorm less of a tragedy than it has to be. Most of these items can be found at a local hardware or retail store.
Do-ItYourself Winter Safety Kit: 30 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
A small example of items you can purchase separately to create your own safety kit.
Shovel: Driving around with a shovel can seem a bit silly during the warmer months, but it can be a big help when it snows. Whether you slid off the road and need a quick shovel-out or you parked the car overnight and woke up to snow, a shovel can be a Minnesota driver’s best friend. Blanket: A folded-up blanket doesn’t take up too much space on the backseat and can preserve body heat. If stuck in a car for a few hours waiting for a tow from a friend or AAA, a cozy blanket can make you feel a bit more safe. Kitty Litter (sand or salt): Whether it’s kitty litter, sand or salt, this trick can help out in a slippery situation. Icy roads can cause a car to veer off the road, and with no traction an easy drive out of the ditch can turn into an impossible task. Use this trick of spreading the litter under the tires to get some extra traction. Candle: In Minnesota, working heat in the car is a must. But if you’re trapped in your car and it runs out of gas or if the tailpipe is buried in snow, finding a heat source is important. C a r r y i n g a liquid wax candle with built in fuel, or a regular candle in a coffee can can create enough heat to stave off the cold or melt snow to stay hydrated. Make sure to include matches or a lighter.
Road Flares: A white car in a Minnesota snowstorm can act like an invisibility cloak. This may sound cool, but trapped on the side of the road when nobody can see you is not a good place to be. Grab some flares to put behind and in front of the car, or a bright LED beacon to make your presence known. 50 Feet of Rope: If you need something from the trunk during a blizzard, want to check the surrounding area or hope to dig the car out of the snow pile it’s stuck in, a rope can be tied at one end to the door handle or steering wheel with the other to your wrist to create a line to follow back to the car when the cold becomes too much. Food: Granola bars, emergency ration bars, peanut butter or anything with a high amount of calories can help sustain the body while trapped in a vehicle. It’s best to store something non-perishable, but keep in mind it should be easy to eat and something you enjoy. Food should be changed out as often as required.
Water: Sipping melted snow is always an option, especially with a candle, but cold snow can lower the body’s temperature. Keeping some stored water in the car can help keep you hydrated for those long stays. Smaller bottles of water are easier to melt if the water freezes. Emergency Hammer: Breaking out of the car is something nobody wants to deal with, but an out of control vehicle of any size can flip or roll. An emergency hammer can break a window or windshield, and some come equipped with a seat-belt cutter and a small LED light. —These are only a few of many things that can be included in an emergency car kit. Other items can include a first-aid kit including hand, feet or body warmers, extra winter clothing and boots, a flashlight with a crank handle to avoid frozen or drained batteries, a hand-held radio, a red piece of cloth to tie to a door handle or antenna, a small tool kit and more.
Pre-Packed Winter Safety Kit: Collecting and compiling items to store in the car can be difficult, but there are pre-packed kits available. This kit includes booster or jumper cables, a 12-foot tow strap, an aluminum shovel, gloves with grip, a blanket, and two traction mats.
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g n i ft a r C a hobby By Jenae Hackensmith • Photos
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Starting up a hobby can be difficult, especially when starting from scratch. When these local hobby crafters started their work, they didn’t know it would become a big thing, but now they enjoy selling their art at different craft shows or stores. Though they didn’t know much when they started, each one became knowledgable in the field and know how to take on a new project. Whether they started because of a community education class or because they simply ran out of soap, each person has found enjoyment in their craft. Crafts like these can be found in all seasons and are especially nice around December when shopping for loved ones. Continues through page 39
Eric Johnson
Amy Lonergan talks about her jewelry crafting, a side business hobby away from her day job of being a realtor.
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Cute as a butt n This fashionable thought — a few buttons glued together on a ring make a great accessory to an outfit — doesn’t cross many minds, but Amy Lonergan didn’t pass up the opportunity to be creative with her grandmother’s jar of buttons. “I had a coffee can of my grandmother’s buttons, and I probably had those for 15 years,” Lonergan said. “I just thought they were cool.” Lonergan makes rings, bracelets, earrings and even necklaces out of buttons, which she said she tries to make look more like jewelry. While some buttons can be glued flat, others have to be attached with rings onto bracelet bands. She also tries to cover many of the holes with small jewels. “It’s not making the bracelet I don’t think that takes the most time,” she said. “It’s more the design and getting enough buttons together in the right size. It’s putting the right buttons together. And that takes a long time.” Lonergan started making the accessories for fun, but after someone saw and liked her jewelry, she started to make them as gifts. Eventually, the button jewelry spilled into her jewelry hobby business, which had already taken off after she started making jewelry with wine corks. After her father passed away about 11 years ago, Lonergan found a bag of wine corks he had kept. “I saved them, I don’t know why,” she said. “And I saw somebody else that had made one that was somewhat similar, and I thought, ‘I’ll make one for myself and my sister.’” After that, she began making them for family and friends, and started her business. With corks, Lonergan started making necklaces, but she moved on to keychains or purse decorations, earrings out of tiny corks, as well as boat keychains. She even showed off some cork reindeer Christmas ornaments. She smiled while explaining where she got her supplies.
“A lot of this stuff is from the hardware store,” she said. She hasn’t needed to purchase any buttons or corks, as she has gotten them from family and friends who don’t need or want them anymore. She also gets items such as jewelry findings like clasps and rings from craft stores. Lonergan said most the pieces she makes are different from each other, one of a kind. Lonergan has been crafting jewelry for about four years, and she didn’t know a thing about it when she started. She has learned over time through creating. She had no idea it would turn into a small hobby business. “It must be that it’s just a relaxing, creative outlet,” she said. “Because every one turns out differently. “It’s just something that you’re driven to do.” Her items are usually made right at home on the kitchen table. At first, her husband wasn’t sure about her hobby, but after she sold several he started to gain an appreciation for her jewelry. Lonergan sells real estate with Furhman Real Estate, and her buttoncork business is just a hobby, though she does sell the items where she can. She said some of the most fun is sorting through the buttons and corks she gets. “The nice thing about it I would say is you can devote as much time to it as you want to,” she said. Currently, Lonergan’s jewelry is for sale the Austin ArtWorks Center, and she has done several craft shows when people invite her. She said it’s very flattering when people like her items enough to buy them. Yet she just enjoys the time it takes to make each one into something unique and special. “It’s just the appreciation of making jewelry out of something that’s not jewelry,” Lonergan said. “… It’s kind of the repurposing of it, and also the humor of it.”
