Kristi Stokes has guided Downtown Duluth for 25 years
Cloquet woman’s heart beats again after extended
The ‘Face of Downtown’ celebrates a career milestone
Cardiothoracic surgeon unfazed by being ‘the only woman in the room’
Starzecki
named Wisconsin
of the Year
follows her calling to Northland oral health practice
McAteer reflects on her journey from ‘OG’ Bulldog to WCHA commissioner
Child Care: Expanding young minds while staying under budget
GROUP PUBLISHER
NEAL RONQUIST
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
RICK LUBBERS
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
ALI CARLSON
KIM QUINONES
SCOTT BLATCHFORD
ALIX CRAFT
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
MOLLIE BURLINGAME
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
JULIE SCHULZ
CONTRIBUTORS
AMY CARLSON
AMY STARZECKI
ANDREA BUSCHE
APRIL WESTMAN
CARLA LONDGREN
DAISY HOOPS
JASON ALBUS
KIM QUINONES
MOLLY MILROY
TONY BENNETT
JANNA GOERDT
DR. MARY J. BOYLAN
VERONICA SURGES
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ON THE COVER
Kristi Stokes has served Downtown Duluth (formerly known as the Greater Downtown Council) for 25 years as president/chief operating officer. Photo courtesy of Daisy Hoops.
TO OUR READERS
Hello, Woman Today readers!
How long did your New Year’s resolutions last? Does anyone still have them going?
If not, don’t despair. Most resolutions don’t last past the cleanup time after a New Year’s party. The research varies, but most experts agree that New Year’s resolutions are lucky to last a few weeks, let alone make it to February.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t establish some realistic goals for February and beyond.
One goal I’m working on daily is reducing the number of times I pick up my cellphone. According to research conducted by Reviews.org, Americans check their cellphones an average of 205 times a day, or 8.54 times an hour.
That’s a larger number than I ever could have imagined.
Admit it. Whenever your phone dings, vibrates or lights up, you immediately pick it up to check what you’re missing. Ivan Pavlov would see similarities between our cellphone behavior and the dogs from his famous experiments in the late 1890s.
It doesn’t matter where we are or what we’re doing. When they alert us to a call, text, app notification or something else, we grab our cellphones and check it out.
First thing in the morning when we wake up.
While eating dinner at a restaurant. Or watching a movie.
During a meeting at work.
When there’s a timeout during the basketball game (sometimes even during the action).
Maybe even during a church service. Just before going to sleep.
But not responding to our phone’s beck and call right away just feels so wrong!
Pavlov’s dogs became so conditioned by the sound of the bell that they salivated whenever they heard it. Let’s hope our cellphone addictions don’t come to that!
A good way to ignore your cellphone for a while is to read The Woman Today.
Here are some of the stories we’re excited to share with you in this issue:
• You’ll meet Cloquet’s Carla Londgren and hear her amazing story of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
• Learn some tips on how to keep your heart healthy. February is American Heart Month.
• Learn about super superintendent Amy Starzecki, who was named Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year for her outstanding work with the School District of Superior.
• Learn about Duluth’s beloved educator Laura MacArthur in The Woman Yesterday.
• Make a fun Valentine’s Day craft for your loved ones.
Thanks for spending some of your valuable time reading The Woman Today. Your readership is greatly appreciated!
Rick Lubbers Executive editor, Duluth Media Group
Cloquet woman’s heart beats again after extended CPR
Carla Londgren survived an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
By Janna Goerdt | Photos courtesy of Carla Londgren
A“miracle patient” comes along very rarely during any physician’s career, said Dr. Nicole Worden, an interventional cardiologist at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.
But Carla Londgren of Cloquet qualifies as one of those miracles.
It all began with an unrelenting pain between Londgren’s shoulder blades. She and her husband, Jason, were at their home on April 23, 2023, and Londgren could not shake the pain. She went to their bedroom to lie down.
Soon afterward, Jason went to check on his wife and found her breathing had become harsh and ragged, “like a death-rattle snore,” Londgren said.
She was having a heart attack. Jason, who had been a fire chief, hustled his wife into their car and headed for Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet. As he drove, Jason was reaching over to “pound on my chest,” Londgren said. She slipped into unconsciousness.
For the next 45 minutes, staff at the hospital performed manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. Londgren’s heart refused to beat on its own.
Eventually the medical team decided there was nothing more they could do. They called Jason into the room to tell him they were suspending treatment, and that his wife would take a few more breaths and then be still.
But Londgren just kept breathing.
And kept breathing. And breathing.
She didn’t regain consciousness, but Londgren wasn’t done fighting for her life. She was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, this time with a LUCAS device attached to her chest to automatically perform chest compressions. Surgeons implanted three stents in her heart that first evening, and a fourth one was to follow. Londgren was kept sedated for several days so her body could recover. No one yet knew if her brain had been affected by lack of oxygen.
Carla Londgren
Dr. Aanders Dommer is pictured with Carla Londgren, following Londgren's recovery from cardiac arrest. Dommer was part of the medical team at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet who performed extended CPR on Londgren in April 2023.
What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or stopped. The lack of blood flow can destroy or damage part of the heart muscle. Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating. It may be caused by a heart attack or other factors, such as a drug overdose or electrical shock.
CPR Tips
Anyone can help save a life by performing emergency CPR, said Essentia Health cardiologist Catherine Benziger. Here are her tips for helping an adult: First, check to see if the victim is responsive by shaking them or rubbing vigorously on their sternum. If not, dial 911 to summon emergency help. A dispatcher will likely also talk you through the steps of performing CPR.
Get the victim on a hard surface, such as the floor. Kneel on one side of them, and place one hand flat in the center of their chest. Place the other hand over it, straighten your arms, and push down hard on their chest with your body weight. Their chest should depress about 2 inches.
Keep a rhythm of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute, roughly the beat of the song “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees. Performing effective CPR is exhausting and may result in breaking some of the victim’s ribs, Benziger said. It’s better to do that than to do nothing.
Continue chest compressions until emergency help arrives, or the victim fully revives.
Facing long odds
The chances that Londgren would fully recover were low. She had suffered a “widowmaker” heart attack, which is when the largest artery that supplies blood to your heart is blocked. Her heart had stopped beating on its own for at least 45 minutes.
The statistics for people outside of a medical center who go into full cardiac arrest aren’t encouraging. Of the 350,000 out-of-home cardiac arrests that occur every year in the United States, only 1 in every 10 will survive, according to the American Heart Association.
“Most people don’t live to tell their story,” said Dr. Catherine
Benziger, a cardiologist at Essentia Health in Duluth. Londgren “is very special, very unique.”
Londgren was fortunate that her husband discovered her quickly, and that he was able to do some sort of chest compression on their way to the hospital. Called “bystander CPR,” this type of intervention is highly encouraged by the American Heart Association.
Anyone can administer CPR, Benziger said. It’s important to begin immediately, and to push hard on a victim’s chest, she said. Research has found that performing emergency breathing isn’t as important as chest compressions, especially if you are performing single-person CPR, Benziger said.
Carla Londgren credits her husband's quick reaction, her medical care and her faith for her recovery after her heart stopped beating on its own for 45 minutes. She was kept alive with emergency CPR.
"I
want to be a source of motivation, of joy and hope."
- Carla Londgren
Full recovery
When Londgren did emerge from sedation, her family discovered she was one of the very, very lucky ones.
They knew she was going to be all right when Londgren greeted a visitor in a special way: by making “finger guns” at him, Londgren said. That was their usual greeting, she said, and she remembered it.
It was just a day or two later before Londgren went home to begin her new life as a cardiac arrest survivor. She improved her diet and lost weight. After a hip replacement in January 2024, Londgren said, “I finally feel like me again.” Tests show that her heart is working well, and today, at age 63, she feels strong.
She also has the urge to encourage other people — especially women — to pay attention to their heart health.
Londgren took part in the Survivor’s Walk during the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” event in 2024. All of Londgren’s
siblings have gotten “heart-healthy” checkups since her experience, and she continues to tell the story of being saved by bystander CPR.
Preventing heart attacks
It’s hard to say why some people survive cardiac arrest and others don’t, Worden said.
“People who get CPR immediately will do better, and people who get high-quality CPR will do still better, and if there is an AED (an automatic external defibrillator), they will do still better,” Worden said.
One good way to increase your chances of surviving a heart attack is to not have one in the first place, said Benziger.
“Heart attacks happen every day in our community,” Benziger said. Her tips for better heart health include not smoking, having regular checkups, maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and eating a heart-healthy diet.
Worden also counsels patients — particularly women — to pay attention to any symptoms they may experience, such as chest, arm or back pain or pressure that can’t be attributed to another cause. Londgren, for example, didn’t have any other symptoms aside from that pain between her shoulder blades.
“What I find is that many women, especially older women, do not pay attention to their own symptoms because they are always taking care of other people,” Worden said. But if you ignore your health and end up being debilitated — or worse —
by cardiac arrest, you won’t be able to care for anyone else, she added.
