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Hello, dear readers!
The Sixth annual Rosie Awards, hosted by The Woman Today, were held Wednesday, March 8, at the DECC Horizon Room. This was also International Women's Day, so it made for a perfect day to celebrate the 40 nominees and six winners of this year's event. In this issue, you will get to read about the six recipients and their stories. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for Rosie this year. You all are extraordinary women. We couldn't have done this without our small but mighty Woman Today team who worked hard to ensure this event was perfect for our attendees. A special shoutout to our amazing judging volunteers, whose job was no easy task in selecting the six Rosie winners: Martha Bremer, Laura Plys, Sue Ross, Annie Lepper, Renae Ronquist and Lucie Amundson. And a shoutout to all of our supporting sponsors: MPECU.
Nummi Jewelers. Essentia Health.
NorthStar Community Services. Frandsen Bank & Trust.
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. St. Luke’s.
Audio Visual Resources. Engwall Flowers.
Kraemer North America. Maurice’s.
Maureen's LLC.
Footprint Promotional Advertising. Surge Creative.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this issue we meet four women who are on the Duluth Police Department’s CORE Unit. The CORE Unit plays a critical role in the field alongside the officers, and it was the first to have embedded social workers within the police department in Minnesota, beginning in 2015.
June is LGBTQ Awareness Month, and we meet father-daughter duo Cam and Ana Kruger who share their journey on Ana’s transition. I found one statement that Ana said particularly powerful: “I came out out of necessity, having struggled with suicidal incidents,” she said. “From that it was kind of a question of do I die, someone who the world will never know … or do I live as someone who I can look in the mirror and actually say I love you?” Ana and Cam launched the podcast Transgenda, which now has over 60,000 listeners across the globe.
The cover of the April 2023 issue incorrectly spelled Louise Levy’s name. The Woman Today regrets the error.
Winners of the 2023 Rosie Awards include (top, from left) Patrice Critchley-Menor, recipient of the Rosie Award; Tina Roberts, recipient of the Silent Advocate Award; Joyce Vesel, recipient of the Most Engaged Volunteer Award; (bottom, from left); Sue DeNio, recipient of the Mentor Award; Tonya Loken, recipient of the Leadership Award; and ChaQuana McEntyre, recipient of the Trailblazer Award.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMSTOCK CREATIVE
publisher.
As you drive around Duluth, and take in all the beauty of the gardens spread across our beautiful city, there is a chance that a group founded in 1927 is the reason for the gardens’ upkeep and beautiful display. This group is called the Duluth Garden Flower Society. A lot of history has taken place in this organization, and it was wonderful to learn what they do for beautifying our community.
Thank you for picking up this month’s issue of The Woman Today. You are a valued reader, and valued advertiser who keeps our team doing our best with each issue. See you in July!
Megan Keller Group Advertising Director, Duluth Media Group Publisher, Cloquet Pine Journal
6th Annual
By Andrea BuscheMost Engaged Volunteer: A woman who goes above and beyond and works tirelessly in the region for the good of us all.
Mentor: A woman among us who has acted as an experienced and trusted adviser to those around her.
Trailblazer: A woman who is willing to step out and blazes a positive new path for others to follow.
Leadership: A woman who demonstrates outstanding leadership by challenging, motivating and inspiring others in their field of endeavor.
Silent Advocate: A woman who silently helps her communities and neighbors.
Rosie: That woman who simply gets stuff done. She’s a volunteer, a silent advocate, a leader, a trailblazer and a mentor.
The well-attended event, which took place on March 8 — International Women’s Day — was a fitting tribute to the six accomplished winners. The judging panel, which included representation from The Woman Today along with several other professionals, certainly had their work cut out for them, as 40 women were nominated.
Setting the scene
he DECC’s ample Horizon Room provided the setting for the Sixth annual Rosie Awards. Here, six local women were recognized for their dedication to serving others in a variety of ways. The awards included:Guests enjoyed a buffet of unique hors d’oeuvres, including veggie spring rolls, Asian cucumber coins with shrimp and avocado, smoked salmon flatbread, and more. Guests were also treated to “swag bags,” including notebooks, water bottles, pens, and more — all courtesy of the event’s generous sponsors.
