The Woman Today March 2023

WOMAN

the

today

Jebeh Edmunds

Lives and breathes multicultural education • Fashions by Sam heads back to The Loft • Esko mother of two transforms dog grooming business • Merryweather Inn is a one-woman operation • Welcome to the sugarbush at TimberSweet

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contents

PROFILES

march 2023 vol. 27, no. 2

6 Stephanie Wilcox Artist, small-business owner finds inspiration in everyday life

10 Jebeh Edmunds Liberian immigrant dedicated to multicultural education

12 Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh Building community far from home

16 Toni Giuliani-Hughes Clyde Park's new president

FEATURES

50

40

20 A maple sugaring family makes time for harvesting and fun 24 Merryweather Inn is more than an inn 28 Giving poodles and doodles new ’dos

FASHION 32 Fashions by Sam

ENTERTAINMENT/ARTS 36 Arts and Events Calendar

LEGAL ADVICE 37 An assignment for parents

HEALTH/MEDICINE 34 Essentia The road to a healthy future

38 St. Luke’s

24

Walking with freedom

HOME TOUCHES

the

40 Island Lake Retreat

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today

46 Remarkable Renovation: Lakeside mid-century rambler

FOOD/NUTRITION 50 Fresh Berry Crush Fool

KIDS KORNER 54 Sloane's Suggestions/Kids Korner

DIY 56 Paper Flowers

THE WOMAN YESTERDAY 58 Ethel Ray Nance

the

WOMAN

TO OUR READERS

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 Amy Fideldy Andrea Busche Bakerture Photo Beth Koralia Chiamaka Enemuoh Comstock Creative Janine Leigh Jebeh Edmunds Jed Carlson/Superior Telegram Molly Milroy Nichole Jopke Samantha Roffers Stephanie Wilcox Sweet Like Sunday Photography Three Irish Girls Photography Toni Giuliani-Hughes Vick Photography Studios

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

ON THE COVER:

Jebeh Edmunds is a veteran teacher, multicultural educator, and business owner of Jebeh Cultural Consulting.

PHOTO BY VICK PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS

© 2023 Forum Communications Company All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the March issue of The Woman Today.

March 8, 2023 is International Women’s Day, which is a global day of celebrating the achievements of women. But here at The Woman Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in our community within each of the eight issues we publish throughout the year.

This year, March 8, 2023 marks our sixth annual Rosie event, where all of the women nominated will be recognized and six of them will be honored with one of our Rosie awards.

I want to send a sincere thank-you to all those who submitted nominations, and a special thank you to our sponsors who help make this event possible each year! They include: Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Frandsen Bank and Trust, Maureen's LLC, St. Luke’s Hospital, Nummi Jewelers, Essentia Health, Engwall Flowers, Maurices, NorthStar Community Services, and the Duluth News Tribune.

Watch for the May/June issue of The Woman Today, where you will see who the Rosie Award winners are.

In this issue, we had the opportunity to meet some very amazing women.

Stephanie Wilcox, owner of Wilcox Diversified Art, shares her journey and passion as an artist and business woman. Wilcox creates a variety of unique items from acrylic paintings, drawings to resin jewelry. Barriers do not get in the way of Wilcox as she fulfills her passion of art.

Next we met Jebeh Edmunds, who dedicates her time to our community teaching multicultural education. Through her experiences and education, Edmunds has built a business, Jebeh Cultural Consulting, where she educates the public through multicultural resources to promote positive change.

Next, we connected with Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh, whom I’ve had the pleasure to listen to publicly speak when she recently won an award at the Duluth Chamber Annual Banquet. After that moment, we knew we had to learn more about this extraordinary woman.

Have you ever had a chance to eat at the Clyde? If so, you may have seen the familiar face of Toni Giuliani-Hughes. She can be seen running the bar, waiting tables and seating anxious customers. At only 30 years of age, and being taught the ropes for years, she’s been passed the baton from her father, Alex Guiliani.

In November, I attended a craft show at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. There was a booth flooded with people, so naturally I had to inspect what was gaining all the attention. This is where I met Amy Fideldy, owner of TimberSweet with her husband, Ralph, located in Cohasset, Minnesota. If you like sweet treats, their maple syrup is world-winning delicious … literally! Amy and Ralph share their story in this issue of how far they have come with their 60-acre sugarbush.

We have so much more in store for you with this issue. Thank you for taking the time to read our magazine, and thank you to all our advertisers who make each issue a possibility. See you all in April!

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

THEWOMANTODAY.COM 5

~ Steph anie Wilcox ~

Artist, small-business owner

By Andrea Busche

S

Stephanie Wilcox sells her artwork at the 2018 Get It Local Art and Gift Fair at Peace United Church of Christ in Duluth.

tephanie Wilcox is both an artist and a business woman.

She sells her pieces — including acrylic paintings, drawings and resin jewelry — through her small business, Wilcox Diversified Art. Wilcox also uses Redbubble.com, a print-on-demand company, to transfer her artistic renderings to unique items like notebooks, pillows, cell phone cases, stickers and clothing.

These items are made to order, and offer customers a fun and easy online shopping experience.

Wilcox draws artistic inspiration from everyday life.

“I make something that inspires me and gets stuck in my head,” she explained. “I focus on movies that inspire me, and music. Or, I went on a trip with my sister and that inspired me to create art. I saw dinosaurs and Godzilla at Disney World.”

experiencing barriers to employment and community inclusion.”

Maria Brown is an arts program vocational specialist at CHOICE and serves as Wilcox’s “art business coach.” Brown explained how she helps Wilcox gain professional exposure through events like art installations, fairs and shows.

“Steph lets me know what she’s interested in, and we work together on the logistics,” she said.

Brown also helps Wilcox with her Redbubble.com business.

“Steph creates her artwork on paper or a canvas,” Brown explained. “Then, from that, digital images are created.”

Wilcox typically has between two and three wall displays, and attends three to four art fairs per year.

“She likes to keep challenging herself,” Brown said.

CHOICE, unlimited

Early interest in art

Along the way, Wilcox has received a bit of guidance from CHOICE, unlimited. According to its website: “CHOICE, unlimited is a community-based, private nonprofit organization in Duluth, Minnesota. We are dedicated to supporting adults with disabilities and individuals who are

Wilcox, 33, was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, but grew up in Duluth and graduated from Duluth East High School.

She has a brother and a sister.

Wilcox’s interest in art began in her youth.

“When I was a kid and teenager, I started to draw artwork,”

6 March 2023

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEPHANIE WILCOX

finds inspiration in everyday life

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Stephanie Wilcox shows one of her art pieces she worked on at CHOICE, unlimited in 2018. she said. “I used markers and colored pencils and made things very colorful.”

Today, Wilcox uses acrylic paints, alcohol ink-based markers and some charcoal. She also makes resin-based jewelry, which she pours into silver and gold moldings.

Her creations — which feature subjects like dinosaurs, peace signs, abstract designs and monsters — are often drawn or painted in bright, cheerful colors. Wilcox’s favorite artifact in her collection is a painting of the sun. She calls it “Sun Burnt Sunset Spider Hot Fire.”

“It’s a big, colorful sun,” Wilcox said.

Continued on page 8

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Shows and fairs

"Game of Thrones," Ink on Paper 11x14, 2020.

Wilcox enjoys staying busy, displaying and selling her curations at a variety of local events throughout the year. She participates yearly in the Get It Local Art and Gift Fair, and the Woman-Made Art and Gift Fair; both are held at Peace United Church of Christ.

As of this writing, Wilcox is currently showing her work at ALT Creative artist collective in Duluth. Additionally, she has had her work displayed at Blue Cross Blue Shield’s retail center in downtown Duluth; within the Maurices building; and at Amazing Grace Café + Grocery. Her work will be featured soon in the seating area of Whole Foods Coop’s Hillside location.

In 2019, her art was selected for a membership campaign at the Duluth Art Institute. As such, her painting, “Alien Ship,” was featured on a special bookmark.

Other interests

"Friendship," Ink on Paper 11x14, 2021.

Wilcox has a variety of interests besides her art. She loves movies — monster and horror films are her favorite.

She also enjoys acting. Wilcox is an actress with BOLD-choice Theatre Company, an outreach theater program that creates original productions and tours them at schools and organizations, spreading a message of acceptance, diversity and personal pride. Last Halloween, Wilcox volunteered her services as an actress on Duluth’s “haunted ship,” the William A. Irvin.

Stephanie currently lives with her mother, Lynn Wilcox.

Goals and dreams

"Lake Tree Mountain House," Ink and Graphite on Canvas 8x8, 2018

8 March 2023

Wilcox believes anyone can become an artist. She offered a few tips for beginners.

“Draw your designs,” she said. “Show your designs to other artists. Keep up, draw more, and talk to other artists.”

When it comes to Wilcox’s advice for connecting with other artists, Brown agreed. Collaboration is important.

“When Stephanie is at CHOICE, it’s

"Godzilla," Digital edit, 2019. often with other like-minded artists,” Brown said.

Wilcox has a few goals and dreams when it comes to her profession.

“I want to keep making new designs,” she said.

This includes colorful and black and white creations.

“If I have an idea, I make it,” she added. “Like funky Halloween artwork.”

Wilcox would also like to continue to improve her charcoal designs.

As someone who is in a front-row seat, and sees the drawings and paintings being created every day, Brown offered this glowing recommendation of Wilcox’s art.

“Stephanie’s artwork is incredibly intricate, precise and detailed. It’s wonderful to look at, and you never know what to expect. It’s a treat to see her pieces come to life.”

Those interested in viewing or purchasing Wilcox’s art are encouraged to visit her Facebook page, under the name Stephanie Wilcox Artist Studio, or search for her on the website Redbubble. com. She also maintains a presence at the shows and fairs listed above. D Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

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By Abigail Blonigen

"I

f you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you educate a woman, she educates her whole community.” — Anthony K. Yuoh This African proverb, passed down from her maternal grandfather, continues to inspire Jebeh Edmunds’ work as a multicultural educator and business owner.

A Liberian immigrant who grew up in a predominantly white Minnesotan suburb, multiculturalism is not simply a buzzword to Edmunds, it’s her lived experience.

Edmunds’ parents moved to the United States on graduate study scholarships two years after the 1980 Liberian coup d’état. Edmunds was a toddler when the family emigrated, but remembers witnessing the anxiousness of her parents leaving everything behind to

10 March 2023

Jebeh Edmunds is a veteran teacher, multicultural educator, and business owner of Jebeh Cultural Consulting.

