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changing one life CHANGES EVERYTHING
EDITOR’S NOTE
It’s all about choice of yoga are coming to the forefront and Making a healthy choice often isn’t the Yoga Studio of Austin shows off all of easy. Habits can be hard to break and those benefits coming from this ancient with so many tasty options surrounding form of exercise. us, the road to healthy can often times We’re also taking a look at mental be bumpy. health as we feature The Bridge and all I certainly am guilty of these habits the good it does as well as the support more often than not. The nature of the this small organization offers. job can often times leave little time for a Our goal for this issue is simply to full and healthy meal and so I regrettably bring good health and good decisions to turn to the ease of the drive-thru. the forefront and show that a good and But “health” has become more of a full life is well within your reach. buzzword and certainly it has become more of a trend. As science progresses the benefits of Along the way living a healthier lifestyle While we want to highis not only becoming more light health and a healthy available, but is becoming lifestyle we’re more than a lot easier. willing to include a wink. The big hurdle reIn this issue we drop mains, however, changing the first in a three-part those deeply-rooted habits series featuring a group of that grip us. eating establishments in or To help highlight the surrounding the tiny town healthy lifestyle so many of Ostrander. Eric Johnson, are now seeking, Austin In this issue we bring Austin Living Living turned to our own to you Rainy Days and Editor community to see how they Mondays Sour Dought are remaining healthy. Baking Company, Pizza Paging through this issue of Austin and Pantry where owners Jim and Kathy Living, you’ll find many of your neighParsons bring you freshly baked breads bors who are taking those extra steps and treats along with some of the tastiest toward living a lifestyle that will lead to pizza you will ever have, all created in a fuller life. A healthier life and perhaps a homemade brick, outdoor stove — in more than anything, a happier lifestyle. the coziness of their own backyard. We feature outdoors activities, such And if you are looking for a unique as Steve Kime highlighting The Shooting physical challenge, then make a quick Star Trail stretching between Austin and travel day over to Rochester and take LeRoy. part in Roca Climbing and Fitness and Read about the Winter family, living their assortment of climbing walls. on a small acreage north of Hollandale, And as always, if you have any ideas who are turning to their own gardens for for future Austin Living stories, please feel all their fresh produce. free to contact me at photodesk@austinIn our features section, the benefits dailyherald.com or 1-507-434-2237. Corrections In the July-August edition of Austin Living, in the Why I Love Austin section, Leslie Leffers’ name was spelled incorrectly. In that same issue, located in our Austin Expression section, Lawrence Parkes’ name was spelled incorrectly. Austin Living apologizes for the errors. 2 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
PUBLISHER Jana Gray EDITORIAL Editor Eric Johnson Contributing Writers Rocky Hulne Eric Johnson Deb Nicklay Michael Stoll Hannah Yang Photographer Eric Johnson ART Art Director Colby Hansen Graphic Designers Susan Downey Kim Ehrich Colby Hansen Eric Johnson Kathy Johnson SALES & PROMOTION Advertising Manager Heather Ryks Sales Representatives Mike Delhanty Brenda Landherr Heather Ryks SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018 Volume 6, Number 5 EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Editor, 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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SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2018
WHAT’S INSIDE
SEEN
OUT & ABOUT
6 CELEBRATING THE FOURTH
26 SHOOTING ACROSS MOWER COUNTY
Showcasing the patriotism of our city.
8 SUMMER OF FUN
Readers share scenes from their summer vacations.
WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS 10 MORNING RIDE
A cyclist rides in front of the rising sun before departing for the Shooting Star Bike Ride in July.
AREA EATS 12 WOOD-FIRED PIZZA IN THE CORNFIELDS
Rainy Days and Mondays offers fresh baked goods.
THE LIST 18 FINDING PEACE AT A DESK
Doing these five things at your desk can help make for a more relaxed work environment.
HOME & HEARTH 20 SMART SNACKING
When it comes to getting that quick bite, keep a mind toward health.
22 HOME-GROWN
Rural Hollandale family enjoys the fruits of growing most of its own produce at home.
4 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Shooting Star Trail contains many hidden treasures from the seat of a bike.
30 MOTIVATED FOR HEALTH
Avoiding or delaying cancer can be done through lifestyle choices.
TRAVEL 54 REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
Roca Climbing & Fitness in Rochester offers thrill-seekers a chance to climb throughout the year.
LOOKING BACK 58 TARGETING A HEALTHY LIFE
The local Red Cross focused on public health after World War I.
AREA HAPPENINGS 60 THE BIGGEST UPCOMING EVENTS
BOOK REVIEW 62 ON THE RISE
Katie DiCamillo’s ‘The Tiger Rising’ chronicles a young boy coping with the death of his mother.
WHY I LOVE AUSTIN 64 SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS
The road home turns out to not be too far away.
FEATURED 32 OF MIND AND SPIRIT
More are finding the mental and physical benefits of yoga.
44 A WELCOMING PLACE
At The Bridge, the welcome mat is always out.
48 KEEPING ON TRACK
Rave Nutrition helps create a smooth transition to health. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 5
Celebrating the Fourth
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Austin celebrates the Fourth of July like no other. With several days of activities, Austinites and visitors to the city can take part in a fishing contest, bike race and running event as well as fun in our parks, a parade and two nights of fireworks. These are some images from this years fun, showcasing the patriotism of our city.
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Galactic Cowboy Orchestra guitarist Dan Neale performs at Freedom Fest. Magician Jim Jayes entertains a small crowd during Freedom Fest at Bandshell Community Park. A determined little runner competes in the Mini Piggy Fun Run as the crowd cheers her on before the Freedom Fest parade. A sizable crowd gathers for the unveiling of the 2018 Pillars of the City. This year’s honorees were Lyman D. Baird, Robert J. Enright and Norman Hecimovich.
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Austin All Stars Baseball pass out candy to the crowd during the Freedom Fest parade on Main Street. 11-year-olds Emily Slezak (left) and Elena Arrizola looked patriotic at the Freedom Fest parade. Local Boy Scouts carry patriotic flags during the Freedom Fest parade. 5-year-old Lillian Maricle is dressed as an oompa-loompa while marching with the Matchbox Children’s Theatre in the parade. 2018 Little Miss Sparkler Estelle Ruzek waves to the crowd lining Main Street. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 7
Summer of fun through the lens of readers Summer is that all-American time of year where families get together and head to beaches, parks and tourist destinations. This year, Austin Living magazine put out a call to our readers to share with us some of those scenes captured from those vacations. These families truly had some great escapes.
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Kelly Nellermoe and Thomas Herrera pictured in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Photo submitted by Thomas Herrera Kelly Nellermoe and Thomas Herrera pictured in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Photo submitted by Thomas Herrera Ship Canal North Pierhead Light, built in 1882, on Lake Michigan in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Photo submitted by Janelle Achenbach Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Ship Canal North Pierhead Light on Lake Michigan. Walking to the lighthouse, from left is Zoe Achenbach, Foster Achenbach and Trace Fishbaugher. Photo submitted by Janelle Achenbach Mark T. Niethammer, the lead pastor at St. Olaf Church, looking up into the mountains at Crystal Lake in the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming. Photo submitted by Mark T. Niethammer Kylie Schmidt and Zoee Sorenson at the Fountain Lake beach in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Photo submitted by Stacy Clingman Kylie Schmidt at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch in Stewartville, Minnesota. Photo submitted by Stacy Clingman Girls camping trip on the Whitewater River near Elba, Minnesota. Bachelorette party for Allison Hyland. Photo submitted by Stacy Clingman Knox White shows off his big catch while visiting Duluth and Lake Superior. Photo submitted by Kalina White John Williams with his grandson Knox White. Photo submitted by Kalina White Kalina White’s son, Knox, looks out over Lake Superior while visiting Duluth. Photo submitted by Kalina White
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September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 9
WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
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Morning ride Photo
by
Eric Johnson
A cyclist rides in front of the rising sun before departing for the Shooting Star Bike Ride in July. If you have a photo you think would be worth sharing, send it to Eric Johnson at photodesk@austindailyherald.com. Resolution must be 300 DPI and at least 14 inches wide.
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 11
AREA EATS
Jim Parsons prepares to put a fresh pizza in the outdoor brick oven
12 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Wood-fired pizza in the cornfields One of Jim Parsons’ pizzas bakes away in a brick oven he made from scratch.
Rainy Days and Mondays offers fresh baked goods By Michael Stoll • Photos The thought of driving through Southeast Minnesota conjures up many images: wide-open rural spaces, cornfields, wind turbines, wood-fired pizza, gravel roads … Wood-fired pizza? It sounds uncharacteristic, but at Rainy Days and Mondays Sour Dough Baking Company, Pizza and Pantry, located about one mile north of Ostrander on Fillmore County Road 1, that is exactly what you’ll find. On this small farm located near, you guessed it, cornfields, husband and wife owners Jim and Kathy Parsons can be found preparing a vast assortment of baked goods. On Saturdays, they can be seen making wood-fired pizzas. “This is our second year doing pizza,” Kathy said as a
by
Eric Johnson
mixer worked together the next batch of one of her sourdough creations. “We started doing bread in June of 2016, as far as going to markets and selling out of the house.” Having ownership of the house provided the Parsons with the opportunity to start the business. “We had this house and we wanted to utilize it,” Kathy said. “It’s close to our house; we never really encouraged having renters in it. We had fixed it up when we moved here 25 years ago. I’m retired from Mayo after 32 years, so I had time to mess around here.” “We’ve always liked to entertain,” she added. “We’ve constantly had company and we both like to cook, so it just kind of fell into place.”