Formal program
The keynote speaker, Jebeh Edmunds — a veteran teacher, multicultural educator, owner of Jebeh Cultural Consulting, and wife and mother — captivated the crowd with stories of her early life in Liberia, and shared how she has overcome some of the challenges she has faced as an immigrant, woman of color, and business owner. Throughout Edmunds’ remarks, the room echoed with joyful laughter, and more than a few tears were shed.
Finally, the winners were named. Keller and Carlson read recaps of the nominations, before recognizing the winners by name and summoning them to the front of the room.
Inspirational walk-up music was played as each woman approached the stage. Well-known female empowerment anthems, such as Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song,” were on the playlist. Each winner received a bouquet of fresh flowers in a custom-made glass vase, and were treated to a photo session to commemorate the event.
The annual Rosie Awards have become a touchstone event for The Woman Today magazine. The ceremony provides a way to recognize and celebrate women doing great things in our community.
“Our team works year-round to bring to light amazing women in the Northland and share their stories,” Keller said. “The Rosie event is that opportunity for our community to step forward and share who they feel goes above and beyond
and deserves recognition. All the women this year, and in years past, are breakers of glass ceilings, change makers, and humble. They are passionate about making a difference. We are proud to share the stage with them, and celebrate together all they do for our community.”
We hope you enjoy the stories that follow, featuring our six “Rosies.” D
Keynote speaker Jebeh Edmunds shares her story at the Sixth annual Rosie Awards event. After an 18year teaching career, Edmunds, a Liberian immigrant who grew up in a predominantly white Minnesotan suburb, launched Jebeh Cultural Consulting in August 2020, which aims to “educate the public through multicultural resources to promote positive change.” She facilitates training on the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. 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.
Our namesake honor, the Rosie Award, is given to a woman who simply gets stuff done. She is a volunteer, a silent advocate, a leader, a trailblazer and a mentor.
This year’s “Rosie” is Patrice Critchley-Menor. A woman of deep faith, Critchley-Menor works for the Diocese of Duluth and serves on a variety of local boards — all driven by the desire to help others. In fact, her love of faith and family paves the way for everything she does.
“I have been taught that we are supposed to look at everyone we encounter as if they are Jesus,” Critchley-Menor said. “So, there could be Christ the addict, or Christ the homeless. And, if you love Jesus, wouldn’t you want to help him get into treatment, or help him find a place to live?”
Critchley-Menor was nominated for the Rosie Award by
three people: two colleagues and friends, and one individual who requested anonymity. From the nominations:
“Patrice has worked for the Catholic Diocese for 25 years and continues to demonstrate her faith in action, volunteering at the many venues of CHUM, the Warming Center and other community events. She strongly believes her faith leads her to be involved in the community.”
“Patrice is a leader, mentor, creative problem-solver, and dedicated team member. She not only gets things done, but inspires others to use their gifts to make things better.”
“She has made a considerable impact on my life as a powerful witness, inspiring me to live out my faith in service to others.”
Catholicism has been a deep touchstone for CritchleyMenor throughout her life. She grew up attending Mass at
Duluth’s St. Jean’s (now Holy Family), often riding her bike alone when her parents couldn’t attend.
“I’ve always been very drawn to my faith, even as a child,” she said. “My grandparents said the rosary every day and were always thinking about God. That really made an impact on me.”
Her parents were examples of faith in action, too.
“My mom, Catherine Critchley, was a public health nurse, while my dad, Ray Critchley, was a child protection social worker. My parents were very influential to me.”
Critchley-Menor graduated from Denfeld High School, and studied broad field science at the University of Minnesota Duluth. While attending church, she learned about a job at the Diocese of Duluth. She was hired, and has been the director of Social Apostolate since 1997.
“My work is to animate the social aspects of the Gospel,” she explained. “I engage the faithful to get involved. I handle public policy advocacy, and represent the Church when people are hurting or there’s a crisis. I really believe that this is what I was born to do.”