Her parents emigrated to the United States from Liberia, pursuing graduate scholarships to escape political instability. Edmunds was 2 years old at the time.

start a new life and worrying about their relatives back home.

After Edmunds’ parents completed their studies, the family settled in Coon Rapids, Minnesota when she was in fourth grade. Often the only African American in the classroom, Edmunds found herself challenging biases and dispelling myths at a young age.

“No, not all of us live in huts, not all of us are impoverished,” said Edmunds in reference to the comments she’d often hear in the classroom or in social settings.

“Turning those implicit biases one at a time and disrupting that narrative led me to stand up and be anchored in who I really was.”

Edmunds’ family laid the foundation for her in finding

PHOTO BY VICK PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS

Liberian immigrant dedicated to multicultural education

~ Jebeh s d n u m d E ~

Jebeh Edmunds celebrates the second anniversary of her business, Jebeh Cultural Consulting, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Since she launched her business during the height of the pandemic in August 2020, she could not have a ribbon cutting ceremony at that time.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEBEH EDMUNDS

pride and strength in her culture.

“I always was anchored in my home of being proud of who I am,” she said, “whether it's the food, it’s the laughter, it’s the family coming over for dinner, it’s the encouraging words of ‘Wow, you are here, and you are going to share who we are.’”

After graduating high school, Edmunds moved to Duluth to pursue a degree in communications at the University of Minnesota Duluth with the goal of becoming a journalist. She worked in broadcast journalism for two years post graduation before deciding she wanted to do more for the community.

Edmunds went on to become the director of the African American Cultural Center at Duluth Public Schools. In this role, she developed and presented African and African American cultural lessons for all students in the district. She also led the African Dance Club and Hip Hop Dance Club after school.

After eight years of this work, Edmunds decided to go back to school to get her teaching license with the encouragement of her school’s principal.

Newly married, with two children under the age of 3, Edmunds began her teaching career, following in the footsteps of her mother. She taught first grade for five years, during which she completed a Masters of Science of Teaching from The College of St Scholastica. She taught fifth grade for an additional five years.

All the while, Edmunds dreamed of owning her own company. After spending a lifetime challenging stereotypes about African Americans, immigrants, and the African diaspora, Edmunds launched Jebeh Cultural Consulting in August 2020.

Jebeh Cultural Consulting aims to “educate the public through multicultural resources to promote positive change.”

Edmunds has a variety of resources available on her website, including over 50 lesson plans for kindergarten through eighth grade.

The bulk of her work includes facilitating training on the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in schools, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies.

“I love going into companies to help them organizationally structure how their workplace should function more inclusively,” Edmunds said. “A lot of people don’t know how to get started, so the basis of my business is to teach them what

inclusivity looks like, sounds like, feels like, and how you can implement it in your day-to-day work.”

These conversations can sometimes be uncomfortable, so Edmunds leans on humor and storytelling to create a positive, affirming space. She emphasizes that diversity, equity and inclusion work must be ongoing to be effective.

“I always say when you're doing (this work), it’s not a moment, it’s a movement,” she said. “A movement takes time and you have to do the work internally and externally throughout the year.”

Edmunds also has a YouTube channel, Mrs. Edmunds’ Cultural Corner, and hosts a podcast, “Cultural Curriculum Chat,” both dedicated to sharing multicultural education strategies, books and resources.

In June 2022, Edmunds left the teaching profession to focus on Jebeh Cultural Consulting full time. That same year, she was nominated as a Goldfine Gold Star Teacher, which she described as the “icing on the cake” of an 18-year career in education.

Edmunds’ family continues to be a pillar of support in her life, especially her husband Andy and two sons, Maxwell, 15 and Mateo, 12. You can often find Edmunds and her husband watching their sons’ sports games, traveling, or visiting their family cabin.

Edmunds emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in making the world a more inclusive and equitable place.

“I feel like the biggest hurdle that we have to overcome as a society is to self-reflect and unlearn those implicit biases that we were taught growing up,” she said. “If enough people are willing to do that work internally, that’s how it will disrupt the systems that are already in place.”

Learn more about Edmunds and her work at jebehedmunds.com. D Abigail Blonigen is a Minnesota-based freelance writer.

THEWOMANTODAY.COM 11

Building community far from home Personal experience led Enemuoh to fill a need in northern Minnesota health care

Adaeze, Chiamaka and Eze Enemuoh explore the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells.

By Janna Goerdt

~ Dr. aka m a i h C oh Enemu ~ 12 March 2023

oday, Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh owns a residential health care business and helps mentor new entrepreneurs in the Duluth area.

But as a child growing up in eastern Nigeria, Dr. Enemuoh couldn’t have imagined what her adult career would be like — because she had never even seen a place like Lifestone Health Care Assisted Living.

“You just never know where life will take you,” said Dr. Enemuoh, whose last name sounds like “anymore” without the “r.” She and her family moved from Nigeria to Madison, Wisconsin, when Chiamaka was a teenager. She focused on her education and discovered she loved business. Even as a child in Nigeria, she said, she was bringing small items to her local market to sell.

When she and her husband, Professor Emmanuel Enemuoh,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHIAMAKA ENEMUOH

T

Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh accepts the 2022 Business Champion of the Year Award from the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Enemouh's background in both business and health care, as well as personal experience, led her to start a small but thriving assisted living residence in Proctor.

moved to Duluth, Chiamaka began pursuing a career in health care. She didn’t know if she would like her nursing classes, she said, but she soon found herself moving from the back of the classroom toward the front. And then came the job assignment that changed her life.

As part of her nurse’s training, Dr. Enemuoh was working in the dementia patient wing of a long-term care facility. The patients seemed confused by their surroundings, and they were not able to leave the locked facility, she said.

“I had never seen anything like that,” she said. “It really humbled me. I remember sitting there, crying, just overwhelmed by the fact that these were once young, accomplished people, and I couldn’t believe what was happening to them. I needed to do something to help.”

That planted the seed of her future profession.

“I wasn’t planning on starting a business” at that point, she said, “but that love and passion for health care was growing.”

Dr. Enumuoh went on to earn her Doctorate of Nursing Practice. She began thinking about starting her own long-term care business, one with an emphasis on inclusion and respect.

In 2014, after years of hard work and personal development, she founded Lifestone. She remains the president and assisted living director. Professor Enemuoh, who teaches mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth, is the vicepresident.

The 10-bed residence in Proctor provides inclusive care for younger and middle-aged adults who have high medical needs and can no longer live independently. The family-style living arrangements facilitate plenty of social interaction.

Continued on page 14

THEWOMANTODAY.COM 13

Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh and her husband Professor Emmanuel Enemuoh explore Mackinac Island in Michigan. The Enemuoh family loves to travel when they can take time out of their busy schedules.

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2020, she won the Minnesota MinorityOwned Small Business award, and in 2022 she was presented with the Duluth Chamber’s Business Champion of the Year award.

“She is brilliant,” Chamber President Matt Baumgartner said.

Baumgartner described Dr. Enemuoh as a consistent leader and a caring, compassionate person.

Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh is pictured after receiving the Duluth Area Chamber “She has a unique mind,” he added. of Commerce 2022 Business Champion of the Year award. Also pictured “With her background in health care are longtime Lifestone Health Care employee Donna Sawyer, left, as well and doctorate in nursing, she has a as Professor Emmanuel Enemuoh and the couple's daughter, Adaeze. scientific brain. At the same time, she understands that she cannot provide care to her residents if she doesn’t have the resources to “We all want safety, love and to be cared for,” Dr. Enemuoh support her business. It’s not binary with her.” said. “We want our family to be safe. This is about taking care Nurturing her own family, including 15-year-old daughter of and including everyone.”

Adaeze and 13-year-old son Ezechukwu, who goes by “Eze,” is Dr. Enemuoh credits the Lifestone staff, as well as her own one of the most important things in Dr. Enemuoh’s life, she education and working experience, with making that vision said. They make their home in Duluth. possible.

As much as their schedules allow, the family likes to hop in While she was building her business and raising her family, the car and explore close to home. Dr. Enemuoh also enjoys Dr. Enemuoh was also deepening her local roots. listening to inspirational and leadership audio books, walking She serves on the board for the Duluth Workforce with her husband during the warmer weather seasons, and Development Board and the Duluth Area Family YMCA. She attending church. volunteers as an advisor for the Duluth Entrepreneur Fund’s Adaeze also works at Lifestone during her free time, and STRIDE program, which offers opportunities for BIPOC Dr. Enemuoh has always encouraged her daughter “to treat (Black, Indigenous or people of color) entrepreneurs to access people with respect, and preserve their dignity,” she said. grants, loans and advice from other business owners.

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journey to Nigeria to visit, and, of course, there are certain aspects of life from her home country that Dr. Enemuoh misses. There are some seasonal fruits that can’t be found anywhere else, she said — and she also misses the constant parade of people on the city streets, visiting friends and interacting with their community and culture.

But Dr. Enemuoh also loves building community in her adopted home.

In offering advice to other entrepreneurs at the beginning of their business journey, Dr. Enemuoh advises them to “know your why.”

“Many people have the urge to start a business, but you need to be ready to persevere,” she said. “When things go in the wrong direction — which they will — you have to be willing to steer them back in the right direction.”

And what has been Dr. Enemuoh’s “why?” What has guided her through years of hard work and training to build her business?

“I realized at a very young age that we will all get old,” Dr. Enemuoh said. “I wanted to be part of the people that provide good care for society. We don’t know who is going to need it; but I wanted to be part of the solution of providing great care.” D Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range farmer and freelance writer.

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CLYDE PARK’S NEW PRESIDENT IS FAMILIAR FACE A

t just 30 years old, Toni Giuliani-Hughes has been involved with the family business for over half her life.

In 2003, when she was just 11, her father, Alex Giuliani, a former CPA and garbage company owner, purchased Clyde Park. At that time, the complex consisted of 11 dilapidated buildings. Today, Giuliani-Hughes serves as president for the now-thriving hospitality business.

“I remember the first time I walked through Clyde with my dad. I was 11,” she explained. “There were large garage doors that were beaten down, flooring missing, and broken windows. I remember thinking (about my dad), ‘What did you do?’