‘Motivation, joy and hope’
Londgren was left with a scar on her sternum, from where her skin was torn during the lengthy bout of CPR.
It’s a reminder, she said, of all she has been through and all the work that is ahead.
“I want to be a source of motivation, of joy and hope,” Londgren said.*
Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range farmer and freelance writer.
Kristi Stokes
The face of Downtown Duluth
Celebrates a career milestone in 2025
By Andrea Busche | Photos courtesy of Daisy Hoops
After 25 years as her organization’s president/ chief operating officer, Kristi Stokes has earned another (tongue-in-cheek) title: the unofficial face of Downtown Duluth.
Her TV and radio spots enthusiastically encourage people
to “get downtown.” And, while downtown Duluth is obviously a place, it is also a proper name of the nonprofit business organization Stokes represents.
“We used to be known as the Greater Downtown Council, but in 2021 we rebranded and became Downtown Duluth,” Stokes said.
“One of the biggest challenges we encountered was that we had ‘council’ in our name. People thought that I was elected, or that we were part of the city. So, we rebranded to ‘Downtown Duluth.’”
Despite the new name, the mission remains the same.
Never one to shy away from speaking in front of an audience, Kristi Stokes is seen here at the Downtown Duluth 2024 Annual Dinner Meeting & Celebration
“OUR WORK ALWAYS CENTERS AROUND HOW TO MAKE OUR DOWNTOWN A BETTER PLACE.”
“Our work always centers around how to make our downtown a better place,” she said. “Our downtown is the heart of our community. We have to have a healthy downtown because it’s a reflection on the community as a whole.”
Rural, farming roots
Stokes’ work ethic was instilled early in life. She grew up on a family dairy farm just outside Wausau, Wisconsin. Alongside her late parents, Betty and Roger, and her two older siblings, Stokes milked cows, baled hay and cleaned barns.
She was also athletic and enjoyed playing softball and volleyball. While attending D.C. Everest High School in Schofield, Wisconsin, she worked as a server in a restaurant, and later, did some office work.
Pursuit of journalism
Stokes developed a passion for journalism in her youth.
“During junior high, I got into forensics and creative writing classes,” she said. “I continued with that interest and became involved with the high school newspaper. Later, I shadowed a TV news anchor.”
She decided to pursue a career in that field and earned a degree in journalism (with a focus on broadcasting) from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. While in college, she had a part-time job as a news anchor/reporter on WAXXFM and completed a reporting internship at WEAU-TV.
One of her college professors, the late Henry Lippold, had a particular impact on her.
Sometimes it takes crazy ideas to bring attention to the downtown. Kristi Stokes, along with many other participants, rappelled down the side of a building in 2013.
“He’d have us cover real stories, like attending county board meetings,” she said. We had to write and turn in our stories that same night.”
In 1991, Stokes landed a radio job in Duluth — before she even graduated college.
“I was hired by KDAL radio (which also included 96 Lite) as a reporter and afternoon news anchor, and left for Duluth as soon as I finished my finals.”
She fondly recalled her radio tagline from those early days: “And, nooow, you’re up to date.”
‘Duluth becomes home’
Life in the Northland was a new adventure for Stokes.
“I had never been to Duluth before,” she said. “My first day on the job, the announcement was made about the Northwest Airlines airbus maintenance base in Duluth. We did live reports, and the mayor and governor, along with the president of Northwest Airlines, were all there.
“I said to myself, ‘I love this. It’s so great to see the community come together to celebrate this investment.’
“And, my first winter here, we had the mega storm,” she added. “The snow kept coming, and I never went home — I stayed overnight at the Radisson. I remember people skiing down Superior Street.”
Ultimately, the city grew on her.
“I never expected to stay in Duluth, but I fell in love with the community,” she said. “I love the beauty, the opportunities and the recreation. Duluth became home to me and I never wanted to leave.”
Taking on a new role
While working in radio, Stokes eventually became news director for a “six-pack” of stations — now called Midwest Communications. Later, she became aware of a job opening for her current position and pursued it.
“I felt like I could really have a positive impact in the community,” she said.
She began her job with the Greater Downtown Council in 2000. Today, the team has grown to include three core staff members. There is also a nine-employee Clean & Safe Team, which connects with downtown
businesses and provides resources and assistance for individuals who need it. Downtown Duluth is housed at 5 W. First St.
Stokes’ role varies from day to day.
“I meet with businesses to discuss their needs and challenges, and celebrate their successes. I help secure grant funding. We also focus on issues related to safety, graffiti and trash.”
Stokes and her team were a big part of the Superior Street reconstruction project. They are now working on a five-year work plan/vision for downtown called Imagine Downtown.
“The main goals are to address
Kristi Stokes and her husband, Dave, celebrate their son Tanner’s graduation from high school in 2024.
Street Reconstruction started
2018.
“I
LOVE TO SEE US PLAYING A ROLE IN HELPING BUSINESSES SUCCEED."
is pulling up some of the first bricks at a ceremony kicking off the start of the project. Stokes digs in and helps plant flowers in downtown Duluth.
has a little fun at the photo booth at her organization’s Annual Dinner Meeting & Celebration.
residential housing, safety and the activation of spaces downtown,” she said. “We are partnering with — and received a matching grant from — the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, and have many other local partners involved in our steering committee.”
Further details of Imagine Downtown will be unveiled at Downtown Duluth’s 40th annual dinner on Feb. 5, 2025.
In addition to her primary role, Stokes serves on the board of directors for Bentleyville and is also a past chair. She also serves on the Duluth YMCA’s board of trustees.
Personal
Stokes met her husband of 30 years, Dave, through their parallel careers in media. Today, Dave works for Stokes Media House, a video production company the couple own and operate.
They have a 19-year-old son, Tanner, who is entering the world of commercial real estate. Tanner and a partner also are opening a tunnel car wash next year called Tanner’s Express.
The Stokes family lives just outside of Duluth and has two cats, Toby and Charlie. In their spare time, Kristi
- Kristi Stokes
and Dave enjoy boating on Lake Superior, supporting local businesses, seeing a variety of Duluth shows and spending time with friends and family.
Making an impact
With her passion for downtown, blended with a background in journalism, Stokes has enjoyed her career path.
“I love to see us playing a role in helping businesses succeed,” she said. “For instance, helping former pop-up shops become full tenants and find success. It’s so fun to say, ‘Let’s follow this person’s dream.’
“One example is Hucklebeary, owned by Emily Ekstrom. She started a pop-up shop and now owns her own building. Another success story is Lake Superior Art Glass. We’re so proud of them and love to watch their businesses blossom.
“Ultimately, I want to feel like I’ve made a positive impact on our community — especially our downtown,” Stokes added. “Duluth has become my home and I love it here.”*
Andrea Busche is a Duluth-based freelance writer and small-business owner. She has been a frequent contributor to The Woman Today since 2008.
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Dr. Mary J.Boylan
Cardiothoracic surgeon unfazed by being
‘the only woman in the room’
By Andrea Busche | Photos courtesy of Dr. Mary J. Boylan
Having surgery on your heart or lungs — two of the most vital organs — is a scary prospect. You would undoubtedly want an expert physician in charge of your care like Duluth’s Dr. Mary Boylan.
During her 28-year career as a cardiothoracic surgeon, the nowretired Boylan performed thousands
of surgeries and improved — and saved — countless lives.
This specialty is incredibly elite. Boylan completed 15 years of postsecondary education (including college, medical school and two residencies) before entering the field. And, for women, the air is even more rarefied.
“When I entered medical school,”
Boylan said, “there were not even 10 women heart surgeons in the country. However, this did not distract me from pursuing my goal of becoming a heart surgeon.
“This inequity has not sidetracked me along the way,” she added. “I was unfazed by the fact that I was the only woman in the room.”
In October 2024, Dr. Mary J. Boylan visits with Jack Wycoff, a patient she operated on more than 20 years ago.
Adventurous childhood
Boylan is originally from southern Minnesota and has four brothers. Her late father, John, was a teacher. Her late mother, Betty, was a homemaker/ stay-at-home mom.
The family relocated a couple of times — first to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, and later to Long Island, New York.
“My parents thought that their kids should have a broader view of the world,” Boylan said.
As such, John and Betty provided many rich experiences for their kids.
“My parents brought us so many places to see things. We got to tour an aircraft carrier and a submarine, visited Brookhaven National Lab, the Earth Resources Observation Center, and many other interesting places,” she said.
From candy striper to cardiothoracic surgeon
Boylan explained her somewhat unlikely decision to pursue medicine.
“There was no sentinel event or health crisis, and no one else in my family was a physician,” she said. “Really, there wasn’t any one specific thing that drew me to medicine. But helping people — and science and math — were all interesting and appealing to me.”
While in high school, she volunteered as a “candy striper” at a hospital. Later, she volunteered in an emergency department, restocking and refilling supplies, and eventually in occupational therapy.
