The Woman Today April 2023

WOMANthe today

Mikayla Erickson

Duluth woman is saving endangered species

• Silver Bay couple builds ‘house on the rock’

• Amanda Rice: full-time nurse, mother, wife and DIYer

• Autism Walk Northland celebrates 10 years

• For Louse Levy, it’s all about the trees

Same great care. Br and new space.

St . Luke’s Obstet rics & Gy necology As sociates is proud to welcome you to our brand new clinic, featuring gorgeous views of Lake Superior, larger exam rooms and a clean, modern design. From adolescence through menopause, our OB-GYN team of fers a full spectrum of women’s care

the today

PROFILES

6 Amanda Rice

Power tools bring Grace Interiors designs to life

12 Louise Levy

Louise Levy’s branching path into tree care

16 Mikayla Erickson

Welcoming endangered plovers back to the St. Louis River

FEATURES

20 Thermally modified wood is beautiful … naturally

24 Autism Walk Northland: Providing awareness and support since 2007

28 Show the earth — and your grad — some love with a waste-free graduation party

FASHION

30 Fashions by Sam

ENTERTAINMENT/ARTS

34 Arts and Events Calendar

FINANCIAL ADVICE

36 Conventional fixed-rate loan or adjustable-rate loan? What to know

HEALTH/MEDICINE

32 St. Luke’s

Same great care, brand-new clinic

38 Essentia

Getting back to what she loves

HOME TOUCHES

40 Views for miles

FOOD/NUTRITION

52 Braised Beef Short Ribs

KITCHEN TIPS

55 Fast Food Drink Trays

KIDS KORNER

56 Sloane's Suggestions/Kids Korner

THE WOMAN YESTERDAY

58 Barbara Rotvig

WOMAN the today

GROUP PUBLISHER

Neal Ronquist

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Rick Lubbers

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Megan Keller

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Ali Carlson

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kim Quinones

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Renae Ronquist

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Julie Schulz

CONTRIBUTORS

Abigail Blonigen

Andrea Busche

Arbor Wood Company

Comstock Creative

Grace Interiors

Katie Godden

Louise Levy

Mikayla Erickson

Molly Milroy

Peter Birschbach

Samantha Roffers University of Michigan Library

Digital Collections

EMAIL

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The Woman Today is published by Duluth News Tribune. Mailed copies available for $32 per year (eight issues). Send check to The Woman Today®, 424 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802

TO OUR READERS

Hello, dear readers!

Welcome to the April issue of The Woman Today. As I write this, the current weather is minus 30 degrees with the windchill, and we just received close to a foot of snow over the course of two days.

I hope by the time you read this we can smell spring in the air. I always enjoy rolling into the month of April. I’m anxious to see hints of spring appear — from little patches of grass rising as the snow melts away to the buds showing themselves on the trees. For those gardeners out there, planning is already underway to anxiously plant flowers and veggies with hopes of no more hard frosts to contend with. Though I love to garden, spring to me means I get to hit the trails with my horses again and start spring training for the upcoming season.

Every year we focus the April issue of The Woman Today on builders and DIYers, as well as eco-friendly and environmental initiatives. I certainly learned a great deal from those who gave us the opportunity to share their stories.

Let’s start with Mikayla Erickson, stepping into the Piping Plover Project leader position with the St. Louis River Alliance. Until we met with Mikayla, I wasn’t sure what a piping plover was. It is an endangered bird species that nests right here in the Northland. Her story is a must-read, and it brings awareness to some amazing initiatives happening right in our backyard.

We came across a business based here in Duluth that is poised to become one of the largest manufacturers of thermally modified wood in the country. Arbor Wood Company CEO Jon Heyesen is working hard to do right by our planet with his product.

We also sat down with Amanda Rice, owner and operator of Grace Interiors. Not only is Amanda taking on unique, beautiful home projects, but she is also a full-time nurse and mother. Her DIY projects are a passion of hers, finding it as a stress reliever for her busy lifestyle.

Celebrating 10 years, Autism Walk Northland is back in person this year. Katie Godden, co-organizer of the event, shares the importance of autism awareness and the benefits of Autism Walk Northland. As a mother with a son diagnosed with ADHD and autism, Katie was able to connect with others through this event when she went on her first walk in 2011.

CORRECTION:

The cover and feature story in the March 2023 issue about Jebeh Edmunds incorrectly spelled her name. The Woman Today regrets the error.

ON THE COVER:

Mikayla Erickson searches the beaches of Lake Superior for piping plovers, an endangered shorebird making a comeback in the Great Lakes. Erickson is the new Piping Plover Project leader with the St. Louis River Alliance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKAYLA ERICKSON

We have much more in store for you, so I will let you start diving into our magazine. Thank you, readers and advertisers, for always supporting The Woman Today. On deck is the May/June issue, where you will get to read all about the sixth annual Rosie Award winners.

Megan Keller Group Advertising Director, Duluth Media Group Publisher, Cloquet Pine Journal

Power tools bring Grace Interiors designs to life

By Janna Goerdt

~ Amanda Rice ~

Amanda Rice loves introducing other women to the satisfaction of tackling their own home improvement projects.

Ask Amanda Rice what her favorite tool is, and she has an immediate answer.

“My Kreg jig,” she said. The device allows her to make strong, seamless joints between two pieces of wood.

Of course, her nail gun and drill and table saw are also in frequent use. Really, all of Rice’s tools get used a lot. Rice, a full-time nurse and the mother of two little girls, has a passion for interior design. And the best way to get exactly what she wants, whether it’s building out a home office or reimagining a laundry room, is for Rice to just grab her tools and get to it.

“There’s something empowering about picking up a power tool and doing it yourself,” Rice said. Her side business, Grace Interiors, is focused on reimagining interior spaces to make them more beautiful and functional. She specializes in custom build-ins, such as mudroom organizers.

Rice is happy to remake rooms for her clients. But she also wants to encourage other people, particularly women, to pick up a tool and discover that empowering feeling for themselves.

She chronicles many of her projects on Instagram and TikTok, with the overriding theme of “Look, I can do this, and you can, too,” Rice said. Videos show her stenciling floors, balancing on ladders to reach the upper corners of a bathroom, and dramatic time-lapses of her home office wall of built-in cabinets, shelves and a desk taking shape under the caption: “If you want something, make it happen!”

As a girl, Rice spent a lot of time in the family garage watching her father, Jim Sund, as he worked on an endless array of projects. Her dad taught Rice to use tools, and how to take a project from start to finish.

Even as a child, Rice had “a knack for interior design,” she said. Her earliest efforts were to create a “half-day, half-night” bedroom. She wanted to paint half of her room dark blue and half light blue, with two different comforters sewn together down the middle.

Later in life, Rice turned to home remodeling and design as a stress reliever. Her first project was creating a nursery for her first daughter, Avery. She began researching how to paint furniture and build creative elements, “and I started to get that design spark back,” she said. After redoing Avery’s nursery, Rice never looked back.

Continued on page 8

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Before remodeling, the laundry room featured dated cabinetry and a darker color scheme..

The finished laundry room features individual locker-style organizers for each family member, and hidden appliances. The laundry room is open to the rest of the house.

Amanda Rice added a barnwood accent wall and numerous build-ins to finish off the family's living room in her favored modern farmhouse style.

The living room of Amanda Rice's Duluth home before remodeling.

You Can Do It

• Start simple. Change the drawer pulls on your dresser. You can do that. Next, you might try stenciling a floor; all you need is paint and a stencil. And who knows where that will lead?

• When buying a new tool, buy the most affordable version first. You can always upgrade after you learn to use the tool, and learn how useful it will be to you.

• Research online. There are many websites, YouTube channels and Instagram accounts that can teach you how to complete a new project.

• Think outside the (tool) box. Use a tablesaw to rip plywood into strips to make homemade shiplap siding. Find a paint color you love and ask a big-box store to match the shade. Research alternative materials that look like the real thing but don’t cost as much.

The family’s two cars remain parked outside their three-car garage, because most of the garage has become Rice’s workshop and tool storage.

Rice describes her style as “modern farmhouse.”

“I started really farmhouse-y,” Rice said. She grew up just north of Duluth in a rustic home that her father built and finished, “with tongue and groove everywhere.” Today, she lives in Duluth with her daughters and husband, Rob.

Her style is trending more toward “modern,” Rice said, including marblelike accents of white, black and gray. She loves blending DIY projects with a budget twist: Her favorite project material is birch plywood, for example, which is affordable and looks great after sanding and painting.