Editor’s note: This is the first of a three-part series, highlighting the assortment of eating establishments in and around Ostrander. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 13
When visitors arrive, they are greeted by Casey and Cora, the Parsons’ two border collies. With any luck, one of them will have a ball (or a pine cone) in its mouth and will request that you throw it by placing it on the ground or a chair and backing away in anticipation. Though the dogs are passive about adults, Kathy said they’re always excited to see children. Inside the house, the baked goods connoisseur will have more than a fair selection from which to choose, whether it is baguettes, rolls, buns, or yeast breads made with recipes from Kathy’s Aunt Thelma. “Our tried and true are honey wheat, rye, white and raisin,” Kathy said. “Those are all sourdough. We also do baguettes and rolls; those are also sourdough, but they are basically lard and sourdough. They don’t have any other ingredients in them. A lot of people really like them.” Then there is the best seller: Fingerlickin’ Bread. “This was a bread my mom did for us kids and we always called it ‘fingerlickin,’” Kathy said of this sweet creation. “We were messing around, trying different stuff, and I said, ‘Why don’t we make some fingerlicking and see how it goes over.’ It’s our best seller by far.” Around the back of the house can be found outdoor seating for those that wish to stay and dine. The backyard also contains the very item that makes the business possible, the Parsons’ hand-made brick oven. According to Jim, who still works full time as the facilities director at the Spring Valley Care Center, the oven came about thanks to his love of sourdough, which he makes with a yeast strand that is 17 years old. “I kept reading about sourdough and I made some and the neighbors liked it,” he said. “One thing led to another and my wife bought me a book about five years ago called ‘The Bread Builders’ and they had a chapter in there about a wood-fired oven. She told me one day, ‘You’re not getting any younger. If you want to build an oven, go build it.’ So I got the materials and it took me about all summer to build the oven.” Jim customized the masonry oven, adding insulation to help store the heat. The oven is capable of maintaining a temperature of 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of 8-10 hours. “It allows me a pretty big window to do my baking,” he said. “The only drawback is it’s got a real small door. If it doesn’t fit in a 10” x 16,” it’s not going in the oven.” But the oven took on another purpose when Jim realized it could also be good for baking pizzas. “If my temperature is there, it takes about three minutes to cook a pizza,” he said. “If my temperature is not there, it will take about five minutes for a pizza. I let the crust set and then give it a couple of turns to the left and the right. Most of the cooking comes off the top of the oven. The top is arched. You get a fire and you get it rolling up over and that gives you a really good broil effect.” 14 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Kathy Parsons separates dough into portions in the kitchen at Rainy Days and Mondays. They offer plenty of baked goods as well as pizza.
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 15
Jim Parsons pulls a freshly baked pizza from the outdoor brick oven. Below, Kathy Parsons cans and prepares her own ingredients to be used on the pizzas she and her husband Jim make at their home just north of Ostrander.
The oven is also used to sweat and roast the vegetable toppings ahead of time. And when it comes to toppings, you can count on the Parsons giving you something fresh. “We grow our own tomatoes and peppers and I make the pizza sauce,” Kathy said. “We canned 50 quarts of pizza sauce last weekend because we go through quite a bit.” Pizza is only available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, but those that make the trip are invited to stay as long as they wish. Indoor seating is available in the barn on the property, where patrons can enjoy free popcorn from a popcorn machine while they wait. Diners are also invited to bring their own tables, chairs, utensils and beverages, though utensils and beverages are available on site. The Parsons take reservations for parties of six or more. Because of the harsh Minnesota winters, making pizza is seasonal; however, Kathy said they are looking to possibly 16 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
build an enclosure for the brick oven. Bread, on the other hand, is made year round. “We go to the LeRoy Market on Thursdays and we do the Preston Market when they have it,” Kathy said. “We do several orders for people around the area. People can make special orders or requests, which we do encourage.” And like the pizza, the ingredients in the bread are fresh and locally sourced. “We do try to use local honey, local syrup, local garlic, anything we can,” Kathy said. Rainy Days and Mondays Sour Dough Baking Company, Pizza and Pantry is located at 18952 County Road 1, Spring Valley, MN 55975. For more information, call 507-251-8750 or visit www. facebook.com/Rainy-Days-and-Mondays-Sour-Dough-BakingCompany-Pantry-and-PIZZA-377358885940024/.
Tasty recommendations If you haven’t been to Rainy Days and Mondays Sour Dough Baking Company, Pizza and Pantry and don’t know what to try, here are a few suggestions from the Parsons:
Breads
The Parsons pride themselves in their yeast and sourdough breads, but their best sellers are Fingerlickin’ Bread and honey wheat bread. They also recommend their caramel pecan rolls, made with pecans from the South, and their cinnamon rolls served with cream cheese frosting.
Pizzas
If you want a little bit of everything, try the Country Carver-Craver, topped with pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, mushrooms, onions and peppers. They also offer the popular Meat Pizza, which is the Country CarverCraver without the vegetables. For a classic taste, Kathy recommends the Little House Special, topped with sausage, mushrooms and a generous portion of extra cheese. Unless specified, pizzas are served with their house made tomato sauce. Other sauces are available, including white, garlic butter, and pesto.
Treats
It’s hard to narrow down from these sweet, delectable creations, but the Parsons suggest Grandma’s Grand Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 17
THE LIST
Finding
peace at a desk Story and Photos by E ric J ohnson
18 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Metro Image
In today’s world, where so many people are anchored to their desks, it can be hard to find a moment of solitude or simply take a few deep breaths to calm the body and spirit. Time frames can be rushed as stress grinds on the shoulders of those struggling to get that next task completed. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t something you can do to help alleviate those stresses — and you don’t even have to leave your desk. Kelly Kingland, owner of The Yoga Studio of Austin, sat down with us to show us five ways, including simple yoga exercises, you can relieve the pressures of the day in just a few short minutes.
Doing these five things at your desk can help make for a more relaxed work environment
1. Breathing exercises
Often times, anger and stress can take you out of the moment. This simple task is designed to ground you and get you back to center. Sit straight in your chair and take a deep breath through your nose like you are taking in the scent of a bouquet of flowers. Breathe out through the mouth. “Do it until you feel like you have calmed down,” Kingland said.
2. Simple meditation “This clears your headspace so to speak,” Kingland said. “Meditation is a great way to start your day. It’s a good practice to get into.” There are a variety of ways to meditate, but for those looking to start, Kingland suggests the app Headspace which offers guided meditations.
4. Stretching the hips When you are sitting for so long, the hips can take on some of that stress. To help alleviate that, take an ankle and cross it over the opposite knee. With a hand, press down on the knee and then fold over to get a deeper stretch through the hip. Alternate hips.
5. Neck stretch 3. Cat and Cow
With your feet on the floor, inhale with your chest forward and chin up; hands on knees. Exhale your breath as you round your spine; touching chin to chest. “This helps loosen the spine,” Kingland said.
Start with touching or bending your ear to shoulder, keeping your shoulder down (don’t raise your shoulder to meet your ear). Alternating both shoulders. Then bend your head so your chin is touching your chest. Inhale as you roll your head to your shoulders. “Combine your breath work and meditation with your yoga poses,” Kingland said. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 19
HOME & HEARTH
Around the Table By Jen Haugen, RDN, LD
Monster cookie granola bars
Smart snacking When it comes to getting that quick bite, keep a mind toward health
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his past summer my family and I went on a road trip to Yellowstone. It’s been on our vacation list for a while, and this year was the year we decided to rent an RV and make it happen. And to go on a road trip, every good mom packs snacks, right? So, I stocked up on ingredients to make one of our favorite snacks lately, Monster Cookie Granola Bars. They are no-bake, filled with tasty ingredients which include fill-you-up fiber and protein, and they are so easy to make with my Snack Bar Maker. But guess what? They got left in the freezer and I didn’t realize it until we were in North Dakota. A little too far to turn around! Snacking often gets a bad reputation for being filled with low nutrition and high calorie foods. And that can be true. But there are so many opportunities and these come when you do one thing: preplan. Pre-planning snacks (and meals) is the biggest success tip I share with my clients. Just like with anything, when you have a plan, you can succeed. If you don’t have a plan, you plan to fail. Laying out a simple plan of snack ideas saves you time and money. You can put together these snack options a couple of times a month and have them ready to go when you are:
20 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
•Trail mix: A combination of nuts, dried fruit, and whole grain cereal or crackers mixed together and separated into ¼ cup portions. •Smoothie bags: Pre-pack 1 cup of your favorite frozen fruit, 1 banana chunked, ½ cup of yogurt, into a resealable plastic bag. When you are ready for a quick smoothie, just remove the bag from the freezer and blend, adding liquid like milk or juice to whirl it together. •Yogurt parfaits: Put together a week’s worth of parfaits at a time by using individual containers with lids, filling them with 1 cup of yogurt and ½ cup fresh fruit (or frozen, thawed). In a separate small container add ¼ cup granola. •Granola bars: You control the ingredients by adding what your family likes or isn’t allergic to, and you can also modify sweetness to your liking too. The Snack Bar Maker makes this so easy as you simply mix the ingredients and then you portion into the silicone pan. Either bake if needed, or freeze for an hour. Then pop them out one by one and wrap them and store them (either in the freezer or at room temperature depending on the bar). You will love having homemade granola bars on hand and you will feel good about the ingredients too.
About Jen Jen Haugen, RDN, LD, is a mom, author and registered dietitian nutritionist. She owns her own business as a Pampered Chef consultant where she loves teaching how to make cooking fast and easy and healthy. She offers private inhome cooking experiences for hosts and their friends to gather in the kitchen and learn kitchen tips and recipes and use tools to make cooking fun. She specializes in culinary demonstrations, as well as private appointments. Like her Facebook Page, Jen Haugen RD, where she has a weekly cooking show. Follow her on Instagram at Jen Haugen RD. And subscribe to her blog at www.jenhaugen.com.
Monster Cookie Granola Bars Makes 12 Tools used: Pampered Chef Snack Bar Maker and Large Scoop and Classic Batter Bowl.