“I thought it was all fascinating,” she said.
Boylan attended C.W. Post College (Brookville, N.Y.), where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology/pre-med. She also took four years of Latin.
She attended medical school at the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in New York City. Her general surgery residency was completed at Boston University, and her cardiothoracic surgery residency was earned from the University of Illinois Chicago.
She selected her specialty after observing heart surgery as a student.
“It was like an orchestra,” Boylan said. “There were all these parts going on to make this surgery happen.”
During college, she enjoyed serving as president of the chapter of her Medical School Association. She also took a monthlong tour/trip with other medical students to Kenya, where she explored that country’s health care system.
“That was very eye-opening to me,” she said.
Boylan’s first job was at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, where she “scrubbed on” for more than 600 heart surgeries during her three-year tenure. She received a job opportunity at St. Mary’s in Duluth and moved to the Northland in 1996. She worked for St. Mary’s (now Essentia) from 1996-2003 and pivoted to St. Luke’s (now Aspirus) in 2003.
“Initially, I said I’d stay here for five years and then move on to a big city,” Boylan said with a chuckle. “But, as I learned quite quickly, Duluth is a really great place to live.”
Looking back at her career
Dr. Boylan shared a bit about her caseload.
“I handled adult cardiac surgery — no pediatrics,” she said. “My cases were about 75% bypass operations, 10-15% valve repairs/ replacements, and 10-15% of other aortic operations, such as aneurysms or growths or tumors in the heart.”
A memorable story involved a 90-year-old man who had an aortic dissection.
“It was a high-risk operation, but he had such a great will and spirit,” she said. “He had a great family who got him through, and he was able to get back home to his family and golf buddies.”
Another patient was a man in his late 60s/early 70s, who needed coronary artery bypass surgery. This man had a son with Down syndrome.
“He was so determined to get back home and care for his son,” she said.
While there are some things we can do to keep our heart and lungs healthy (don’t use tobacco, know your risk factors, be as active as you can, reduce stress, get better sleep, and eat less processed food), Dr. Boylan shared that a positive mental outlook is also very important.
“It pays to have a good attitude,” she said.
“IT PAYS TO HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE."
Extracurriculars + personal
Dr. Boylan retired in February 2024 but remains very active. She has served on the American Heart Association’s Midwest Regional board twice and is now president of the 13-state Midwest Region. She is involved with the Go Red for Women initiative, which raises awareness about heart disease in women. She will co-chair the 2025 Go Red for Women event alongside Karen Stromme, the recently retired UMD women’s basketball coach and athletics administrator. Another affiliation has been
Dr. Mary J. Boylan
with Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO), a humanitarian aid organization founded by a former member of the Peace Corps. Boylan has traveled to Honduras on several medical missions and served on CAMO’s board for about 10 years. She also advises and mentors students enrolled in the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus on their research projects.
Boylan and her husband, Patrick Maloney, have two daughters. They live in Duluth, near Hartley Park. In her spare time, Dr. Boylan enjoys running, traveling, camping, crosscountry skiing and cooking.
Dr. Mary J. Boylan, left, attends the Go Red for Women event in 2024 with Lori Olesiak.
Rewarding career
It’s probably not surprising that a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon is an incredibly fulfilling endeavor.
“I came to Duluth and found a great place to live and work,” Boylan said. “Our patients — and people — in northern Minnesota are wonderful and live wonderfully and vigorously.
“When I started in 1996, several male patients were surprised to see a woman surgeon walk into their room and offer to be their doctor. Many female patients told me how glad they were to have a woman surgeon and shared words of encouragement.
“Patients teach us about humility and trust and the will to recover,” she added. “Simply put, I love my patients. They are great! I just
recently met with a patient from 25 years ago who lives up the shore. He was in town with his wife and wanted to say ‘hi’ and give me a gift he had made in his woodworking shop.
“I have loved being a surgeon and working with an excellent team of dedicated professionals who are also dear friends. Work consumed much of my waking — and sometimes, sleeping — hours and weekends. But now, earlier this year, I retired from an excellent practice surrounded by wonderful colleagues and patients. Now it is on to more fun and adventure with my husband, daughters and friends.”*
Andrea Busche is a Duluth-based freelance writer and small-business owner. She has been a frequent contributor to The Woman Today since 2008.
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Dr. Mary J. Boylan’s 2024 “heart team” included surgical technicians, nurses, perfusionists and Dr. Hebroon Obaid.
In fall 2024, Mary J. Boylan and her husband, Patrick Maloney, went on a Boundary Waters adventure with friends.
Amy Starzecki Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year
It’s not often you’re told you’re the best in the state at doing your job, but that’s just where Superior School District Administrator Amy Starzecki finds herself, as she was named Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year for 2024.
The honor, which was awarded to Starzecki in Milwaukee in January 2024 by the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, recognizes her for multiple achievements that have changed the way the School District of Superior conducts business.
Starzecki is in her seventh year as the superintendent of schools in Superior, the latest role for her in a 25-year career that has seen her taking a fairly nontraditional path to being a school administrator, but the titles she’s held have all helped her to be the decisionmaker she is today.
A unique skill set
“I actually started as a school psychologist,” Starzecki said. “I was a premed major. I loved problem-solving. I loved science. The field of school psychology is (centered) around assessment of students and really helping to diagnose students’ learning challenges. You try to understand why kids are struggling, and then the best part is trying to come up with a plan for helping them be successful.”
Starzecki’s skill set turned out to be the perfect gateway to a school administrator job. She spent time with diverse groups of kids and learned to communicate with their parents. She was mentored by principals who saw her potential and was encouraged to try administrative roles.
By Tony Bennett | Photos courtesy of Amy Starzecki
“They convinced me it was the right path,” Starzecki said of her champions. “I ended up becoming a principal, and I loved it.”
She spent years doing that job and then ascended the ladder a bit more, becoming an assistant superintendent in Duluth for a time. When she came to Superior as the head superintendent, she saw a community in need of fresh ideas and approaches.
“... I’ve always wanted to live in a community this size,” Starzecki said. “There’s a lot of things to offer, and I wanted to raise my family in a smaller community like this. It was a good fit professionally and personally.”
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Graduation rates within the School District of Superior have risen dramatically under the leadership of Starzecki and her team — from one of the worst in the state of Wisconsin in 2018 to graduating 98% of their students in 2024.
“In this last school year, we graduated 98% of our students.”
- Amy Starzecki
Superior successes
Starzecki has done a lot during her time in Superior, but she points to a few specific things that she thinks may have gotten WASDA’s attention.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she said. “One of our greatest accomplishments is that our graduation rates are one of the biggest success stories I think we’ve experienced. It was absolutely a team effort. The role of superintendent is to create a vision and inspire your staff around you to reach that. When I came to Superior in 2018, our graduation rates were some of the worst in the state of Wisconsin. We were in the bottom 5%. We did a lot of work to address that data point, and, for the last three years, we’ve been above the state average — in the 90s for graduation rates. In this last school year, we graduated 98% of our students.”
Such a dramatic turnaround is an astounding achievement and one that goes a long way toward explaining why Starzecki is being honored.
But that’s not all: “When I arrived, only one of our schools was exceeding on the state report card,” she said, “and, for the last two years, four of our schools are. We continue to see growth across our district.”
Starzecki, the psychologist, talks about the importance of ensuring that schools are places where students and staff like to be, and how a positive mental state can make a difference. She mentions a bus driver greeting the kids on the way into school in the same breath as she mentions a principal and their duties.
“Everybody has a role,” she said.
Amy Starzecki’s past role as a school psychologist has helped shape her leadership philosophy as a school administrator. “The field of school psychology is (centered) around assessment of students and really helping to diagnose students’ learning challenges,” she said. “You try to understand why kids are struggling, and then the best part is trying to come up with a plan for helping them be successful.”
Superior School District Administrator Amy Starzecki discusses matters with (from left) Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Superior Mayor Jim Paine, and Superior Middle School Principal Aaron Lieberz.
‘Great educational leader’
The list of fresh approaches and notable successes goes on. Attendance is up. Special education has been worked on from new angles. Classroom dynamics have been adjusted. And it’s all been leading to big positive changes.
Crystal Hintzman, director of curriculum and instruction with the School District of Superior, said it’s been great to see, and she has glowing praise for Starzecki.
“I work closely with Amy — she’s my boss — as she leads our administrative team,” she said. “Our work together focuses primarily on supporting the teaching and learning aspects of our district’s leadership — providing teachers with support and professional development.
“Amy is a leader who walks the walk,” Hintzman continued. “She has a strong connection to what is happening in our schools, and that is evident as she does everything from supervising students during breakfast to making classroom visits to providing leadership and support to principals. She is very proactive in her leadership approach as she communicates often to all staff about important topics that are impacting our district — everything from funding to weather updates to the school-year calendar. It is important to her that all staff have a voice in our district.”
Superior School Board President Steve Olson concurs.