“My brother and I helped our dad sift through the bricks to find ones to reuse,” she continued. “Everything that could have been saved was saved. The tables are made from old floorboards and there is still the original flooring upstairs. But it was a huge gut job/remodel.”

Ultimately, all the effort has paid off. The Giuliani family has enjoyed much success — and created a wonderful family legacy in the process — with their Clyde Park businesses.

~ Toni iGiuliahnes Hug ~ 16 March 2023

Clyde: Yesterday and today Northwestern Manufacturing, which later became Clyde Iron Works, was founded in 1899. At the time, it was one of several heavy industrial fabricators in Duluth. Clyde Iron Works built some of the largest cranes in the world, and was instrumental in completing well-known projects such as the Panama Canal, the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The business, located at 2920 W. Michigan St., is now known as Clyde Park and operates in a different sphere entirely — hospitality. There is the Clyde Iron Works Restaurant and Bar, the Clyde Event Center (both of which opened in 2010), and their Malting Building (also an event center), which opened in 2019.

A new on-site brewpub, Clyde Brewing, opened in January 2023, with well-known local brewer Dale Kleinschmidt at the helm. Kleinschmidt is the co-founder and former head brewer at Lake Superior Brewing Co., and a longtime friend of the Giuliani family.

Soon, two new hotels — which will both be called Clyde Hotel — will be added to the property. Alex Giuliani’s involvement with Duluth-based Pier B Resort (where he served as co-developer and remains a partial owner) will no doubt be helpful in this new initiative.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JANINE LEIGH

By Andrea Busche

Awards Under Giuliani’s leadership, Clyde Park has been recognized with a variety of awards and recognitions over the years. They include: • 2008: Best Renovation Project Award — Economic Development Authority of Minnesota.

• 2010: Building Healthy Communities Award — Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

• 2011: Community Enrichment Award — The Depot Foundation.

• 2012: Community Impact Award — Minnesota Brownfields ReScape.

• 2016: People’s Choice Award — Minnesota Brownfields ReScape.

Clyde has also been recognized by the Duluth Preservation Alliance for restoration of the property.

New leadership While Alex Giuliani remains the owner and CEO of the Clyde businesses, his hard-working, ambitious daughter, Toni, has recently been named the president. And she is ready to go.

Continued on page 18

Toni Giuliani-Hughes is president of the hospitality franchise Clyde Park, which includes Clyde Iron Works Restaurant and Bar, Clyde Event Center, Malting Building and now an on-site brewpub, Clyde Brewing.

THEWOMANTODAY.COM 17

PHOTO COURTESY OF JED CARLSON/SUPERIOR TELEGRAM

Alex Giuliani, left, poses outside of Clyde Iron Works with his daughter, Toni Giuliani-Hughes.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TONI GIULIANI-HUGHES

“I’m ready to take on whatever Dad wants me to do,” she person. He’s my biggest supporter and we have a very special said. “It is all his vision, and I will help him execute that vision. bond.”

Dad will still be the owner, but he wants to be more hands-off.”

While her father is stepping back a bit, he won’t be going Personal life too far.

Giuliani-Hughes and her husband, Beau Hughes, live in “I don’t think he could ever retire, but he’ll have a little more Knife River with their two German shepherds, Myla and Otis. free time,” Giuliani-Hughes added with a chuckle.

Beau is a police officer with the city of Duluth, and also helps Giuliani-Hughes has been a go-getter with the business on occasion. all her life. As a child, she was deeply Together, the couple love to travel. involved in Duluth’s Gitchi Gummi “We try to make travel a priority,” Soccer Club, and she traveled both Giuliani-Hughes said. “We’ve been to locally and internationally for the sport.

Montana, Italy, and Mexico. We also She attended the University of enjoy walks and hikes with the dogs.”

Minnesota-Duluth, but didn’t graduate; They’d also like to add children to opting instead to leave college to focus their family someday. on the family business.

“Clyde opened my senior year of high Values school, and I wanted to put my focus on Giuliani-Hughes explained a few of Clyde,” she explained. the values behind Clyde’s success. They Giuliani-Hughes was officially hired include a strong sense of community, at Clyde at age 17. Since then, she has giving back, and good old-fashioned handled just about every role with the hard work. business, including cashier, server, The Giuliani family’s cultural heritage banquet server, event coordinator, is a big part of the ethos behind Clyde. restaurant manager, event manager, and “My dad was born in Mexico,” she now president. said. “A big part of that culture is having Her father has helped guide her gathering spaces in the community.

Toni Giuliani-Hughes was recently toward success every step of the way. named president of Clyde Park That was his main desire with Clyde — and Toni’s husband, Beau, is “My dad is the hardest worker,” she having a central location for the a Duluth police officer. said. “He’s the most loving, giving community.”

18 March 2023

PHOTO COURTESY OF THREE IRISH GIRLS PHOTOGRAPHY

This philosophy remains deeply important to the family today.

Giving back is also important to Clyde leadership. When she had more spare time, Giuliani-Hughes enjoyed coaching youth soccer. Today, with more limited time on her hands, she makes it a priority to give back in other ways.

“We try to do fundraisers and other events at Clyde to give back to the community,” she said.

When asked for advice to share with other women who want to succeed in business, Giuliani-Hughes said, “Work hard. I’m always the first one here and the last to leave. I love being a female in the workplace — you can prove people wrong and surprise people.” D Toni Giuliani-Hughes and her husband, Beau, pose with their two German shepherds, Myla and Otis.

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

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A maple sugaring family makes time for harvesting and fun

By Janna Goerdt

F

or Ralph Fideldy, the story of how he dove into a lifetime of making maple syrup products is simple enough — it’s in his blood, literally. He tells a half-serious childhood story of making syrup with his father, and how a little syrup dripped into a cut on his hand. Thus, he was destined for a lifetime of working in the sugarbush.

And for Amy Fideldy, the other half of the TimberSweet in Cohasset, there’s another explanation.

“It’s a hobby gone amok,” Amy said. “But it’s true, it’s in 20 March 2023

Ralph’s blood. There’s no cure.”

It’s the time of year when the Fideldys are working long days in their century-old stand of sugar maple trees. Their sugar shack is on the edge of the 60-acre sugarbush, and the natural gas-fired evaporator is bubbling away for hours at a time.

“It’s a ritual of spring,” Amy said.

The Fideldys started small and built the business year by year. Amy was an elementary school teacher for 34 years, and Ralph was a well driller, but both wanted to spend time in the sugarbush each spring. That meant turning to technological advances to make the sugaring season a little easier.

They started by tapping a few trees and boiling off the water

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMY FIDELDY

TimberSweet pure maple syrup shines in their popular maple leaf bottle.

sales, while Ralph handles over a wood fire to equipment and works in the concentrate the sap into a woods. golden syrup.

“They are a team,” said Stu Today, eight and a half Peterson, who operates Camp miles of plastic tubing make a Aquila Pure Maple Syrup spiderweb through the with his wife, Corinne, in TimberSweet sugarbush. The Denton, Minnesota. The sap runs through a high-tech couples met through the evaporator in their sugaring Minnesota Maple Syrup house, which has been Producers’ Association. expanded twice, Amy said.

“What they do takes a During their first year, if tremendous amount of time the Fideldys made 100 gallons and dedication,” Peterson of syrup, “we were thrilled to said of the Fideldys. “And death,” Amy said. Last spring, they are a pair. Everything they boiled and bottled 1,600 they do, they do as a couple. gallons of high-quality maple … Butch (Ralph’s nickname) syrup. TimberSweet also may be the brawn, but Amy is makes and sells value-added the brain.” maple products like soft maple As a team, the Fideldys sugar candy, maple-coated also craft some of the best nuts and maple cream. The maple syrup in the world.

Fideldys have now been That’s not just their making syrup for 43 years. opinion. TimberSweet has For a sugaring family, this earned many national and season is anything but international awards for relaxing, Amy said. syrup and other products. In “Once the season starts, we 2013 TimberSweet’s maple don’t have time to think about syrup was judged “Best of anything except making Show” at the North American syrup,” she said. The four-toMaple Syrup Council six week intense syruping convention in New season soon gives way to Amy Fideldy carries a casual harvest of specialty Brunswick, Canada. summer, when it’s time to apples from the TimberSweet orchard.

“That is really exciting,” tend to their blueberry fields Amy said. “It’s like the and specialty apple orchards.

Olympics. They are saying you have the best syrup in the The Fideldys’ three children grew up helping out in the world that year.” sugarbush, berry fields and apple orchards. Their daughter Amy recalls the quality of the 2013 syrup season. “It had a Tiffany actually worked herself through college by picking and nice buttery flavor that year,” she said. selling TimberSweet berries.

While Mother Nature has a lot to say about how a syruping TimberSweet has had a presence at the Grand Rapids Farmers Market for more than 30 years. Amy does the Continued on page 22 marketing and

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Ralph Fideldy, right, and family friend Larry Tanner, left, sit alongside an outdoor wood-fired sap evaporating pan similar to the one Ralph used as a child.

One of the huge, naturalgas powered sap evaporators that TimberSweet uses today boils thousands of gallons of sap each season.

If you love all things maple, TimberSweet has you covered — try their award-winning maple cream on toast or as a glaze, and snack on a maple nut mixture.

well in the spring, researchers found. season will go, “there are different little skills you learn to get Everything was in place by the time the Fideldys packed you over the edge,” Amy said. their bags and headed off for a That includes boiling sap Florida and Texas vacation in the same day it comes off the January. That’s another lesson tree, and making sure it has this sweet couple has learned exactly the right sugar content after many seasons: Take time and clarity, the Fideldys said. to play.

In 2022, they thought “I am willing to work hard, TimberSweet’s “very dark” but I am going to play as hard syrup had a chance of winning as I work,” Amy said. the annual North American While not technically competition, and they were right. TimberSweet was snowbirds, the Fideldys like to spend their winter season awarded first place for that grade of syrup at the traveling, visiting friends, international competition. seeking out warm sand and Ralph is always eager to try enjoying favorite restaurants. new techniques to make their “We have friends who syrup even better, or to make convinced us, years ago, that if syruping a little easier, he said. you wait until you are old to After making soft maple do this, you won’t do it,” Amy candy by hand for years, they said.

But it’s always back home invested in a machine that to Cohasset and the sugarbush turns out dozens of maple by the time early spring leaf-shaped candies at a time.