Critchley-Menor is engaged in many other civic duties, too. In the past, she has served on the boards for Life House, Damiano Center, and Guiding Star Women’s Center.
Currently, she is vice chair of the program committee for the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition. She is a member of the Interfaith Committee on Migrant Justice. She is part of a group called Solace, which is working to bring Ukrainian refugees to Minnesota. She is the current board chair and a volunteer for CHUM. She participates on a small grant committee, called Catholic Relief Services. And she is a member of the Community Development Committee for the city of Duluth.
Critchley-Menor has been married to Dan Menor, who is an environmental engineer for Sappi, for 34 years. They share five adult children: Joey, Teddy, Billy, Rosie and Tommy. The family also has a golden retriever named Holly.
In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, cooking and playing games with her family. Dan and Patrice also attend Mass at least once a week.
Award
Critchley-Menor was surprised to receive the Rosie Award.
“It’s such a deeply moving thing,” she said. “This stuff I do is supposed to be its own reward, and it is. I just never expected an exterior type of award. I don’t even know how to communicate how much this means to me,” she said. D
The Silent Advocate Award is given to a woman who silently helps her communities and neighbors.
Tina Roberts, this year’s recipient, embodies everything this award represents. Roberts has been a social worker at St. Luke’s hospital since 1977. She also facilitates the St. Luke’s Breast Cancer Support Group, held on the first Monday of every month. To summarize her duties, Roberts simply helps people and ensures they know about all the resources available to them.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of people’s lives,” Roberts said. “I’m a person of faith, and I want to help bring hope and joy to people. We can’t always fix things, but we want to help each person’s situation the best we can.”
Roberts was nominated for the Silent Advocate Award six times by a collection of her colleagues and supervisors. Below is a snippet from one of the nominations:
“Some women help our communities in a big and grand way. Tina makes every small moment matter, especially when
no one is watching. Tina lets every human she interacts with know they matter; she sends every person she touches out into the world a little better and a little stronger.”
Lifelong advocate
Roberts is one of five children, and was born and raised in Duluth. From her earliest memories, she knew what profession she wanted to pursue.
“I always knew I wanted to be a social worker,” Roberts said. “My parents were Italian immigrants, and I always felt like I was advocating for them as a child, such as helping them with the language barrier. I have always been a caregiver.”
Roberts graduated from the former Cathedral High School and went on to earn her undergraduate degree in social work from The College of St. Scholastica. She was hired at St. Luke’s in 1977, and other than a brief period when her family moved away for her husband’s job, she has been there ever since.
Support group
In addition to her role as facilitator, Roberts also co-
founded the St. Luke’s Breast Cancer Support Group in 2002. Here, individuals battling breast cancer can gather as a group to share their stories, make connections, listen to guest speakers and learn about resources available to them.
The group is free to join, open to all, and registration is not required; participants can simply show up. Roberts was inspired to create the group after witnessing some of her patients’ needs.
“At the time, I worked in the hospital and I saw patients who had had mastectomies and lumpectomies,” she said. “Several of us thought it would be helpful for these patients to meet other women going through treatments.
“It certainly benefits the women, but it also benefits me,” she added. “It’s so uplifting.”
Roberts’ heart for people extends into her personal time, too. She volunteers as a “Meal Angel” for Loaves & Fishes, a nonprofit organization providing meals and hospitality for people experiencing homelessness.
She prepares and delivers meals to the less fortunate. Her dedication runs deep; Roberts has been doing this work for the past 30-plus years.
Roberts and her husband, Doug, a hospice nurse, have been married for almost 38 years. They have three adult children: Lia, Andy and Matthew. The couple live in Duluth’s Chester Park neighborhood with their mixed-breed rescue dog, Daisy.
The Roberts are delighted that their
children have followed in their footsteps when it comes to serving others. Andy and Matthew both work as teachers, and Lia works in public health.
“Doug and I are both service-oriented, and we’re so proud that our kids are, too,” Tina said.