“Amy has a clear vision in mind that the Superior school district will become the leading school district in the state of Wisconsin, where education and community come together for student excellence,” he said. “She is an extremely hard-working individual who cares very much for our students and our community.”
“She continually demonstrates the ability to build strong, trusting relationships and clearly understands how important collaboration is with her administrative team, the teaching and support staff at all levels, the school board members, our students and the greater community of Superior,” Olson added.
“(Starzecki is a) great educational leader who always puts students first in her decision-making process,” Olson said. “Her strong desire to make Superior the best school district in Superior is evident in her daily work and commitment to the children, the parents and the community of Superior. It is very apparent to me that the committee making this selection made the right choice in honoring Amy as the Superintendent of the Year in Wisconsin.”
Starzecki, for her part, is humble about her award, but she knows it’s the result of a lot of hard, dedicated work by a lot of different people, so she’s also happy to accept it.
“It feels good,” she said. “I just continue to say this never could have happened without the people that I’m surrounded by here in Superior. It’s a really good team that’s focused on doing right by our kids, and you can tell through our data the differences our staff are making.”
And Starzecki isn’t going to rest on her laurels. She’s got new initiatives in mind. There’s reading to work on. Math.
It’s a moment to feel good about achievement, but the new year will mean getting back to the tasks at hand and implementing the kinds of plans that have gotten her and Superior noticed.
“The work,” she said, “isn’t over.”*
Tony Bennett is a Duluth freelance writer.
Public defender represents ‘THOSE PEOPLE,’ because
we are all those people
Veronica Surges
By Janna Goerdt
It was a crystallizing moment for Veronica Surges, then a freshman law school student.
A piece of paper had come across her desk at the public defender’s office in Duluth, where she was working a summer internship doing first-court appearances for defendants.
It was a complaint charging a man with thirddegree homicide for selling heroin that caused another man to overdose and die. And the victim was her former boyfriend.
“I went home, and sat and wrestled with this,” Surges said. Her overriding emotion was rage — at the justice system.
“How does it help to send this person to prison?”
Surges recalled thinking.
“He was an addict himself. At that exact moment, I decided I was going to be a public defender for the rest of my life, and I have not looked back.”
A self-portrait of Veronica Surges shows off her personal style.
Photos courtesy of Veronic Surges
After 14 years of working as a public defender, Surges has kept true to that impulse. While based in Duluth, she has practiced in every judicial district in Minnesota and met clients in every jail in the state. She has argued at least a half-dozen cases before the Minnesota Supreme Court and submitted a “ghostwritten” brief to the United States Supreme Court.
Defending her job and ‘those people’
Public defenders represent the majority of people who enter the legal system, Surges said — about 95% of all people who are charged with a crime. These are primarily people who cannot afford to hire a private attorney, so the judicial system appoints someone like Surges as their lawyer. The right to a fair trial is guaranteed to all U.S. citizens by the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
But Surges still finds herself defending her job — in the court of public opinion, perhaps at a social gathering. When people learn she is a public defender, they often ask one of two questions, Surges said: “Do you think you’ll ever be a real lawyer?” Or, “How can you represent those people?”
She has several responses, depending on the situation. She might point out that her job — as a real lawyer — is to help someone who is going through one of the most traumatic events of their life. She might say that part of her job is protecting everyone’s right to a fair trial. Or she might detail the other people who work alongside the other real lawyers in the public defender’s office, like investigators or social workers, to try and address the “root cause” of why the crime was committed, Surges said. That might be addiction, mental illness, lack of shelter or other circumstances.
She might also say that she believes there is a fine line between “those people” and all people.
“There’s a very thin line separating me from my clients,” Surges said. “I try to humanize (clients), and show why they act the way they do.”
Puppa’s Pals fosters lonely pets
Most public defenders have large caseloads, and the job is emotionally taxing, Surges said. Sometimes she feels sadness and frustration at the way the legal system works.
“To look in someone’s eyes and tell them that they just lost their last appeal, that’s incredibly difficult,” she said. And to know that people are sitting in jail because they can’t afford bail, or that their case might have turned out differently if they had money to hire expert witnesses — that’s hard on a public defender, Surges said.
So she does what she can. For Surges, that meant starting a nonprofit aimed at solving a problem she kept seeing: pets who were left behind while their owners were incarcerated or otherwise unable to temporarily care for them. Surges has a soft spot for animals, and she grew tired of knowing that her clients’ pets were languishing at home while their owners dealt with their legal issues.
The nonprofit Puppa’s Pals provides emergency foster placement for pets whose owners temporarily are unable to take care of them — because they are in addiction treatment, are escaping domestic violence situations, have had a home catastrophe, are experiencing homelessness, or are in jail, among other reasons.
Partly due to her love of animals, Veronica Surges founded a nonprofit emergency pet-fostering program called Puppa's Pals. Here, she is pictured with her beloved dog, Duckie.
“When you are true to who you are, it helps you have a better outlook on life, and it helps me to have confidence.”
- Veronica Surges
Fearlessly expressing herself
Surges also takes joy and draws confidence in expressing her personality in exactly the way she wants to look. That means proudly showing off her head tattoo, with half of her scalp cropped close and the other half of her hair long. Surges has many other tattoos, including a dramatic bat and spiderweb on her upper chest.
“I’ve found that looking the way I do is incredibly helpful” with her job, she said. “When you are true to who you are, it helps you have a better outlook on life, and it helps me to have confidence.”
Surges might want to talk to a jury about implicit bias, so she might wear her hair long and parted in the middle — and then she will ask a jury what they think about her appearance when she flips her hair to the side to show off her tattoo. It helps to challenge people’s perceptions of who someone truly is, based on their appearance, she said. Besides, plenty of lawyers also have tattoos, she said; it’s just that most of them are covered up while they are in court. Surges leaves it all out there.
‘Building community’
She has also learned to find and maintain a positive and dynamic personal life, in part to help her cope with the stresses of her job. Meditation has helped, as has learning to keep her work life within its boundaries, to make room for family, friends, hobbies and activities.
Above: Veronica Surges, right, is pictured with her sister, Madeleine Patz, and her mother, Vicki Surges. Photo by Jason Albus. Below: Veronica Surges makes sure she maintains a work-life balance from her job as a public defender, including hiking in Sedona, Arizona.
“This job can fill you with despair,” Surges said. “The only way to cope with it is to have the strongest personal life that you can.”
When Surges talks to younger lawyers, she often counsels them to resist taking on overtime and instead channel that energy into “building community.”
“I want to be the change and not wait for others to do it,” she said.
As for that crystallizing case that convinced Surges to become a public defender? The charges were dismissed for lack of probable cause. Surges had been taken off the case because of her connection to the victim, and she had never spoken to the defendant. And she was delighted with that outcome.
“I was unreservedly thrilled,” she said. “I knew nothing good would come from putting someone in prison.”*
Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range farmer and freelance writer.
Veronica Surges is pictured with her partner, Paul Sharman. Photo by Jason Albus
Take control of your health
Understanding the link between obesity, diabetes and heart disease
By Anthony Matt
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. It kills more women than all types of cancers combined, and a recent AHA study found that less than 45% of women recognize it as the greatest threat to their health.
Dr. Catherine Benziger. Photo courtesy of Essentia
Essentia Health cardiologist
Dr. Catherine Benziger believes it’s vitally important to highlight crucial insights into the oftenoverlooked connection between obesity, diabetes and heart disease, particularly in women. These conditions are on the rise, and understanding how they’re linked, along with taking proactive steps to manage them, can make all the difference in a woman’s life.
“Obesity rates in the U.S. have more than doubled since 1980, now affecting 40-50% of the population,” Benziger said. “Obesity, defined by a body mass index over 30, significantly increases the risk of several other health problems, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, glucose intolerance and diabetes. Together, these conditions heighten the risk of heart disease.”
Modern lifestyles have played a major role in this growing problem. The rise of high-calorie diets, sedentary behaviors and remote work have made it harder for people to maintain a healthy weight. Benziger encourages small, intentional changes to offset these factors and get back to a weight you’re comfortable with.
She recommends that women aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week — walking, biking or swimming. Even simple exercises like these can go a long way in protecting heart health and managing weight. For women facing additional challenges, such as hormonal shifts during menopause, exercise becomes even more important. Benziger emphasizes that regular exercise, combined with a balanced diet, can be key to navigating these changes. When it comes to the connection between obesity, diabetes and heart disease, Benziger explains that diabetes can promote plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing
the risk of heart attacks. What makes this even more concerning for women is that the symptoms of heart disease often differ from those of men. Instead of simply experiencing chest pain, women are more likely to report chest discomfort or tightness, extreme fatigue or shortness of breath. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to quicker intervention and better outcomes.
“Obesity rates in the U.S. have more than doubled since 1980, now affecting 40-50% of the population.”