Ingredients •1 cup old fashioned oats •½ cup quick cooking oats •½ cup peanut butter (or nut butter of your choice) •1 teaspoon vanilla •⅓ cup honey •¼ cup mini or regular size chocolate chips •¼ cup mini M&M chocolate candies •1-½ teaspoons canola oil or melted butter
Directions
1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix well. 2. Use a large scoop (3 tablespoon size) to fill individual wells of the Snack Bar Maker. 3. Use a mini serving spatula to press each scoop flat into the well. 4. Put lid on and freeze for 1-2 hours. Remove from freezer and pop each bar out of the well, wrapping in plastic wrap. Store in the freezer. If you would like to purchase the Snack Bar Maker Set and Large Scoop, go to my website: www.pamperedchef.com/ pws/jenhaugen If you would like to host a cooking party with friends to learn how to make these and other recipes, contact me at 507-438-7109. It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s easy! And as a host, you can earn hundreds of dollars in free products. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 21
22 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
n w o r g e m o H Story
by
Eric Johnson
A rural Hollandale family enjoys the fruits of growing most of its own produce at home There’s no doubt that Stephanie Winter has a lot on her plate. There’s preparing for a new business downtown and a family winery in South Dakota she has a major hand in running. And there is gardening. All of it adds up to a self-sufficient lifestyle that gives her family a healthy piece of mind. She wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’ve always wanted to be able to grow and can food, preserve things,” Winter said. “I went from being a little kid growing things with my mom to our own property where I could grow fruits and vegetables.” Stephanie, along with her husband, Travis, and children, Ambrose and Ryan, moved from Faribault to a small acreage north of Hollandale around six years ago. Almost immediately, Stephanie set her sights on how she was going to utilize the land in terms of planting, which follows a lifelong attraction to gardening. “I’ve always been into gardening,” she said. “I went to
school for landscape design.” It was freeing in a way, especially when Stephanie saw all the room she now had available as opposed to what she had available to her in Faribault. “… There was not a lot of space to mold a garden into something this large,” Stephanie said of their time in Faribault. “I was able to do something I really love and it changed a lot for my family, too,” she continued. It also meant that her family was able to change over to a self-sufficient lifestyle, something she had wanted for a while. It allowed the family a comfortable state of mind that they alone were accountable for: growing their own food source. “I know where it comes from,” she said. “There are no pesticides and herbicides. There are so many health risks when things are sprayed with chemicals. We make most of our foods from scratch, make our own meals.” Among these benefits, of course, is the health of her family as well as spending less money on produce sold in stores.
Above, Stephanie Winter stands outside in her family’s backyard where a majority of their food is grown, giving them a piece of mind of where their food is coming from and its quality. Photo by Eric Johnson. Left, Winter’s family takes an active role in helping plant and maintain their garden. Here her two sons, Ambrose and Ryan, work at picking lettuce. Photo provided. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 23
The Winter’s family home sits on two acres of land north of Hollandale, much of it bordered by cornfields, which includes land she rents to nearby landowners. The rest is used for planting fruits and vegetables. Photo by Eric Johnson.
Below, early preparations for Stephanie Winter’s garden, after the family moved in to their property. Photo provided.
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“Our kids have taken to healthier foods and getting away from junk foods,” Stephanie said. “And the economy really pushed us in the direction to grow my own food. It pushed me into growing more.” There is also one other benefit to growing so much. Stephanie’s produce is spread over much of the property and it includes a 20 X 70 foot strawberry patch. That means a lot of food for her family, but it also means a lot of work. A 100 percent organic operation means a lot of weeding, the canning takes work, the harvesting, the planting. But Stephanie sees the benefits. She sees the exercise and the well-being of being outdoors. “Gardening isn’t just about being healthy,” Stephanie said in reference to the food itself. “But the exercise as well. You’re getting satisfaction of just doing stuff all day long that changes you.” With so many benefits to taking on this selfsufficient lifestyle, it’s hard to imagine that there is even more, but Stephanie insists there is and it has to do with her own peace and piece of mind. “It’s kind of like my place of peace,” Stephanie said. “I don’t have to think of anything else. Gardening is kind of my way of getting my thoughts out and focusing on gardening.”
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 25
OUT & ABOUT
SHOOTING ACROSS MOWER COUNTY
26 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Shooting Star Trail contains many hidden treasures from the seat of a bike Story
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Eric Johnson
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Eric Johnson
At just about 11 a.m. on a pleasantly mild Saturday morning, Steve Kime and I pull our bikes to a stop after just crossing over a bridge spanning a small creek between Taopi and LeRoy. Here, we talk with a couple from Northfield who are visiting the area for LeRoy Summer Fest and taking advantage of the Shooting Star Trail. We make small talk about the trail itself, the area and LeRoy before wishing them a good day and continuing our trek east toward LeRoy. It’s just one of the pleasant aspects of the trail that’s been in the works for the past 25 years. This particular morning, after the sun worked its way out from behind earlier cloud cover, found Steve and I starting at the trailhead in Taopi alongside Highway 56 and biking toward LeRoy. There’s nothing particularly arduous about this route — or the trail itself — unless you are greeted by the unimpeded wind crossing over the prairie grasses. This leg of the trail stretches from Highway 56 east of Austin to Lake Louise State Park. It’s mostly flat with minor changes in elevation here and there. Starting from Taopi, the path is enclosed in a tunnel of trees and then alternates from tree cover to open prairie, a change from the western half of the trail. “It’s varied,” Steve said. “(The west end) you get more the prairie look. On the east end it’s more the prairie, state park look.”
25 years
Between Taopi and LeRoy is a small bridge over a creek. As riders get closer to Lake Louise State Park, the prairie and farm fields give way to more forested areas.
The completed trail will link LeRoy with Austin and, in between, the towns of Taopi, Adams and Rose Creek. The only part of the trail still to be completed is a 3.4 mile stretch from Highway 56 to Austin, along County Road 58. Steve is optimistic it can be done by winter of this year, depending on whether or not the proper permits are taken care of on the state level. The only thing yet to be decided is what side of the road the trail will border. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 27
A trio of cyclists head north on the Shooting Star Trail along Highway 56.
Once work is completed, it will mark the end of a 25-year journey that began back in the 1990s with the formation of the Prairie Visions group. Gerald Meier was a founder of that group and, according to Steve, he had a pretty lofty plan to have the trail completed in four years. “They really thought that they could get from LeRoy to Austin in four years,” he said. “Here we are 25 years later.” The complications of stretching the 30-mile trail between the two points included finding the proper route and land acquisitions — both simplified by using an existing railroad bed to anchor the trail and cutting down on the land acquisitions.
Destination and promotion The goal of those people working to make the trail’s completion a reality is straightforward: “Our vision was to be a destination for cyclists,” Steve said. And largely that has worked, especially with help from the annual Shooting Star Trail Ride that brings cyclists from all over to experience a ride across southeastern Minnesota. This year’s ride brought in 175 riders from as far away as Minneapolis. Those cyclists have the opportunity to ride different routes of varying lengths, including many who will take the trail. The second half of this equation are the towns along the route. “One of the objectives of the communities is to promote themselves to the people using (the trail),” Steve said. “Some people like to ride to LeRoy and eat at Sweets and then head back.” It’s that promotion and teamwork that will help the trail 28 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
continue to be a popular place for bikers, but the end result of the trail could make the difference. Making the final connection to Austin. “It would be a boost not just for Austin but the surrounding communities as more people discover the trail,” Steve said. “Anchoring to a population center like Austin, I think you will see more and more people use the trail.” Once more people begin hitting the trail, it will be easier for more business opportunities to surface along the way.
Work to be done Work will go on, even after the trail is completed. There are several ideas floating about to improve the trail once it’s done, including kiosks in each town with QRS codes. Once cyclists interact with the code through their cell phone, then the small towns around them will open up with ideas on places to go and eat. There is also talk of adding more trailheads as well as restroom opportunities. And there is room for expansion in opposite directions. Even though these plans are far from set or even started, there have been ideas of extending south to Lyle along Highway 218 and north to Owatonna, again along Highway 218. There has also been talk of eventually linking with the Blazing Star Trail coming out of Albert Lea and there is potential for linking across the border in Iowa, to the WapsiGreat Western Line Trail. But those are just ideas and a long way from fruition. Right now, it’s just pedaling toward completion of the Shooting Star Trail. “The goal now is to really benefit the cyclists passing through,” Steve said.
Saturday Ride Our own short ride eventually took us to the western side of Lake Louise State Park. Prairie gave over to thicker stands of trees, indicating our turnaround point. The round trip was 15 miles both ways and took us a little under two hours to complete. From the road, anybody traveling Highway 56 could mistake Shooting Star for a fairly mundane ride past corn and bean fields. In the full interest of disclosure, I can say those have often been my own thoughts, but what I never took into consideration were the maintained prairie grasses and flowers, wildlife and short separations from the road that you don’t notice during a drive. Rides through the trees, especially those closer to LeRoy, can make you forget about the busy road not far away. From a bike, the ride is easy and relaxing, giving the rider the opportunity to see those things you don’t see at 65 miles per hour. Even the more treeless stretches open up before the rider to expose them to the joys of the prairie. It highlights those things many take for granted. “It brings out an experience of rolling along through the country side, with places to stop in each town,” Steve said.
Riders can either leave Taopi for a five-mile trip to Adams to the west or just over seven miles east to Lake Louise State Park.
Along the length of the Shooting Star Trail are prairie flowers and grasses, a nice contrast from the surrounding fields.
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 29
d e t a v i t o M for h t l a he Hormel Institute scientist Hanah Yang works out on a treadmill. Remaining active is a good way to help sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Avoiding or delaying cancer can be done through lifestyle choices Story
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Photos By The Hormel Institute
Knowledge can be a great motivator. There is no doubt that scientists and staff at The Hormel Institute have a keen and close-up understanding that cancer prevention is important. Through the daily research of cancer prevention or cancer progression at the cellular level — and research of translational cancer research (how basic lab research translates to humans) – knowing what works or doesn’t work can affect personal behavior. “Research shows nearly half — maybe more — of cancers can be avoided or delayed altogether just from lifestyle choices alone,” said Dr. Zigang Dong, executive director. “We know there are genetic factors and disease which is unavoidable, but as scientists we also are very aware that it is important to do all the things we know 30 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
which can help preserve and protect our immune system and health.” The National Cancer Institute states harmful mutations may increase a person’s chance, or risk, of developing a disease such as cancer. Overall, inherited mutations are thought to play a role in only about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers. Cancer can sometimes appear to “run in families” even if it is not caused by an inherited mutation (there are risks such as smoking or obesity that could be part of a family dynamic.) It is widely known avoiding tobacco is one of the biggest impact factors related to cancer prevention and health. Lesser known — but the second leading impact factor to avoid cancer — is food/nutrition and keeping a healthy body weight.