Amy Lonergan attaches links to a bracelet she was working on in her home.
Lonergan uses all sorts of materials in making her jewelry, including wine bottle corks.
Some of the necklaces made by Amy Lonergan. November–December 2015 | Austin Living | 35
Naturally sudsy
Dawn Butler makes and sells her own soap. Below, Butler pours soap mix into a mold that when set will make a long brick which will later be cut into individual bars of soap.
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Dawn Butler’s business, Soaps by Dawn, came about all because Butler ran out of soap one day. “I have very sensitive skin, and I used to buy homemade soaps at craft shows and I was out of them,” Butler said. So about two-and-a-half years ago, she attended a class offered by the Austin Community Education on how to make homemade soap. She said she left knowing she wanted to help others with sensitive skin and happy that she would never run out of soap again. Butler’s soaps are made with all natural ingredients, including olive, palm and coconut oil, and essential oils for scent. She also makes hand lotion and lip balm. She may have started making soaps for her own use, but Butler’s business escalated when she started selling at craft shows and flea markets. She also has product at several stores, including Willow Cove in Austin, Sheer Design, The Edge Salon, Pine Peaks Gifts in Cross Lake, Minnesota, and on her website, soapsbydawn.com, from which she has shipped soap to at least 15 different states, as well as New Zealand. She also has a Facebook page. “I’ve shipped them all over the place,” Butler said. “And people that use them really do love them because they make your skin feel so soft, gentle.” Butler makes more than 65 scents and is always looking online for new smells to try. “It’s just exciting to pick out different scents,” she said. “And you never know what you’re going to get.” One batch of soap can make about 15 bars, depending on how they are cut. A batch takes one to two hours to make and bake, but four to six weeks to cure and be ready for use.
“It’s almost like baking a cake,” Butler said. “All the ingredients have to be measured exactly.” Butler makes the soaps in her soap shop, which is based out of her home. She mixes, bakes and labels each soap on her own. Some of the soaps even have exfoliating items, such as oatmeal, and some have herbs such as spearmint and basil, which she grows in her garden in the backyard. Although Butler has a basement full of soap, this is only a hobby, as she also works part time at the Department of Motor Vehicles. “I love working part time because it allows me to do this, and I can also be with my grandbabies,” she said. Some of her soaps have even been named by her six grandchildren. Butler loves making her own soap because she knows what ingredients are in the bars and that she won’t have a reaction to it. She recalled tearing up when she used her first bar of soap, happy that she did what she set her mind to. “I love it because I know that it’s all natural ingredients, and it’s great for everybody’s skin,” she said. “That’s one thing we all have in common.” Butler said making her own soap out of all natural products has made her watch the ingredients in other items, also. She hopes to be as chemical free as possible, and said she does a lot of do-it-yourself projects. She also makes her own laundry and dishwasher detergent, and pet soap. Butler hopes people will try natural soap, whether it’s hers or someone else’s, to feel the difference it makes on their skin. She said whether people shower in the morning or at night, the scent of soap starts many people’s days right. “So why not have the first thing to start your day be good for you,” Butler said.
Dawn Butler puts a tray of soap on a rack to cure. The soap must sit for three to four weeks before it can be wrapped.
Soap scents offered at Soaps by Dawn Amazon Rain Angel Face Apple Apple Cider Aqua Di Gio Baby Powder Baby Soap Bamboo Banana Popsicle Bay Rum Beach Breezes Black Cherry Bordeaux Blue Man Bonsai Butt Naked In Bed Butterfly Calypso Moon Campfire Carnation Casiedy Cherry Almond Cherry Blossom Choc Espresso Cinnamon Sugar Clean Air, Confetti Creamsicle Dream Energy
Erica Eucalyptus Mint Exfoliate Fir Needle Garden Party Gardenia Ginger Lime Grass Hawaiian Sandalwood Herbs Holiday Candy Honeysuckle Hydrangea In The Woods Incense Jasmine Lavender Lemongrass Lilac Lily Of The Valley Lindy Linen Lime Love Spell Lutsea Cubeba Magnolia Mint Choc Chip Moose Is Loose Oatmeal Milk & Honey
Moroccan Mint, Musk Patchouli Peppermint Pine Forest Pineapple Pinot Grigio Plumeria Pomegranate Rain Raspberry Rose Sandalwood Sea Breeze Sea Moss Secrets Sensual Silver Cedar Fresh Snow Sleigh Ride Spearmint Spring Meadow Strawberry Sugar & Spice Tea Tree Tobacco & Bay Leaf Toffee Tropical Vacation Waterlily Whispering Mist
Dawn Butler grows many of the ingredients in her backyard. Below, Butler pours a mixed batch of soap into individual cups for further enhancement.
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Catching the sun rays
Jeff Peterson and his wife, Jane, create beautiful stained glass work in a workshop attached to their home. Above is an example of their stained glass work in the window of the workshop.