Ralph set out all their maple arrives. After all, the Fideldys taps this winter, while the know there’s no cure for those trees were still dormant. If with syrup in their blood. D those taps are fitted with Grandson Lance has spent his entire life tubing and not exposed to the around apples, Amy Fideldy said. Here, he is Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range air, they should flow just as getting a headstart on learning to sort. farmer and freelance writer.

22 March 2023

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Merryweather Inn serves up rich history, unique food, personalized service

By Andrea Busche he popularity of TV shows like “Bridgerton” and “Downton Abbey” has sparked an interest in wealthy families of previous generations.

In addition to curiosity about the people, this intrigue also expands to the families’ glorious homes.

Duluth’s own Merryweather Inn is one way to experience a taste of how the other half lived in years gone by. A 10,000-foot, Georgian Colonial mansion, the inn was built in 1904 for William J. Olcott — a mining and railroad magnate — and his family.

Today, this magnificent home serves as an inn, which is owned and operated by Beth Koralia, who lives on-site. The Merryweather Inn offers six unique guest suites, but is also open to the community for breakfasts, wine tastings, balls and other special events. Merryweather Inn also serves as a venue for weddings and other private gatherings.

While Koralia has made several tasteful updates to the inn since purchasing it in 2019, she also values the home’s history.

“When I moved in, it was very much stuck in the ’90s,” Koralia said. “I can say that paint helps a

24 March 2023

Beth Koralia, innkeeper, on the main interior staircase of the Merryweather Inn

PHOTO COURTESY OF BETH KORALIA

T

Beth Koralia’s father, John, helped with renovations and remodeling at the Merryweather Inn. lot. I’m trying to make it more girly, welcoming, fun, elegant and magical. Ultimately, I’m trying to keep true to the era, but with Wi-Fi.”

Home’s history The home at 2316 E. First St., was built as a private home for the Olcott family. The spacious mansion, complete with a carriage house, sits on five city lots, totaling about 0.6 acres.

The Olcotts lived in the home for 24 years. After their deaths, the home was donated to Minnesota Teacher’s College, and it was used as a music hall.

Later, it was sold to a preacher and his wife. The couple held chapel services there, and would broadcast their sermons in Finnish. The house was also used as a boarding house.

The home became a bed and breakfast, known as the Olcott House, in 1997. After Koralia bought the property in 2019, she rebranded it as Merryweather Inn.

Why an inn?

Koralia’s journey to becoming an innkeeper is interesting.

When she was 8, Koralia’s family home was destroyed by fire.

Thankfully no one was injured. While their home was being renovated, Koralia and her parents, Barb and John, lived in a bed and breakfast — Duluth’s Manor on the Creek.

“It was really fun,” she noted of that time, which she considered an adventure. “We stayed in the carriage house, and it was a fun place.”

Continued on page 26

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BAKERTURE PHOTO

Front of the Merryweather Inn in Spring.

Koralia decided she wanted to be an innkeeper someday, and finally realized this dream in 2019.

Prior to this, her life had some interesting zigs and zags. After graduating from Marshall School, Koralia attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Here, she triplemajored in Chinese, Russian and business.

“My grandma told me that if I learned Chinese, I would get a job,” she explained.

The view from the porch “But that didn’t end up at Merryweather Inn in the being the case.” summer is a treat for the eyes.

Koralia graduated from college in 2009. Around this time the economy tanked and she struggled to find a job. She did some freelance writing and other odd jobs; worked in a restaurant; and even dealt cards for private parties. She also worked as a personal chef and caterer. Then she decided to become a pilot.

Ultimately, Koralia became licensed as an airline transport pilot and multi-engine instructor. She has worked as a flight 26 March 2023

instructor, medevac pilot, and has flown private jets.

While her focus is now on the inn, Koralia maintains all of her certifications.

“I still retain my licensure, but the inn keeps me so busy that I haven’t flown for about a year and a half,” she said. “I think passions change over time. Piloting was a passion, and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. But here I am.”

Accommodations The Merryweather Inn has six unique suites that can accommodate up to 12 people, total, at one time. They include: The Billiard Suite, Nannette’s Suite, Blue Room Suite, Carriage House, Bailey Olcott Suite and Rockefeller Suite. The inn is also dog friendly.

Merryweather guests enjoy a three-course breakfast, which (when in season) offers fresh produce grown on-site.

“I try to serve food you aren’t going to get anywhere else in town,” Koralia said.

A few recent examples include black bean and sweet potato hash, peach champagne ice cream with hazelnut cookie crumble, strawberry cheesecake strata, egg souffle, and quiche.

Other meals are also available upon request. Koralia is able to accommodate most special diets, including vegan and glutenfree fare.

When there is room, Merryweather Inn welcomes nonovernight guests for breakfast. Interested parties can call or text Koralia to inquire about availability.

Additionally, the inn is home to many fun adventures, including monthly wine tastings, afternoon tea, and a “Bridgerton”-themed ball. These events are all open to the

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWEET LIKE SUNDAY PHOTOGRAPHY

The Merryweather Inn inludes both a library (left) and a music room for guests to use and enjoy. community.

“The monthly wine tastings are a great way to meet other people,” she said. “A lot of people become regulars.”

Koralia also hopes to create a book club someday.

The inn is also a venue for weddings and private parties, and can accommodate a guest list of around 30. Koralia proudly shared that the Merryweather Inn was nominated for the “Best Northern Minnesota Venue of 2022” in Minnesota Bride Magazine.

Personal Koralia lives on-site at the Inn; her accommodations are on the third floor, which she shares with her two dogs, Sunny and Stormy. Most guests enjoy the dogs and can even request a “doggie wake-up call.”

In her free time, Koralia enjoys learning new things, doing outdoor activities and walking her dogs. And, of course, flying — when she is able.

Looking ahead, she noted, “This isn’t the end goal. There is

always something more that I’ll do. I have a couple ideas, but I don’t want to share until it’s about to happen.”

Joys of innkeeping Koralia and the Merryweather Inn are mostly a one-woman operation, other than occasional help from family and friends.

But her dad, John, is a regular — and welcome — presence at the inn.

“Dad’s over here every day helping with the inn. This is his retirement gig,” she said.

For Koralia, there are many joys associated with her work.

“My favorite part is making people happy, and being an entertainer,” she said. “It’s basically a party every night. I get to see people at their best: when they’re on vacation.”

To learn more, visit merryweatherinn.com, or find them on Facebook or Instagram. D Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

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Giving poodles and doodles new ’dos Esko woman opens second dog grooming business

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICHOLE JOPKE

Nichole Jopke grooms Chester, a goldendoodle, at SotaPup Pet Grooming.

By Janna Goerdt

28 March 2023

N

ichole Jopke loves transforming dogs.

The Esko mother of two and business owner loves it so much that she has opened not one but two grooming shops in the Duluth area.

It’s so satisfying when a dog with matted, overgrown hair settles in on her grooming table, and Jopke can comb, tease and trim to reveal a fresh, sleek coat beneath, she said.

“I love working on an animal that clearly needs to be cleaned up,” Jopke said.

Jopke stumbled into her profession decades ago after her first job at a Duluth boarding kennel. The kennel owner began grooming dogs, and Jopke took notice.

“One day, the owner asked me if I wanted to try grooming,” Jopke remembers. “That started my love for grooming. I really just taught myself.”

Jopke is candid when speaking about her first attempts at grooming.

“Those first haircuts were not good,” she said, laughing at the memory. But Jopke kept practicing and researching new techniques.

“This is definitely a career where you are always learning,” she said. “There are new styles, new products, and the breed standards for haircuts change. You are always improving.”

Jopke started her first business grooming dogs in the basement of her home in Duluth. Word spread, and she was taking on more and more clients. In 2010, she opened a storefront on Central Entrance, and called it Passion Fur Pets.

She worked on her own for about a year before hiring Leah Nord as her first employee. They soon had to relocate to a larger space in Hermantown. Jopke hired another groomer, and then another, until she was managing a thriving business with seven employees.

By this time, Jopke and her husband, Shane, had two small children. She wanted to step away from some of the stresses of running a business and focus more on her home life, Jopke said. The family was considering a move out of the area, so

Jopke sold Passion Fur Pets to Nord, who continues to run it today in partnership with Ryan Lewis under the new name Foxy Hound Grooming Co. Jopke’s family ended up not moving, and for a while she actually went back to her former business as an employee.

But this fall, Jopke’s love for grooming has come home Continued on page 30

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To schedule an appointment at Sota Pup, call 218-900-7432 or find Sota Pup Grooming LLC on Facebook. again. She started Sota Pup Grooming in the family’s garage in Esko, and once again she is running a one-woman grooming business. Jopke said she realized she preferred working on her own, rather than managing other employees.

“It came full circle,” Jopke said. Now she can still work at her passion job, but also be at home with her 5-year-old son, Brooks, and 3-year-old daughter, Brynlee — as well as the family’s four cats, three horses, two rabbits, one pony and one miniature donkey.

Oh yes, and 10 dogs.

That would include five young boxers that Jopke has plans to breed in the future, and a collection of five family dogs that were primarily rescues. One, a border collie mix, had been left

behind at her first grooming business more than a decade ago.

“My husband just rolls his eyes,” Jopke said of the family’s menagerie. “I feel like I am always buying animal food. I don’t know if I even want to know how much we spend on feed.”

The boxers have the run of half of the family garage, and the other half now houses Sota Pup. It was fun to remodel the heated and plumbed garage into a grooming business, Jopke said, especially with all her experience. Developing a new logo and color scheme — and even selecting a new company name — was exciting, she said. Clients have mainly found her through word-of-mouth referrals.

“Starting over was a little daunting, but the response was far greater than I expected,” she said. “It’s working out really well.”

The Sota Pup Facebook page is filled with photos of dogs sporting their freshly clipped coats. Pet owners report that their dogs not only look better after grooming, they often smell better, too.

The Jopkes also plan to offer dog boarding services at their business, as space allows.

Jopke works hard to build trust with her canine and human clients. She reads a pup’s body language to understand the dog’s limits. If the dog has never been to a groomer before, they don’t know what to expect, Jopke said, and the situation can get too stressful. Sometimes, she

Nichole Jopke runs SotaPup Pet Grooming out of her family’s garage in Esko. Husband Shane, daughter Brynlee,3, and son Brooks, 5, support the business and help take care of the family’s four cats, three horses, two rabbits, pony, miniature donkey and 10 dogs.