Observations of Hormel Institute scientists — what are some of their healthy choices? • Drink green tea daily (loose leaf only) • Walk throughout day • Use standup computer stations • Limit alcohol consumption • Work out at gym regularly • Take regular breaks • Avoid known carcinogens - air pollution, water pollution, sunlight • Wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Don’t forget to protect head, neck and ears • Never use a tanning bed • Play ping pong • Be passionate about work — job satisfaction • Eat lots of vegetables and a variety of vegetables • Enjoy sweets in moderation • Don’t smoke/no tobacco or vape • Eat fiber rich foods • Stir fry in wok (with oil) • Get medical care regularly for early detection • Seek medical care ASAP for anything unusual • Bike to work • Don’t overeat • Fast once in a while • Veestro online (for vegetarians) • Eat salmon and fish • Play sports like soccer • Walk to work or run errands if your job is sedentary • Use the employee gym on lunch breaks • Park in the furthest open spot and use the furthest restroom — steps count • Bring your lunch to work for healthier options • Use a “goal gallon” to get enough water during the day (goalgallon.com) • Drink coffee • Meditate/pray Special Note: This is NOT medical advice, just suggestions personally used by The Hormel Institute’s scientists and staff.
Green tea — in leaf form — is a powerhouse in cancer prevention.
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 31
32 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Of
Mind And Spirit More are finding the mental and physical benefits of yoga Story
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Photos
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Eric Johnson
Kelly Kingland leads a class at the Yoga Studio of Austin. Studios like the Yoga Studio are helping more and more people become introduced to the good it offers. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 33
I
n a semi-darkened room, lit by nothing but ambient light drifting in from three large windows and a string of smaller lights zigzagging across the ceiling, six students followed yoga instructor Kelly Kingland as she led them through the hour-long class.
The only sound was from soft music streaming through Kingland’s cellphone. It was relaxed, yet those taking part received a workout at the same time. There was a sense of being grounded, not only with body, but mind as well. “Yoga means ‘to yolk, or to connect,’” Kingland said. “In this sense it’s connecting your breath to your movement. But when you connect your breath to your movement, it allows you to be in the here and now. All of a sudden you are a lot more aware of everything going on in your body.” In a world moving so fast, people are continually looking for ways to slow the pace of the day and for many, yoga does that. Yoga itself seems to represent the need for patience, dating back to practices developed in ancient India. It combines poses and movements with a goal to focus the person and mind. In a lot of ways it’s a humbling measure of workout — mind and body — especially in a day and age where we are connected to the wider world in some form through computers and phones. As a result, we have gotten away from knowing our own bodies. “That’s how disconnected we are with ourselves and our body,” Kingland said. “Why we feel the way we feel, whether it’s physical or mental; so, whenever you do yoga, you can allow yourself to connect more with your body and become more spatially aware.” Kingland herself is something of a recent convert to the practice of yoga. Her first experience was in 2013 while she was still in college. She began turning an eye toward a healthier way of life, so she tried yoga for the first time. The first videos she sought for help did not give her what she wanted. Eventually she picked up a Jillian Michaels yoga video which fit what Kingland was looking for. In 2015, Kingland began a more serious move to utilizing yoga, attending a gratitude flow in November 2015. During the session, where each pose is combined in more of a “flow” from one to the next, the instructor would provided words of encouragement, helping students feel more gratitude for the world around them. “It was absolutely phenomenal,” Kingland said. “It felt like that was the true feeling on how yoga should be, especially in your first session.” With a more consistent effort, Kingland began delving even deeper, eventually becoming an instructor at the Yoga Studio which ultimately led to taking ownership of the business in 2017. On the surface, yoga is good for a variety of reasons. 34 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Much of yoga is a balance of bringing together the mind and body.
According to the American Osteopathic Association benefits include: •Increased flexibility. •Increased muscle strength and tone. •Improved respiration, energy and vitality. •Maintaining a balanced metabolism. •Weight reduction. •Cardio and circulatory health. •Improved athletic performance. •Protection from injury. “Definitely there are quite a few people who have started yoga and lost a significant amount of weight,” Kingland said. “Obviously you’re going to be physically active in there. You’re still stengthening and stretching those muscles. It almost flips a switch in your head that you want to be healthier in all aspects of your life.”
“All of a sudden, you’re going out less often, you’re eating healthier meals,” Kingland continued. “You’re just trying to find this way to bring yoga outside of the classroom.” Yoga’s benefits flow into the mind as well through the entwining of movement and breathing. Through these efforts Kingland has seen people’s whole look on life change and alter. “For the most part, attitudes change. People who might have been Debby downers before are now more positive and uplifting. You see a bright side of things.” Many more people are beginning to see the advantages of yoga for both the mind and body. Harvard Medical School in 2016 reported that 15 percent of all Americans had practiced yoga in the past 6 months. Yoga being practiced by men was also increasing.
“
For the most part, attitudes change. People who might have been Debby downers before are now more positive and uplifting. You see the bright side of things.”
Kelly Kingland September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 35
As Kingland has said, in some form or function, one always finds some benefit to yoga. And because more and more people are finding these benefits, yoga itself appears to be growing. “It feels like it’s definitely growing, especially in Austin,” Kingland said. “I think what people don’t realize is there is a type of yoga (for them), no matter what your physical activity level is or what you are seeking.” Kingland is hearing from more people who are willing to give it a try, but it’s not something you can simply observe. Because of the physical and mental aspects of yoga, all of its forms and benefits should be experienced. 36 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
“People who call in say, ‘I’ve never tried yoga, but I’m curious. Would it be okay if I just came in, sat and watched?’” Kingland said. “Absolutely not. You can come in and try it. What’s watching going to do? You’re not going to know if running is for you unless you try it. You’re not going to know if weight lifting is for you unless you go and try it.” There is also a spiritual aspect to yoga. Through the deep meditative poses, comes a deeper connection for people. At the Yoga Studio of Austin, Kingland said they don’t push one religion over another, but she doesn’t deny the spiritual connection for those who find it. It can be different for everyone.
What’s available at the Yoga Studio of Austin Here is a list of those classes available for most everyone. For a complete description of each class visit www.yogastudioofaustin.com.
Beginners Yoga: For those new to yoga or wishing to experience a basic flow. It will introduce foundational yoga postures, teach you how to breath and help students feel more comfortable in the yoga practice.
Hatha/Hatha Flow: In this class instructors will develop a balance of strength and flexibility as they learn to find equilibrium. Intermediate Yoga: This class focuses on improving overall physical health, flexibility and mental awareness. This class is for students who are familiar with the basic principles of alignment and technique. Yin Yoga and Meditation: Yin Yoga is focused on deep stretching and lengthening of the body’s fascia, the thin sheath of fibrous tissue enclosing a muscle or other organ. Postures are held for a period of time to find opening and release.
Vinyasa (all levels): Vinyasa is a series of poses that will move you through the power of inhaling and exhaling. Movements are smoothly flowing and almost dance-like, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as Vinyasa Flow. Classes at the Yoga Studio are as much mental as physical as each person strives to find balance between the two.
Yoga Sculpt: This class includes segments of cardio, strength training and yoga. This is a rigorous workout set to energetic music.
Dance Fitness: High energy, cardio workout that will incorporate body weight, strength training movements.
Core and Restore: This class combines core activating Vinyasa flow and holds and the healing posturers of yin yoga.
Barre Workout:
This class combines Pilates, yoga and ballet movements, along with the bursts of cardio, using ballet barre for support and resistance. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 37
Yoga brings the body a flexibility that involves healthier limbs, joints and muscles.
38 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
“Most of the people that come to our studio are here for the fitness aspect of it,” she said. “It’s not so much the spiritual aspect and because of that we don’t have too many teachers that reach into that realm of yoga.” “But,” Kingland continued, “the true thing that people don’t understand is all yoga is going to do is it’s going to connect you to your religion more.” For all of its qualities, yoga really boils down to one thing: betterment of one’s self and knowing one’s self. “Just really knowing, truly knowing your body, changes everything because how many people have body image issues as well? You just really get to know your body — how it moves and how it works.” As Kingland’s class reached the end, those taking part took the time to appreciate the moment. It was not completely quiet, but Kingland settled her class, almost like a final moment for the mind and body to connect.
A participant in Kingland’s yoga class utilizes supports.
She wished her class a good day and finished with a classic yoga greeting that’s simple as it is heartfelt. An acknowledgement of one soul to another soul. “Namaste.”
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I think what people don’t realize is there is a type of yoga (for them), no matter what your physical activity level is or what you are seeking.” Kingland
Kingland has embraced her own love of yoga, bringing that love to teaching and ownership of The Yoga Studio of Austin.
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 39
Meet the instructors
The Yoga Studio of Austin has the class you’re looking for, led by instructors who will bring their own passion for the practice and help guide you toward a better balance of your life.
Allie Dittmer Vinyasa Yoga (All Levels)
Allie Dittmer started her journey to yoga when she was a freshman in college, where she started doing a hot yoga class. For all it’s benefits, she found that it helped her not only physically, but mentally as well. “I had anxiety and depression and going to yoga helped me cope with that,” Dittmer said. She quickly embraced all aspects of the practice, getting as much experience as possible, wanting to make it her life. “It’s very easy to find somewhere to do it,” Dittmer said. “This is my career path. I’ll do more training, take more classes and more lessons. There are so many opportunities.” Dittmer focuses on Vinyasa yoga in her teachings at the Yoga Studio at all
levels, providing assistance for beginners and showing easier modifications for poses all the way up to more complicated poses. “It challenges your mind and body,” Dittmer said. “You move so you improve
Chrissy Stiehm
Yoga Sculpt, Hatha Yoga and Intermediate Levels Chrissy Stiehm first started utilizing yoga in her 20s during a stressful time in her life. Started going to classes and began to see the results in other aspects of her life as she began to become more balanced. “I found the breathing techniques made it easier to take in the real world circumstances,” Stiehm said. She made the connection that it was the yoga that was helping and began learning more and in a fairly short amount of time, began training to be an instructor. “The effects are immediate,” Stiehm said. “You breath to reduce stress and it doesn’t take that much to wake that up.” While Stiehm teaches a variety of things at the studio, Sculpt Yoga is the more extreme version of yoga, combining poses and interval training. It’s a high-energy class of 50 minutes that makes use of H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Training) that circles around a certain time of high intensity workout (30 or 20 seconds) followed by breaks of alternating lengths using weights, exercise bands and miniballs, along with other items. But during that time yoga is worked into the workout. “I work yoga into the entire thing,” she said. A warmup set at the start for mind and body. You do your yoga poses and then add weight resistance to that.” 40 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
your coordination between attitude, mind and body.” Those aspects of Vinyasa tends to be more physical than mental and can benefit heart rate, breathing, opening up lung capacity and heart capacity.