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One of the most noticeable things about a building is its stained glass. Jeff Peterson and his wife, Jane, owners of J & J Glass Art, are happy to help those pieces — and the art — stay alive. “After you get done putting the amount of work you put into it, is the satisfaction you get from it,” Peterson said. He and his wife started working with fused glass art about five years ago, while his wife has been working with leaded glass for about 12 years. Peterson said about 90 percent of the work they do is for custom orders. “We’ll replicate the items, if they send us a picture,” he said. “… We’ll make it into a wind chime or a sun catcher where you hang it in a window and you’re able to have the sunlight come through it and enhance the colors and such.” They also work with older pieces, restoring glass to the way it originally looked. Peterson recalled working on one glass door that was in a man’s rafter for more than 30 years before he brought it in to have it fixed. After the job was done, the man’s wife broke into tears because she never knew it looked that beautiful. The couple put the piece to use in their cabin. The Petersons got into working with glass when Jane bought a glass piece at an archery shoot and later asked her glass-work instructor how to make something similar. He explained they needed a kiln and glass pieces, and a few years later the Petersons got an 8-inch kiln of their own and a book about the art. “I started reading the book and playing around with it and it just keeps going,” Peterson said. None of the glass the Petersons work on is painted — the colors come from layered glass so there is no chipping or rubbing off. Depending on the item, the work can take a few days or a few weeks to complete. An average piece goes in the kiln and is heated to 1,425 degrees for about
five minutes, melting the glass pieces together. Yet the work will stay in the kiln for 24 hours, as the heat needs to come down naturally to room temperature. It then takes another day to finish assembly. The Petersons have restored things such as windows, doors and more, but mostly the couple makes custom pieces from photos sent in. A popular replication they do are farm tractors, making wind chimes or a glass piece with a tractor shape. They also make glass flowers, which take a bit longer to make but seem to be popular. Peterson said his wife has fixed lampshades before, as well. Both Peterson and his wife have full-time jobs, so glass work is more of a hobby for them. “This here is kind of our retirement job so we can kind of stay busy,” he said. They visit craft shows, art fairs, tractor and steam shows and more. For awhile, their glass art was in a store, but they found people were reluctant to purchase their pieces because they weren’t sure they would last outside, being glass. Peterson said the wind chimes they make can stay outside and won’t break, and even look better outside when they catch the sunlight. “The same piece can be outside, and depending on the time of the day or if it’s cloudy or anything, everything looks a little bit different each time,” Peterson said. Many of their customers are repeat customers, asking for more art or asking to get things restored. Peterson said the hobby is fun but very time consuming, as he is usually in the workshop if he’s not at work or at a show. The couple still makes time for themselves and their family though. Peterson said the biggest thing is to make sure the hobby stays a hobby. “Enjoy it,” he said. “You better enjoy it or else it becomes a job right away, and then you’re going to hate it.”
Works of stained glass hang in the workshop of Jeff and Jane Peterson. Jeff Peterson goes through some of the work in stained glass by him and his wife Jane. Below, Peterson cuts a piece of glass from his workshop he shares with his wife. Bits and pieces of broken glass are thrown away after working on stained glass projects.
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Diane Pitzen’s passion for art led her to create Christmas treasures: traditional looking Santa Clauses By Trey Mewes • Photos
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Eric Johnson
November–December 2015 | Austin Living | 43
A home Christmas scene just isn’t complete without Santa Claus. Diane Pitzen’s Santa Claus figures are made and crafted to fit most any holiday setup.
D
iane Pitzen has always led a creative life. The longtime supervisor at Sacred Heart Care Center has done everything from concoct fascinating storybook themes in the rooms of her home to painting pictures, sewing and more. Yet she had been looking for something different after she retired in 2008. She found it in an arts magazine, when she read how to build a 30-inch tall statue of jolly old St. Nicholas. Or, perhaps better fitting, she found a whole new way to express herself through a “classic” means. “I had done painting, I’ve done sewing and a lot of different things,” she said. “I wanted to try this.” Pitzen has created about 11 Old World-style Santas over the years using a variety of materials to come up with the perfect blend of Christmas cheer. A little polymer clay, a little wiring,
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some custom-made clothing and other accessories (think Tibetan lambswool for the beard), and voila! A picture-perfect example of a rosy-cheeked St. Nicholas. It wasn’t easy to create the first Santa doll, however. Instructions in a magazine are one thing, but for a project that takes Pitzen several weeks to put together, online advice was the way to go. “I went online with people who make dolls, so then you get hints for hair and things like that,” she said with a smile. “You can make little curls, put the hair in little curls, and other things.” First, the Santas have to get their wiring done. Each Santa is supported through a wire frame, among other materials, which Pitzen has her husband make. “He’s done them all,” she said with a laugh.
“It’s nostalgia. They’re interesting. They’re not the standard Santa Claus. They might be more along the lines of St. Nick.” —Diane Pitzen From there, Pitzen shapes polymer clay around the frames and carves, with exacting detail, Santa’s features. This is where Santa-making gets tricky, however. “The hardest part is the hands,” she said. “They all have to match. There’s a lot of detail that goes into them.” From there, each limb has to be baked separately in the oven, of all places, before they are combined onto the frame. Then, more detail work comes into play. Pitzen stitches each Santa’s outfit on her own, using a combination of old clothing and found material from places such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill. A friend of hers once donated old mink stoles for Santa’s fur-trimmed robes, which gives the Santas a true traditional look once Pitzen’s projects are complete. “She used to work on a mink farm,” she said. Of course, each Santa is different. For one Santa, Pitzen even designed miniature models of classic toys for Santa’s bag. Slingshots, stick horses, dolls, “anything I could find that would have been in that era,” as Pitzen puts it. Continues on page 47
Diane Pitzen’s homemade Santa Claus figures go perfectly with most any Christmas scene. November–December 2015 | Austin Living | 45
Adding the right touch to Diane Pitzen’s displays are things like toys and Christmas lists, all of which she makes herself.
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Continued from page 45 Yet all Santas have to have underwear. “I cut up some old shirts to create them,” she said. All of the Santas have their traditional roots in common, however. Instead of what most people would refer to as the “modern” Santa look — the red suit with white fur trim, black boots and a nice fur cap — Pitzen prefers to make representations of European-style Santas that seem like they’ve stepped out of a page of an old children’s tale. “It’s nostalgia,” Pitzen said. “They’re interesting. They’re not the standard Santa Claus. They might be more along the lines of St. Nick.” Nowadays, Pitzen’s Santas are spreading cheer all over — there are a few in Minnesota, but Pitzen has given a few to local charities and sold others. Yet Pitzen may get back into the Santa game before long. She had become burned out on making Santas several years ago, and hadn’t replenished her supply of Santa materials when they ran out. Despite that, Pitzen got a renewed sense of creativity when she described how her Santas are made. Enough so that she’ll likely look into creating another one before long. “When I got into it, I really got into it!” Pitzen said with a laugh.