In her spare time, Roberts enjoys walking with Daisy and gardening. She and her siblings also help look after their mother, who lives nearby.
Roberts did not expect to receive this award.
“I’m so grateful,” she said. “I love the idea of women being recognized for their strength. I feel like I share this award with all the people I work with, though. It’s easy to excel when you work with such a great team.” D
to run out of energy doing so.”
By Andrea BuscheThe Most Engaged Volunteer Award is given to a woman who goes above and beyond and works tirelessly in the region for the good of us all.
This year’s winner, Hibbing resident Joyce Vesel, spends a whopping 50-60 hours per week at a variety of volunteer jobs.
“I keep volunteering because I know that the people and animals I help truly appreciate it,” she said. “It’s not work to me; it’s enjoyment.”
Vesel was nominated three times this year, by friends and fellow volunteers. From her nominations:
“Fellow volunteers see her excellent leadership skills and she is an inspiration to us all.”
While giving back has long been a priority for Vesel, two serious medical events in recent years have encouraged her to do more.
Joyce
Vesel
“Joyce’s willingness to help anyone in need is amazing. She always puts others’ needs before her own.”
“She works tirelessly for the good of others and never seems
“These life-altering experiences gave me a new perspective,” she said. “I knew I had to do more to help people and animals.”
Vesel was born in St. Paul, raised in Hugo, and today lives in Hibbing. She attended the University of Minnesota Duluth and graduated with an undergraduate degree in chemistry, with a minor in math and biology.
After a few career hops, Vesel spent 24 years at Hibbing Community College, where she worked in the safety department. Later, she spent eight years at Minorca Mine as their safety manager.
In 2017, during a company physical, a spot was detected on Vesel’s lung. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with lung cancer, despite having never smoked. After having one lobe of one lung removed, she was declared to be in remission and remains cancer-free.
In 2021, she experienced another big scare. While cleaning windows at her rental property, Vesel fell off the roof, suffering internal bleeding, a broken pelvis and other injuries. After 12 days in the hospital, followed by some time in a rehab facility and recuperating at her daughter’s house — which was wheelchair accessible — Vesel finally moved back home. These two incidents would alter the course of her life forever.
“My first wake-up call was in 2017 with the lung cancer,” she said. “I guess I just didn’t follow the message I was receiving, so I received a second wake-up call. God said, ‘Change your life.’”
So, she did.
Vesel donates many hours to the Salvation Army’s Hibbing branch. Every week she picks up, packages and delivers food to the less fortunate, and also works at Salvation Army’s food shelf and soup kitchen. Around the holidays, Vesel is deeply involved in the organization’s Christmas Assistance and Angel Tree programs, often working from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Vesel also volunteers at Precious Paws Humane Society of Chisholm. She cares for cats, feeding them and cleaning their enclosures. She also handles cleaning and general maintenance for the building, and serves as the president of the board.
“I love animals,” she said. “It’s so rewarding when they get adopted and you know they are going off to a good home.”
Vesel also volunteers once a week for AEOA, shopping for and delivering groceries to home-bound residents.
Vesel is married and her husband, Ed, is a retired mine worker who currently works part time as a hospice chaplain.
Vesel has three adult daughters: Kelsey, Courtney and Kailey. She also has a 1-year-old grandson, Bentley. In her spare time, Vesel enjoys walking, reading, camping and spending time with her beloved grandson and four dogs.
Award
Vesel was shocked and delighted to receive this award.
“It’s quite an honor, I have to say,” she said. “I am usually the one who would be behind the scenes — I don’t like the limelight. But it’s good to know my volunteering is recognized and appreciated.” D
The Leadership Award is presented to a woman who demonstrates outstanding leadership by challenging, motivating and inspiring others in their field of endeavor.
This year’s winner is Tonya Loken, who works as the community relations director for Essentia Health and serves on a variety of local boards.
“I like to get involved in causes I’m passionate about,” Loken said. “I feel really blessed to do the work I do every day, and every one of the boards I’m involved in sings to me.”