Heidi Harrabi Hatha Flow, Restorative
Heidi Harrabi turned to yoga 20 years ago in order to help battle anxiety and depression. She started trying the usual run of treatment, but when she found it wasn’t working, she sought out more help. “I started searching for ways that were different from traditional methods [of treatment],” she said. Like so many others, she found the practice showed very quick and positive results. “A month later I noticed everything was improved,” said said. It’s way more than exercise. This is something special.” Her path to teaching started with a simple question from a friend. “In 2015 a friend asked why I wasn’t training,” Harrabi said. “I really loved it. I was fascinated by all the poses. There was something mystical about the way it works.” Harrabi stresses that yoga is something that really needs to be experienced rather simple watched or
read about. “When I practice, I kind of go somewhere else,” she said. “I sink into the body. The mind slows down. I can forget … daily life.” The yoga Harrabi teaches tends to
focus on the breathing, making use of everything around you. The goal is to achieve an alignment. The benefits keep the practitioner fit and helps trim the waste. Every pose has a different effect on the system.
teaches, is a slower-paced yoga where you’re holding poses for 45 seconds or even as long as five minutes. Everything gets a good stretch and she said that it’s a great form for athletes or people stuck sitting as desks all day.
Or if you simply have too much energy. “There’s a meditative aspect to holding poses, really slowing down,” Murphy said. “Don’t be too tense; just let it go.”
Jasmine Murphy
Yin Yoga, Zumba as well as partnering with Kelly Kingland for Raki class Jasmine Murphy tried yoga at the encouragement of a friend and found she really enjoyed it, eventually starting to train with then owner Lindsey Kepper. Murphy found yoga was something she was looking for without really knowing it. “You don’t know how much you need it until you try it,” she said. “It’s a self-awareness.” In a world surrounding us that is constantly stimulating people through cell phones, computers and the like, Murphy finds that yoga is a steadying force. “You just get addicted,” Murphy said. “Doing it, you see the results. I’ve garnered a lot more patience.” Yin yoga, the style that Murphy
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 41
Jenn Oftelie Hatha Yoga
Jenn Oftelie has a long and active lifestyle that ultimately led to yoga and teaching at the Yoga Studio. She started martial arts training in fourth grade, practicing Tae Kwan Do in middle school through college. From there she transitioned to tai chi for eight to nine years. In 2002 she started yoga after buying a punch card deal. The tai chi was dropped, so she tried yoga for a very simple reason. “I guess I’ll try yoga because I paid for it,” she said. “It was really wonderful and so I started training in 2006.” Ultimately, Oftelie got her training from Victor Oppenheimer, who learned his teaching from famed yoga instructor BKS Iyenger. Oftelie finds yoga as a chance to center. “It’s time to center and do things for myself,” Oftelie said. “It’s a sense of community. It’s a group of men and women who care about physical health and community we live on.” While Oftelie teaches Hatha at the studio, she concentrates on proper poses and the fundamentals of each posture.
“What happens often is you get a certain part and you’ve done it for so long,” she said. “You start doing something and it gets ingrained, even if it’s incorrect.” “There’s always room for
improvement,” she added. “Keeping these posturer correct helps with joint flexibility, ligaments, connective tissue, bone mass, bone density, builds muscles, helps with weight loss and body maintenance.”
Neal Gjersvik Hatha, Vinyasa Flow
Neal Gjersvik began with yoga to help battle headaches he was having, which were not getting helped with traditional methods. “I was fighting headaches,” Gjersvik said. “We figured out they were stress headaches and so I started taking medications. I decided to see if I could manage headaches without that.” Gjersvikl is an avid outdoors man: kayaking, bike riding and hiking. He ultimately found that during the winters, when he was stuck inside and doing yoga, the headaches remained at bay, but during the summer, when he was doing outdoor activities and not doing yoga as much, the headaches would return. In 2014, he started taking the training to be an instructor. “It grounds me,” he said. “When I have too much energy I get flighty and I can’t focus enough to get the simplest task done. I’m aware I need to bring myself down to earth.” The Vinyasa he teaches is about movement as he instructs students to work through poses with a flow and avoiding pauses. “You’re moving with breath and movement,” Gjersvik said. “It’s letting you move freely in and out.” 42 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
This style of yoga helps with the core and lower back, which Neal finds often gets left out of workouts. It also helps with stretching muscles, relieving stress, stimulates digestion and relieves back aches.
BEING OUTDOORS HAS NEVER BEEN MORE RELAXING
Freeborn Lumber Co. 917 Plaza Street W Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-377-4284 September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 43
A
Welcoming Place By Deb Nicklay • Photos
by
Eric Johnson
At The Bridge, the welcome mat is always out 44 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
D
espite advances in the public perception of mental illness, there remains a stigma attached.
g Craig Borgesen takes a trick-shot approach to a game of pool with A.J. as she watches.
And no one knows that better than those who have suffered from its effects. However, at The Bridge in Austin, adults with mental illness have a social gathering place of respite, recreation and relaxation. The drop-in establishment provides “a safe environment for those with mental illness, a place where you can hang out,” and where those who come understand your challenges, said Scott Delaney, the manager at The Bridge. Open every day, The Bridge offers daily activities, from bingo and 500, to movie nights and pool tournaments. Add to that Sorry, Skip-bo and dice tournaments. “Someone coming for the first time will come in the door, I’ll shake their hand, give them a tour,” he said. “Ninetynine percent of the people who come here tell us ‘We love this place.’ And, as long as people follow the rules, they’re welcome any time.” The colorful entry area provides a gathering space where patrons can chat, or watch TV and movies. There are many tables upon which people can play games, an area where they access a computer with Wi-FI, bathroom, laundry – patrons sign up to use the laundry facility – and full kitchen where people can prepare food. Holiday meals are served there, too. There is also a quiet room, in which someone feeling anxious can go and relax, or take a nap. Also included is Delaney’s office. There is an emergency food shelf that provides help when needed. Free popcorn and coffee are in large supply. Playing board games and bingo is huge, Delany added. Winners of weekly tournaments “get a real kick out of having their name listed on the blackboard” for a week. It’s just one of the things that makes The Bridge feel like a place of camaraderie and friendship. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 45
Its mission hasn’t changed. The Bridge was first established in a rental home; then, it moved to the Boardwalk location near the Historic Paramount Theatre. Growth in the numbers prompted a move to the current location in a former bank building at 108 East Oakland Ave. Delaney took over the reins from its original manager, Scott Baudler, a valuable part of its history, in 2015. The organization has grown since its inception and stakeholders agree the “for consumers, by consumers” approach is what has sustained its cause, said co-founder Gary Corcoran. Corcoran, who at that time was contracted by Mower County as a case manager, joined hands with a mental health consumer and the head of Mower County Human Services. The three began to discuss a new idea about how those recovering from mental illness could find support in a social setting, which led to the hope of establishing a drop-in center. They began talking with other consumers about their ideas. After a period of deciding what would work and what would not, a number of individuals, companies and agencies worked together to support the start-up, he added. A company was enlisted to help manage The Bridge. That association was later severed and Quality Community Services, Inc. in Austin, operated by Corcoran, handles the book work and payroll for the establishment, while management is left with Delaney. Mower County provides funding for the operation, although major fundraisers are held each year to meet all costs. The Bridge today remains a place, as Corcoran recalled on its five-year anniversary, where mental illness doesn’t matter so much “and you could be accepted for you, rather than ‘dealt with’ for what you had been diagnosed as having. A place where connecting with one another with understanding may prevent another hospitalization. “And, just maybe, a place where a community at-large could see for themselves that much of what they thought they knew about mental illness actually flies in the face of the realities of (these) responsible citizens, operating and participating in their own businesses,” Corcoran said. Delaney and the six facilitators he supervises have all struggled with mental illness. Delaney was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at the age of 26 while living in the Twin Cities. The illness forced a loss of his job and his marriage, he said. A native of Austin, he returned home to build a new life – and succeeded. He is, Corcoran says, “Our go-to guy” at The Bridge, and as on-site manager, serves as social director, adviser, supervisor – and friend to many. The value of such a setting can only be estimated, said Corcoran, but it is believed – supported by some in the county system, he added – that hospitalizations for mental illness have lessened because of The Bridge. The reclusive and sometimes isolating nature of mental illness often leaves someone who is having a bad day with few options for support. Patrons of The Bridge and its social atmosphere can reduce the stress and perhaps alleviate a hospital stay. Delaney agreed, noting that helping provide support to others also helps to keep his own life in balance. 46 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Winston Ehrgott plays out a beat on a set of drums in the main recreation area of The Bridge.
The Bridge is not only a social setting; it can provide resource information and advice for those who need it, from “how to find a dentist, to finding transportation,” said Delaney. “Or it could be HRA (Housing Redevelopment Authority), or NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness, which advocates for the mentally ill).” The Bridge is unique, Corcoran added. He could think of only one other similar operation in Minnesota. “They just aren’t out there,” he said. The Bridge has had visitors from Rochester, who are interested in following its model and hoping to provide a similar place there in the future. Delaney said he has been intent on “building The Bridge” numbers; he said those utilizing the services doubled last year. Right now, he added, there are 125 on the rolls, and daily numbers average in the 30-40 range. “We have young and old and everybody in between,” he said. The service, he added, is open every day of the year for those 18 years of age and older. There are four major fundraisers a year – and the next is the annual Fall Harvest Festival. The Bridge also hosts chili, brat and ice cream social events to raise funds. There is a long list of needed supplies and Delaney said he welcomes cash donations as well. Hours for The Bridge are 1-7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2-7 p.m. on Wednesday; and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Those with questions can contact Delaney at 507-434-9334.
The Bridge is always in need of donations for supplies; canned or boxed items for the emergency food shelf are also always welcomed. They may be dropped at The Bridge during regular hours. Supply items that are needed include: Coffee cups Toilet paper Drinking cups Paper plates Creamer Coffee Sugar Laundry detergent (HE) Garbage bags Pool cues and chalk Light bulbs (40-watt) Kool Aid mix Soap, dish soap Bathroom spray Pens Ice melt Darts, dart tips Movies, DVDs Music CDs Cleaning supplies
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September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 47
Emily Golbuff mixes up a shake at Rave Nutrition, located on Main Street in Austin.