An early at-home project was creating built-in bookshelves with a barnwood accent wall in her living room. After that success, “I wanted to

Continued on page 10

change everything in my house,” Rice said.

So she is. Rice completely redid her laundry room, wiping out the tanorange walls and exposed washer and dryer and putting up individual lockerstyle organizers for each family member. Appliances are now hidden behind built-in cupboards, and the whole room has a fresh, breezy look.

Rice refinished her kitchen countertops with an epoxy coating designed to look like marble. That project was a complete success, Rice said, though she wasn’t sure it was going to work.

“I was expecting the worst, but it turned out phenomenal,” she said. A TikTok video of the transformation has more than 200,000 views.

“I love showing these projects on social media, and letting women know, if you want something, you can do it yourself,” Rice said. “Here I am; I have this gorgeous house I created, and that’s empowering.”

She is also passing that attitude on to her two girls. Avery, 7, and Colbie, 4, are often eager to help with a project, be it painting, learning how best to use a hammer — their mother advises trying not to hit the wall — and learning to measure.

“Just because you’re a girl, that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up a power tool,” Rice said.

If you want to get started, here is Rice’s advice: Do your research, plan your project, measure twice and cut once. Then blast some Garth Brooks music, set up your Kreg jig, and get down to it.

See more of Amanda Rice’s interior design projects at @grace.interiors on TikTok and Instagram. D

Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range farmer and freelance writer.

The breakfast nook at Amanda Rice's Duluth home features built-in seating and a red oak table Rice built from scratch.

Amanda Rice chronicled the process of completely building out her home office in a series of social media posts on Instagram and TikTok, at @grace.interiors.

Louise Levy’s branching path into tree care

By Abigail Blonigen

"People don’t necessarily know this when they call me, but I will think about their trees as much as I think about my own child,” Louise Levy said.

Levy is the founder of Levy Tree Care, a professional arboriculture company in Duluth, Minnesota. Though her love of trees is deeply rooted, her path to becoming an arboriculturalist has not been a straight shot.

In 1976, when she was 9 years old, Levy’s family moved to Duluth from the Deep South. She said it was hard to understand people in Minnesota at first because they spoke so fast in comparison to the South. She quickly fell in love with the northern climate, and winter is still an important part of her life.

Levy received her bachelor’s degree from Carleton College in 1989. She initially wanted to study geology, but ended up majoring in German. After college, she moved to Switzerland and lived there for a year, which happened to be the year the wall fell in Berlin.

She returned to the United States in 1990 and began taking post baccalaureate classes in biology and chemistry with the intention of going back to school to receive her master’s. She gravitated toward plant biology, but learned that most master’s programs would require her to obtain another bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite.

During this time, Levy learned about forestry, which spoke to her interest in plant biology, and graduate schools welcomed applicants from diverse backgrounds. Levy knew that she ultimately wanted to live and work in northern Minnesota, so she decided to go to Oregon State University to diversify her experience.

In graduate school, Levy was part of a research team that studied understory regeneration in the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska. She gravitated toward rural forestry as opposed to urban forestry, and appreciated that her forestry program delved into the policy and economics pertaining to the profession in addition to the ecology.

Louise Levy roller skis along the Munger Trail.

After receiving her master’s in forest science in 1997, Levy returned to Minnesota. She interned for the St. Louis County Land Department and then landed a job with the University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center. She also joined the city of Duluth’s citizen tree commission.

Sitting on the tree commission is what finally piqued Levy’s interest in urban forestry and arboriculture.

“What happened was I woke up one day, and I couldn’t stop thinking about trees in an urban setting — trees in people’s yards, trees in boulevards,” she said. “I was very troubled by this

because I loved my job. I loved it, and yet I literally could not stop thinking about trees in people’s yards.”

The difference between forestry and arboriculture, as Levy explained, is that forestry focuses on the forest population, whereas arboriculture focuses on the individual trees.

“The way I like to explain to people

the difference between forestry and arboriculture is to say forestry is to arboriculture as the CDC is to family practice medicine,” Levy said.

Levy enrolled in the Tree Care Advisor program at the University of Minnesota, where she built on her

Continued on page 15

Louise Levy dons personal protective equipment to apply fungicide sprays to crabapple and spruce trees.

Louise Levy works with colleagues from Tettegouche Treecare, whom she hires as subcontractors for bigger pruning jobs.

Louise Levy skies near the BWCA.

Louise Levy fell in love with the northern climate as a child when her family moved to Duluth from the Deep South. Winter remains an important part of her life, and she is an avid cross country skier.

Louise Levy works on one of the treasured eastern hemlock trees on the Glensheen grounds. Levy provided specific care for the hemlock, including removing deadwood to better track its health and condition.

forestry background by learning additional tree-centered biology, identification, pruning and disease treatment.

At this point in her career, Levy had worked her way up to middle management, and while she loved her job, she missed the more direct work of being out in the field and taking care of the trees herself. She began to look at tree companies in the area, but couldn’t find one that was a good fit with her skills, interest and lifestyle.

In 2011, Levy launched her business, Levy Tree Care, which offers pruning, plant health care, planting and consulting services for homeowners, businesses, municipalities, developers and institutions.

Levy is particularly interested in structural pruning, where she trims young trees to set their form and architecture as they grow.

“I didn’t know if Duluth would support a business like mine … if anyone here was interested in paying someone to do that kind of work,” Levy said, “but it turns out they are, and they have been.”

Levy sees investing in tree care as beneficial not only to the individual trees, but also to the greater environment, including humans.

“Trees live for a really, really long time, and trees are incredibly valuable to us emotionally, psychologically, but also for our human health,” Levy said. “They clean the air, they are very good water managers … so when we lose trees, the land loses. Water can just run off the land and take soil with it.”

She also noted that trees can be strategically planted around a home to save on energy costs like heating and cooling, that street trees can make a neighborhood feel more welcoming, and

sick trees can sometimes lead to property damage.

When not treating trees, Levy still finds herself outside, mountain biking, canoeing and cross-country skiing with her husband and 15-year-old daughter. She also enjoys supporting local farms and eating good food with friends.

“And I love looking at people’s trees,” she said with a laugh. D

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Abigail Blonigen is a Minnesota-based freelance writer.

Louise Levy and her husband, Morris, enjoy hiking at Jay Cooke State Park.

When she's not caring for trees, Louise Levy teaches cross-country skiing, shown here on a trail in Montana at a Professional Ski Instructors of America event.

ENDANGERED PLOVERS Welcoming back to the St. Louis River

HOW TO HELP THE PIPING PLOVER

By Janna Goerdt

• Keep your dog leashed when visiting Minnesota and Wisconsin Points.

• Avoid shoreline campfires. Burning driftwood can deprive plovers of debris they need for cover.

• Keep the shoreline clean, and don’t leave behind food that can attract predators like skunks and foxes.

•Ask elected officials to maintain segments of natural shoreline for plovers and other shorebirds to nest.

• If you do spot a plover, snap a picture, note the time and location, and send it to the St. Louis River Alliance for documentation.

• Visit www.stlouisriver.org for more information.

Mikayla Erickson

Mikayla Erickson managed the apiary at the University of Minnesota Duluth Land Lab farm outside of Duluth.

Mikayla Erickson is still thrilled to see piping plovers, even five years into working to help the endangered shorebird make a comeback in the Great Lakes.

“Literally, my coworkers make fun of me, of how excited I get,” said Erickson, a 2020 environmental sustainability graduate from the University of Minnesota Duluth. This spring, Erickson is stepping into the Piping Plover Project leader position with the St. Louis River Alliance.

She will coordinate a small crew of monitors and work to improve the Wisconsin Point Bird Sanctuary. There are just 70 known nesting pairs of piping plovers in the entire Great Lakes region, but thanks to decades of work to clean up the St. Louis River estuary, those numbers are slowly climbing.

“We see them every year,” Erickson said. Birds returning from their wintering grounds along the Gulf of Mexico usually stop by Wisconsin Point in early May. In 2022, monitors spotted a piping plover on Wisconsin Point for two days, and a volunteer spotted one on Minnesota Point, but none stayed to nest. Each bird that is spotted is special, Erickson said.

Erickson had never heard of the piping plover until one of her favorite professors at the University of Minnesota Duluth told her about the seasonal monitoring position. Learning that the Great Lakes

population of piping plovers is endangered “sparked” something in her, she said. She dove into the seasonal monitoring job.