30 March 2023

can only trim around the dog’s face and feet before the dog needs a break.

Jopke also keeps the humans in mind.

“People have a picture in their head of what their dog should look like,” Jopke said. If that look can’t be achieved, it can be disappointing. Jopke reassures clients that she will do the best she can with the dog’s coat, and that settling into a good grooming schedule takes time. She recommends that most dogs visit the groomer every six to eight weeks.

“It’s better for their skin, better for their coat, better for me, better for them to have that consistency,” she said. “The more often they come in, the easier it goes.”

Popular dog breeds also require more grooming, Jopke said.

She sees a surge in “doodles” of all sorts, which are standard poodles, miniature poodles or toy poodles crossed with another breed. That crossing results in adorable dogs of all sizes with slightly curly hair that takes a lot of maintenance. If a doodle’s coat is not regularly groomed, it easily becomes matted.

“There is a huge need for good groomers,” said Jopke, who owns a golden doodle herself. “The doodles have taken over the dog world for groomers. They are great dogs, but they are a lot of work.” D Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range farmer and freelance writer.

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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.

by Sam

By Samantha Roffers

ello, dear readers, and a very warm welcome!

If this is your first time reading Fashions By Sam, thank you for being here!

For this issue, we happily went back to The Loft in Hermantown. We had been to The Loft before and at that time they were working on buying the downstairs portion of the building. It was really fun to circle back and see all the changes that were made.

The new downstairs location is spacious, gorgeous and filled with even more designer deals.

There is truly something for everyone at The Loft. From gorgeous high-end shoes, clothing and accessories to furniture. They carefully select every item that comes into the store and slash the price to ensure you are receiving an incredible deal for a high-quality product.

The ladies of The Loft were kind enough to set out some outfits ready upon my arrival.

I can't wait to show you what we found. I highly suggest you head over to The Loft to enjoy a wonderful, personal shopping experience and see what deals you can score! D 32 March 2023

1

This first look is so fun and beautiful. It features a patterned coat and a black bodycon dress. We dressed up this look a bit with cheetah shoes and a gold belt, but you could easily take this look either way. Underneath this gorgeous coat, the black bodycon dress felt like it was made for me — it was so comfortable and flattering.

Although this is a more dressed-up look, it was incredibly comfortable. I wore black leggings but you could easily substitute them for nude leggings and heels to take this up even more!

PHOTOS BY MEGAN KELLER

H

2

This second look features the same black bodycon dress with the same belt and shoes, but with a fur scarf addition. I love fur, I know it is not for everyone but for me it adds a cozy and luxurious feel to outfits. This dress could easily be dressed up or down for work. It gives me “little black dress” vibes — we all have to have that one dress we can rely on!

3

This third look is so fun! I am a cozysweater gal and this thick, gray cowl neck was on point. We all know a thick and cozy sweater can be worn a million different ways. You could wear it with slacks and heels, or tucked into a pencil skirt for a work day — and then pair it with jeans or leggings for a comfy weekend look. I paired it with these stunning Christian Louboutin heels and the belt from the first two outfits.

4

This fourth look is all about layers!

The real star of the show are these boots. They were so comfortable and adorable. You could easily dress them up or down. If you do a lot of walking but still need to look put together, these would be an excellent choice. I love clothing that is practical and stylish. These boots are ones I would definitely gravitate towards on a daily basis. I paired them with a white button down blouse, the belt from the previous outfits, and this gorgeous burnt orange coat. You are guaranteed to be comfortable when you have layers to add or shed, which is why I love looks like this.

At the end of the day, no matter where you shop or what you wear, your unique style and comfort is what makes fashion fun! Fashion will always be influenced by trends, you can either jump on the trend train and ride it or grab bits and pieces from it as it passes by to add to your own style. There is no wrong way to approach fashion. Until next time dear readers, I am wishing you all happiness and health.

Taking You Places You Always Dreamed of and Beyond

5

Our final outfit does not stray far, but features some add-ons and a shoe swap. We added on a Burberry scarf and Burberry shades for a classic, upscale touch. We added this great bag and, with a pair of flats, this would be the perfect travel outfit for me. Everything I had on was ultra cozy but looked put together. That is the beauty of high end and timeless pieces, you look like you tried really hard to be presentable but in reality you let the outfit do the work for you.

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THEWOMANTODAY.COM 33

HEALTH/MEDICINE

SPONSORED CONTENT

The road to a healthy future Cathy Firth enjoys a winter walk at Harley Nature Center.

By Anthony Matt athy Firth is a familiar name at Ecumen Lakeshore, a “It’s a wonderful program, truly life-changing, and I feel like Duluth-based rehabilitation facility. Ask anyone there, and it’s given me a renewed vigor for life and helped me take control they probably know Firth — not only because of her cheery of my health,” Firth said. demeanor but because she has worked there for 47 years.

Specialists at the St. Mary’s cardiometabolic clinic provide At 68 years young, the vibrant and lifelong Duluthian still team-based, comprehensive care specifically tailored to each works full-time and enjoys nights out on the town playing trivia patient with cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, with her friends. pre-diabetes and/or related cardiovascular comorbidities, with But in February 2020, trivia outings and work had to be placed the goal to improve outcomes and quality of life. on hold.

“Our goal is to deliver the very best care to patients who are at That’s because Firth had two separate heart high risk of cardiac events by helping them attacks on Feb. 26 of that year. control the main risk factors for heart disease,” Firth received her heart care at Essentia "I feel like care was said Dr. Natalia Albuquerque de Rocha, an Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. really tailored to me Essentia cardiologist and one of Firth’s doctors.

“It was a very pleasant experience, all things “There, our patients are able to lower their as an individual" considered,” Firth said. “I felt like I was in good cholesterol and glucose, lose weight and hands — like my whole care team was become more active and healthy overall.” ~ Cathy Firth concentrated on me and ensuring I received “It’s really given me a boost to take a closer the best care possible.” look at myself and my health,” Firth said. “I’ve A strong and resilient woman, Firth was back to work six days seen so much progress and noticed so many changes in my life later, after spending four of them recovering in the hospital. that make day-to-day things so much easier.”

“I was very lucky; there was no muscle damage or long-term With a boost from the cardiometabolic clinic, Firth lowered impacts on my health,” Firth said. her A1C level to 6.4 — meaning she has her diabetes under After going through Essentia’s cardiac rehab program and control. She has also lost about 40 pounds due to diet and exercise other recovery offerings, it was recommended that Firth try the changes, and even gotten off some of the prescription cardiometabolic clinic at St. Mary’s. medications she had taken for diabetes, high blood pressure and

34 March 2023

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESSENTIA

C

SPONSORED CONTENT

high cholesterol.

“Everything in my life is easier now,” Firth said. “I can go up the stairs without being winded. I can mow my lawn and shovel snow with no problems. And all my knee, hip and back pain has gone away. It feels really great to have regained this sense of control.”

Firth said one of the biggest reasons she’s finding success is the support of Dr. de Albuquerque Rocha.

“She really inspired me to keep up with the program,” Firth said. “She always has the nicest compliments and is genuinely excited to help and always lets me know she’s proud of me and my progress. I feel like I’ve known her all my life.”

Firth has made enough progress that she does not require close follow-up in the clinic, but what she learned there still lives with her every day.

“I feel like the care was really tailored to me as an individual, like they listen to me and treat my concerns with respect,” she said.

“It is wonderful to see results like Cathy’s,” Dr. Rocha said. “The remarkable difference in the quality of life and happiness from the first visit to the latest is what drives our work.”

Firth now has her eyes set on retirement in the next year or so. In that time, she’s hoping to continue her progress, get off some more medications and look forward to what retirement has to offer.

“I’m going to be a great-grandmother in May,” Firth said. “That’s what I’m looking forward to in retirement — being a grandmother and great-grandmother, and I’m so grateful for this second shot at life and the ability to be able to enjoy that in the future.” D Anthony Matt is the media relations specialist at Essentia Health.

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Arts & Events Calendar The West Theatre Events Thursdays in March March 2 - Matt Vee & The Killer Vees: Celebrate Music of Neil Diamond; March 4 - Ron Sexsmith (pop/folk/rock); March 9 - Armchair Boogie (“newgrass”) March 15 & 16 - Pure Prairie League (country rock); March 23 - Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came to Town (blues). Visit thewesttheatre/events.com.

Greysolon Dinner Dances Various Dates Greysolon Dinner Dances are back!

A Father Daughter Dinner Dance will be held March 4; a Mother Son Dance will be held March 3; and Family Dinner Dances are March 31 and April 1. Visit greysolonduluth.com.

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.

Beauty through the magic of pure classical ballet at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit minnesotaballet.org.

Into the Woods March 17-April 2 The Duluth Playhouse will present Into the Woods, where Cinderella, Jack, Little Red and your other favorite storybook characters cross paths in the woods to find out what really happens after Happily Ever After. Visit duluthplayhouse.org/norshortheatre.

DSSO Masterwork V March 18 The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra presents Gershwin and Rachmaninoff at 7 p.m. in the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit dsso. com.

Rock & Roll Heaven Masquerade Ball 7 p.m. March 10 This fundraiser to benefit the CHOICE, unlimited ARTS Program, will be held at the Greysolon Plaza Ballroom, and feature live performances, DJ and dancing, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, spirit wall and more. Formal attire is requested, with a rock edge. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite or the CHOICE, unlimited office or by calling 7245869.

Sleeping Beauty March 11-12 Minnesota Ballet with students from School of Minnesota Ballet tell the classic story of Sleeping

36 March 2023

Arrowhead Home & Builders Show March 30-April 2 This 55th annual event at the DECC is a onestop shop for building, remodeling and home and garden products. See hundreds of exhibitors, and take part in seminars and entertainment.

Visit Arrowheadhomeshow.com.

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

A Doll’s House, Part 2 March 2-5 A hilarious uproar of arguments from Ibsen’s classic are brought to life in this contemporary sequel. Don’t worry if you’ve not read Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” it’s not required to appreciate this bitingly funny version at The Underground Theater in Zeitgeist Teatro Performing Arts Theater. Visit duluthplayhouse.org/underground-theatre.

games from television’s most popular game show. Registration begins at the venue three hours prior to show time, which is at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit decc.org/event/ the-price-is-right-stage-show.