Loken’s devotion to her community serves as an inspiration to others. Loken was nominated by Kala Pedersen, a colleague at Essentia. From the nomination:
“Tonya is highly respected in our organization for being a community advocate and a trusted resource for community-
facing work, while motivating and inspiring others to lead with respect, empathy and equity. She is a leader who leans into her values and is never silent about hard things.
“My personal and professional relationship with Tonya has helped shape the leader I am today. She helped me understand that leadership is so much more than a job title and instead it is continuing to show up for your community, inspiring greatness in others and choosing courage over comfort.”
Loken grew up in Zumbrota, Minnesota. As an adult, she moved to the Twin Cities metro area where she worked for 3M. After going through a divorce, Loken relocated to Duluth in 2007 with her three young children.
“I wanted to move to a community where the kids could walk to school,” she said. “Here, the neighbors embraced us like family.”
Loken worked at Minnesota Power from 2007-2015. In 2013, she earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational behavior from the College of St. Scholastica.
She was hired at Essentia Health in 2015. In her role as community relations director, Loken helps foster deeper connections within the communities Essentia serves, in areas including outreach and volunteerism.
Loken believes her leadership skills have been acquired, for the most part, by observing others.
“I have had the privilege of working with some amazing women who I look up to and have learned so much from,” she noted. “Leadership is something I definitely didn’t learn from a book.”
Besides her full-time career, Loken is involved in many other initiatives. Currently, she serves on the boards for Ronald McDonald House-Upper Midwest, Northwood Children’s Services, and One Roof Community Housing.
A previous graduate of Leadership Duluth through the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Loken now serves on the group’s steering committee. Additionally, she is a past board member and past vice-chair for Chester Bowl.
Loken finds it personally rewarding to give back.
“I can’t write a check big enough to make much of a difference, but getting involved in these organizations is one way I can help.
“The most fulfilling thing about this work is making a difference for others,” she added. “That’s what fills my cup — doing work that makes a tangible difference for others and giving others the opportunity to shine.”
Loken and her husband, Brad Flynn, who works for Minnesota Power, share a blended family which includes five kids: Ben, Sam, Eli, Brayden and Evan. The family also has two dogs, Mila, a golden retriever, and Silvi, a shepherd mix.
Loken enjoys outdoor activities, socializing, and most of all, spending time with her family.
“My favorite thing is to have all of the kids home,” she said. “We enjoy lots of gatherings with friends and family.”
She also likes traveling, trail running and boating.
Earning the Leadership Award is deeply meaningful for Loken.
“I hope it means I’ve done a good job supporting the leaders around me, and that I’m having a positive impact on people,” she said. “But, it’s really about the teams I work with, and uplifting each other. In my opinion, what makes a real leader is someone who gives others the opportunity to drive things forward.” D
The Mentor Award is presented to a woman among us who has acted as an experienced and trusted adviser to those around her.
This year’s winner, Sue DeNio, is History Day Program Associate for the Northeast Region. Here, she mentors and teaches students in grades 6-12.
DeNio described her style of mentorship in this way: “For the most part, I’m a cheerleader. I encourage the kids, ask them questions and listen. I help them find the resources to get them where they need to go.”
DeNio was nominated twice for this award: by Natalie Miller, a former student, and Theresa O’Gara, a fellow member of the League of Women Voters; both of whom are also friends. From the nominations:
“I first met Sue DeNio when I was in seventh grade while working on my first National History Day project. Since then,
she has acted as a constant mentor in my life, inspiring my love of historical research and getting me involved with political activism in the Duluth community. Sue was my No. 1 mentor throughout high school and has now become a dear friend. I have no doubt that Sue and I will stay in touch throughout life, continuing to share new History Day topic ideas and talk about politics for many years to come.”
“Throughout my 40-year career as a speech pathologist in the public schools, I have encountered many first-rate teachers/mentors, but Sue DeNio has the distinction of being the best of the best. Sue’s multiple degrees and experiences in ministry and education enable her to give sound advice to her students. Moreover, Sue’s dedication, compassion, listening skills and ability to challenge students to think critically make her an outstanding mentor.”