Each day during the monitoring season, Erickson visited the plover habitat site on Wisconsin Point. She collected data, watched for signs of predators, cleaned up any garbage or excess debris that had washed up on shore, and generally tried to keep the site ready for nesting plovers.

Continued on page 18

Mikayla Erickson grew up in Brainerd, but today, the Great Lakes region feels like home to the 2020 UMD graduate.

The St. Louis River has its source near Hoyt Lakes and travels 192 miles before flowing into Lake Superior. The final 20 miles are considered the largest freshwater estuary in the United States. But the lower segment of the river has had a long history of pollution due to unregulated industrial dumping. It took decades of work by local, state, tribal and federal agencies and private citizens, nonprofits and businesses from Minnesota and Wisconsin to start to bring the river back to life.

The work is not finished. But “it’s so much cleaner,” said Kris Eilers, executive director of the St. Louis River Alliance. “The fish and wildlife are returning. There is hope, for sure.”

In recent years, because the river has gotten cleaner and the habitat has improved, agencies can start actively monitoring for the endangered piping plover.

Each bird weighs about as much as 10 pennies. Nesting pairs both help hatch four chicks in their shallow, pebble-filled nest, and the just-hatched chicks look like cotton balls on two toothpicks, Eilers said. The shorebirds are vulnerable to disturbance while they scurry along the shoreline, searching for food and raising their young.

Birds that have hatched in the Great Lakes region — often in the Apostle Islands — are often banded as chicks. As adults, they look like they are wearing a series of ankle bracelets; the style and color of these bands tells biologists where the plovers have been, which helps aid in recovery efforts.

Public education has become one of the main focuses of the St. Louis River Alliance. They often hold public awareness events to talk to people about how far the river has come, and

The orange tag on this piping plover's leg means it is part of the recovering Great Lakes population. This plover was spotted by seasonal monitor Peter Birschbach in 2021.

about how people can get out on and interact with miles of waterways, and how they can protect any plovers that might nest in the area.

The Alliance hopes to stabilize the plover’s habitat enough to entice them to nest in the St. Louis River estuary once again, Erickson said. That means having a large stretch of clean shoreline with just the right amount of “cobble,” or small rocks that the birds use to build and camouflage their nests. There should be some beach debris that the birds can use for cover, and human and domestic animal visits should be limited so as not to disturb the nests and nestlings.

Erickson had been a seasonal piping plover monitor with the alliance for four years. When the project lead position opened up, “she was the first person we thought of,” Eilers said. “Mikayla is so passionate about the birds. And she brings so much passion and joy to everyone she is around. She is so knowledgeable; she dug in and educated herself, and found the resources to be a great monitor and a great advocate for the birds.”

When the piping plover season is over and colder weather descends, Erickson still tries to get outside as much as she can. She might be snowshoeing or snowboarding in the winter, or walking her cat Onyx on her leash through Chester Park, or exploring some of Duluth’s many trails, or staying indoors to

A male piping plover with four hatched chicks.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETER BIRSCHBACH

This type of exclosure can be used to protect piping plovers’ incubating nests from predators like skunks and fox, and even unleashed domestic dogs.

do a little embroidery.

And she spends time learning and thinking about piping plovers. Why does Erickson feel so strongly about something so small and rare? That description of the piping plover is actually the answer.

“I’ve always been interested in the things that other people aren’t interested in, in the stuff that nobody really likes,” Erickson said. “Something so small, that nobody really knows about, for me, that’s a passion.” D

Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range farmer and freelance writer.

Sa ra h Helw ig ›› Jo se ph Mi ha lek

Thermally modified wood is beautiful … naturally

By Janna Goerdt

It may be a builder’s dream material. The wood is perfectly straight, with a deep, rich color all the way through. It’s lightweight, and there are no chemicals permeating the grain, no arsenic or copper to leach out or rub off. It can be used for siding, paneling, seating — either indoors or outdoors — with no stain, paint or preservative required.

And it will last for decades, said Arbor Wood Company CEO Jon Heyesen. The Duluth-based company is poised to become one of the largest manufacturers of thermally modified wood in the country.

Arbor Wood is riding a rising wave of interest in beautiful, naturally created products with an eye toward sustainability. The company rubs elbows with Superior-based Epicurean, which produces kitchen supplies utilizing recycled materials, and Duluth-based Loll Designs, which produces furniture made from recycled plastics.

“These are all materials that are high-performance, highly durable, responsibly produced and gentle on the planet, too,” Heyesen said.

To meet soaring demand, Arbor Wood products have been created at seven different facilities and mills in Minnesota, Montana and Indiana. But this spring the company is bringing all that production under one roof at a newly refurbished

facility in Bagley, Minnesota.

The company has a distribution warehouse in west Duluth for Arbor Wood products, and they work with a number of local architects and contractors, Heyesen said. The product is marketed nationwide, and featured in the Ford Calumet Environmental Center in Chicago, the Minneapolis Center for the Performing Arts, a boardwalk for the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Minneapolis, and at Braemar Field in Edina. But there are also plenty of private homeowners in the region who want to use a sustainable product from a locally owned company.

“People in the Twin Ports can and do use Arbor Wood,” he said.

Wood that goes through thermal modification is exposed to

The Bell Museum in St. Paul was the largest installation of thermally-modified wood in the United States when it was built in 2018. The project was "a feather in the cap" of Arbor Wood, said the company's CEO.

Jon Heyesen is CEO of Arbor Wood Company.

very high heat and steam. The moisture content of the wood is reduced to near zero, and the wood is heated in an oxygen-free kiln so it doesn’t burn. The longer the wood is exposed to heat, the deeper and richer the color of the wood becomes. The thermal process essentially “caramelizes the sugars in the wood, and almost roasts the wood,” Heyesen said, bringing out rich, exotic colors.

A close look at the "burned pine" siding from Arbor Wood Co. reveals a rich black color that extends all the way through each board.

A restored row house in Baltimore was outfitted with Arbor Wood on many interior and exterior surfaces.

Siding and paneling made from ash is a chocolatey dark brown, and pine is a honeyed brown. A finishing coat of oil can be applied or it can be left completely natural. If left unoiled or untreated, exterior installations of Arbor Wood products will weather to a natural gray throughout its lifespan.

Continued on page 22

The process also “breaks the wood’s ability to absorb new moisture,” Heyesen said. What that means for homeowners, builders and architects is this — you can use thermally modified wood inside, outside, as seating, as siding, as walkways, for arbors, for decking, for just about any building purpose that isn’t load-bearing.

The Bell Museum in St. Paul was an early Arbor Wood user. When the museum was built in 2018, the architects chose Arbor Wood for the exterior siding. At the time, it was the largest single installation of thermally modified wood in the country, Heyesen said, calling the project “a feather in our cap.”

To help make the Bell Museum project even more sustainable, Arbor Wood was able to source a large quantity of eastern white pine from Cass County to create the siding.

Almost any wood can be thermally treated using the Arbor Wood process, Heyesen said. Most of what the company currently uses is white ash and southern yellow pine. Their wood is sourced as locally as possible, and from loggers who use sustainable practices. Arbor Wood is also growing a partnership with Cambium Carbon, a company that harvests trees from urban settings that would otherwise get chipped or landfilled. The company salvages them for local reuse, and then plants new trees to replace the old. Arbor Wood is developing a line of red oak products in partnership with Cambium Carbon, Heyesen said.

That kind of partnership adds a layer of complexity to the company, but Heyesen said it’s worth it.

“We are trying to do right by the planet,” he said. More and more clients are seeking such ethically sourced material, he added.

Arbor Wood products are priced to be in line with composite materials, premium hardwoods and cedar, depending on the product. The company wants their products to be reasonably within reach to homeowners, Heyesen said.

Arbor Wood products are commonly used as exterior siding and seating, and for interior accent walls. The product is not currently recommended for any load-bearing use. While thermally modified wood is very strong, the industry hasn’t yet completed standardized testing for structural applications, Heyesen said. Also, the high heat leaves the wood rigid, with little ability to bend or flex under stress. The wood would snap before it bends, Heyesen said.

The technology to make thermally treated wood has been used in Europe for a few decades, and was first commercialized in Finland in the 1990s. That first generation of thermally modified wood, expected to last about 30 years, is now fully mature. Heyesen expects that thermally modified wood should be able to outlive that timeline.