- Dr. Catherine Benziger
Adopting a heart-healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to prevent or manage these conditions. Benziger recommends the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. While fad diets may offer quick fixes, it’s sustainable lifestyle changes that truly improve long-term health and help control weight. In addition, understanding portion sizes and maintaining a healthy relationship with food are equally essential aspects of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
For women who may be struggling with weight loss or
diabetes management, Benziger highlights several treatment options that have shown promise. New medications, like Ozempic or Wegovy, not only help control blood sugar, but have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Bariatric surgery may also be an option for those who are significantly overweight and have struggled to manage their weight through lifestyle changes alone.
Benziger also stresses the need for more women to participate in clinical trials. Many health studies have historically underrepresented women, which means treatments and recommendations may not always reflect their specific needs. By participating in research studies, women not only gain access to cutting-edge treatments, but also contribute to a better understanding of how these conditions affect women differently.
Benziger’s message is clear: Taking proactive steps toward better health today can prevent more serious health problems down the road. Simple changes like adopting a heart-healthy diet, incorporating regular exercise into daily routines and staying informed about the latest research are effective strategies to maintain your health.
If you’re interested in learning more about participating in research studies or need more guidance on managing these health conditions, visit Essentia’s website and search “heart & vascular services.” The more you know about your health and the steps you can take to protect it, the better equipped you’ll be to live a healthier and longer life. *
Anthony Matt is the media relations specialist at Essentia Health.
Arts & Entertainment Calendar
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.
The West Theatre Events
FEB-MARCH
Feb. 12 - BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
Feb. 13 - Young Dubliners
March 20 - Mike Zito
Find updated information at thewesttheatre.com.
DSSO MW4 - Brahms’ Three
FEB. 1
The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers this storybook experience for families with children under 10 and the young at heart. Visit duluthtrains. com/event/christmascityexpress.
“The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong”
FEB. 1-9
This 1920s whodunit has everything you “never” wanted in a show — an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). The Duluth Playhouse performances will be held at the NorShor Theater. Visit duluthplayhouse.org.
Parker McCollum
FEB. 6
Country star Parker McCollum brings his “What Kinda Man Tour” to the DECC, with special guests Kameron Marlowe and William Beckmann. Visit decc.org/events-calendar.
Harvest Moon: A Salute to the Swing Era
FEB. 6-9
Join Minnesota Ballet for their annual mixed repertoire performance, featuring the music of Glen Miller as you follow the escapades of three World War II servicemen on their last night out on the town before their deployment. The evening will also include original works by Minnesota Ballet company members. Visit minnesotaballet.org.
“The Tempest”
FEB. 7-15
UMD Theater will perform William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” at the Marshall Performing Arts Center. Visit tickets.umn.edu/UMDCAHSS.
Duluth Sport Show
FEB. 13-16
Combining the Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show and the Northland Outdoors Duluth Deer Classic, this mega-show will feature exhibitors, seminars and events throughout the DECC’s Pioneer Hall, arena and convention center. Hours vary per day. Visit duluthsportshow.com.
“Pretty Woman The Musical”
FEB. 16
Experience the moments you love from the movie — and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way — in this dazzlingly joyous theatrical take on a love story for the ages. Visit decc.org/eventscalendar.
Taylor Dayne with Tiffany FEB. 18
American pop stars Taylor Dayne and Tiffany have entertained the music world since the 1980s and are still going strong. They’ll perform at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit decc.org/events-calendar.
Duluth Women’s Expo FEB. 22
Whether you’re calling the shots at home or work, the Duluth Women’s Expo is the perfect place to learn how to feel healthier, more beautiful, or just plain appreciated. It includes the Pioneer Market, live music, over 100 exhibitors, presentations and workshops, all at the DECC. Visit duluthwomensexpo.com.
Colter Wall and Friends Tour FEB. 22
Colter Wall and his band, The Scary Prairie Boys, bring their unique brand of traditional country music to the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit decc.org/ events-calendar.
The Price is Right Live FEB. 26
This interactive stage show gives eligible individuals the chance to “Come On Down” and play classic games from television’s most popular game show. Registration begins at the venue three hours prior to showtime, which is at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit decc.org/events-calendar.
DSSO MW5 - “La Mer”
MARCH 1
The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra will feature Claude Debussy’s “La Mer,” which marks the style that became known as musical impressionism, at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit dsso.com/ concert/la-mer.
Rock the Otter VII
MARCH 1
Black Bear Casino Resort’s annual Rock the Otter event features Tesla and their bluesy, soulful sound embedded in 1970s rock, along with special guest Brother Cane. Visit blackbearcasinoresort.com.
MACT*FEST 2025
MARCH 5-9
Community theaters and enthusiasts from around the state will gather at the Duluth Depot for this 27th biennial theater festival. Enjoy a variety of short plays, attend workshops and take part in social gatherings and networking. Visit mn-act.net.
“The Ice Fishing Play”
MARCH 7-23
UMD Theater will perform this comedy by Minnesota’s own Kevin Kling at the Marshall Performing Arts Center. Visit tickets.umn.edu/ UMDCAHSS.
“The Light in the Piazza”
MARCH 14-30
Travel with American tourist
Margaret Johnson and her daughter, Clara, as they take in the wonders of Florence, Italy, in summer
1953. When a fateful gust of wind whisks Clara’s hat into the hands of Fabrizio, it’s love at first sight. The Duluth Playhouse will present this romantic musical at the NorShor Theater. Visit duluthplayhouse.org.
Dwight Yoakam: The Cosmic Roundup and Rodeo Tour
MARCH 22
Scoring charttopping hits for nearly 40 years, country music artist Dwight Yoakum, with special guest The Mavericks, will perform at Amsoil Arena. Visit decc.org/ events-calendar.
Duluth Princess Day
MARCH 22
Bring your little one to experience 10 performances and activities, meet-and-greet for photos, hugs, and autographs, as well as stories, songs, dances, crafts, games and more, all at the Holiday Inn in downtown Duluth. Visit eventbrite.com.
Motorhead Madness
MARCH 22-23
This year’s event features a variety of one-of-a-kind customs, trucks, 4x4s, street rods, race cars, motorcycles, and antique autos, along with auto-related vendors at the DECC. Visit www.motorheadmadnessmn.com.
One Night of Queen
MARCH 25
Performed by Gary Mullen & The Works, this show at the DECC’s Symphony Hall pays tribute to the 40th anniversary of Queen’s “The Works Tour” with their stage theatrics, showmanship and music of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Visit decc.org/ events-calendar.
Lee Brice: You, Me & My
Guitar Acoustic Tour
MARCH 27
Country star Lee Brice, with special guest Rebecca Lynn Howard, brings his “You, Me & My Guitar” acoustic tour to the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit decc.org/ events-calendar.
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
The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad 6930 Fremont St., Duluth 218-624-7549 Lsmrr.org
‘My primary care provider saved my life’
Aspirus St. Luke’s patient Jessica Bradley shares how one routine checkup changed everything
By Claire Kiger
For most of her life, Jessica Bradley’s health had been pleasantly unremarkable. Apart from the birth of her two daughters and an appendectomy, she had never dealt with any serious medical conditions. However, in March 2024 an appointment with her primary care provider would change that.
“I had this pain in my breast that just wouldn’t go away,” Bradley said. “To be honest, I really didn’t think much of it. My youngest wasn’t even 2 yet and we were still breastfeeding. I just thought I had mastitis or a clogged milk duct.”
Her primary care provider at Aspirus St. Luke’s Clinic-Duluth-Internal Medicine, Jessica Scott, APRN, CNP, conducted a routine checkup and immediately felt uneasy. Though Bradley herself still wasn’t worried, Scott was persistent. She scheduled additional tests — first a diagnostic mammogram, followed by a biopsy. Soon, the results were in.
“Jessica called me and said she had bad news,” Bradley remembered. “I thought I was just going to have to stop breastfeeding or something. I was totally shocked when she told me that I had Stage 3 breast cancer.”
Facing the unexpected
Age and genetics are two of the greatest risk factors when it comes to developing breast cancer. This is why it is generally recommended to begin annual mammograms at age 40, and potentially sooner if there is a known family history. Bradley, however, was only 33 and no one in her family had cancer before.
Jessica Bradley with her two daughters. Photo courtesy of Aspirus St. Luke's
Scott didn’t waste time in starting the treatment process.
“She was ready with a plan,” Bradley said. Soon after, she met oncologist Dr. Anne Silva-Benedict at Aspirus St. Luke’s Cancer Care, where her chemotherapy treatments began.
Over the summer, Bradley visited Aspirus St. Luke’s weekly for her infusions. The process wasn’t easy — she often felt exhausted, nauseous and weak — but her support system kept her going.
“The infusion nurses were incredible,” Bradley said. “They explained everything clearly and were so patient. My best friend helped me with cold capping to prevent hair loss. Dr. Silva-Benedict has also been amazing, always reminding me I’m stronger than I think — and I’m starting to believe her.”
Additionally, throughout Bradley’s treatment, her primary care provider has stayed connected, offering encouragement and keeping up with her progress.