DeNio was born and raised in Iowa, and lived in Fergus Falls, Minnesota from 1992-2007. She and her family moved to Duluth in 2007 so her husband could pursue a career
opportunity.
Her educational path has been unique. DeNio earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation from Iowa State University, and a Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Interestingly, she is licensed to officiate weddings, and has presided over several.
Additionally, DeNio earned a master’s degree in teaching from the College of St. Scholastica. She also possesses several other certifications and licensures.
DeNio first became involved with National History Day because her children were participants.
“I got started as a parent,” she said. “A couple years after that, I was hired.”
DeNio’s job involves traveling to a variety of schools and working with students and teachers. She helps the kids select a historical topic, find high-quality resource sites, conduct research, create a thesis, and even compete. Former student Natalie Miller won first place in the nation four years ago, under DeNio’s leadership.
DeNio is involved in a few other initiatives, too. She is the co-chair of voter registration for the League of Women Voters of Duluth. She serves as an adviser for the Duluth League of Women Voters’ Youth Civic Engagement Fellowship.
She also recently published her first book, “The Stewart Women of Popejoy: Stories of Resilience,” which explores DeNio’s family history.
DeNio and her husband, Ron Henely, a retired hospice chaplain, have been married for 46 years. They have two adult children, Daniel and Sarah, and two young granddaughters. Their dog, Buddy, rounds out the family. DeNio’s hobbies include traveling and spending time outdoors.
As far as her own mentors, DeNio shared, “My mom, Carol DeNio — a teacher — was my biggest mentor. My brother reminds me we had to stop at every historical marker on family trips. And, a fellow camp counselor I worked with, Sharon Baade, really showed me the ropes.”
DeNio was humbled and honored to take home the Mentor Award.
“Having the support of the parents, teachers and students I work with has given me the ability to be the kind of mentor I am,” she said. “Every year, I am so inspired by my students.
“But the best part about it is the doorway it has opened to connect with former students, teachers and other staff members.” D
The Trailblazer Award is presented to a woman who is willing to step out and blaze a positive new path for others to follow.
ChaQuana McEntyre is the recipient of this distinct award. As an entrepreneur, leader and business owner, McEntyre has ambition to spare. She also has a big heart. All of McEntyre’s professional initiatives were created with the intent to help vulnerable and marginalized people, including women, children, formerly incarcerated men, the poor and communities of color.
“This work comes naturally to me,” McEntyre said. “I’ve lived in poverty, and as a Black woman in Duluth, I know what it means to look at problems and find solutions that are workable.”
McEntyre was nominated by her close friend and business associate, Deyona Kirk. From the nomination:
“ChaQuana is a true trailblazer in our community, in the
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community. When she sees a gap or need, she strategizes and begins working and having critical conversations regarding solutions. She has always had a heart for fathers and children, and the businesses she has created reflect just that. ChaQuana does not run from adversity; she problem-solves it. She is an overcomer and generational curse-breaker. ChaQuana is and always has been a trailblazer!”
McEntyre was originally from Gary, Indiana. She, her mother and her two younger sisters fled to Duluth to escape an unsafe living situation when McEntyre was just 11. The family lived at Safe Haven Shelter for a time until they got on their feet.
McEntyre returned to Gary for part of her high school years. She moved back to Duluth eight months after graduation. McEntyre was a young mother; she had her first child, Malik, when she was just 18.
After taking her generals at Lake Superior College, McEntyre earned an undergraduate degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She later earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She also received a certificate in the alcohol and drug program from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
McEntyre worked in a group home setting for a time, and was eventually hired at St. Louis County, where she worked for the Department of Children & Family Services. She started her first business, Proven Solutions, in 2009.
“Proven is an organization I started to help non-BIPOC individuals who are caring for BIPOC kids through fostering and adoption,” she explained. “We offer hair and skin products, plus training on how to use them.”
McEntyre started another business, Family Rise Together, in 2012.