“There’s no reason not to expect it will last 50 years,” he said.

Learn more about Arbor Wood at www.arborwoodco.com. D

Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range farmer and freelance writer.

Arbor Wood can be used for many exterior building uses, such as this decking project.

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Autism Walk Northland: Providing awareness and support since 2007

By Andrea Busche

Receiving an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming for families. Parents aren’t given a special handbook on where to turn or what to do next for their child. So, it can be helpful to collaborate with others navigating the same issues.

One way for families to connect on this topic is through Autism Walk Northland. Started in 2007 by Dena Filipovich and Kim Seguin — two local moms of kids with autism — this annual event raises awareness and funds for the cause.

In fact, 100% of funds raised go directly to local schools for the purchase of items such as teaching materials, special adaptive equipment and sensory supplies — all of which directly support youth with autism. Since its inception, Autism Walk Northland has raised $220,000.

Katie and Tanner’s story

Duluthian Katie Godden has a son named Tanner, who is now 18. Tanner has been diagnosed with both ADHD and autism. Godden shared a bit of their story.

“I was a young, single mom and didn’t know anything about autism,” she said. “It was a very hard diagnosis for me. No one handed me instructions on what to do next.”

Desperate to connect with others, Godden was grateful to learn about the walk.

“Dena and Kim, who is a family friend of ours, told us we should come to the walk. They explained that it was an opportunity to be a part of something and to interact with families like ours.”

In 2011 — the year of Tanner’s autism diagnosis — Katie and Tanner joined the group as walkers. And in 2016, she became a co-organizer. Today, Godden serves in this role along with Krista Sivertson, who is an autism specialist at Edison Charter Schools.

Event details

Autism Walk Northland, which is an independent, local event, took place at Duluth’s Public Schools Stadium for its first

Continued on page 26

Current organizers of the Autism Walk Northland are Katie Godden, Dena Filipovich and Krista Sivertson.

Katie Godden and her son, Tanner Godden, who was diagnosed with autism in 2011.

10 years. After experiencing a torrential downpour (and subsequent low attendance), however, the event was moved indoors, and is now held at Hermantown High School’s indoor track.

The event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, and went virtual in 2021 and 2022. But it will be back in-person for the next walk on April 23, 2023.

Godden explained a bit how it works.

“The walk is totally free, and no registration is required,” she said. “You don’t have to raise money or donate, but if you do, people can choose to start a team. Ours is called ‘Tanner’s Thunderbolts.’ And then you ask family and friends to donate.

“People can walk a 2.5K, a 5K, or just one lap — we don’t close the event until the last walker is done. At the event, there are kids’ activities in the gym, too. We are always looking for volunteers to work the resource table, or sell T-shirts and snacks.”

The event aligns with World Autism Day, recognized annually on April 2. To recognize this occasion, Duluth’s Enger Tower will be lit gold, with the top lit in all colors of the rainbow.

“This represents all the different levels of autism,” Godden

said. “It’s a spectrum, so the rainbow is meant to include everybody.”

Resources for families

Finding the right resources for Tanner has been a challenge. Godden shared some tips for other parents who may suspect their child has autism.

“I would say talk to your child’s primary care doctor first,” she said. “Tanner’s doctor asked me when he was just 2 if I thought he was autistic. They knew before I did. They really know what to look for.”

After receiving some day treatment services at the former Miller-Dwan (now Amberwing), Tanner was ultimately diagnosed. The professionals at Miller-Dwan put the family in touch with a St. Louis County social worker, who helped the Goddens find additional resources for Tanner. This included working with his school on an IEP (individualized education program), which helps coordinate things such as sensory breaks, permission to sit on the floor and not in a chair, and personal care attendant services.

While Godden herself works in the medical field (she is employed in clinic registration at St. Luke’s), most of her connections to autism resources have been made elsewhere.

“Working at a hospital has given me a little insight as to what therapies are available, but most connections I’ve made have been outside of my profession,” she said.

Godden noted that, locally, helpful resources include Amberwing, the Minnesota Autism Center in Hermantown, Northwoods Children’s Services, and the school system.

Future

Tanner will graduate from Denfeld High School this spring. He also has a job in housekeeping at the Holiday Inn downtown. His mom shared a bit about what she envisions for her son’s future.

“While he is technically 18, Tanner is probably 14 or 15 cognitively,” Godden said. “He needs a couple more years to mature, so he will stay at home for a while. But I’m hoping he can move out on his own someday.”

For now, she is enjoying their time together as a family.

“We’re a very close mother-son unit, and I’m grateful our family is very supportive and involved, too.”

Dena Filipovich and Caleb Grover take a break from an Autism Walk Northland with Lilli Filipovich and Nia Filipovich, who were both diagnosed with autism.

Kim Seguin, one of the original founders/creators of the Autism Walk Northland, in 2007 with her family: sons Eli and Jaxson (diagnosed with autism), daughter Kaelamae Smith and husband CJ Smith; and Kim’s husband, Jason.

When he isn’t working or in school, Tanner enjoys the outdoors, including walking, biking and taking four-wheeler rides. He also loves video games, and is enrolled in Courage Kenny’s adaptive archery program.

Support

Other than participating in the walk or making a financial contribution, Godden had some other suggestions to help support people with autism.

“On April 2, I want people to take a moment to think about Tanner and others with autism,” she said. “If you see a mom at Target with a child who is obviously having a hard time, please don’t stare or criticize. Offer help if you can, such as opening a door, but otherwise just walk away. Use common courtesy, and just be a kind human.

“The nice thing about Autism Walk Northland is that these kids can come together in a judgment-free zone,” she added. “Here, they can just be who they are.”

To learn more, visit autismwalknorthland.com, or find them on Facebook or Instagram. D

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

Show the earth — and your grad — some love with a waste-free graduation party

By Dori Decker

Weare coming up on the season for celebrating our high school graduates. Are you already knee-deep in planning a spring or summer party? Consider making your event waste-free. Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) has the gear and expertise to make this a no-sweat strategy.

What is a waste-free event?

The goal for a waste-free event is to not generate trash at the event. Yep, you read it right — no trash. WLSSD provides free waste-free event kits that include instructions, signs, containers and bags. Collect recyclables in one container and food scraps and compostable serveware in another container. Ideally, all of the party “disposables” go into one of these two containers to be beneficially reused. To avoid needing a trash bin at your party, WLSSD recommends using real plates, glasses, utensils

and cloth napkins or BPI-certified compostable serveware available at local retailers. BPI-certified products safely decompose in large-scale compost systems like WLSSD’s, unlike other products that are advertised as biodegradable but may not be compost-safe. Another important recommendation is to avoid serving anything that is individually wrapped.

Look for this logo when shopping for compostable plates, napkins, cups and utensils.

Why go waste-free?

WLSSD is the solid waste authority for a 530-square-mile region. Waste haulers bring the region’s garbage to our transfer station in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, and then we bring it to the Moccasin Mike Landfill in Superior, Wisconsin — 16-20 semitrailers every day. That’s a lot of trash! And the landfill our region relies on is closing in 2026. Yes, it’s almost full. Planners are working hard to identify a new location for a

landfill. The answer to “why go waste-free?” is to reduce waste, which will increase the longevity of our landfills and lessen our impact on the earth.

WLSSD’s waste-free supplies help to separate recyclables so they go to the right place for reuse. Likewise, the food scraps that you collect at your event can be recycled — toss the nutrientrich morsels in your backyard compost bin or bring the scraps to the nearest WLSSD food scraps drop site location to become our high-quality Garden Green® compost. Visit wlssd.com for drop site instructions and locations.

Food scraps make up about 20% of the solid waste in Minnesota — so much waste for something that still has potential. Additionally, landfilled food scraps generate methane (a potent greenhouse gas) as they decompose. Separating food scraps and returning them to the earth as compost is a win-win-win-win: reduced trash in landfills, less methane contributing to climate change, smaller garbage bills if you can switch to a smaller garbage can, and compost that enriches the soil for more productive gardens.

Any event can be a waste-free event. Call WLSSD at 218722-3336 well in advance of your event to reserve your kit (supplies are limited). WLSSD staff will offer proven tips, tools and guidance on making the “least” of your waste-free event.

Here’s wishing you a happy graduation and a successful waste-free event! D

Dori Decker is an environmental program coordinator specializing in organics programs at WLSSD.

by Sam

By Samantha Roffers

Hellodear readers, thank you for spending some time reading The Woman Today and checking out Fashions by Sam.