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

Douglas County Historical Society Motorhead Madness March 19 The Northland’s largest indoor custom car show includes customs, street rods, trucks, cycles, race cars, rat rods, muscle cars, and antique vehicles, plus vendors and prize drawings, family entertainment, memorabilia and more, all at the DECC. This year’s proceeds will be given to “Wounded Warriors.” Visit decc.org/event/motorheadmadness-2023.

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

The Price is Right Live March 22 This interactive stage show gives eligible individuals the chance to “Come On Down” and play classic

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

LEGAL ADVICE

SPONSORED CONTENT

An assignment for parents

By Amy Kurhonen

F

rom your child’s infancy through high school graduation, innumerable choices will be faced, and decisions made, which will impact your child’s well-being. Who is best suited to make those decisions, if not you?

When your child reaches age 18, your rights and responsibilities as a parent become more limited. While you will likely hope that your child continues to seek your guidance and assistance, your child will take on the legal authority for his or her own decisions. What happens if your child becomes incapacitated and unable to make decisions? Who will ensure that your child’s best interests are being considered?

Addressing these challenging questions is a worthwhile assignment for parents.

Throughout childhood What would happen to your young children if you were no longer alive?

Who would take care of them? Who would make the choices and decisions that impact their lives? Who would guide your children into adulthood?

Who should that person be?

Legally, the child’s guardian would fill that role. A guardian is given the legal authority over a minor if both

parents should pass away or become incapacitated. You may nominate a guardian of your choice through creating a valid will.

Naming a godparent is not nominating a guardian. Telling your dearest friend that you would want her to raise your children is not nominating a guardian. If a child’s parents should both pass away without nominating a guardian, a court will select the person to serve in that role for your children based upon the petition of third parties.

By identifying and then nominating a guardian in your will, your wishes will guide the court, providing clarity and minimizing potential disputes among family members.

While a will is often one part of an overall estate plan, it can also be a standalone document. Younger people may feel that they do not need “an estate plan” because of limited financial assets.

Regardless of financial position, however, all parents can make their wishes for their children’s care known.

Young adulthood What would happen if your adult child became unable to act on his own behalf, either in an emergency or due to a temporary or permanent incapacity?

How would decisions be made? Would those decisions be in the best interest of your child?

By putting in place both a durable power of attorney document and a health care directive now, your adult child can authorize you, or another trusted adult, to act on his or her behalf.

Absent these documents, if your child becomes mentally or physically incapacitated, a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding in court may become necessary. A court proceeding is expensive and will, invariably, cause delay.

Under a durable power of attorney,

your child may authorize another adult to handle legal or financial matters as his or her attorney-in-fact. Crucial in emergency situations, a power of attorney can also be convenient for conducting banking, insurance, or other financial transactions if, for example, your child is traveling.

A person must be at least 18 and mentally competent to sign a power of attorney document. In Minnesota, the “Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney” is often used. The authority granted by this document is comprehensive, and it becomes effective upon signature, not only upon incapacity. Therefore, it is critical that you have the utmost confidence in the person named as the attorney-in-fact.

There are also other forms of the power of attorney. I recommend consultation with an attorney prior to signing any power of attorney document.

A power of attorney does not cover medical decisions. Rather, your adult child may sign a health care directive authorizing you to make health care decisions on his or her behalf. This document may also include general or specific guidance regarding the medical care that your child would (or would not) want to receive under different circumstances.

Various forms of the health care directive are available online and through your physician’s office. These documents can be customized to address your wishes, but signing requirements must be followed for a health care directive to be valid.

Attorneys will often assist clients with preparing this document as part of an overall estate plan. D Amy Kuronen is an estate planning and elder law attorney serving Northeastern Minnesota. She can be reached at 218464-1459 or www.amykuronenlaw.com.

THEWOMANTODAY.COM 37

HEALTH/MEDICINE

SPONSORED CONTENT

Walking with freedom How St. Luke’s helped one woman through a total knee replacement In May 2019, Denise Wise and her husband, Bill, traveled to Italy to enjoy some beautiful views. With her new knee, they’re looking forward to more adventures soon.

few years ago, Denise Wise was shoveling snow at her Duluth home. She sunk her right leg into a snowbank and when she tried to step out, it caught, twisting her knee. That was the moment her severe joint pain began.

As a retired physical therapist, and former chair of the physical therapy department at The College of St. Scholastica, she had heard many clients talk of serious joint pain. Now she was experiencing it firsthand. After talking with her doctor, she knew eventually she would need a total knee replacement.

However, there were a few treatments that would buy her some time. She had a hydrocortisone injection and arthroscopy, commonly called a scope. This helped relieve some of her discomfort.

But during the summer of 2022, her pain reached a critical point.

A

a few things caused her to hesitate.

Denise knew a total knee replacement is major surgery, and that the initial recovery can be painful. The life span of the components was also something she considered. More than 90% of total knee replacements are still functioning well 15 years after the surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. After that, the joint may need to be replaced.

However, the ever-present pain and decreased daily function finally pushed the envelope. “I’m only 60. I want to be active,” Denise said, “so, I didn’t put it off for too long.”

When she told her primary care physician she wanted to move forward, he referred her to Dr. David Fogarty, a boardcertified orthopedic surgeon at St. Luke’s Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Denise met with him, and her surgery was scheduled for November 2022.

Making the decision

Award-winning knee replacement

“I would do a cortisone injection and get two hours of relief and then the pain was back,” she said. “It started to interfere with my ability to do things around the house. I couldn’t garden or mow the lawn. Climbing stairs became increasingly difficult. I was cancelling trips because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to walk.”

While she knew her next step was a total knee replacement,

As she moved through the process of preparation and surgery, she was amazed at how much it has evolved. When she began as a physical therapist 30 years ago, patients having a total knee replacement would stay in the hospital eight to 10 days post-surgery. “Now, it’s often just a day surgery,” she said.

St. Luke’s is ranked as a high-performing hospital for hip fracture and knee replacement by U.S. News & World Report

38 March 2023

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENISE WISE

By Felicia Schneiderhan

SPONSORED CONTENT

for 2022-2023. This is due to the total package of pre-surgical preparation and education, surgical care and postrehabilitation.

“The award is a wonderful reflection of the success we’ve had focusing on the patient experience for joint replacements,” said Dr. Fogarty.

In January 2023, St. Luke’s also became the first hospital in Minnesota to be designated an Advanced Orthopedic Center of Excellence by DNV, a global independent certification, assurance and risk management provider. The honor recognizes St. Luke’s excellence in providing diagnostic services, surgical services and therapies related to orthopedic care.

And travel – Europe is famous for its cobblestone streets. I want the confidence to walk on uneven surfaces again.”

To learn more or schedule an

appointment, visit slhduluth.com/ orthopedics. D Felicia Schneiderhan is a Duluthbased writer. To read more of her work, visit FeliciaSchneiderhan.com

employment opportunities available at jobswithus.org

Ready for normal After her surgery, Denise elected to stay in the hospital for one night to make sure her pain was managed and that she felt confident with the walker.

She soon began working with St. Luke’s Physical Therapist Katie Kask, DPT, OCS. Three weeks after her surgery, she began to experience pain-free moments for the first time in years. “I would think, wow! This is what normal is?” she said.

Now that her right knee is healing well, she plans to have her left knee replaced sooner than later. She won’t hesitate to choose St. Luke’s again for the procedure.

“I want to be unfettered,” she said. “I look forward to doing yoga again, riding a bike, walking for exercise, and just doing daily things around the house.

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8/15/22 2:35 PM THEWOMANTODAY.COM 39

Home Touches

Island Lake Retreat: Blending cozy with

O

n Island Lake just north of Duluth, a couple has successfully transformed a traditional log cabin on the lake into a gorgeous and modern log home. By working with a designer to add the extra living space they needed to make it a year-round home and selecting the right people for the job, they were also able to preserve the integrity and beauty of the original structure.

modern in a log home

The homeowners had already built a home they loved and lived in for almost 20 years in Hermantown, but there was just one thing missing: a lake.

They spent several years casually looking at lake property, and then eventually began searching in earnest, making an offer on this piece of property the same day they looked at it. The property was beautiful and wooded with plenty of

The outdoor seating area joins the old and the new sections of the home, while providing a protected lounging area perfect for entertaining after a day on the lake. Troy Grohsman, who designed the landscaping, said, “this space not only works as access to the house but also a space to sit and have coffee or entertain on a windy lake day.”

40 March 2023

PHOTOS BY COMSTOCK CREATIVE

By Amy Carlson

This property is in a woodsy and remote part of Island Lake, with a sandy beach along the lakeshore and plenty of space and privacy to make it a year-round home. shoreline and included an original log home as well as a boathouse and other outbuildings. The homeowner said, “It was a cabin-cabin when we bought it.”

Windows • Roofing • Siding • Decking • Cabinets

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Creating a home out of a cabin The couple quickly sold their original home and moved in permanently to the lofted one-bedroom log home with their teenage daughter. As they began transforming the cabin into a year-round home, their goal was to “update it so it was more than a cabin, even though it has a cabin feel,” said the homeowner, adding: “We remodeled the kitchen, we put in a fireplace, and also moved the kitchen island to maximize views.”

They also moved the stairway from the main living area to the back of the kitchen to gain space in the living room, and replaced the original windows with much larger windows perfectly framed by the original log structure. Doing so allowed them to take advantage of expansive views to the lake and brighten the home even more, all while keeping the original structure and feel of the log home intact.

However, they also needed extra space and more bedrooms, so they put together a preliminary design to expand the home, but the large addition detracted from the charm of the original log home. Their goal was to “keep the rustic feel but make it modernized,” and eventually they connected with Heather Hiner of Hiner Home Designs. With her they created a design that highlighted the essence of the original log home while also creating an ideal layout for their family, with bedrooms flanking either side of the original structure.

“We wanted to kind of spread the house out so that we could use this space fully and have lake views from every room,” the homeowner said. Hiner was able to do just that, designing “additions that were meant to blend with, rather than dominate, the existing log home,” with an entryway to tie the home together, a master bedroom suite to one side, and an additional bedroom with an ensuite bathroom on the other side. This layout added privacy and much needed space.

Continued on page 42

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Much of the original kitchen layout was preserved; however, expanding and rotating the island allows guests to look out to the lake while enjoying the warmth of the fireplace and kitchen gathering space.

The stairwell to the loft was moved out of the living room to add more space and continuity to the living room and loft area. It was located behind the back wall of the kitchen, where there was formerly closet space, all without changing the layout or cabinetry.