Why primary care matters
“The medical world can be really overwhelming,” Scott said. “Having a primary care provider means you have someone you can go to with your health concerns. Everyone deserves to have a medical professional in their corner, offering personalized care and support.”
A doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner can all serve as a primary care provider. They will have special training in family medicine, pediatrics or internal medicine. After establishing care with them, they can be a person’s main go-to for all their medical needs, questions and concerns. While they can be seen as needed, people often visit their primary care provider at least once a year for an annual physical or checkup. This is a great strategy for staying up to date with immunizations and preventive screenings. Plus, they can help manage medications and chronic issues like diabetes.
Scott emphasizes that it’s best not to wait until you’re sick to find a primary care provider.
“It’s really helpful to meet patients when they’re healthy,” she said. “That way, I get a clear sense of what’s normal for them. In Jessica Bradley’s case, knowing her baseline helped me respond quickly when something was off.”
The power of early intervention
At the end of her chemotherapy treatment, Bradley received great news: The tumors were shrinking. This progress was encouraging, and all the difficulty she had faced felt worth it. However, her fight isn’t over yet.
“By the time we found the cancer, it had already spread to her lymph
nodes given the aggressive nature of her cancer,” Dr. Silva-Benedict explained. “After completing upfront chemotherapy, a double mastectomy followed by radiation and hormone therapy are the next steps in her cancer treatment journey. Still, we are so fortunate to have caught the cancer when we did. Undetected, it would have had a very high chance of progressing to Stage 4 disease within a year. That would have changed the odds of survival quite a bit. The way things stand now, there is still hope.”
Bradley can’t help but feel grateful when she reflects on what could have happened without the support of her primary care provider. She’s determined to make the most of the chance she’s been given — and hopes others will do the same.
“If I hadn’t already been seeing a primary, I probably would’ve put this off. Honestly, I would have died,” Bradley said. “That’s why I tell people now: Even when life feels too busy, don’t ignore routine checkups or small concerns. It could end up being the most important thing you ever do.”
To establish care at Aspirus St. Luke’s, call 218-249-4000 or request an appointment online at slhduluth.com/primarycare.*
Claire Kiger is a writer and marketing specialist at Aspirus St. Luke’s.
“Even when life feels too busy, don’t ignore routine checkups or small concerns. It could end up being the MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU EVER DO.”
- Jessica Bradley
Transforming smiles
Doctor follows her calling, passion to Northland oral health practice
By Tony Bennett
For many people, oral health isn’t a major concern throughout their lives. They brush their teeth, they floss and they go to the dentist a couple of times a year. Maybe a cavity or a crown is needed here and there.
For others, oral health can be a struggle with myriad frustrations hindering their enjoyment of daily life. It’s in these scenarios that a good, knowledgeable specialist can make all the difference.
Dr. Roxanna Esguerra (DDS, MS) owns and runs the Dental Implant & Reconstructive Center in Duluth. For her, the dental health of her patients is a goal, certainly, but she’s also on a bit of a mission to educate others about the topic, with a particular focus on women’s oral health. She’s an energetic
Dr. Roxanna Esguerra
Dr. Roxanna Esguerra. Photo courtesy of Corbyn Goodermote.
person with a lot of determination to change the way people address the issue.
After being encouraged to express her artistic side as a part of her profession, Esguerra changed course from being on the medical-doctor track to going into dentistry in college.
“I didn’t meet a lot of medical doctors who were terribly happy with their lives,” she said. After a friend suggested dentistry, “It was like a light bulb went off. Once I got a glimpse into the world of dentistry, I knew that it was my calling.”
Esguerra’s early prosthodontic patients were more proof of that.
“They radiated from the inside outward,” she said of their attitudes and new smiles. “Seeing the light come from inside of them and seeing that change, it was transformational, or — dare I say — addictive, because it was something I wanted to be able to do for more people.”
Pictured is a dental articulator, which is an instrument that simulates the movement of a patient’s jaw so that teeth can be designed for effective chewing and comfort.
Photo courtesy of Corbyn Goodermote.
Laboratory work authorization, two dental stone casts and a bite record. The laboratory work authorization is written by a licensed dentist or dental specialist delegating what dental prosthetic is needed and how it should be constructed, including the materials used. Legally, a dental laboratory technician can only fabricate prosthetics as directed by a licensed professional. Photo courtesy of Corbyn Goodermote.
From Colorado to Singapore to Duluth
The Colorado-raised Esguerra finished her schooling in 2011 and ended up teaching and practicing in Singapore “of all places,” she jokes. She did that for several years before coming back to the U.S. and looking into starting her own practice postCOVID. An opportunity to purchase Dental Implant & Reconstructive Center brought Esguerra and her family to the Northland. The move has been satisfying for her.
“The dental community here has been just really supportive,” Esguerra said. “It’s just a great professional community. There’s a lot of collaboration. We really work together to take care of people. I run primarily a referral-based practice, so that means that patients whose general dentists feel that their condition is complex or severe enough to require specialty care will refer their patients over to us.”
Esguerra brings to the region a set of rare skills.
“There’s about one board-certified prosthodontist like myself for every 200 general dentists,” she noted. “We’re very specialized and have deep knowledge of how to treat and care for a lot of complex problems.”
Part of Esguerra’s training has meant she’s a font of knowledge about women’s dental health, and she’s on a mission to share this information with as many who will listen.
“Women are the ones giving birth,” she said, “and, during childbirth, they lose a lot of calcium to the baby, and that can have dental implications. It’s also true that women who have mild oral disease before they become pregnant — that pregnancy can kind of wreak havoc on their body and result in advancing gum disease and tooth loss. What we are able to do is see women who have gone through multiple childbirths, paid the price for that, and rebuild their mouths,
The Women’s Implant Study Club, started by Dr. Roxanna Esguerra, holds one of its meetings. Photo courtesy of Dr. Roxanna Esguerra.
their smiles, their health in a way that gives them confidence, vitality and function and gets them feeling like they’re complete and healthy again. And that’s a really rewarding opportunity for us.”
Helping other women in the industry
As part of her mission, Esguerra has even taken the step to establish a group called the Women’s Implant Study Club.
“Female professionals in the dental industry have not had their own space for learning and education and shared experience,” she said. “And so I started a study club specifically for women around the topic of dental implants.”
Women come from as far away as Brainerd and Grand Marais to be a part of the group’s twice-yearly gatherings. They are meetings where “a really deep, collaborative learning
“She’s so educated. The level of knowledge she can share with other general dentists is just incredible.” - Abigail Goth
can take place,” Esguerra said.
Abigail Goth is the professional relations coordinator in Esguerra’s practice and one of six other staffers there. A 2023 college graduate, Goth said she’s Dr. Esguerra’s “righthand woman” and handles all the office’s marketing concerns and is heavily involved with the study club meetings. For her, it’s an honor to be a part of what the practice is aiming to achieve.
“She’s so educated,” Goth said of Esguerra. “The level of knowledge she can share with other general dentists is just incredible.”
With regard to the study club, “We want to show the value that females have in the dental community and we want them to feel heard,” Goth said.
When it comes to Esguerra’s own feelings about the path she’s on, there’s no doubt in her mind that being encouraged to investigate dentistry was a good thing, and she feels that “every single day,” she said. “Hopefully, I’m doing something good and it’s appreciated and I’m able to make a contribution.”*
Tony Bennett is a Duluth freelance writer.
Michelle McAteer
goes from ‘OG’ Bulldog to WCHA commissioner
By Matt Wellens | Photos courtesy of Michelle McAteer
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.
Michelle McAteer is an original Bulldog — or OG as she likes to tell people — whose college career began in 1999-2000 with the first varsity women’s hockey team at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Western Collegiate Hockey Association also began play that season, and a year later the NCAA started awarding a national championship in the sport.
McAteer and her fellow Bulldogs teammates won the first three NCAA titles while sweeping the WCHA’s regular and postseason championships in 2002-03.
McAteer did it again at UMD in 2009-10 — winning WCHA regular and postseason titles, plus a national championship — but this time as an assistant coach.
Recently, McAteer spoke about those early years of UMD and WCHA women’s hockey. She also shared the challenges ahead of her as WCHA commissioner, and how the universe almost pulled her in an entirely different direction back to Duluth.
Western Collegiate Hockey Association Commissioner Michelle McAteer enjoyed attending the battle between the Ohio State and Wisconsin women’s hockey teams Jan. 4 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
QUESTION: What enticed you to finally make that jump, leaving coaching and going into an administrative role?
MICHELLE MCATEER: I’ve been in coaching since I finished playing. I was really fortunate that when I was done, I was the first-ever graduate assistant coach at Duluth — before those were even really commonplace — from 2003 to 2005. So I’ve been in a coaching role for 20 years, which is crazy. I’ve really enjoyed it. I was just at the point where I’m now 20 years into my career trying to think, ‘Am I going to be a whitehaired, old biddy coach on the ice?’ — which would be cool and great. I was really trying to think about which path I wanted to take for my future. I wanted to be prepared. I wanted to have an option. I wanted to know that I could continue to coach if I wanted to, but also try to make
myself marketable so that I could do other things, as well, if coaching wasn’t going to be the forever job for me. That was really mainly it. I was trying to really think about where I wanted to grow. This is a great opportunity to lead. It’s a different type of leadership, one that was really exciting.