When I got into it, I really got into it!” —Diane Pitzen
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TRAVEL
Going FOR Goldy Austin couples spend autumn tailgating and cheering on Minnesota Golden Gopher football By Jason Schoonover • Photos
by
Eric Johnson,
submitted
The Minnesota Gopher alumni band finished the last notes of “Happy Birthday” for Shelia Ondich as she; her husband, Jim; and her sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Steve Justice, applauded. Nearby, fellow Golden Gopher fans played bean bags, tossed around a football or watched the pregame on TV as grills sizzled across the parking lot. The Ondiches, Justices and everyone else tailgating at the University of Minnesota campus are always pumped for Gopher football. “Everybody’s always super optimistic,” Steve said. “Everybody’s always got a hop in their step.” “It’s always very upbeat, very optimistic,” Jim agreed. Since the Gophers opened TCF Bank Stadium in 2009, the Justices and Ondiches have loaded up their Gopher-decaled trailer and driven about 100 miles to tailgate in lot C58, a donor’s lot a across from Marriucci Arena near TCF Bank Stadium. “The tailgating is terrific,” Jim said. “You meet a lot new people.” The two families have season tickets to Gopher football games. Though Gopher fans for many years, a few things intensified their love for the team and tailgating. Continues on page 50 48 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
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Steve and Jane Justice and Jim and Sheila Ondich on the morning before heading up to that Saturday’s University of Minnesota Gophers football game. Looking like a caravan, the families load up nice and early to make sure they are getting plenty of quality tailgating in.
They typically arrive three to four hours before game time for a pregame meal, and then they stay an additional The Justices’ interest picked up when their son, Nate, three to four hours after the game for another meal as they attended the University of Minnesota and worked for former allow post-game traffic to subside. Along with traditional burgers and hotdogs, the families have head coach Tim Brewster and later current coach Jerry Kill as a ventured into some unique tailgate items like grilled sandwiches student assistant in offensive quality control. and Mexican dishes. Typically Jim and Another big factor has been Steve arrange beverages, while Sheila TCF Bank Stadium, which brought and Jane arrange the food. Gopher Football back to campus Jane described tailgating as an after several years at the Hubert endeavor that often takes the entire H. Humphrey Metrodome. Jim week. Along with packing and remembers going to Gopher games preparing food on Friday nights, at the old Memorial Stadium, but he they’ll often think and plan for much lost interest when the team moved of the week. to the Dome. The move back outside “It’s just a fun family time,” Jane and on campus, along with winning said. teams, has served as a revival for fans The Gophers opening 2015 like Ondiches and Justices. home game against No. 3 TCU drew “That just kind of became our fall The families have a large assortment of food and drink at games, making the game days complete. a crowd of more than 54,000 and weekend activity,” Steve said. Steve said the tailgating was crazy The tailgating couples are often joined by their children and friends who stop by before games. beforehand. For night games, like the 23-17 loss to TCU, After a few years of cramming all their supplies in their cars, the the families often stay overnight at a hotel. Before the 11 a.m. Sept 19 game against Kent State, an ugly families decided to buy a utility trailer. They usually tailgate with 10-7 Gopher win, the group made prepared breakfast burritos a tent, a grill, propane heaters when needed, and more.
Continued from page 48
50 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
Colie Justice, left, and friend Grace Mayer at a Minnesota Gopher’s tailgate Sept. 19.
“It’s just a fun family time.” —Jane Justice Before the 11 a.m. Sept 19 game against Kent State, an ugly 10-7 Gopher win, the group made prepared breakfast burritos at home, which they cooked on the grill to go along with bagels, muffins and other foods their tailgate friends bring. Typically after the game they grill burgers and brats. For the 11 a.m. games, the families will leave Austin around 6 a.m. to be in the lot by around 7:30 a.m. They’ll set up by 8 a.m. and tailgate until about 10:30 before walking over to the game. After the game, which typically runs until about 2 p.m., they’ll return to their tailgate after the game and grill out for another two or three hours. Continues on page 52 November–December 2015 | Austin Living | 51
Continued from page 51 Steve and Jim went to Wisconsin and Nebraska and have “We just make a full day of it,” Steve said. traveled to many of the other Big Ten schools. Steve has also They’ll arrive back home in Austin by around 8 or 9 p.m. traveled to the team’s past three bowl games. They tailgate on As the team has improved, the Justices and other fans have the road too; however, the Justices put a little less work into it. been fortunate to A Gopher alumni walk out of the group hosts a stadium with tailgating area for more wins and Minnesota fans at more smiles on away games for a their faces. fee. To Steve, the Jim and Steve Gophers’ 51-14 often talk about win over Iowa future tailgating last November plans and ways was a recent to improve highlight, as the experience many Hawkeye and possibly fans had traveled investing in a up to the game, small recreational and wins over vehicle, but they Nebraska in show no signs of recent years were Fans gather at the tailgating of the Justice and Ondich families at the University of Minnesota. slowing down. also highlights. While it used to The atmosphere is typically electric after a win, with be much about camaraderie, attitudes have changed with the people exchanging high-fives. Steve described it as a party team’s improving record and string of bowl game appearances. atmosphere. “It gets better and better all the time,” Jim said. “The Steve and Jim travel to several away games. Last year, tailgating experience and the team gets better.”
Game day at the University of Minnesota. Photo provided by the University of Minnesota
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TRAVEL
Custom vacations What to look for when selecting a travel professional to plan a trip
By Sarah Arens, CTA, Owner Travel professionals carry enough passion for their careers to keep their profession alive forever! Successful travel professionals have tremendous knowledge, patience and a love for all things travel-related. When choosing a professional to work with, find someone with a true passion for the industry. Someone who enjoys getting people excited about their upcoming trip and wants to help them down to the smallest detail. Listening to the needs of the traveler is one of the most important skills a successful travel professional should have along with understanding the traveler’s budget, expectations
54 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
of
Travel Concierge
and even fears and paying close attention to words and phrases to match the traveler with the perfect destination, tour, accommodations and mode of travel. Travel professionals should arm travelers with printed copies of their full itineraries, complete with times, names and contact information of the vendors providing service and accommodations. I thoroughly inspect all of my client’s documents prior to reviewing with them to make sure no stone remains unturned and all parties involved are familiar with the trip details.