The dining room is simple and modern, yet open to the kitchen and living room. A sleek sliding door closes off the entryway and master suite from the main living spaces, while surrounded by the logs of the original structure for interest and warmth.

42 March 2023

The original potbelly stove joined the kitchen and living room. A new custom fireplace created by Duluth Fireplace and Stove merges the kitchen and living room, while adding a touch of modern to the coziness of the original part of the home.

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www.nccyou.com Creating a roomy entryway that joined both the master suite and the main home also added extra closet space and a beautiful view of the lake that guests see as soon as they walk in.

Challenges of a log home “Log homes are complicated remodel projects because there are limitations with cutting new openings into the logs and difficulty in matching logs to infill existing openings,” Hiner said. “Therefore, I always approach a log home project with the mindset to keep as much of the existing log structure as intact as possible, look for ways to improve the layout of the existing interior walls, and propose additions that blend with and complement the existing log structure.”

Finding the right person for the job and someone willing to take on that challenge was important to the homeowners.

Craig Huard, their contractor, is “an excellent, excellent carpenter. He is an artist, he has that vision,” the homeowner said. “It wasn’t quick, it was a very long-term project.”

Huard did much of the work himself, and Superior Log Restoration helped with areas that Huard couldn’t manage on his own.

The homeowners also own Nylund Electric, who did all the electrical work for the project, and there are definitely big challenges working with a log home when trying to rewire and make changes.

“In our type of work, it’s way different than just working in a house that has regular walls. … Log homes are awful — well to wire at least,” the homeowner laughed, “because basically you have to drill holes in the logs before you put them up,” citing a project in their home that took three days to complete but would’ve typically taken an hour in a traditional home.

One particularly challenging electrical task was adding a modern chandelier over the kitchen island, because there was no pre-existing wiring in the ceiling. The end result, however, was well worth the effort.

Another challenge with a log home is to match the exterior siding to the original log siding. Hiner said the homeowners “carefully selected exterior siding that complemented the existing logs … they look like they are original to the home Continued on page 44

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The interior of the boathouse was renovated to create a family area, with a television, fireplace, and a couple of sofas, as well as a refrigerator and plenty of storage, with wonderful views of the lake. “We love the boathouse but don’t use it enough, it’s almost like we pack up to go to the cabin,” the homeowner said.

The relaxing and private master suite includes warm, wood-paneled ceilings and overhead lighting, as well as an inviting sitting area and ensuite master bath with simple, clean lines.

The second addition includes a guest bedroom and ensuite bathroom with natural stone and custom woodwork, located on the other side of the main living space for privacy.

44 March 2023

and blend with the surroundings.”

They’ve been extremely happy with their choice in steel siding, which has a patina to match the exterior wood perfectly. Installed by Agate Exteriors, the siding is virtually indestructible.

Bringing it all together The couple finished the project by working with Troy Grohsman from Miller Creek Lawn and Landscape to design and build the landscape plan for the entire property, keeping it low maintenance and preserving the lake home feel.

“The creative paver work really is my favorite feature of the project and how they link up the guesthouse and driveway,” the homeowner said. “There is a balance of refined rustic which was the goal.”

The homeowners loved what Grohsman did.

“He’s another artist, he’s very good at what he does. That was kind of like the cherry on top of the cake; he brought it all together.”

my time.”

“The home has a timeless feel with the exposed logs and carefully selected interior finishes that are modern, yet feel like they’ve always been a part of the home,” Hiner said. “The home is cozy and welcoming and seamlessly connects the old and the new.”

The homeowners agree, as their patience paid off in successfully creating their perfect home on the lake, while they enjoy the cozy, modern log home with plenty of space. D Amy Carlson is a Duluth freelance writer.

Time and patience are key This project took the couple a few years to complete, and they emphasize that patience is key in a long-term project like this, even if it takes longer than planned. The family all lived together in the apartment above the garage for a while, with just a wood stove to heat and very little privacy.

“You just have to kind of endure and know that the outcome will be worth it. … With this project, I just wanted to take

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THEWOMANTODAY.COM 45

Remarkable

Lakeside mid-century rambler:: A fun, light and rambler

RENOVATIONS

lively environment PHOTOS BY COMSTOCK CREATIVE COURTESY OF MAUREENS, LLC

By Amy Carlson

The original kitchen was in excellent condition but needed updating. The Brown-Suchys also wanted to open it up and make it a brighter, more inviting space. By removing the beams and soffits and adding plenty of additional lighting, they were able to do just that.

Before

46 March 2023

R

ick Brown and Angie Suchy were looking to move to Duluth from Edina to be closer to family and searched over two years before finding the perfect 1950s rambler in Lakeside. Angie recalls the day they found their home.

“We walked in and were like, ‘We want this house!’”

With Lake Superior views from much of the home, it suited them perfectly.

“The house is a very good size for the two of us. We downsized when we moved into here. We wanted kind of a simple, clean, uncluttered, low-maintenance home,” Rick said.

That concept drove their design aesthetic as they began talking about remodeling. They also sought out simple accommodations they could make now to age in place as they grow older.

Harmonious design and remodeling process The couple worked with Brian Timm at Maureen’s Kitchen and Bath Design to design the project. Having already remodeled the kitchen in their former home, Rick and Angie had a vision of what they wanted and were very involved in the process, but they appreciated the expertise working with a designer gave them.

“They trusted us with color choices; they knew they wanted the maple and the white oak flooring, but trusted us with color,” Timm said.

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DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES

ACHIEVING GROWTH

THEWOMANTODAY.COM 47

Before

After

This small bedroom was converted into a spacious and modern full bath and laundry room, accented with walnut and white countertops to create a modern, functional space. An extra large entry to the walk-in shower and plenty of handles allow for aging in place.

Eventually, the project expanded to include new flooring and fresh paint colors throughout the main living spaces, as well as complete renovation of the main bath and the addition of a main floor bathroom/laundry room in a former bedroom.

“The project kind of grew; we’re the ones that grew it as it went along,” Rick said.

At the same time, every decision in the project was intentional, and they appreciated Timm’s expertise.

“Even if you know exactly what you want,” Rick said, “if you have a professional designer look at it and if they find one thing that can be better or that would be a mistake, frankly, they’ve paid for themselves.”

Timm also connected them with their contractor, Jason Lind of Strategic Construction, and they all worked really well together, despite the challenges that inevitably arise in construction.

“It was just a harmonious situation,” Timm said about working with the Brown-Suchys and Lind.

Rick agreed.

“Jason and Brian worked together in the background … we’d find an issue and a day or two later they’d say ‘OK, we talked about this and here’s what I think we’re going to do.’ And that worked really well.”

Bright, expanded kitchen The original kitchen was well maintained with a nice layout but needed an update. They removed the beams in the ceiling and the soffit over the large bay window that framed the kitchen in order to brighten and expand the space. In addition, they installed white oak flooring with enough texture for traction, clean maple cabinets with sleek hardware, gray Cambria countertops from St Germain’s with a matching sill below the bay window, and plenty of overhead lighting.

Along with appliances from Johnson Mertz, including 48 March 2023

a single drawer dishwasher, a double oven range, and a microwave drawer, they also added details like a small bookshelf over the breakfast nook where they often sit, and a bright white tile backsplash to keep the kitchen bright and modern.

Spacious laundry, bath, master suite Also important to the couple were having main floor access to the laundry and creating an additional bathroom for guests.

To achieve this, they converted the smallest bedroom into a spacious new room with walnut millwork and a white vanity top, complementing the striking walk-in shower.

With plenty of handrails and an extra wide opening to accommodate a walker or wheelchair if necessary, the couple have taken steps to improve their potential to stay in their home as they age.

With walnut cabinetry, white countertops, and plenty of storage and space for folding clothes, the space is a beautiful and cheery upgrade to a bedroom that otherwise would not have been used.

The original bathroom was accessed from the hallway next to a linen closet, but Rick and Angie wanted to create a true master bedroom suite complete with an ensuite master bath.

So they eliminated the original entry and closet, creating access only from the bedroom. This expanded the space, complete with a tiled shower and a unique, modern sliding glass door, as

The original bathroom on the main level was accessed only through the hallway and was a narrow room. By removing the partition next to the vanity and opening up a former linen closet, the new bathroom is now a private ensuite off the master bedroom, with plenty of features like towel warmers and a double vanity. Vibrant aqua tiles and a modern rolling shower door complete the transformation into a relaxing and beautiful space with a pop of color.

well as a heated towel bar and in-floor heat, giving them both luxury and privacy.

In addition to the white oak flooring throughout the home, they also laid new tile in the entryway, expanding it all the way to the living room. This allows easy access to the entryway closet and draws guests into the main living space with its expansive views to the lake.

“It visually makes more sense to pull you into the living room,” Rick said.

They also replaced the tile in front of the fireplace, and the walls were repainted with fresh, neutral colors to replace the original beige-yellow walls.

Light and lively environment The result is a complete refresh, with a palette of light gray and white with warm, light woods and tile. These neutrals are the perfect background to showcase the unexpected pops of color and unique materials scattered throughout the home.

“This was all (Rick and Angie),” Timm said. “They have incredible taste. We created the natural palette and they added their artwork and color. It’s a really fun, light and lively environment.” D Amy Carlson is a Duluth freelance writer.

THEWOMANTODAY.COM 49

Recipe Remake

Fresh Berry Crush Fool

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

fool - noun : a cold dessert of pureed fruit mixed with whipped cream or custard 50 March 2023

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIM QUINONES

By Kim Quinones The Woman Today

BERRY CRUSH SAUCE

Servings: 6-8 Ingredients 3 cups Fresh berries plus extra for garnish: blackberries, strawberries, blueberries or gooseberries. Use one or combine your favorites to equal 3 cups.

1 medium Lemon, zested and juiced 1 Tbsp.

Zest of lemon 2 Tbsp.

Granulated sugar, ultrafine preferred 1/2 Tbsp. Cornstarch Garnish Set aside enough berries for garnish

Directions In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the berries, lemon juice, lemon zest and sugar. Over medium heat, stir the berry mixture with a potato masher and when the mixture begins to warm, gently crush the fruit.* Bring to a simmer, sprinkle in cornstarch and mix well to thicken.

Simmer for 6-8 minutes more.

Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 15 minutes. Pour into a glass jar to cool.