It’s also really an honor. That’s why this job was so special and the right time. Having been an alum, having coached in the league, being the first former player to serve in this position is historic. That isn’t lost on me that I was part of that first OG group. Now to be part of the group that is actively leading this league is really special.
Q: I had some sources tell me you were a finalist for the head coach job at UMD, and maybe even a candidate to join Laura Schuler’s staff once she was hired. You had all these options. What was that like for you?
Youfocuson yourbusiness.
MCATEER: It was a whirlwind because that was where I was. I was literally describing it as a crossroads. How am I going to grow? Am I going to grow in coaching?
The Duluth job, as an alum, that was a no-brainer. I got to throw my hat in the ring for that and having so many connections to the program over the years. It was an honor to be a part of that process because I just care so deeply about that program and the team is phenomenal. Maura (Crowell) did a phenomenal job. (Laura Bellamy) did a phenomenal job. Schuler obviously did a phenomenal job. It was surreal and I was invested in that, I would say, for probably a good couple of weeks, but you got to trust the universe. I was invested for a couple of weeks. Schuler’s been invested for a decade, so that was Schuler’s job all along, and I am so thrilled with her.
“Just everything, the timing, everything just happened for a reason. I just trust the universe when in doubt.”
- Michelle McAteer
She had to go through that process. I think that was good for her to really earn that. I certainly was not heartbroken because I just knew that’s what should have happened. I was really grateful for her.
And, yeah, she had considered me for an associate head coaching job. When that happened, that’s when the WCHA job opened up. I was really like, ‘Do I pursue Division I coaching again? Or do I pursue the administrative side?’ All along I’ve been thinking that I was going to be pursuing the administrative side after I was done coaching. I’ve done the Division I thing and I didn’t have the same draw to go back to it.
Just everything, the timing, everything just happened for a reason. I just trust the universe when in doubt.
Q: You mentioned you’re the first former student-athlete to be commissioner of the WCHA.
You’ve also got the coaching background. We’ve seen good administrators that never played college hockey or never coached college hockey, and they’re good at what they do. But how much benefit — even early on in this process for you in the new job — is there to having lived that life both as a student-athlete and as a coach in the league that now you’re in charge of creating an atmosphere for the next generation of student-athletes and coaches?
MCATEER: I think it was a big benefit. I obviously know the league. I know the coaches really well. There isn’t one coach I don’t know. The hockey world is so small. You’re constantly running into each other at rinks and scouting events. I’m very familiar with so many of the stakeholders in our league. I understand what we’re talking about when it comes to officiating and video services and the rules updates. So much about the game is just second
nature. That’s been really good in this short turnaround from being hired and starting and the season starting. That has been an easy acclimation period for me.
The challenges for me are the things that are non-hockey related. A big part of this job is growing our marketing, growing our brand, growing our revenue. Our previous commissioner, Tracy Dill, he did a phenomenal job in securing sponsorships and increasing the revenue. That’s a great legacy that he’s left and he’s been really wonderful in his transition in helping me. But those are areas that are new to me. The hockey side is what comes natural, but that’s not the area that I’m probably thinking about and working on the most. I’m really working on those areas. I know that I need to figure that piece out and I need to do it relatively quickly.*
Matt Wellens is a sports reporter for the Duluth News Tribune.
Michelle McAteer (center, holding sign) celebrates her 150th victory as head coach of the Augsburg University women’s hockey team on Nov. 11, 2023. Photo courtesy of Don Stoner
Expanding young minds while staying under budget
Providing quality child care is a balance
By Janna Goerdt | Photos courtesy of April Westman
April Westman loves the challenges that kids bring.
Say there’s a certain 4-year-old who goes to Aunty’s Child Care, Westman’s child care center in Duluth. And say that the 4-year-old is refusing to wash their hands. Game on, Westman said.
April Westman snuggles with her niece Charlotte.
Challenges in the industry
“I get to use all my skills,” Westman said, to not only help the child see why handwashing is important, but also how to do it well.
After first owning a home-based day care and now a full child care center in Duluth, Westman has many such skills. She also has many families who want their children to learn and grow at Aunty’s Child Care, which has a focus on healthy eating, learning to collaborate, learning to be responsible and lots of outdoor time.
“My own beliefs infused themselves into my business,” Westman said. She started her first daycare in 2010 — in part to provide quality care for her nephew — and found that she truly loved the work.
Today, she still loves the job, though she has come to fully understand how difficult it can be — and it’s usually not because of the children.
Many people who offer licensed child care in their homes, as well as larger child care facilities, have closed in recent years. That has left some parents scrambling to find appropriate care for their children. The reasons for these closures are many, Westman said; but a big one is that the economics of providing child care is a delicate balance.
“There are a lot more opportunities for women right now,” Westman said.
Women, who make up the majority of child care providers, typically have a range of employment opportunities “where you’re not responsible for the life of another human being, and you are paid better money,” Westman said. “Money is a huge aspect. (Providing child care) comes with no benefits, no retirement plan, and it’s exhausting.”
Providers are also caught between families that need and value quality child care, but have a hard time affording it, Westman said.
“It’s very stressful,” Westman said. “Many times, in my head, I am
telling myself I should just quit, that I don’t need this stress. And then a child picks a flower and brings it to you, and oh my God.”
Connecting with other providers
Westman said she often maintains relationships with families and children long after they have moved on from Aunty’s Child Care. She frequently sees “graduates” out in the community, and they call Westman “Aunty,” she said.
“I truly love them,” Westman said.
She can also look back on the times she and her staff made a notable impact on a child’s life — like the girl who worked hard to increase her upper-body strength so she could tackle the monkey bars, or the baby that her staff identified as lactose intolerant who grew up into a young girl who is now advocating for herself when it comes to her diet. These, too, are the reasons to keep going, Westman said.
And so Westman does what she can to improve the child care situation in the Duluth area. She operates several targeted Facebook pages — one to help connect families with child care providers in the region, and others to support people who own and operate child care centers.
Over the years, Westman has encouraged and supported a half-dozen or so new child care providers in the area. But that hasn’t been enough to replace the number of providers who have left the business, she said.
“We have lost many more than have opened,” she said. Toward the end of 2024, Westman knew of three places that closed: one for financial reasons and another because the stresses and strains of the job were too much, she said.
Healthy, fresh food is a cornerstone at Aunty’s Child Care. Here, April Westman (center) is preparing some sushi with her sister-in-law, Jolee Hall, and niece Thea.
“Child care really affects everyone. Even people who don’t have children.”
- April Westman
When child care slots disappear, it can leave parents in a desperate situation, Westman said. Lucky families can find new child care options, but many places, like Aunty’s Child Care, are usually full. Parents may turn to relatives, in-home hired help, unlicensed child care providers, or they may leave the workforce, Westman said.
“People turn to whatever they can,” but sometimes those situations aren’t safe, Westman said.
Never mind keeping track of 56 different pairs of boots and mittens — maintaining a balance between affordability and providing safe, quality care is one of the most difficult problems that child care centers face, Westman said. If she was able to pay her employees a higher wage or offer benefits, Westman would probably have to deal with less employee turnover and be able to attract a broader range of applicants, she said.
But the kind of people who want to work at child care centers are the kind of people who love helping children grow and succeed. They are the kind of people who will officially clock out when the center closes for the day — to help keep the center’s budget under control — and then come back into the classrooms to do a final round of tidying up and getting ready for the next day, because they want the children to have the best possible start to their days.
Hope for the future
Despite all the challenges, Westman said there is hope for positive change in the industry.
“There are some good things coming down the pipeline,” Westman said. At least the conversation around these kinds of issues is ongoing, and people are thinking about how to make the system work better, she said.
“In my perfect world, all the slots I have would be subsidized, so no matter what my enrollment is, my staff would be paid well,” Westman said. But on the flip side, she wishes the minutia of running a child care center — like mandating exactly how many and what size building blocks are available for various ages of children to play with — wasn’t so heavily regulated.
“Sometimes they treat us as if we don’t know what we are doing,” Westman said.
But she keeps going, filling in if any of her staff are sick, working in her office just beneath the “elephant feet” of the toddler room, and coming in on weekends to take care of hours of paperwork. She still loves her business, and after all, when Westman is working, that means all the parents of her families can go to work with an easier mind, and that makes all of those other workplaces work better.
“Child care really affects everyone,” Westman said. “Even people who don’t have children.”*
Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range farmer and freelance writer.
April Westman holds her nephew Fisher, when he was a toddler, in front of Aunty’s Child Care in Duluth. Westman started the child care center, in part, so she could provide quality child care for her own family members.