Follow-up is another important aspect of working with a quality travel professional. I always welcome my clients home with a quick note and follow-up to make sure travelers’ expectations have been met. If there were any issues while traveling I want to be aware of those troublesome items and work hard to correct issues with vendors and in many cases seek a credit or voucher if due to the traveler for their inconvenience. In this industry it’s both what you know and who you know. I have cultivated professional relationships over the past 15 years with numerous vendors including tour operators, hoteliers, even in-house concierges to grant travelers even the smallest request. My business model is a bit different from that of other travel agencies. Being a premier mobile travel agency, I am able to meet my clients at any time that is convenient for them and in the location of their choice, which may be their home, office or a local coffee shop. My resources travel with me and are readily available to answer questions and assist travelers with their important plans, no matter where I am. Selecting a travel professional Sarah Arens, CTA who also travels Owner of Travel Concierge throughout the year to various destinations to inspect sites and accommodations is very important. You want someone with knowledge and understanding of the journey you are about to embark on. A quality travel professional should also be masterful at not only navigating technology that best suits the traveler (such as utilizing Facebook, websites, Skype, etc.) but also providing the human touch and the best customer service possible. Does your travel professional provide you with their cell phone number so they are accessible to you at any time while traveling? Providing that invaluable link to travelers is all part of excellent customer service. Finally, seek out a travel expert with a professional designation behind their name (CTA, CTC or CTIE). They are the folks who have done their homework, created a strong foundation of travel knowledge and truly understand the trends of the travel industry. They strive for the pinnacle of professionalism. With the right professional on your side, you truly can transcend your travel dreams into a reality! November–December 2015 | Austin Living | 55
LOOKING BACK
The Red Ball Route and the Austin Automobile Club All
By Jaimie Timm, Mower County Historical Society Mower County Historical Society
photos courtesy of the
The Red Ball Trail, first used by pioneer travelers in Mower County’s earliest years linked St. Paul and Austin (and also went through Iowa to eventually end in St. Louis, Missouri). The trail roughly followed the route of present day Highway 218 but had several sharp curves and twists — especially from Owatonna to Austin. During these early years, local farmers and citizens cared for the road in the absence of a “highway department.” The dirt and gravel road often had deep ruts, large potholes, and became a muddy mess anytime it rained. Many farmers saved stranded drivers by pulling stuck cars out of ditches and mud with their horses. Some farmers also used their own farm equipment to drag logs along the road to eliminate some of the worst “washboard ruts.” The members of the Austin Automobile Club took it upon 56 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
themselves to help care for the roads surrounding Austin. They often planned picnic days where they traveled a certain route and fixed-up the road along the way. A lead car drove ahead and marked the places that needed attention. In the cars that followed, club members used pickaxes and shovels to fill in pot holes, level ruts, and generally try to smooth out any issues. After everyone arrived at the agreed upon ending point, club members enjoyed a picnic meal and listed to speakers. Often, several area automobile clubs, including Lyle, Brownsdale, and Rose Creek, met the Austin group for a large gathering. The Red Ball Route was registered as a highway on Jan. 2, 1915. Over the next decades, it was eventually paved and widened as its early beginnings as a dirt trail and gravel road for cars and horses were largely forgotten.
Opposite page: A group enjoys a ride in Austin around 1910. H.E. Catlin and John Skinner are in the front with Mrs. Skinner, Freda Catlin, and Mrs. Collen in the back. This group could have very easily been traveling on the Red Ball Route at this time. Top right: The Austin Automobile Club enjoying a ride in Austin in the early 1900s. Top left: Although this photograph depicts Oakland Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets in the spring of 1900, it also illustrates the state of any road at this time — including the Red Ball Route. The Red Ball Route would have been extremely muddy and difficult to navigate after a spring rain. Left: A color postcard depicting the new underpass on Highway 218 after it was paved. Below: The Austin Automobile Club gathers with members of clubs from Adams, Lyle, Brownsdale and Rose Creek on Thursday, May 26, 1910. The Austin club repaired the road leading to Rose Creek starting in front of Columbia School, cutting east to the Emery Smith corner and then heading south to Rose Creek. They met the other club members who repaired the road from the opposite direction and everyone met at the Dean Farm for a lunch and lectures. They continued to Adams in the afternoon and had another meal on the Carter lawn. More than 150 people made this one of their “best trips of this season.” The Mower County Transcript on June 1, 1910, recorded the events of the day.
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HOME IMPROVEMENT AREN’S HEATING: 103 3rd St. SE, Austin, MN (507) 433-5652 www. arensheatingandcooling.com Steve and Penny Arens working hard to make “Our Furnace Company Your Furnace Company” for 32 years since 1983. Selling “Top Rated” Bryant Equipment. We will service any make or model. 24 HR Emergency Service. Free Estimates. Call Today (507) 433-5652.
AUTOMOTIVE DAVE SYVERSON AUTO CENTER: 2310 East Main Street, Albert Lea, MN www.davesyverson.com (507) 373-1438 Experience the difference with Dave Syverson’s non-commissioned sales team. Visit your local Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Lincoln, Nissan, Volkswagen, Ram dealership serving Albert Lea and surrounding areas. Access the most up-to-date internet car buying tools on their website. HOLIDAY CARS OF AUSTIN: 2701 West Oakland Ave., Austin, MN www. holidaycarsaustin.net www.holidayford.net (888) 267-1356 Holiday Cars of Austin is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in the area. From the moment you walk into our showroom, you’ll know our commitment to Customer Service is second to none. We strive to make your experience with Holiday Cars a good one – for the life of your vehicle. Whether you need to purchase, finance, or service a new or pre-owned vehicle, you’ve come to the right place.