I hope spring has finally come to stay by the time you are reading this. We have been fortunate to have some very mild days lately and it has me dreaming for sweet summertime.

One thing I love about this column is getting to revisit past boutiques and stores. It is so fun to see the new clothing in stock, and have a sense of familiarity when you walk in. For this issue Megan and I headed back over the bridge to Posh Affair Boutique, located inside Serenity Spa and Salon in Superior, Wis. Not only do they offer every selfcare service you could possibly imagine or desire, the shopping is downright amazing. Every inch of the boutique is covered in trendy and gorgeous clothes and gifts. They have a great selection of clothing, accessories, hair products, crystals, oils, jewelry and more. Enjoy! D

Samantha Roffers, a Moose Lake writer, believes it’s important to shop for things you love and feel comfortable in. Everyone’s style is unique and that’s what makes it so special.

For the first look I grabbed this gorgeous tan sweater and paired it with a woven bag, yoga pants and turquoise booties. This top would definitely look great with jeans as well, and can be dressed up or down. This was such a light and soft sweater, you could easily wear it on a cool summer night and transition it into your fall, winter and spring wardrobes.

For the second look I threw on this beautiful brown sweater. It was all in the details with this ultra cozy top. The large buttons and statement collar give it a dressier feel, while the oversized fit and butter soft fabric gives it a great lived-in feeling. For me, this is the perfect throw-on-and-go type of top.

This fourth look is very casual but I had to feature this graphic tee because it's a great reminder! The colors within the graphic bring this plain white tee to life and give you many options to add a colorful jacket or sweater. This tee pairs perfectly with jeans and a flannel but you could definitely dress it up with some heels and a leather jacket. I love pieces of clothing that can effortlessly go from day to night with just a few quick changes.

This third look is so fun and one I would definitely gravitate towards for a girls day or concert. This light blue felt hat paired with this awesome graphic crew neck and jeans is a perfect mix of comfort meets cute. This crew neck could be paired with any bottom and the hat can easily be dressed up or down to suit so many events and occasions.

The fifth and final look is probably my favorite — both the graphic tee and duster came home with me. I loved the funky graphic on this T-shirt and you can't go wrong with black and white; it can be paired with so many different tops and bottoms but this bold graphic would also do well on its own. This duster is absolutely stunning and spoke to my little cowgirl heart. Anything with a bright, western print usually ends up in my closet, I can't help it! This duster is a great length and very comfortable.

Same great care, brand-new clinic

St. Luke’s opens an expanded Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates Clinic

By Felicia Schneiderhan

Women of all ages — from teens to seniors — value privacy and comfort for their health care.

These are two key values that were taken to heart when St. Luke’s new Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates Clinic was designed. This clinic opened in St. Luke’s Lakeview Building in February.

“We are so excited about this,” said Dr. Aimee VanStraaten, a St. Luke's OB-GYN. “We have been outgrowing our current space for quite a while. Our previous clinic was designed for three or four physicians and one nurse practitioner. We now have seven physicians and a large number of nurse practitioners, physician assistants and midwives.”

The clinic has expanded from 15 to 24 exam rooms (that are much larger), more procedure rooms, and a big, beautiful waiting area with a great view of Lake Superior — plus many amenities to provide a relaxing experience for patients.

More space, more light

St. Luke’s Director of Women’s & Children’s Services Lori Swanson calls the new clinic, “Timeless yet modern, with larger spaces and a calming color palette.” She knows that patients are going to love it.

The clinic’s art features distinct local images, created by Duluth artist and illustrator Jordan Sundburg of Tin Cup Design.

For patients with young children, hustling to an OB-GYN appointment can feel like an Olympic event, maneuvering strollers and corralling children in small exam rooms. They

will find the new clinic designed to fit their family’s needs, including:

• Designated stroller parking.

• Larger exam rooms for young entourages.

• Private breastfeeding rooms.

• Private area for fertility care.

• And bathrooms — lots of bathrooms.

Scheduling and labs are now conducted in private areas. Even the scales are recessed in more private areas. “That’s a big deal,” Swanson said.

Plus, the new space is flooded with that valuable natural resource — light. “Light is so important — it’s so good for all of us,” Dr. VanStraaten said.

Collaborative design to best serve the community

The clinic’s design and construction were collaborative and patient-centered from the very start.

To begin, providers and staff gave wish lists for what would best serve the community’s needs. The input was based on feedback from patients, as well as their own experience working in the previous clinic.

“It was like Christmas. We knew what our patients were asking for, and it was so rewarding to be able to incorporate those wishes into the clinic's design,” Dr. VanStraaten said.

“Our providers are so invested in caring for women and advocating for women — they’ll go the extra step to do it,” Swanson said. That means

Gorgeous views of Lake Superior. Larger exam rooms. A clean, modern design. Welcome to St. Luke’s Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates brand new clinic in St. Luke’s Lakeview Building.

St. Luke’s OB-GYN Dr. Aimee VanStraaten chats with a patient in one of the new, larger exam rooms.

everything from providing the best procedures and education, to making sure new construction represents the patients’ needs and comfort.

The new clinic is part of St. Luke’s ongoing Health Forward Initiative, focused on redeveloping St. Luke’s campus in a thoughtful, economical and sustainable way.

In 2015, St. Luke’s Birthing Center was fully renovated. This spring will see the completed remodel of the Specialized Care Nursery. Other renovations coming this year include Building A renovations and a new Northland parking ramp.

“We focus our work on what is needed next,” Swanson said. “We’re assessing what our needs are in response to what we see happening in patient care. It’s part of what we can do as an independent hospital.”

Dr. VanStraaten sees the new clinic as the perfect space to feature the OB-GYN team’s dedication to patients, providing the full spectrum of obstetrics and gynecology.

“It’s so rewarding to help a patient through infertility, miscarriage, or a difficult, complicated pregnancy. And I love seeing my surgery patients back for their post-op and hearing how the surgery has changed their lives for the better,” she said.

The whole team of providers is thrilled with the new clinic.

“It’s such a cheerful, welcoming place,” Dr. VanStraaten added. “Everybody should come check it out.”

To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit slhduluth.com/ NewOBGYNClinic. D

Felicia Schneiderhan is a Duluthbased writer. To read more of her work, visit FeliciaSchneiderhan.com

Arts & Events Calendar

The West Theatre Events

Thursdays in April

April 19 - Acoustic Songs & Stories Featuring Marcia Ball & Tinsley

Ellis; April 30 - Ann Reed with Special Guest Sara Thomsen. Visit thewesttheatre/ events.com.

Sacred Heart Music Center Events

April 1 - Sara Thomsen and Peter Mayer (folk); April 13 - Billy McLaughlin and Michael Gulezian (finger-style acoustics); April 21 - Dan Israel (Americana); April 30Friends of the Felgemaker: Early Music. Visit sacredheartmusic.org.

Arrowhead Home & Builders Show

March 30-April 2

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

This 55th annual event at the DECC is a one-stop shop for building, remodeling and home and garden products. See hundreds of exhibitors, and take part in seminars and entertainment. Visit Arrowheadhomeshow. com.

Minnesota Film Festival

March 28-April 2

Formally the North by North International Film Festival, this year’s event, featuring community based independent films, will be held at Zeitgeist Arts Center. Visit zeitgeistarts.com/mff.

17th Annual Northland Horse Fair

Duluth Arena Rummage Sale

9 a.m. April 8

More than 100 vendors will set up at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center for this annual event. For questions or more information, call Lou Campbell at 218-9403513.

Nice Girls of the North Marketplace

10 a.m. April 8

Weber Music Hall Events

April 2 - UMD Student Chamber Music Recital and UMD Student Brass Recital; April 3 - Faculty Woodwind Recital; April 4 - UMD Jazz Ensembles Concert; April 5 - Percussion Ensemble Concert; April 10 - UMD Faculty and Student Woodwind Octet; April 14 - Opera Studio; April 15Chamber Orchestra Concert: Caribbean Adventures; April 16 - UMD Concert Band and UMD Symphonic Band; April 22 - UMD Music Presents: Masterworks - The Cloud Messenger Concert. Visit cahss.d.umn.edu/ weber-events.

10 a.m. April 1

Visit with local horse and pet-related clubs, shop the 4H used tack sale, and meet and greet with guest animals. There;’s also educational seminars, door prizes and special deals, all at the Miller Hill Mall. Visit beyondthebarnduluth.com.