DIY
Doily Stencil Tea Towel
A Valentine’s Day craft to love
By Molly Milroy
Are you looking for the perfect way to share a little extra love this Valentine’s Day? Try this simple and cute DIY doily stencil tea towel craft. Whether gifting it to a friend, a loved one, or keeping it for yourself, this creative tea towel is a charming addition to any kitchen or home décor. It’s fun, budget-friendly, and versatile, bringing a touch of handmade love to your Valentine’s Day.
Materials needed
• W hite or light-colored cotton tea towels.
• P aper doilies (various sizes and patterns).
• A crylic paint (shades of red, pink or your favorite hues).
• Foam brush.
• P aper plates (for paint).
• R ibbon or yarn (optional for gifting).
Instructions
1. Prepare your paint and workspace
Start by shaking your acrylic paints and squirting small blobs onto a paper plate. This will act as your palette. Lay your tea towel flat on a protected surface like parchment paper or an old tablecloth. Smooth out any wrinkles to ensure even stenciling.
2. Position and paint your doily
Place a paper doily flat on your tea towel in the desired position. Before painting, take a moment to experiment with the design layout. Try different doily sizes and shapes for variety. Then, dip your foam brush into your chosen paint color and lightly blot it on the paper plate to remove excess paint. Using an up-and-down dabbing motion, gently blot the paint over the doily’s holes. Hold the doily in place with your other hand to prevent it from shifting while you paint.
3. Reveal your design
Once you’ve filled in all the doily’s holes, carefully lift it straight up to reveal your heart-shaped pattern. Let the paint dry briefly before moving on to the next design. Clean your hands between stencils to avoid smudging paint on your tea towels.
4. Add more hearts
Repeat the process with new doilies, placing them in different spots on the towel to create a unique pattern. You can overlap shapes, vary the size of the doilies, or use various paint colors for a fun and personalized look. Once you’re happy with the final design, let the paint dry completely.
Creative uses
This DIY stencil technique works for more than just tea towels. You can use the same method to create heart napkins, cute Valentine’s T-shirts, decorative socks or tote bags.
These pretty stenciled tea towels are as practical as they are decorative. Hang them from a string as part of your Valentine’s Day décor, drape them over your oven handle or use them as festive hand towels. To gift it, neatly fold your finished tea towel, tie it with a ribbon or yarn and add a cute gift tag. For extra flair, include a doily as a topper.
This Valentine’s Day, give a handmade gift that’s practical and full of love. Whether you keep it for yourself or share it with someone special, this DIY doily stencil tea towel will be a heartfelt addition to any home.
i d s ’
Korner
We are busy making the best of our Minnesota winter! Thankfully our community offers so many opportunities to get out of the house and burn off some energy :) Sloane loves everything about winter, even the dreadful ice spots! We're still negotiating where and when she can wear
Be safe in the cold and get out and have some fun!
WONDER WEDNESDAYS
Each Wednesday through February
$6 Admission All Day (adult, child, senior rates)
*Park rates still apply
Now with Early Childhood Playroom from 10am to Noon!
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
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.
Get 10 admissions and roller skate rentals, birthday place settings, 1 free pass per guest and a birthday T-shirt for the birthday person for $18495 with more options available.
QUICK to the TABLE Two Ways
ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN
By Kim Quinones THE WOMAN TODAY
Photos Courtesy of Kim Quinones
Take One: Served Warm
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Veggies and Couscous
INGREDIENTS:
1.5 lb. pork tenderloin
(can purchase pre-seasoned or plain and add your own seasoning)
1 whole bell pepper, orange or red, deseeded and sliced into thin strips
2 cups broccoli, chopped
1 cup pearl couscous + 1 ¾ cups water or broth
1 lemon, sliced thin
1 tomato, sliced thin
3 Tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place pork tenderloin fat side up on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.
Rub preferred spices onto pork and coat with olive oil.
Bake uncovered 30-40 minutes per pound or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place prepared broccoli and peppers onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place into the oven alongside the roast when there is approximately 35 minutes of cooking time remaining.
When pork and veggies are done, remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing the pork.
While the meat and veggies are resting, prepare couscous on the stovetop. Rinse couscous and drain well. In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add couscous and toast until lightly browned. Add in water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer until liquid is absorbed.
Plate the pork and vegetables on top of the couscous. Add slices of lemon and tomato alongside. Drizzle with olive oil, additional salt and pepper to taste.
When done, let pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Take Two: Served Cold Arugula Salad with Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Veggies topped with Feta Cheese
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups arugula greens
6 slices cold pork tenderloin
¼ cup roasted bell pepper, chopped
¼ cup roasted broccoli, chopped
¼ cup tomato, chopped
¼ cup pomegranate seeds or sliced grapes
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 whole lemon, zested and sliced into wedges
3 whole green olives
Olive oil
DIRECTIONS:
This “take two’’ is a bright and filling salad using a base of leftover pork and roasted veggies. Layer on additional brightness with pomegranate seeds, lemon, green olives, tomato and feta cheese. Drizzle the works with olive oil, squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest. Serves two.
Layer on additional brightness with pomegranate seeds, lemon, green olives, tomato and feta cheese.
DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer on low speed until frothy. Continue with the mixer on low speed and add in the milk and melted butter. Sprinkle the teaspoon of salt over the batter and stir.
Add in flour, mixing on low speed until completely combined. The batter will be watery in consistency.
Dessert: Dessert: Classic Fruit Fluff Popovers
INGREDIENTS:
8 oz. tub of whipped topping
3 oz. gelatin powder - raspberry, strawberry or cherry
15 oz. can fruit cocktail in 100% juice, drained, reserving 1 Tbsp. juice
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup miniature marshmallows
DIRECTIONS:
In a mixing bowl gently combine whipped topping, gelatin powder and reserved juice. Next fold in the cottage cheese, fruit and marshmallows until just combined. Cover bowl and refrigerate for an hour or prepare in a vintage gelatin mold and chill for an hour until firm. Garnish with fresh fruit, additional marshmallows and mint leaves.
Other canned fruit options include crushed or diced pineapple, mandarin oranges or diced peaches. Additional add-ins include chopped walnuts and/or flaked coconut.
Let the batter rest for 10 minutes, then fill popover pan cups ¾ full.
Bake for 20 minutes, then — without opening the oven door — turn the temperature down to 325F and continue baking an additional 10-15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve as soon as cool enough to touch.
PREP:
Position oven rack to the lower third of the oven.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lightly grease a popover pan or muffin tin with butter and set aside. Line a baking sheet with foil and place under the popover pan to catch any butter or batter spills while baking that may cause smoke during baking time at high heat.
INGREDIENTS:
6 large eggs, room temperature before cracking
2 cups whole milk
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
The key is to keep the oven door closed throughout the baking time. Popovers will rise high in the oven due to steam buildup and will deflate slightly once taken out of the oven. If serving later, reheat in a 375F oven for 5 minutes.
Serve alongside a warm meal, salad or enjoy as a snack with butter, jam or honey.
Recipe remake from Popovers by Sugar Spun Run.
The Woman Yesterday
Laura MacArthur 1872-1964
By Amy Carlson
Laura MacArthur was born in England and moved to the United States with her family when she was 10. She attended Wooster College in Wooster, Ohio and in 1896 moved to Duluth where she began her career as a well-respected leader in public education.
Her first job was teaching Latin, algebra and civics to ninth grade students at Longfellow School in West Duluth. In 1902, she was named principal and served in that role until 1914. Then in 1915, she became principal at Irving School. Finally, in 1926, she moved to West Junior High School where she served as principal of both West and Ely Elementary School. She remained the principal of those schools until her retirement when she
was honored with a reception in June 1935.
After retiring, she continued to stay involved in education, running for a seat on the Board of Education in 1937 and serving on the School Board until 1940. MacArthur was also active in the Business and Professional Women’s Club for many years, serving as its president from 1921-23 and honored in 1957 as a “Woman of Achievement” by the club. In 1950, the club established two scholarships in her name for high school graduates to attend a Duluth college. She was also active in the Duluth chapter of the American Association of University Women as well as the American Red Cross.
In 1957, a new elementary school was established that served students
THE FULL SCRIPT ON THE MURAL READS:
from both the Ely and Longfellow schools, and it was named Laura MacArthur in honor of her many years of service to the district. According to a 1957 Duluth Herald article, MacArthur was overwhelmed to learn the new school would bear her name, describing it as a credit to the community and an example of the type of building needed to meet the modern trends of education. According to a Duluth News Tribune article in 1959, she missed the dedication of the new school due to illness but later visited it and spoke with schoolchildren — many of whom had parents taught by MacArthur — and reminisced with teachers she worked with during her long career. MacArthur died in Duluth in 1964 at the age of 92. *
“A peacemaker is someone who has sought to teach, to transform, to make friends, to heal, to defeat injustice, to choose love instead of hate.” Photo of the mural was taken by Amy Carlson