DENTAL DRS. ELROD, GREEN & HYLAND, DDS: 800 1st Ave. SW, Austin, MN (507) 437-8208 www.yoursmileperfected.com Drs. Elrod, Green & Hyland is a modern, state-of-the-art practice offering patients a full-range of general and cosmetic dental services, from routine check-ups to complete smile makeovers. The doctors practice conservative, proactive dentistry utilizing the latest in dental technology. The first step towards a beautiful smile and a lifetime of good oral health is to schedule an appointment. Our office works with numerous Insurance Carriers. For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options. Call today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to serving you for years to come! KING ORTHODONTICS: Orthodontics is an art and a science. Dr. Darrin L. King takes great pride in achieving excellence in both areas for his patients. King Orthodontics has over 15 years experience for the most efficient, comfortable and precise results. Find out more at www.kingbraces.com (507) 446-9000 125 28th St. NW, Suite #1, Owatonna, MN (507) 332-0002 1575 20th St. NW, Suite 202, Faribault, MN (507) 424-3632 3000 43rd St. NW, Rochester, MN
ENTERTAINMENT
BRICK FURNITURE: 504 North Main St., Austin, MN (507) 433-8833 www.brickfurnitureaustin.com Locally owned. Specializing in great quality. Low sale prices every day. Top service after the sale. Name brands such as LaZ-Boy, Smith Brothers of Berne, Sealy, and Daniel’s Amish. Lots of wall decor. Many other varieties of decor to choose from! BUDGET BLINDS: 310 1st Ave. S., Albert Lea, MN (877) 373-8535 www. budgetblinds.com/AlbertLea We proudly serve the local community by offering high quality and stylish window coverings for any occasion. Our lavish selection of window treatments includes shutters, blinds, draperies, shades and even window film. Call us today to schedule your free in-home consultation. Looking forward to helping you beautify your home! FREEBORN LUMBER COMPANY & DESIGN CENTER: 971 Plaza Street West, Albert Lea, MN www.freebornlumber.com (507) 377-4284 A family owned business that began in 1946. Stop in and visit their new facility and design showroom. Freeborn Lumber features quality building materials, new home design, kitchen remodels, cabinet design, agricultural buildings and outdoor living spaces. GREENMAN HEATING & REFRIGERATION: 1001 4th St. SE, Austin, MN (507) 437-6500 www.lennoxdealer.com/greenmanhvac Your local Lennox Premier Dealer staffed with Austin’s finest NATE Certified installers and technicians, ready to assist you with your heating, cooling, fireplace, and ventilation needs. Family owned for over 50 years, our family cares about your family. Voted Best of Mower County. Go Green, Save Green, call Greenman HVAC. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE: 1415 1st Ave. SW, Austin, MN (507) 433-1349 www.habitatfreebornmower.org Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. ReStores are proudly owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and proceeds are used to build homes, community, and hope locally and around the world.
INSURANCE
HORMEL NATURE CENTER: 1304 21st St. NE, Austin, MN (507) 4377519 www.hormelnaturecenter.org Take a walk on the wild side on the 10 miles of trails and stop in the interpretative center to explore and get more information on the entertaining and environmental programs offered at the JCHNC. Watch us grow with a new interpretative center slated to be completed in 2017.
MOWER COUNTY FARMER MUTUAL: 904 8th St. NW, Austin, MN (507) 433-6646 or toll free at (800) 788-9634 www.mcfminsurance.com Insuring our rural communities since 1885. Your farm and family are the most important things in your life. With Farmers Mutual Insurance, we not only protect your property, we help you “safe-guard” your farm to make it safer for your family. Visit with one of our agents for prompt and courteous service.
FINANCIAL
LEGAL
FIRST FARMERS & MERCHANTS: 128 N. Main St., Austin, MN (507) 433-3473 www.ffmbank.com First Farmers & Merchants Bank is a financial institution serving a number of southern Minnesota communities. We provide premium banking services, including agricultural and consumer loans, mortgage lending, mobile and online banking, small business banking, and deposit products.
HEALTH THE HORMEL INSTITUTE: 801 16th Ave. NE, Austin, MN (507) 4338804 www.hi.umn.edu The Hormel Institute is a world-recognized leader in the scientific field showing that dietary factors prevent and control cancer development. We are accelerating cancer research discoveries to achieve our mission: Improve your health and well-being. Today’s Research, Tomorrow’s Cures. 58 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
BAUDLER LAW: 108 North Main St., Austin, MN (507) 433-2393 www. baudlerlaw.com Baulder, Maus, & Forman, LLP has served the legal needs of individuals, organizations and families since 1908. We are a full service law firm and are proud of our traditions of service to clients. We look forward to continuing that tradition into the next century. PATTON, HOVERSTEN, BERG: (888) 835-5244 www.phblawoffice.com No matter how big or how small a problem may seem, the law firm of Patton, Hoversten & Berg, P.A. can help. With offices located in Waseca, Owatonna, Janesville, and Faribault, we have been providing top-quality legal service to the people of Southern Minnesota for over fifty years. Our attorneys practice in many areas including: personal injury litigation, estate planning and probate, family law, bankruptcy, real estate, criminal law, and business law.
RELIGION CORNERSTONE CHURCH: 1403 1st Ave. SW, Austin, MN (507) 4337008 www.cornerstoneaustin.org Experience a casual and current worship service in a church consisting of real people, real God and real life. Saturday Worship, 5:00 p.m.; Sunday Worship, 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday Youth Service, 7:00 p.m. (Students grades 6-12)
SERVICES THE AUSTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 329 North Main St., Austin, MN (507) 437-4561 www.austincoc.com The Chamber represents about 400 business members who collectively employ nearly 10,000 people in the Austin and Mower County area. We organize major events that showcase the community, including Freedom Fest and Christmas in the City. We promote our members through programs such as Buy Mower/Grow Mower. And we serve as a voice for a strong business environment. AUSTIN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: 104 11th ave NW, Suite D, Austin, MN (507) 437-4563 www.AustinCVB.com We take the “Minnesota Nice” reputation for customer service seriously and are eager to provide information on Austin area events, attractions, hotels, dining and more to visitors and residents. If you have a tournament, reunion, convention , meeting, group or gathering of any type coming to Austin, the Austin CVB can provide complimentary welcome bags and be your source for valuable information, brochures, help with bids and itinerary planning. GERARD ACADEMY: 1111 28th St. NE, Austin, MN (507) 433-1843 www.nexustreatment.org At Gerard Academy, we believe in strengthening the inherent goodness and potential of every child and family, no matter what challenges they face. Since 1969, we have offered therapeutic care for children, adolescents and their families, providing the foundation for them to re-imagine and rebuild their lives.