This arts and crafts marketplace, full of beautiful, unique work with a wide variety of handmade items, will be held at Spirit of the Lake Community School. Visit facebook.com/ secondsaturdaymarketplace.

Fitger’s Bockfest

April 13-15

Jazz at the LSRM

3 p.m. Saturdays in April

The former Club Saratoga Jazz Quartet performs live, trackside, in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Visit lsrm.org/ upcoming_ events.

Gitchee Gumee Brewfest

2 p.m. April 1

Beer from more than 30 different brewers will be available at this 24th annual fundraising event for Superior Jaycees, held at Wessman Arena in Superior. Visit ggbrewfest.com/about.

Dabinoo’igan Concert Fundraiser

7 p.m. April 6

This fundraising concert to benefit American Indian Community Housing Organization’s expansion features Keith Secola, Annie Humphrey and Erik Koskinen, and will be

Enjoy beer, music and food, plus the Bock Head Hunt, Volksmarch and Team Stein Race. Visit fitgers. com

Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play

April 13-23

This Anne Washburn play is a hilarious and poignant exploration of nostalgia, the magic of live theater, and the lasting power of The Simpsons. Production is at the Duluth Playhouse. Visit duluthplayhouse. org/underground-theatre.

held at the NorShor Theatre. Visit aicho.org/ funddvshelter.

DSSO Masterwork VI

7 p.m. April 15

The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra presents Elgar & Bruckner, featuring Gabriel Martins on cello, in the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit dsso.com/concert/elgar-bruckner.

Kevin Gates featuring Waka Flocka Flame

7 p.m. April 21

Kevin Gates, a best-selling hip hop artist, welcomes rapper Waka Flocka Flame and special guests Kelly Iris and Baby Shel at Amsoil Arena. Visit decc.org/event/ kevingates2023.

Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy

8 p.m. April 22

Enjoy comedian, actor, producer and podcaster Joe Gatto at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit decc.org/event/joegattos-night-of-comedy.

Nell Gwynn

April 22-30

Written by Jessica Swale for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Nell Gwynn is the 2016 Olivier Award winner for Best New Comedy. It will be performed at St. Scholastica Theatre. Visit www.css.edu/about/events.

Continued on page 37

Nestled on 40 acres with a 20-acre school forest, a greenhouse, an orchard and outdoor classrooms.

Conventional fixed-rate loan or adjustable-rate loan? What to know

does this work? Interest rates on ARMs are fixed for specified periods, and then change yearly or in monthly intervals. Depending on the market status, a borrower’s monthly mortgage payment — and interest rate — can either increase or decrease after the fixed period ends.

ARM advantages

By Jesse Verhel

Whetheryou are a first-time homebuyer, searching for a second home, or purchasing an investment property, you will want to know the advantages and possible drawbacks of conventional and adjustable-rate mortgages. In today’s rate environment, it is advisable to understand long-term fixed rates and your financing opportunities that potentially start below those fixed rates.

What is a conventional loan?

A conventional loan is a type of mortgage loan that is not government-backed. What does this mean? Governmentbacked loans are subsidized and protect lenders against defaults on payments. Conventional loans are originated and serviced through private lenders, such as banks and other financial institutions.

Conventional loan advantages

Combined with flexible repayment timelines of 15, 20 and 30 years, conventional loans are an option for homebuyers searching for primary residences, investment properties and vacation homes. Furthermore, borrowers do not have to retain Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for the loan period, which PMI increases monthly mortgage payments. Borrowers can cancel PMI when 20% equity is invested in the home. The general affordability and flexibility of conventional loans offer prospective homebuyers various financing options.

Conventional loan drawbacks

Conventional loans tend to have strict requirements. For example, mortgage lenders typically look for a debt-to-income ratio under 42%; anything over will decrease the buyer’s probability of approval. Those with past hardships will also be faced with difficult challenges. For instance, homebuyers with foreclosures on their credit report will have issues qualifying for a conventional loan for approximately seven years.

What is an adjustable-rate mortgage?

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is another type of home loan with an interest rate that changes periodically. How

The probability of locking in a lower interest rate for the initial fixed period means the borrower(s) can apply more toward the principal each month. ARMs also offer flexibility for individuals who intend on reselling their homes before the loan reprices. This option allows homeowners to take advantage of the market when rates become more favorable.

ARM drawbacks

Homeowners with fixed budgets could experience temporary financial strain with the fluctuation of interest rates. Refinancing to a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) can be an option, but the homeowner will have to pay closing costs, ranging between 2% and 5% of the loan amount. So, a home loan of $325,000 will cost between $6,500 and $16,250. The cost can be paid up front or charged to the homeowner’s new loan.

A few things to consider

Prospective homebuyers with favorable credit scores and credit reports are more likely to receive lower interest rates. The credit score requirement for a conventional and adjustable-rate mortgage loan is generally 620 or higher. Homebuyers will notice that credit score requirements vary by bank. For reference, credit scores are generated based on the disclosed information in the credit report. Lenders will measure a borrower’s creditworthiness after analyzing the report.

Debt-to-income ratio factors in each debt the borrower is responsible for paying each month, such as credit cards, student loans and auto loans. The process indicates how much an individual’s monthly income goes toward debt repayment. Depending on the financial institution, mortgage lenders may require DTIs to fall within predetermined ranges. This requirement will be discussed in the beginning stages of the home-buying process.

In addition, mortgage lenders may require borrowers to provide a down payment of at least 3%. Some homebuyers may be eligible for down-payment assistance to help meet or exceed this requirement. Qualifications are dependent on income, location and time of application.

Understanding your complete financial picture will help determine whether a conventional or adjustable-rate mortgage best suits your situation. The Frandsen Bank & Trust mortgage experts will find a solution that best fits your needs. D

Jesse Verhel is a mortgage lending officer at Frandsen Bank and Trust, Duluth and Hermantown.

Arts & Events

An Evening With Whitney Cummings

8 p.m. April 22

Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and host of the hit podcast "Good for You,” Cummings will perform at the NorShore Theatre. Visit norshortheatre.com/ single-tickets.

Get Downtown

April 24-29

Get Downtown week is dedicated to celebrating local restaurants, retailers, and breweries that make our Downtown special. Visit www. downtownduluth.com/get-downtown.

Art Night Out

5:30 p.m. April 25

Enjoy light apps and a cash bar while listening to artist talks from Carole d’Inverno, Alexa Carson, Robert DeArmond, Karen Keenan & Ray Shelerud. Visit https:// duluthartinstitute.org/event-5152074

Tuck Everlasting

April 28-30

What would you do if you could live forever?

Eleven-yearold Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence in this condensed version of the Broadway production, performed at the Duluth Playhouse.. Visit duluthplayhouse.org/familytheatre.

Homegrown Music Festival

April 30-May 7

The 25th annual event features 180 bands at more than 40 venues in Duluth and Superior. Visit https:// duluthhomegrown.org.

Free ArtDAI

1-4 p.m. April 22

The Duluth Art Institute hosts Free ArtDAI four times a year at our historic Lincoln Park Building. These events are free, open to the public, and are for all ages and abilities. Visit duluthartinstitute.org.

Bloom: Celebrating Motherhood

April 29

This seventh annual event is geared towards new and expectant mothers, birthing people, their partners and supporters. Interact with local experts, gather swag geared towards new moms, win incredible giveaways, and learn about brands and products that make motherhood easier, all at Marshall School, Duluth. Visit facebook.com/events.

ONGOING:

Duluth Children’s Museum 115 S. 29th Ave. W., Duluth 218-733-7543 duluthchildrensmuseum.org

Duluth Depot 506 W. Michigan St., Duluth 218-727-8025 duluthdepot.org

Douglas County Historical Society 1101 John Ave., Superior 715-392-8449 douglashistory.org

Glensheen Historic Estate 3300 London Road, Duluth 218-726-8910 glensheen.org

Great Lakes Aquarium 353 Harbor Dr., Duluth 218-740-3474 glaquarium.org

Lake Superior Zoo 7210 Fremont St., Duluth 218-730-4500 lszooduluth.org

North Shore Scenic Railroad 506 W. Michigan St., Duluth 218-722-1273 duluthtrains.com

BlueStone nearUMD 218-606-1040

Downtown Duluth 218-722-3679

Hermantown 218-722-7770

We provide flexiblehours,personalized care and98% patient satisfaction at threeconvenient locations nearyou Schedule onlineatparkdental.com

Getting back to what she loves

By Anthony Matt

For four decades, 68-year-old Duluth resident Laurie Berner has been helping others. She made a career working in disability services and has done it in the Zenith City since 1988 — most recently as the executive director at Arc Northland.