Keeping on Track S
Rave Nutrition helps down their cold shakes with an aloe create a smooth shot on the side. The 27-year-old Austin transition to native would call out to patrons by their names, attempting health to make sure that each customer had
tarting a fitness journey into a healthier lifestyle sometimes can be the hardest step to take, but a smoothie bar in downtown Austin is helping guide those looking to make a change.
been greeted and treated like a friend. Being familiar with customers who come in slightly By Hannah Yang overwhelmed by the 42 flavors of shakes they Photos by Eric Johnson can request — cherry dipped cone being Golbuff’s personal favorite — can help ease Perhaps it’s the bright aqua painted walls them into feeling more comfortable. or the loud blasts of upbeat pop music inside Rave Nutrition “It’s about building relationships,” she said. “You learn that makes the atmosphere more than just another nutrition about people and being able to relate to them.” supplement shop, but Emily Golbuff appears to always be New customers can receive a tea for energy; an aloe shot moving, and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. to add to their tea or to drink for digestion; and a shake acts During the week, the owner of Rave Nutrition opens her as a meal replacement. All of which, are free if you’re entering doors at about 11 a.m., and her regular customers wander into Rave for the first time. For inventory purposes, there are in for their usual shake order. Golbuff turns to her blender, “memberships” where certain drinks and products contribute carefully measuring powders and other nutrition supplements to fat burning, energy boosts and more, but there is no into a tasty concoction. A quick press of a button, and the requirement to come in for a shake. blades inside whirl, and soon, a happy customer is slurping 48 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
“Anybody can come in,” Golbuff said during a sit-down interview. “You don’t have to be a member. It’s for everybody.”
Reaching for goals It was hard to believe that Golbuff wasn’t always in love with fitness and nutrition. She was someone who didn’t enjoy running, and hated to exercise. She had attended Minnesota State University, Mankato for a bachelor’s degree in special education, and had never foreseen that she would be adopting healthy living into her life. “I was never an athlete before. I was someone who would before say ‘I have to run a mile?’” she expressed with amusement. What ultimately got Golbuff to make changes in her life was when her father was diagnosed with cancer, which served as a reminder about what her future looked like if she didn’t take control of her own health. “I knew I was unhealthy,” she said. “I had gained the freshman 15 and then some. I was not gonna fall into that.” What Golbuff ended up doing, changed her outlook into personal nutrition and healthy living. She found a nutrition club in Mankato while attending school, and joined a weight loss challenge in 2013. Within the five years she joined the nutrition club, Golbuff lost 42 pounds and kept it off ever since with a more active lifestyle and better choices with types of food She ran half-marathons and does Crossfit. She bikes and does other fitness activities to keep herself moving. Ever since the first weight loss fitness challenge she took, Golbuff now sings a different tune. “I do multiple exercises across the board, I always kept it different so I don’t get bored,” she beamed. “I love nutrition and how the body works.” After having taught special education down in Texas for three years, Golbuff had every intention of going into teaching back in Austin. However, while working as a co-owner of Ignite Nutrition in Albert Lea, that’s where fate intervened. Golbuff noticed a significant number of clients coming into town from Austin, who were searching for nutrition and fitness support. That was when, she wanted to start running her own business in Austin. “I never thought I’d be running my own business,” she said, “and I get a high of helping other people achieve their goals.” She had debated whether going into a fitness operation on her own was wise. However, it was from the support of Golbuff’s husband and family members that finally gave her the encouragement needed to continue onward with opening a storefront of her own, and she chose downtown Austin to be the site of Rave Nutrition. “Austin has a sense of community wherever you go,” Golbuff said. “That’s what I love about it.”
A busy workstation shows how much hopping Emily Golbuff does in a day.
Bettering themselves In January of this year, Haley Williamson of Austin saw a Facebook post for a weight-loss challenge. A mother who gave birth to her second child, she wasn’t really looking to lose weight. September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 49
Williamson worked in a corporate office, but also as a fitness instructor on the side. “I had just had my second baby, and the challenge caught my eye,” she said. “I originally liked Rave Nutrition’s page, and saw them posting about a weight-loss challenge. I’ve always been interested in health and fitness and it was new in our community. So I wanted to check it out and see what it was about.” So Williamson joined the challenge, and now she teaches fitness classes on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rave Nutrition. What ultimately kept Williamson around was the “positivity.”
themselves. Instead of another fitness club or nutrition club, she found people who held each other accountable and encouraged each other to become stronger in building each other up from nutrition and exercise. “Austin doesn’t really have any healthy food places or anything like that,” she said. “We have a lot of fast food. This is a healthy alternative. Rave gives people that accountability. You really get to know each other, and support your journey whether it’s a weight-loss journey or a fitness journey, whatever your goals are. I guess I’m just really focusing on my health and bettering my body.
“This is a healthy alternative. Rave gives people that accountability.”
“You really get to know each other, and support your journey.”
“The energy from the people I’ve met was so good to be around,” she said. “People were bettering themselves and they were seeing results. I saw them lose weight, get healthier and saw them transform.” Classes cost $5 for the workout, and afterward, the classes would drink recovery shakes. Every week is different and there’s no set routine or exercise for members. They’d request to focus on one aspect like abs or glutes, and then Williamson would figure out a way to bring different exercises to them. “There’s not just one specific class I teach,” she said. “We’ve done cardio, high intensity, boot camp-type deal with different stations, and a lot of interval training.” Although weight loss wasn’t a goal for Williamson, she found herself wanting to foster a camaraderie at Rave Nutrition with others who wanted to make positive changes for 50 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
...Everybody I met through Rave have been such positive people in my life. I see a good future with Rave and for the community to grow and helping people and making them healthier.”
It’s more than just about weight loss For those looking to achieve their goals, they found it easier to obtain with the right support. That’s what Stephanie Thorson found with Rave Nutrition. She knew Golbuff before when Thorson would travel to Ignite Nutrition over in Albert Lea, and was elated to find that there would be a nutrition club that’d be closer to home in Austin. From her first weight-loss challenge in Albert Lea, Thorson lost 36 pounds and now has lost 55 pounds. With that success, Thorson wanted to share the experience with her stepmother, Monica Czarnota.
On a typical day Emily Golbuff can find herself making several shakes as people file through the door at Rave Nutrition.
“She never really committed because of the drive to Albert Lea,” Thorson stated. “When Rave Nutrition opened, it got her interested and I knew it’d be successful for her weight loss. She’s one of those people who sets their mind to something, and she’d blow her goals out of the water. There’s no stopping her.” Czarnota started her fitness journey with Golbuff in April 2018. She met with Golbuff weekly to discuss goals, underwent measuring and weighing, as well as planned out strategies on meal plans. However, it was the support system that held her accountable. Since April, Czarnota lost more than 40 pounds and kept the weight off. “I think that (support) is very important and that’s why I succeeded,” she explained. “(Emily) is supporting me, and she’s someone other than family. It’s somebody with a different point of view. Emily will make you see a different way of things.” One of the biggest reasons why many who try to lose weight fail to maintain progress would be the lack of support received from loved ones. However, it’s just as difficult to know where to start with fitness plans and following meal recommendations too, Golbuff said, and that between fitness and good nutrition, eating properly is what people will carry as the foundation to their health throughout life. “I think that as humans, the choices we make today are a lot harder to keep on track,” she said. “I think it’s 80 percent nutrition and 20 percent fitness. You’re not going to have that 20 percent for the rest of your life, but having good nutrition will. You may not get the 20 percent, but if I have the 80 percent, then I’m golden.”
While working with clients on their individual plans and goals, it’s usually pretty simple. For Czarnota, she goes for healthier options when creating meals such as opting for sweet potatoes instead of regular ones. Originally, setting a personal goal for losing 50 pounds, Czarnota is now rapidly close to surpassing it. “I was excited, I feel good and I want to keep going,” she said. “It motivates me to keep going. I ask myself, ‘How much further can I go?’ I hadn’t thought of a new goal yet, but I will keep going.” From Thorson’s perspective, Rave Nutrition filled a need other than filling stomachs with health shakes. It was providing a community with support to keep moving. She witnessed herself get more confident, and she also saw a transformation in Czarnota too. “Her confidence, she got excited and it’s boosting her up,” Thorson said. “Recently (Monica) got to go on a big shopping trip because her clothes don’t fit her anymore, which is exciting. It’s a huge confidence boost. Rave does that. It’s nice that it keeps you on track. The coaches are amazing, and they’re always there for you. They want me to succeed more than I want to succeed, honestly.” As Rave Nutrition continues to provide energy boosts and healthy motivation for continuing to seek healthier lifestyles, Golbuff felt that it’s the journey that matters more than the final destination. “I hope to open longer within the next year, and make more shakes for people to drink,” she said. “I am so grateful that people allow me to be a part of their journey and they trust me with it.” September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 51
Please join THoRNE CREST Senior Living Community in the fight for Alzheimer’s First Survivor! JOIN THE FIGHT FOR ALZHEIMER’S FIRST SURVIVOR.