SERVICES
(CONTINUED) THE LAUNDRY ROOM: 509 2nd St. NW, Austin, MN The Laundry Room is Austin’s lowest priced laundromat. Newly remodeled with Mega Load Washers, air conditioning, satellite TV and free WiFi. Open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. SMYTH COMPANIES: 1201 27th Ave. NW, Austin, MN (507) 434-5918 Smyth offers full-service design and prepress services to our commercial clients. From simple two-color flyers to complex layouts for annual reports or product brochures, we can do it all. Eight station presses enable the application of a world of colors along with gloss or matte coatings. Digital printing is also available for short run and prototype work. UPHOLSTERY WIZARD: 53924 270th St., Lansing, MN (507) 4384266 Upholstery-Wizard.com Upholstery Wizard provides over 28 years of experience. Guy is a full service upholsterer who will do anything from mild to wild! Complete restoration, to totally custom, from automobiles to boats. Upholstery Wizard also now offers Embroidery!
SHOPPING NORTHBRIDGE MALL: 2510 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN (507) 377-3185 www.northbridgemall.com Conveniently located just off the intersection of I-35 and I-90, Northbridge Mall features an arcade, movie theatre, toy stores, and many dining and shopping opportunities. Open Monday-Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm. Some business hours may vary.
November–December 2015 | Austin Living | 59
Nov. 5 Watch the leaves change color and feel the chill in the air as fall finishes up and winter begins. Get in the holiday spirit this Christmas the with some tuba music, listen to some great storytelling and enjoy several theater productions this fall and winter. —All dates, times, and locations subject to change
Oct. 25
Pictures at the Orchestra
When: 2-4 p.m. Where: Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School Enjoy the opening concert for the Austin Symphony Orchestra 2015-16 season, featuring Jacob Dalager on the trumpet. There will be compositions by Mussorgsky, Ravel, Arutiunian, Bach and more. Ticket sales are online at www.austinmnsymphony.org. For more information, or tickets, contact Sonia Larson at 507-433-8719, sonial@charter.net or Sue Radloff at 507-396-2613, fiddlesue@yahoo.com.
Oct. 27
Fused Glass Wine Charms and more
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Where: Austin ArtWorks Center Join friends for a fun night out creating bottle stoppers and wine glass charms. Cost is $45, and for more information, call 507-434-0934.
Oct. 28
Broadway for Dummies
When: 6-8 p.m. Where: Austin ArtWorks Center Get to know the music behind the musicals with Bradley Mariska. Cost is $60, and for more information, call 507-434-0934.
Oct. 30-31
Intro to Jewelry Making When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Austin ArtWorks Center Learn the basic techniques of jewelry making and take home a new set of earrings and a bracelet. $40. For more information, call 507-434-0934.
Nov. 6-8
“The Far-Fetched Fable of the Frog Prince: How a Prince Became a Frog”
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday Where: Historic Paramount Theatre Join Matchbox Children’s Theatre for this winter production of a fabled prince and his journey to become a frog.
Nov. 9
Austin Artist Series: The Five Browns
When: 7-9 p.m. Where: Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School This concert is part of the Austin Artist Series and part of the fall membership campaign from Sept. 1 to 15 — series tickets are $45 for single adults, $95 for family, and $15 for students. For tickets or more information, call Nancy Dolphin at 507-433-9387.
Nov. 12
MNSNAP Spay/Neutering Clinic
When: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Where: Mower County Humane Society Dog and cat spay and neuter services will be provided at reduced prices for families with lower income. The clinic also offers rabies and distemper shots at reduced prices. To sign up, go to www.MNSNAP.org and fill out the form. There is a personal income qualification that must be met to use this service. For more information email mchscats@yahoo.com.
Nov. 14
And That’s My Story
13th Annual Thanksgiving Feast
Oct. 31
Nov. 14
When: 5-11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Hormel Historic Home Storytellers from the tri-state area gather at the Hormel Historic Home to share their stories and experiences. The first part of Austin’s storytelling event Friday features dinner followed by a “concert” by nationally-known storytellers. Cost is $30 for the dinner and show, and the event is co-sponsored by The Cedars of Austin. For more information, call 507-433-4243. Saturday will feature coffee and doughnuts with the guest storytellers, followed by special sessions to learn about and develop storytelling skills, and is $10 per person.
12th Annual Hallelujah Harvest Festival
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Where: St. John’s Lutheran Church The annual event will feature family fun with games, prizes and treats. There is no admission fee, but bring a non-perishable food item and get 10 game tickets free. Parental supervision is recommended and a light supper will be served from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. 60 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
When: 5-10:30 p.m. Where: Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center This annual feast and fundraiser for the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center includes social hour, silent and live auctions, raffles, live music, and a Hormel pork loin dinner. Tickets are on sale now for $35 per person for Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and $40 for non-members. The event is sponsored by Thrivent Financial, Ruth Wunderlich, Hormel Foods Corp., Hy-Vee, and the Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. For more information or for tickets, call 507-437-7519 or Rich and JoAnn Aho at 507-433-6928 or email info@ hormelnaturecenter.org or finn44@charter.net.
Caravan du Nord
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Where: Historic Paramount Theatre This traveling showcase of Minnesota music features Har Mar Superstar, Reina Del Cid, and the Pete Wangen Jazz Trio. For more information, call 507-434-0934.
Nov. 18-22
Dec. 5
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Frank W. Bridges Theatre This play by Brian Friel tells the story of five unmarried sisters eking out their lives in a small village in Ireland in 1936. Their spare existence is interrupted by brief, colorful bursts of music from the radio, their only link to the romance and hope of the world at large. When two unexpected visitors arrive, the past and present collide and begin to destroy the foundation of the family forever. This play was the winner of the 1992 Tony Award and is suggested for ages 10 and up. The cost is $13.