“I love it; it’s what drives me,” Berner said. “Helping people is a truly rewarding job.”

In autumn 2022, Berner found herself needing a little help after a fall left her with a familiar need — a joint replacement. She previously had both hips replaced; this time, it would be her knee.

“I had one of my hips replaced at Essentia, so I knew if I was going to need some help with my knee, I’d be in good hands again,” she said.

An avid golfer, gardener and hiker, the dog mom of two energetic pups — who get several miles of walks per day — couldn’t afford to live with knee pain. She tried cortisone shots and physical therapy, but to no avail.

“Moving around was really difficult and I had to be mindful of everything I did,” Berner said. “I couldn’t walk two blocks with my dogs.”

That’s when she turned to the expert orthopedic doctors at Essentia Health.

“The whole experience was just amazing from start to finish,” said Berner. “Right from the get-go, I knew this was going to go well.”

The procedure was performed Nov. 11 by Dr. Kandice Beenken, an Essentia orthopedic surgeon.

“She was amazing to work with,” said a grateful Berner. “I had so many questions for her and she made sure to answer all of them. She explained how robotic tools would assist with my surgery and ensured that I was comfortable with everything before moving on to the next step.”

“When Laurie first came to my office, she noted a significant change in her quality of life because of her knee pain, and she was incredibly motivated to be able to get back to all the activities she enjoys,” Dr. Beenken said. “It was a real pleasure working together to make that happen.”

It wasn’t just Dr. Beenken that Berner was happy with.

“Everyone was great,” she said. “From the receptionist who helped me with an early morning check-in to the nurses and the anesthesiologist, to those that helped discharge me, everyone was helpful, fun and made me feel relaxed.”

Berner’s surgery was a success and, after a routine overnight stay to monitor her recovery, she was discharged the next day.

“I had incredible nursing care throughout the night, even

Laurie Berner is looking forward to long walks with her two dogs, and plenty of other activities, after her recent knee replacement surgery at Essentia Health.

when I needed their help in the middle of the night with some pain management,” Berner said. “They helped me through everything, made me feel safe and were just generally amazing.”

Berner adds she was prescribed medicine for her recovery that she couldn’t afford, but her care team helped her navigate prescription costs so she could get what she needed.

Now, several months later, Berner goes to physical therapy twice a week at the Essentia Health-Miller Hill Health Plaza.

“My physical therapist is so encouraging and works with me at my pace,” she said. “She listens to me; I can ask questions without feeling bothersome and I feel like she is always focused on me and my recovery.”

Berner considers her surgery a total success and is excited to get her life back.

“The orthopedic department at Essentia Health is committed to providing the best individualized patient care possible,

working together to return patients back to function,” Dr. Beenken said. “It’s an honor helping them achieve their goals.”

Now that the longtime Chicago Cubs fan is retired, Berner is looking forward to long walks with Cubbie and Ivy again, taking care of her gardens, golfing and traveling to see friends and family. She’ll now begin crossing things off her bucket list, like going to a beach somewhere to experience sea turtles swim ashore and lay their eggs, and one day traveling to Ireland — all things she’s able to do thanks to Essentia and the orthopedic department’s positive and patient-centered approach

“Everyone has the same goal at Essentia, and that’s to help you get back your life,” Berner said. “I felt safe and in good, competent hands, and it’s a well-oiled machine from my perspective.” D

Anthony Matt is the media relations specialist at Essentia Health.

Views for miles: A modern Northwoods home

By Amy Carlson

Perched high above Lax Lake near Silver Bay is a stunning new home with gorgeous views from every room in the house. Built as a vacation rental, it is perfect for families or large groups and outdoor enthusiasts during any season, as the owners have thought of countless details in creating this custom home with views for miles.

A special, peaceful place

Five years ago, Wade and Crystal LeBlanc of Silver Bay purchased the eight-acre property with a large pole barn that they intended to use for extra storage. At that time, there was only a “goat path” leading up to the top of the hill overlooking the lake. Wade recalls that the first time he went up there, “The view was unbelievable from up here.”

Crystal remembers Wade telling her how beautiful it was,

and how he thought they should build up there.

“I was like, ‘Are you crazy?’ and then I went up there and my first thought was, ‘Wow,’ and then I’m looking around and thinking, ‘How would we build a house here with all these rocks?’” she said.

Their friend and business partner, Terry Keseley, who is originally from Silver Bay but now lives in the Twin Cities, also noted how scenic the location was. He recalls nights he spent up there in his motorhome.

“Where it’s located, at night, the stars are just phenomenal, because there are no lights; everything around you is so dark and the stars are just so bright,” he said. “It’s just tranquil, it’s a very peaceful place.”

Together with his wife, Paula, Terry and the LeBlancs decided to form a partnership with the intention of building a

Continued on page 42

The LeBlanc/Keseley home is perched on top of a hill overlooking Lax Lake and beyond. The home itself was built to blend in with the landscape. Homeowner Crystal LeBlanc said they didn’t want the home to stand out, so they chose siding in neutral colors to meld into the trees and hills surrounding the home.

A significant amount of rock had to be blasted and removed to create a large flat space to build. Much of that blasted rock was used in the landscaping. The home features a two-car garage and extra parking in the driveway. The entry is welcoming with warm wood doors and stonework to complement the neutral siding.

home they could offer as a vacation rental. They designed the home with Heather Hiner of Hiner Home Designs, who said the biggest design challenge was “the limited buildable area on top of the hill.” After several drafts, they created a “layout that fit within the prescribed parameters and achieved the interior and exterior style and layout for a beautiful and unique vacation property.”

It’s all about the view

“The view is what people want,” Wade LeBlanc said.

Working with Hiner to maximize the views throughout the home, they designed wall-to-wall windows in the main living space.

“The house is far back enough so you don’t see the roof of the pole barn below. That was kind of important to me,” Wade said.

They all agree they’ve created a special place to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.

“In the summer, floatplanes come in, and yeah, it’s just so

cool,” Crystal said, and Terry Keseley added, “I like it all … it’s just so pretty here.”

Once the design was done, the LeBlancs took it from there.

“They picked the colors, they picked everything that went in the house. They did a beautiful job; it turned out really nice,” Terry said.

The LeBlancs took on the day-day-day tasks of overseeing the building process, choosing materials, colors and interiors, while the Keseleys took on “all the business work, the accounting, running the communications on the (vacation rental) sites. (The LeBlancs) are the local contacts,” according to Terry, “so it’s all teamwork.”

Building challenges

Their contractor for the project was MD Hoops Construction, based out of Two Harbors, with Wade and Crystal nearby to help make critical decisions. Wade added that “all the subcontractors were great to work with.” While they said the process went very smoothly, blasting the rock on the building site to create a level building area was a challenge.

Aerial views of the LeBlanc home shows the rocky area on which it was built, with views of Lax Lake northwest of Silver Bay.

“We ended up blasting more than we thought, so the house shouldn’t move,” Wade said. With a level space for building and using much of the blasted rock as landscaping, they now have room for extra parking and outdoor relaxing.

It also took longer than expected when drilling their well, but after 500 feet, to their relief, they finally struck water.

“Be patient,” Crystal said about the building process, because “once you start, there’s no stopping,” and she added that staying involved in the daily decision making will help the entire project go smoothly.

Northwoods style

“Wade and Terry chose a Northwoods style to reflect the area and to put the focus on a large wall of windows to frame in the panoramic views that stretch for miles,” Hiner said. The home itself was built to blend in with the landscape.

“We did not want the home to stick out,” Crystal said.

“But we wanted it to be one of a kind,” Wade added.

They used virtually indestructible neutral gray LP siding combined with stone and beautifully crafted wood doors for the garage and main entry.

Inside the home, the two-car garage has extra storage space, as they used siding remnants to create shelving, as well as a spacious entryway with bench seating and plenty of hooks and a large closet for storing boots and jackets before entering the main living area.

The open living, dining and kitchen area, with vaulted ceilings built from knotty pine and generous recessed lighting, opens onto wall-to-wall windows, overlooking Lax Lake and the surrounding hills, even several miles out to Lake Superior on clear days.