Once cooled, combine with the whipped topping to make this dessert Continued on page 52

THEWOMANTODAY.COM 51

or if preparing ahead, top with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator; use within 3 days. *If you prefer no seeds or fruit pulp in the sauce, prior to adding cornstarch, pour berry mixture through a fine mesh sieve, draining into a bowl, then place sauce back into the hot pan.

Then proceed to thicken with cornstarch.

WHIPPED CREAM MIXTURE

Ingredients 1/2 tsp.

2-1/2 tsp.

1 pint 2 Tbsp.

2 tsp.

3/4 cup Garnish

Unflavored gelatin, optional* Cold water, optional* Heavy whipping cream Granulated sugar, ultrafine preferred Orange extract (Optional for adults: flavored liqueur can be substituted for the extract) Plain Greek yogurt Berries, mint leaves, crushed shortbread cookies or any favorite cookie

Pre-prep: Chill a medium-sized bowl and beaters/whisk at least 10 minutes in the freezer prior to whipping cream. *In a small saucepan, combine the gelatin and water and stir well over low heat until gelatin dissolves. Set the pan aside to cool enough to still be pourable. This mixture will assist in stabilizing the whipped cream.

Prepare whipped cream mixture: In a chilled, medium-sized bowl, whip the cream with an electric mixer on low-medium speed or whisk by hand for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add in the slightly cooled 52 March 2023

gelatin mixture, sugar and orange extract. Continue whisking at medium speed until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the yogurt until combined.

Assembly Serving dish note: The serving dish can be rustic or refined.

Use a favorite jam jar or stemmed dessert glass to complement the dining style or celebration.

Parfait style assembly: Spoon berry sauce into the base of a dessert glass, favorite jam jar or bowl, then continue by alternating layers of the cream mixture and berry sauce.

Garnish the top with fresh berries and mint leaves or crushed cookies.

Blended style assembly: In the last step, drizzle the berry sauce into the bowl of prepared whipped cream mixture and gently swirl the berry sauce through until it is blended to your preference. Proceed to spoon into individual serving dishes or a bowl and garnish.

Prepare ahead of time: The Fresh Berry Crush Sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

The whipped cream mixture can be prepared, dessert assembled and chilled up to 4 hours prior to serving time.

Remove from the refrigerator at least 10 minutes prior to serving.

After assembling this recipe, any leftover Berry Crush Sauce can be refrigerated and used up over the next 1-3 days as topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, toast, ice cream or spooned into yogurt. Enjoy! D

KITCHEN PREP TIP: FREEZING CITRUS ZEST AND JUICE

Zest Wash lemons (or any citrus) with cool water and allow them to completely dry.

Zest the entire lemon with a rasp style grater, zester or veggie peeler.

Place a sheet of parchment/waxed paper on a cookie sheet.

Spread zest out in a single layer on parchment or waxed paper.

Place the cookie sheet into the freezer for approximately 15-30 minutes.

Store frozen zest in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Measure out to use in any recipe that calls for lemon zest.

Juice After zesting lemons, slice in half and juice.

Spoon by 3 tablespoons into an ice cube tray and freeze.

Once frozen, store lemon juice cubes in a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months.

Same process applies to freezing other citrus. Prepare a variety to have on hand in the freezer to enhance favorite baked

goods, dessert, salads, protein dishes or a pitcher of a cold juice/punch made with the same citrus.

Enjoy! D

Look for this shelf tag for regular low prices!

218.728.0884 wholefoods.coop

BEER. WINE. SPIRITS. HOURS: Mon-Sat 8am-10pm Sun 11am-6pm Call 218-724-8818

2530 LONDON ROAD DULUTH, MN 55812 THEWOMANTODAY.COM 53

kids

korner

Sponsored by:

By Ali Carlson

SLOanE’s Suggestions

Well, we are almost on to spring!! We've been getting out as much as we can, soaking up all the winter activities the Northland has to offer. Even on those super cold days there are so many local businesses that keep their doors open so kids can come in and play :) Sloanie says, "Put those boots on and get out!!"

At the Depot

Museum exhibits

Let’s Skate 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.

$

8.99

+ Rental

Fun For All Ages!

8:30-11:00 pm

Adult Night

9.95

$

Ages 18+ Only!

+ Rental

College Rate With ID

8.95

$

+ Rental

At the Zoo At the Aquarium

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.

54 March 2023

Summer Camp registration opens March 15

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.

Brought to you by:

THEWOMANTODAY.COM 55

DIY

Paper flowers:

A touch of spring S

pring in the Northland typically arrives later, and flowers don’t pop up until May or sometimes even June. As we wait for our flowers and plants to bud, you can still brighten up your space with this simple and easy DIY paper flower activity.

Creating colorful bouquets For supplies, you will need a Mason jar, scissors, cupcake liners or tissue paper, green pipe cleaner or floral wire, floral tape, and a wire cutter.

To begin, first stack a couple of sheets of tissue paper together. Next, cut them into a desired length and width.

Sheets that are 12x6 inches work well; however, you can create larger or smaller flowers depending on the size you cut.

Take two or three of the stacked sheets and line them up together. Begin with the shorter side (if you’re doing 12x6 inches, begin with the 6-inch side) and make a 1-inch

Share with a friend or display in your home; these paper flowers will brighten up any room.

accordion fold. Now flip the tissue paper and make another accordion fold matching the first 1-inch fold. Continue to turn the paper over and fold until you reach the end of the tissue paper. The final product should look like an accordion.

Next take a green pipe cleaner or floral wire, and place in the center of the accordion tissue paper fold. Loop the pipe cleaner or wire around the center of the tissue paper and fasten by twisting it around itself. This will secure the tissue paper in place. If you are using floral wire, complete the look by wrapping floral tape around it.

Round the edges of the tissue paper by trimming them with scissors to create a flower petal look. Make your flower bloom by carefully unfolding the layers of tissue apart. The paper is fragile, so take your time and try to not rip it. If it does rip, you can hide it by tucking it in. After unfolding the layers of tissue, then separate the sheets from one another to make your flower pop.

PHOTOS BY MOLLY MILROY

By Molly Milroy

Supplies needed include green pipe cleaners, Mason jar, cupcake liners or tissue paper, floral tape, floral wire and wire cutter, and scissors.

Cut the tissue paper to your desired length.

Place a green pipe cleaner in the middle of the fold and wrap around the tissue paper.

Carefully unfold the tissue paper to make your flower bloom.

Fold into an accordion.

Twist the pipe cleaner together to create the stem.

Options Instead of using tissue paper, another option is to use cupcake liners. Fold two or three stacked dyed cupcake liners in half. Then fold a piece of floral wire in half. Take the floral wire and poke both ends through the middle of the top of the cupcake liners. Then pull both ends of the wires through so the middle of the wire ends up flush against the cupcake liner. Next twist the floral wires together to form the stem.

Finish the stem off by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liner and bringing it all the way down. Lastly, trim any edges of the cupcake liners to create petal shapes and then separate them from one another.

Bringing spring inside When finished crafting your paper flowers, place them in a Mason jar. To add a little pizazz, fill the bottom of the jar with rocks or confetti.

Brighten up your space by placing your bouquet in your living room, as a centerpiece on the dining room table, or wake up to the sight of them on your bedside table. Another option is to give them to a friend or neighbor. These paper flowers will bring a hint of spring to any home. D Molly Milroy is a Duluth freelance writer.

THEWOMANTODAY.COM 57

The Woman Yesterday

Ethel Ray Nance (1899-1992)

E

By Abigail Blonigen

thel Ray Nance was an African American activist whose life touched several critical moments in history. Born in Duluth on April 13, 1899, Nance was the youngest of four children of William H. Ray and Inga Nordquist Ray. Her father was an African American from North Carolina, and her mother was a Swedish immigrant. The two met while working at a hotel in Minneapolis, and spent some time in Two Harbors prior to settling at 209 E. Fifth St., in Duluth, where they stayed throughout Nance’s life.

According to MNopedia, Nance’s father had a big impact on her. An avid reader of prominent African American thinkers, he passed on this knowledge to his children, encouraging them to stand up to injustice.

In an interview for the Minnesota Historical Society’s Black History Project in 1974, Nance stated there were only about 200 African Americans in Duluth when she was growing up, and she and her family had frequent encounters with racism, though her father insisted it was better than in the South.

A couple of years after graduating from Central High School, Nance moved to Moose Lake to work for the Minnesota Forest Fires Relief Commision as a stenographer 58 March 2023

following the 1918 fires in Cloquet, Duluth and Moose Lake.

Nance was in Moose Lake when an angry mob of 10,000 people lynched Black circus workers Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie in June 1920, just four blocks from her childhood home.

Infuriated, Nance’s father launched the Duluth branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). A year later, Nance accompanied and introduced famous civil rights activist W. E. B. Du Bois at a meeting in Duluth, beginning a long-standing friendship between the two, according to Zenith City Online.

Nance’s hard work and connections led to many opportunities in the following years. She Ethel Ray (later became the first African American Ethel Ray Nance), stenographer in the Minnesota pictured in the Legislature, followed by an appointment 1917 Duluth at the Kansas City Urban League. She Central High then went on to work for the New York School yearbook, Zenith. [Public Urban League as secretary to Charles S. domain image] Johnson, writing, editing and researching.

Being in New York in the mid-1920s at the height of the Harlem Renaissance, Nance met many prominent writers and scholars, including Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston.

A few years later, Nance reluctantly left New York to return to Duluth to care for her mother who had fallen ill.

Staying closer to home, Nance took a position in Minneapolis as associate head resident of the Phyllis Wheately House, which provided housing and other social services for African Americans. In 1928, she became one of Minnesota’s first Black female police officers, serving the women’s bureau of the Minneapolis Police Department.

During this time, she met her first husband and gave birth to her two sons after leaving the police force in the early 1930s.

The family moved around the country following Nance’s secretarial work. Nance and her husband became estranged, and she remarried Clarence A. Nance in 1944.

Nance spent a good chunk of the rest of her life in San Francisco, notably as a secretary to W.E.B. Du Bois during the founding of the United Nations, and with the West Coast Regional Office of the NAACP. Always learning and always active, Nance received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California when she was around 80 years old. She passed away in San Francisco in July 1992 at the age of 93. Her granddaughter, Karen Felecia Nance, is currently working on writing her biography. D Abigail Blonigen is a Minnesota freelance writer.

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