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Brownsdale Elementary School This is a great one-stop shopping opportunity with dozens of vendors to browse. Food will also be available, and more vendors are welcome. For more information or to sign up, call LeAnn at 507-440-3939.
“Dancing at Lughnasa”
Nov. 21
Hormel Historic Home Holiday Tea
When: 1-4 p.m. Where: Hormel Historic Home Take a tour of the 1871 home decorated for Christmas and enjoy tea and a traditional holiday tea menu with entertainment. All ages are welcome and tickets are $15 per person and are available at the Hormel Historic Home or online at www.hormelhistorichome.org. Call 507433-4243 for more information.
Nov. 20
ArtRocks Jam Session
When: 7-9 p.m. Where: Austin ArtWorks Center Come jam with other local artists. Whether jamming onstage or listening to the great music, there’s something for everyone. For more information, call 507434-0934.
Nov. 22
James Keelaghan - Canadian Folk Singer/ Songwriter
When: 7-8 p.m. Where: Ruby Rupner Auditorium, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Called “Canada’s finest singer-songwriter,” James Keelaghan is an artist who has proven to be a man for all seasons. He combines passion, curiosity, intent and intensity and has earned numerous nominations and awards. For more information or to RSVP, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter. org.
Holiday Shopping Spree
Dec. 5
Merry TubaChristmas Concert
When: 2:30-3:30 p.m. Where: Historic Paramount Theatre Enjoy this annual festive event featuring tubas, sousaphones, euphoniums and basses playing favorite holiday classics to open the holiday season. All players of these instruments are invited to participate - registration begins at 10 p.m., followed by rehearsal and lunch, then the free concert. For more information, call 507-437-4563.
Dec. 9
Glass Snowman Ornaments
When: 2-3 p.m. Where: Austin ArtWorks Center Spend some time creating ornaments to hang on the tree or in the window. Grades fifth-through-12th are welcome, and cost is $20. For more information, call 507-434-0934.
Dec. 11
Christmas in the County - Pre Sale Bake Sale
When: 3-6 p.m. Where: Mower County Historical Society Get an early start on holiday baking with the help of others, and don’t miss the rush of the main Christmas in the County events. For more information, call 507-437-6082.
Dec. 12
Christmas in the County
When: 3-7 p.m. Where: Mower County Historical Society Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, including a bake sale, silent auction, horsedrawn sleigh and wagon rides, a raffle, children’s activities, cookie decorating, pine cone bird feeders, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and even blow the 1004 train whistle. For more information, call 507-437-6082.
Nov. 27
Dec. 13
When: 5:30-10 p.m. Where: Austin Holiday Inn Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for a great night of men and fun at the second annual Hunks Show. For more information or tickets, call Nick at 507-4338000.
When: 2-4 p.m. Where: St. Augustine Catholic Church The Austin Symphony Orchestra joined by the Austin Symphony Chorus and soloists will present this seasonal favorite. Tickets are on sale online at www. austinmnsymphony.org. For more information, or tickets, contact Sonia Larson at 507-433-8719 (sonial@charter.net) or Sue Radloff at 507-396-2613 (fiddlesue@yahoo.com).
HUNKS Revue
Nov. 27
Christmas in the City
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Austin Christmas is coming and the holidays are here, spreading cheer throughout Austin. So bundle up and come downtown for an evening of holiday spirit, singing, Santa Clause and good friends.
Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 18-19
Austin Public Schools music program presents Christmas at Home When: 7-9 p.m. Where: Historic Paramount Theatre Come listen to the great student music and get in the holiday spirit. For more information, call 507-434-0934.
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BOOK REVIEW
A family mystery By Marilyn Muchow, Austin Page Turners
As the Austin Page Turners committee plans for the 2016 Page Turners author, committee members are taking time to share some of their favorite Minnesota books with Austin Living. Marilyn Muchow is a Page Turners committee member and is reviewing “The Fate of Mercy Alban” by Wendy Webb. This is an old-fashioned gothic novel set in the present day. The title is a clever play on the names of several of the major characters. Alban House, a grand Victorian estate on the shores of Lake Superior, is home to Grace Alban. She left for college many years before and has never returned. When her mother Adele dies, Grace must return to make funeral arrangements and settle the estate. She is distressed to learn the details of her mother’s death and develops an ominous feeling about the house and its history. The Alban family has buried some very grim secrets over the years and Grace has been kept in the dark about them until now. It seems she must learn of them the hard way. Clearly there is more to deal with than Adele’s death. It becomes apparent that someone is upset by her searching for answers and is willing to take drastic measures to prevent her from doing so. When a frightening, possibly mad woman crashes the funeral service, the curse of the Alban family can no longer be ignored. Grace is forced to take actions to protect her home and family from the evil that lurks within the walls of the estate. I thought it was an engaging mystery, a real “page turner.” 62 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
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WHY I LOVE AUSTIN
By Todd Hepler, Austin Hy-Vee Store Director
The small-town atmosphere that boasts of a big future
There are more than a few reasons why I like living in Austin, Minnesota, more than I can tell you about in this short article. I can share with you, however, the ones that top my list. I like living in Austin because I consider it a bigger city with a small-town atmosphere. Our community collaborates on all community affairs. We help each other out, no matter what. I appreciate the camaraderie Hy-Vee has with our customers and friends within the community. Our town is clean and easy to get around. It’s also an affordable place to live. When I think of other reasons why I like living in Austin, our school system comes to mind. Not only does it offer an amazing education, it also offers a safe environment for our youth to learn and grow. I like that Austin gives young families numerous opportunities to live and work in the same town. It gives them a chance to raise a family and become part of this amazing community. Perhaps my favorite reason I like living in Austin is what I see in the future of our town. We are proactive, constantly bettering our community — the place we live, work and play. 64 | Austin Living | November–December 2015
Hy-Vee Store Director Todd Hepler poses with his children. Pictured, from left, with Todd are Karly, Kristina, Tori, Kennedy, Journey, Alex and Cory. Not pictured are his wife, Kim; daughter, Destiny; and son Sawyer. Photo provided by Todd Hepler