The bright and spacious kitchen has all stainless appliances, sourced from Ferguson in Duluth, with bright quartz countertops from Arrowhead Supply, a farmhousestyle sink, and a large center island with seating for three. The large dining-room table is situated close to the windows and outside patio, inviting guests to relax a little bit longer with their morning (or afternoon) coffee.

The kitchen cabinetry and trim throughout the main living space is knotty alder accented with black hardware, complementing the ceilings and crisp white walls throughout the rest of the home. A stone fireplace and wood mantel add coziness to the main living area, while a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, full laundry

Continued on page 44

The windows in the main living area center the home and draw people to the views. “I come up here…and it’s like, ‘I’m just going to sit down and look a little bit,’” said Crystal LeBlanc.

The brightness of the home is evident in the entry and main living area, enhanced by the perfect mix of white walls and warm woods used in the ceiling, the stairway, and the flooring. “When the sun comes up, you’ve got sunlight all day long,” said Wade LeBlanc about the front of the home.

and plenty of closet space make the main level completely accessible without stairs.

Leading guests upstairs is an elegant stairway with a black iron railing complemented by natural wood handrails and treads. Upstairs are two bedrooms and a full bath, a bonus room with two beds and a sleeper sofa, seating area, and a games table for guests to comfortably spread out. The bonus room also has access to the upper-level deck overlooking the lake.

“This is the best view of the house,” Wade said.

A labor of love

The home has a modern cabin feel with its blend of wood, stone and natural materials to feel cozy and comfortable in any season.

“Designing a vacation rental is a bit different … because the home needs to have broad appeal yet feel special,” Hiner said.

This was the LeBlancs’ first experience building a home, and they thought of every detail to make it comfortable for guests, without filling it up with too much furniture.

“This has been a labor of love,” Crystal said. “Hopefully we’ve made it homey and people will be happy staying here.”

With accommodations and views like these, it will be difficult for guests to leave. D

Amy Carlson is a Duluth freelance writer.

Our outstanding team of Mortgage Loan Originators have over 60 years of combined experience. They can help you findthe right home loan option. Park State Bank will be your partner fromthe dreaming to thedotted line.

The kitchen's vaulted ceiling is clad in knotty pine and ample recessed lighting.

The kitchen is perfectly designed to both cook and gather, with seating for three around the center island, and plenty of counter space for food preparation on the bright quartz countertops. Stainless appliances and a farmhouse sink contrast nicely with the knotty alder cabinetry and dark hardware and pendant lighting.

This spacious bonus room is located upstairs over the garage, and has two beds, a large seating area with a sleeper sofa, a games table, and access to a deck overlooking Lax Lake. “This is the best view of the house,” Wade LeBlanc said.

In addition to a large, open floor plan for the main living spaces, the main floor also has a dedicated laundry room and a master suite, complete with an ensuite bathroom and a large walk-in closet.

The upstairs bedrooms are spacious and private, yet still have views to the surrounding hills and forests, with clean, modern lines in both the bedrooms and bathroom.

FALL-OFF-THE-BONE

Braised Beef Short Ribs

By Kim Quinones The Woman Today

Ingredients

2 per person Beef short ribs, bone-in

1 large Onion, chopped

2 stalks Celery, chopped

3-4 large Carrots, chopped

3 Tbsp. Olive oil

32 oz. Beef stock

¼ cup Flour

3 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar

½ cup Water

¼ cup Tomato paste

2 sprigs Fresh rosemary

2 sprigs Fresh thyme

2 sprigs Fresh oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Continued on page 54

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Put 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a Dutch oven on high heat. Saute onion, celery and carrots until tender. Spoon vegetables into a dish and set aside.

3. Season ribs with salt and pepper then lightly coat with flour. Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil to the pot and sear the beef ribs on all sides. Remove ribs and set aside with vegetables.

4. Turn heat down to medium and deglaze the pot by adding 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar and ½ cup water. Stir continuously to release any browned bits on the bottom of the

pan until the liquid comes to a simmer. Quickly stir in the tomato paste and simmer for 1-2 minutes, reducing the sauce slightly.

5. Add the ribs and vegetables back to the pot and pour beef broth over the mixture. Top with fresh herbs, submerging them into the liquid. Turn heat up to high and bring to a boil. Turn off heat.

6. Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and place into the 350 degree F oven for 2-1/2 hours. Lower oven temperature to 325 degrees F and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. Remove pot from the oven and rest covered for 20 minutes.

7. Uncover and skim the fat and remove sprigs of herbs.

8. Plate ribs with vegetables and cooking liquid over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, noodles or polenta. Serves well alongside a mixed green salad and crusty bread.

Time saver tip: This dish will hold its integrity and deepen in flavor when made a day ahead. Once cool enough to refrigerate, place all in an oven safe glass pan, cover and chill overnight. Remove chilled hardened fat before covering with a lid or foil and heating through in the oven. D

Fast Food

Drink Trays

Drink trays from fast food restaurants are the perfect vessel to store glassware safely on the pantry shelves or storage bins Most small- to medium-sized glassware fits securely into each slot and a second drink tray turned upside down creates a snug lid. Secure even further with a quick round of stretch wrap. This is a great way to protect and store seasonal glassware or canning jars. Trays stack easily and can be labeled. D

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k i d skorner

By Ali Carlson

Sponsored by:

Happy spring! We don’t know about the rest of you, but we sure are ready for the sunshine and longer days to get outside. Sloane is all ready for summer and excited to get out and enjoy some of the fun activities the Northland has to offer. As Sloane says, “Let’s go mommy!”

At the Depot

Museum exhibits

SLOanE’s Suggestions

Let’s

FRIDAY

5:00-8:00 pm*

Super Glow Skate Party!

*Free light stick with each paid admission!!

Educational programming. Family events. The St. Louis County Depot is a welcoming space for all. Follow us on social media or visit our website to find all there is to experience inside this wonderous building. ExperienceTheDepot.org or “St. Louis Count Depot” on Facebook & Instagram.

At the Zoo

Brand New!

Enrich your viewing experience and the lives of the animals here at Lake Superior Zoo! Enrichment items (toys!) are available for purchase in the Tiger’s Paw Gift Shop. Toys are currently available for parrots, barnyard friends, lemurs and brown bears. For more information go to www.lszooduluth.org.

Skate

Fun For All Ages!

8:30-11:00 pm

Adult Night Ages 18+ Only!

College Rate With ID

$8.99 + Rental $9.95 + Rental $8.95 + Rental

At the Aquarium

Summer Camp registration now open

It’s time to plan for summer! Summer day camps meet on-site and use the Aquarium exhibits, grounds, and community parks to learn about our natural world. Join us for a summer of caring for animals, celebrating Lake Superior, SCUBA diving, and more! Find the full schedule and register early at www.glaquarium.org.

The Woman Yesterday

Barbara Rotvig (1928 - 1963)

By Abigail Blonigen

Barbara Rotvig was born on July 2, 1928 to Arnold and Bertha Rotvig. She was a star athlete at Denfeld High School, playing volleyball, track, basketball and softball as well as participating in speech, band and choir, according to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1950 and taught for a few years at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. She then went on to get her master’s degree in physical education from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1956, according to the University of Michigan.

According to her trading card, she pitched for the Kenosha Wisconsin Comets (a women’s professional baseball team) in 1948, 1949 and 1951, throwing a no-hitter in 1949. In baseball she was known as Barbara “Big Swede” Rotvig.

She taught at the University of Michigan as a women’s physical education instructor from 1955 to 1962. During this time, she became the first female professional golfer at the university, joining the Ladies Professional Golf Association.

She played a critical role in founding the LPGA National Golf School, and was named teaching professional of the year in 1960, according to her obituary in the Ann Arbor News. In addition to teaching, she also played in summer golf tournaments.

Several awards are given in her name: the Barbara Rotvig Trophy at the Ann Arbor Women’s Golf Association for the player achieving the best low net scores, and to the outstanding female athlete of the year at Denfeld High School. There is also a Barbara Rotvig Memorial Scholarship for landscape architecture at the University of Michigan, likely because Rotvig was also an expert in planning golf courses.

Rotvig died of cancer on December 27, 1963 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor at the age of 35.

She contributed to a book titled “Golf” as part of the Athletic Institute Series, which was published after her death in 1966. D

Abigail Blonigen is a Minnesota freelance writer.

Barb Rotvig, UM Women's Phys-Ed, golf instructor, 1960 LPGA Teaching Professional of the Year.