Wayne’s Team
Wayne Weiss ALBERT LEA
2018 Albert Lea-Austin Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Sunday, September 23, 2018
at FRANK HALL PARK 712 Frank Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007 9AM – Registration • 10AM – Opening Ceremony (1-mile or 2.5 mile route) Alz.org/walk • 507.289.3950
52 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. Crime Victims Resource Center (CVRC) provides support services to individuals who have been victims of crime. Services provided may include: • 24-hour crisis line
• Support during police reporting
• Crisis counseling • Referrals to other agencies
• Assist with understanding the criminal justice system
• Support during hospital examinations
• Accompaniment to court proceedings for support
• Assistance with Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders
• Notification of victims’ rights • Safety planning
CONNECT WITH US. 507-437-6680 crimevictimsresourcecenter.org facebook.com/CrimeVictimsResourceCenter
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 53
TRAVEL
HEIGHTS
REACHING NEW
54 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Roca Climbing and Fitness in Rochester offers thrill-seekers a chance to climb throughout the year By Rocky Hulne Photos by Eric Johnson While there is not a mountain or a cliff to climb within a reasonable driving distance from Austin, there is a place in Rochester where climbing opportunities are available all year long. If you’re a thrill-seeker, looking for a new family activity or just looking for a new type of exercise, Roca Climbing and Fitness has you covered. Roca, which is located in northern Rochester off of Highway 52, offers climbing walls as high as 40 feet tall along with instructors who make sure everything is safe. Jeremy Schaar, who has 30 years of climbing experience, started Roca in December of 2015 and he said there is a variety of people who stop by. There are climbers as young as two years old and as old as 80 that have come in to make use of the facility. “We do get experienced people in, but being where we are we don’t have a lot of cliffs, so it’s not as much a part of the culture as it is in Colorado,” Schaar said. “So we get some new people and some of our members have never climbed before coming here. It’s a great sport for the whole family because everybody can do it.” Roca offers four different types of climbing: an assisted one where climbers can climb on their own with the help of an orange triangle they sit in, a non-rope climb at lower heights, a rope climb with the help of a partner and an advanced climb where the climber places clips for their rope on the base as they ascend to the top.
Roca Climbing and Fitness has several surfaces for climbers to check out and climb.
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 55
56 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Clai Catto, Rochester, prepares to ascend a wall at Roca Climbing and Fitness in Rochester.
Schaar said he takes every safety precaution, but he does warn that climbing can still be dangerous and everyone coming in must act responsible and careful. “Nobody has ever died indoor climbing,” Schaar said. “We try to make it is safe as possible, but we always say climbing is inherently dangerous and we can’t eliminate all of the risks. If we could, it wouldn’t be climbing. You’re high above the ground, and there is always a potential to fall. We inspect our equipment all of the time and the only accidents we’ve had have been user error.” Schaar said that climbing presents a great opportunity for people to push themselves to their limit. With no opponents or teammates, climbers are forced to rely on themselves to make improvements every time they approach the wall. “It’s a very good self confidence builder, especially for kids,” Schaar said. “We have climbing teams and parents tell me all the time how their kids are more self-confident in other sports, or in life in general. You only get as much as you put into it and it makes kids work hard to do something they couldn’t do the last time they climbed.” Schaar said that kids often pick up climbing quickly as they’re smaller, which gives them an advantage. He also said that kids and parents usually have a good time when they climb together as a family. “Families have a lot of fun doing it together,” Schaar said. “We’ve had a lot of parents of teenage kids say that this is the first time their kids have talked to them for more than five minutes. They love it.” Roca also offers a yoga area where classes are held and a small gym for climbers to warm up. Customers can sign up for day passes or monthly and yearly memberships.
Marion Renault, Rochester, takes on a challenging part of a climb at Roca Climbing and Fitness. Below, Buck Mueller looks for a handhold on Roca’s most challenging climb.
5 Things to do in Rochester Quarry Hill Nature Center 2341 Silver Creek Road NE Rochester. Get a close look at nature by checking out varieties of live animals, birds and fish.
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial 300 7th St. SW Rochester. Pay respects with a curving memorial wall, fountains and statues dedicated to American veterans.
Douglas State Trail The 12.5 mile paved trail runs through rural scenery as it begins in northwestern Rochester and travels through the small town of Douglas. It ends in Pine Island.
Escape Challenge 20 6th St. NW Rochester, 6301 Bandel Road NW Rochester and 300 11th Ave NW Rochester. With three separate rooms in Rochester, visitors can take their chances and try to escape in under 60-minutes by using teamwork.
Mayowood Mansion 3720 Mayowood Rd SW Rochester. The former home of Doctor Charles H. Mayo is open for an hour guided tour.
Salem Glen Vineyard and Winery 5211 60th Ave SW Rochester. Wine and food are available.
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 57
LOOKING BACK
A crowd gathered at a Red Cross rally in 1917 (possibly in Brownsdale) to “Go Over the Top” and raise money for the war. During World War I, the local chapter raised $112,000 in two years. After the war, the local chapter changed its focus from wartime fundraising and supporting soldiers to public health.
Mower County Red Cross Gray Ladies, ca. 1950. Established in 1918, the Red Cross Hostess and Hospital Service and Recreation Corps served at Walter Reed Army Hospital. They wore a gray uniform with a white collars and cuffs and the volunteers became known as the “Gray Ladies.” During WWII, almost 50,000 women served as Gray Ladies. Members of the Gray Ladies did not provide medical care, but they did receive extensive training from doctors and nurses about hospital organization, ethics, psychiatry and occupational therapy. In Mower County, they served in hospitals and nursing homes. The “Gray Lady” program was phased out in the mid-1960s when the Red Cross unified all of its volunteer programs. 58 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Targeting a healthy life By Jaimie Timm, Mower County Historical Society All photos courtesy of the Mower County Historical Society
The local Red Cross focused on public health after World War I
A Mower County Red Cross “Gray Lady” volunteer.
Although typically associated with disaster relief, the Mower County chapter of the Red Cross played a very important role in the health and wellness of Mower County residents. Founded in 1917, the local Red Cross branch turned its attention to public health care in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1919, the Mower County Red Cross hired its first county nurse, Marie Rettig. She began her work in April 1920 (she had to obtain a certificate from the University of Minnesota before she could begin her work). Miss Olga Hovre was hired as her replacement in mid-1922. The county nurse made school visits, taught health and hygiene classes, visited new mothers and their babies, promoted good nutrition and more. The Red Cross continued to support the county nurse program until the mid-1930s, when the government took over the program. In the 1930s, the Red Cross began offering swimming and first aid classes. They also provided medical and dental aid to children from low-income families, taught home hygiene classes, and taught people how to take care of the ill. During the Great Depression, the local Red Cross distributed flour sent to Austin by the national office. Mrs. Guy Wold also supervised the creation of over 1,800 yards of material, also sent by the national office, into clothes for women and children. Under Red Cross supervision, women canned vegetables and fruits to be given to needy families.
Marie Rettig, ca. 1920. Miss Rettig served as an Army Nurse during World War I and became Mower County’s first County Nurse in 1920. When the Red Cross hired her, they provided her with everything she needed to serve county residents, including a car (although records show her frequently asking for money to repair the car because it was so unreliable).
September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 59
School may be back in session, but there’s still fun to be had. All dates, times, and locations subject to change.
Sept. 8
GAR Hall Open House
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Grand Army of the Republic Hall in Grand Meadow Visit Post 130, one of only two GAR Halls left in Minnesota, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sept. 8-9
Cedar River Archery Club “Sure Shot Challenge”
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Cedar River Archery Club Prizes will be awarded. All experience levels welcome. Cost is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. The mission of the Cedar River Archery Club is to perpetuate, foster, and direct the practice of archer for youth and adults alike in the city of Austin and surrounding areas, in accordance with high spirit, safety, and the honorable tradition of this most ancient sport. For more information, 507-438-7619.
Sept. 22
2018 Regional Highland Cattle Show
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Mower County Fairgrounds Check out this unique breed of cattle with their soft, abundant coats and long horns, and try a Highland Burger or some Cowboy Beans. For more information, call 507-582-1073.
Sept. 22
Fall Harvest Celebration
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Mower County Historical Society Celebrate Fall at the Historical Society during this free event. Featuring live music with JJ’s Pickup Band, bake sale, wagon rides, children’s activities and more. Fun for the whole family.
Sept. 23
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Sept. 9-12
When: 9 a.m. (Registration), 10 a.m. (Walk) Where: Frank Hall Park (712 Frank Ave. in Albert Lea) Walk a three-mile or one-mile route. To register a team, call 800-272-3900.
Where: Mower County Fairgrounds
Sept. 28
National Barrow Show
Sept. 9
22nd Annual Mower County Humane Society Walk for Animals
When: 1-4 p.m. Where: Todd Park Come join us for a fun filled afternoon at the pavilion in the southeast corner of Todd Park, near the Izaak Walton Cabin. Prizes will be awarded for $50, $150 and $200 pledges. Forms will be available in early August at the Mower County Humane Society, the Austin Public Library, Austin Vet Clinic and Double K Specialty.
Sept. 15
Austin, MN Out of the Darkness Walk
When: 7:30 a.m. to noon Where: Austin Congregational Church Online registration closes at noon (local time) the Friday before the walk. However, anyone who would like to participate can register in person at the walk from the time check-in begins until the walk starts. Registration is free and open to the public. Walk donations are accepted until Dec. 31. To register, go to https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. event&eventID=5474. For more information, contact Laurie at 641-832-0983 or laurietucke@gmail.com.
Sept. 15
Harvest Fest
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Downtown Austin Annual festival celebrating fall and healthy living. Fun for all ages. The day’s events begin with the annual Harvest Fest 5K; downtown activities go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 60 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
Ethan Bortnick Live in Concert - Generations of Music
When: 7 p.m. Where: Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School Join Ethan Bortnick, recognized by Guinness World Records as “The World’s Youngest Solo Musician to Head-line His Own Concert Tour,” as he performs some of the most favorite songs for all generations to enjoy together.
Sept. 28-30
“Our Town” by Thornton Wilder
When: 7 p.m. (28-29) and 2 p.m. (30) Where: Pioneer Building, Mower County Historical Society Live theatre comes to your Historical Society with this special fundraising event. Presented in partnership with Matchbox Children’s Theatre and the Mower County Historical Society. Tickets: Adults- $14, Students- $9 Please call 507-437-6082 for reservations - limited seating per performance.
Sept. 30
Austin Artist Series - Holy Rocka Rollaz
When: 3 p.m. Where: Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School First concert in Austin of the 75th season of one of the largest and longest running artist series in the Midwest. Subscription tickets available starting Sept. 4 through the website - www.austinartistsseries.org. Tickets also include access to the season’s concerts in Osage and Albert Lea. For more information, call 507-440-6030 or 612-272-8653.
Oct. 12-13
Holiday Vintage and Antique Sale
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (12) and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (13) Where: Pioneer Building, Mower County Historic Society
Austin ArtWorks Center
For more information, call 507-434-0934. • Oct. 8 . . . . . Sandy’s Clothing and Art Pop Up Shop, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Austin Public Library
For more information, call 507-433-2391.
Oct. 13
Austin Artist Series - Those Were the Days (William Florian)
When: 7 p.m. Where: Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School Second concert in Austin of the 75th season of one of the largest and longest running artist series in the Midwest. Subscription tickets available starting Sept. 4 through the website - www.austinartistsseries.org. Tickets also include access to the season’s concerts in Osage and Albert Lea. For more information, call 507-440-6030 or 612-272-8653.
Oct. 14
Seventh annual Darren Dash
When: 7 a.m. to noon Where: Lafayette Park This annual event will honor the life of Austin native and running enthusiast, Darren Lewis. All events will start and end at Lafayette Park located in Austin. Event will be chip timed and participants will receive a t-shirt (register before Oct. 11 for guaranteed shirt). For more information, go to www.darrendash.org.
Oct. 14
Eighth annual Taste of Mower County
When: 4-7 p.m. Where: Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center Enjoy unlimited tastings of signature items from the finest home and restaurant chefs in Mower County and the surrounding area. Evening includes food and wine tasting, live and silent auction, door prizes, entertainment, and cash bar. For more information, call 507-433-8994 or go to www.thearcmc.org.
Oct. 21
Rural Cemetery Tour
When: 1-3 p.m. Where: Meet at Mower County Historic Society Will leave from MCHS by bus. Cost is $10 for Hormel Historic Home members and $15 for non-members. Light refreshments will be served.
Oct. 27
Fall Fest
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Downtown Austin
Oct. 27
Austin Symphony Orchestra - Roberto, Copland and Ramsey
When: 7 p.m. Where: Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School Opening concert of the 2019 Jubilation Season celebrating Steven Ramsey’s 25th year with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, featuring Roberto Plano on piano, and Kaitlin Ramsey reciting her original poetry. For more information, go to www.austinmnsymphony.org.
• Sept. 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Sept. 10, 17, and 24 . . . • Sept. 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . • Sept. 17 and Oct. 29. . . • Sept. 18 and Oct. 16. . . • Sept. 18 and Oct. 16. . . • Sept. 25 and Oct. 23. . . • Sept. 27 and Oct. 25. . . • Oct. 8, 22, and 29. . . . . • Oct. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Oct. 15-26. . . . . . . . . . .
Pinterest Craft Club, 6 p.m. Celebrating 20 Years of Harry Potter, 5-6:30 p.m. Pirate Day, 1-5 p.m. (performance by Jack Sparrow from 2:30-3:30 p.m.) Artistic Afternoons, 1 p.m. Tween Advisory Group, 5-6 p.m. Teen Advisory Group, 6-7 p.m. U.F.O. (Unfinished Objects) Night, 5-8 p.m. Lego Club, 3-5 p.m. Tween Programs, 5-6:30 p.m. Early Release Hangout Day, 1-4 p.m. Escape Room (sign-up required), TBD
• Book Arts . . Kirigami and Pop Up Books: First Saturday of the month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Art Hour. . . Second Saturday of the month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Technology . Circuits: Third Saturday of the month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Technology . Hour of Code: Third Saturday of the month, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Book Arts . . Origami, Fourth Saturday of the month, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Hormel Historic Home
For more information, call 507-433-4243. • Sept. 10. . . . History Happy Hour on Wheels: exploring History Hotspots, 5:30-7:30 p.m. • Sept. 15. . . . Protein Packed Fun (Part of Harvest Fest), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Oct. 8 . . . . . History Happy Hour: Dialogue with Walt Whitman, 5:30-7:30 p.m. • Oct. 13 . . . . Kid’s Music in Motion: Irish Fling, 10-11:30 a.m. • Oct. 13 . . . . Master Music Class with Peggy Reich, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Events at the Paramount For more information, call 507-434-0934.
• Sept. 8. . . . . Scott Jasmin: Small Town Songs, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Movie Matinee and Movie Night at the Paramount Held every Wednesday at 3 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5; no advance ticket sales. For more information call 507-434-0934. • Sept. 5. . . . . “An American in Paris” • Sept. 12. . . . “It Happened One Night” • Sept. 19. . . . Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” • Sept. 26. . . . “The Quiet Man” • Oct. 3 . . . . . “A Day at the Races” • Oct. 10 . . . . “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” • Oct. 17 . . . . “Hocus Pocus” • Oct. 24 . . . . “Little Shop of Horrors” • Oct. 31 . . . . “Night of the Living Dead”
Lunchbox History Series
Held at noon at the Pioneer Building, Mower County Historical Society. Bring your lunch and bring a friend. • Sept. 27. . . . “History of Mill Pond,” with guest speaker Tim Ruzek. • Oct. 25 . . . . “The Vietnam Experience,” with guest speaker Al Smith.
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
RSVP for the following programs by phone at 507-437-7519, by email at info@hormelnaturecenter.org, or in person at the Interpretive Center. • Sept. 15. . . . Fall Bus Trip to Winona (Friends Members Only), 8 a.m. to 5 pm. • Sept. 22 Wild, Edible, and Delectable: Mushrooms with Sammie Peterson (Friends Members Only), 1-3:30 p.m. • Oct. 12-13. . Halloween Warm-Up, 6:50-10 p.m.
Sola Fide Observatory Viewings
Come learn about the night sky from our local experts. Viewing will be held from 9-10 p.m. For more information, call 507-437-7519. • Sept. 8 • Oct. 6
• Sept. 15 • Oct. 20 September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 61
BOOK REVIEW
ON THE RISE
Kate DiCamillo’s ‘The Tiger Rising’ chronicles a young boy coping with the death of his mother By Bonnie Rietz, Austin Page Turners “You got to let that sadness rise on up.” These words were spoken to a 12 year old boy named Rob in the book “The Tiger Rising” by Kate DiCamillo. But wait! Why am I writing about a young adult book when the purpose of this review is to discuss a book that could be considered by Austin Page Turners for our next city-wide book read? For 17 years, we have featured Minnesota authors whose books were read by the community and then the authors came to present and answer questions. Ten of the books have been adult fiction. The best example of this was in 2003 when we featured “The Things They Carried” by National Book Award winner, Tim O’Brien. It was exciting to welcome him back to his hometown! When Tim spoke to students in a full audience at Knowlton Auditorium, you could have heard a pin drop. Mystery books are very popular and we consider some each year and have chosen four from this genre. Perhaps the most popular Minnesota mystery writer is New York Times Best Selling Author, William Kent Krueger, who visited Austin in 2010 when we featured his book “Thunder Bay.” He not only is an amazing writer, but also a fascinating presenter. Cover illustration copyright We have also read three 2015 by Stephen Walton. Published by Candlewick Press biographies and this year Amy Thielen, James Beard Award Winner, came to town to discuss her book “Give a Girl a Knife.” She is a chef and it was fun taking her to three of our Austin restaurants to sample our delicious local cuisine. 62 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
So how about featuring a young adult book for our next citywide book read and encouraging adults to read it with (or to) a young person? Especially when the young adult book is as interesting to the adult as it is to the young person. Kate DiCamillo, a Minnesota author living in Minneapolis and winner of two Newberry Medals, has written many children’s and young adult books and they are such a delight to read. Her books contain sorrow, joy, inspiration, humor and hope. I chose “The Tiger Rising” to review because it tugs at your heart strings and you find you are wanting to help Rob accept his mother’s death. Rob is a 12-year-old boy whose mother died of cancer. He and his father have stuffed their pain and suffering deep inside. He is alone and bullied until he meets a friend, Sistine, who is also a stranger in the school and they become best of friends. Sistine believes her father will someday return and take her back to Pennsylvania. Rob has discovered a tiger pacing in a cage in the woods behind the motel where he and his dad live in Florida. He sees a similarity with the tiger because they are both caged in. He shows the tiger to Sistine and immediately she wants to unlock the cage and let the tiger go. Now is the time to visit the Austin Public Library and check © out “The Tiger Rising” and see what happens. And while you are there, you can take a look at all the books that Kate DiCamillo has written. Perhaps her most famous one is “‘Because of Winn-Dixie” which has been made into a movie and you can check out the DVD.
Kate DiCamillo Photo by Catherine Smith Photography
At the Austin Public Library, you will also find some of her books written in Spanish and you can check out Playaways, which are stand alone, self-contained digital recording books. DiCamillo has audio books, eBooks and even large print books available to enjoy. You can pull up two chairs in the children’s section of the library and read to a young person or you can go to the far end of the library with the wall of windows and enjoy the beautiful view of the Mill Pond before you start to read. And don’t forget to check out Sweet Reads, our wonderful book store on Main Street. Here you can buy “The Tiger Rising” and see what happens. The regional and local authors are featured right on the front shelves as you enter the door. You can grab one of DiCamillo’s books and enjoy reading it in one of the rocking chairs in the quiet area. So now the decision comes as to which book the Austin Page Turners will be choosing for our city-wide book read in the spring of 2019. We will start the process this September with a list of about 20 Minnesota authors and then we make our final decision in December. Watch for the announcement and see if “The Tiger Rising” will be the one chosen and you can join the City-wide Book Read to see if Rob lets his “sadness rise on up.” September–October 2018 | Austin Living | 63
WHY I LOVE AUSTIN
Search for happiness The road home turns out to not be too far away
M
By Josh Kunze, Austin Fire & Rescue • Photo
any people think that you have to search the edges of the earth to find happiness. For me, happiness is right here in Austin, Minnesota. A lifelong resident of Mower County, I have found a deep love and affinity for my hometown. To me, family and faith is not just important, it is everything. So, it’s no surprise to the people who know me, that when it came time to make a decision on where I wanted to live, Austin was an easy choice. Some people have a strong desire to pursue careers far from home, while others have a passion to travel and experience new things. I consider myself extremely blessed to have found a career I love, while still experiencing all life has to offer and much more here in Austin. I am grateful to 64 | Austin Living | September–October 2018
by
Eric Johnson
serve this community as a full-time firefighter and feel very deep connections with the citizens I serve. I am incredibly thankful for the relationships I have developed, both personally and professionally in Austin. Austin has that small town feel. Not a single day goes by without bumping into someone I know and catching up on life with them. Austin also continues to be an increasingly kind and generous community. Groups like the United Way, Hormel Foundation, Paint the Town Pink, and too many others to mention have generously breathed life into this community in ways other communities cannot. I genuinely believe Austin has a bright future and it is exciting to be a part of the growth that is happening.