“Family Rise Together is a nonprofit that addresses gaps we are experiencing in Duluth,” she noted.
Its four programs focus on economic development, mental health, housing and growing kinship connections. Family Rise Together serves BIPOC individuals, men who were formerly incarcerated, families and children.
Currently, McEntyre is in the process of forming Building 117, a business incubation hub in downtown Duluth. And she was named the new president of the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) in January.
McEntyre is the proud mother of four children: Malik, Kaheem, Nevaeh and Ameera Jo. She also enjoys a special relationship with her ex-husband’s daughter, Tatiana.
Faith is very important to her. She is a part of The Potter’s House, a nondenominational Christian Church based in Texas.
“My church family and spirituality are a grounding place in everything I do,” she said.
In her spare time, McEntyre enjoys organizing, and sitting on the beach during warm weather. She also loves to travel; London, England and Jamaica are two favorite destinations.
McEntyre is grateful to receive the Trailblazer Award and believes it validates everything she has worked hard to accomplish.
“In a small and amazing way, receiving this award is proof that I’m in alignment with everything I said I would do in this community,” she said.
“My values have been shaped by many women who have been in my life — my mother, my grandmothers and the women in Duluth,” she added. “They’ve shaped me into the leader I am today.” D Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.
When bad accidents happen to good people. For all of your questions about th e law.° PE RS ON ALIN JURY ° ›› Stephanie Ba ll
By Janna Goerdt
When extra hands are needed to help tip rose bushes, fill planters, or bring color and life to small corners of the city of Duluth, there’s one reliable group to ask.
Flower enthusiasts from dozens of Duluth Garden Flower Society gardening clubs throughout the city have been sprucing up pocket parks in their own neighborhoods for nearly a century. Today, though many of the clubs have aging members, their efforts are going strong.
Taire Suliin is the current president of the society, recently taking over from former head gardener for the city of Duluth and long-time local horticulture expert Tom Kasper.
“These are city plots, on city land, that are run by volunteers,” Suliin said. While there are about 20 official gardens listed on the Duluth Garden Flower Society website, there are many more that are tended by the various clubs, she said.
Some of the gardens have been continuously planted and maintained since the society was founded in 1927. For example, the Duluth Heights Garden Club maintains the gardens at Pennell Park, located at Central Entrance and Arlington Avenue. The landscape of colorful annuals, shrubs, trees and grassy slopes has been cultivated since 1927, and is
Continued on page 26
named after Duluth Garden Flower Society member Minnie Pennell.
There are gardening clubs that specialize in showcasing native plants, and clubs that establish habitat for monarch butterflies. There are rock gardens and flower gardens, tiny gardens and big gardens. There are opportunities for anyone who likes to garden to chip in to make their neighborhood more beautiful, Suliin said.
Suliin lives near the University of Minnesota Duluth campus, and she helps tend a small rock garden on St. Marie Street that her neighbors brought back into bloom. She does not, however, have her own backyard garden outside of a few regular perennials that show up every year. Suliin describes herself as a Flower Society “organizer,” rather than a gardener.
“Someone has to organize the people,” she said. “There’s a lot of organizing to do.”
Membership in the various society neighborhood groups has ebbed and flowed over the years. Shortly after the overall society was founded, they counted about 1,000 members in clubs across the city. Today, some of the clubs have just a few dedicated members.
But the local clubs keep on weeding, keep on transplanting flowers and plants from their own gardens to the city lots. Each
club member pays $5 per year in dues, which are used to put on annual events like a holiday luncheon, as well as fund specific garden improvement projects like adding a bench or a trellis, Suliin said.
Drive by the society-maintained Lakeview garden at 45th Avenue East and Superior Street, or the Oregon Creek garden on Woodland Avenue, and you might see
society members weeding beds or deadheading flowers. But that’s just one portion of their work in the community.
Society gardeners also hold an annual plant sale on Memorial Day weekend in the Duluth Rose Garden parking lot, selling divided plants from their own gardens. They organize a “secret garden” tour of fabulous backyard gardens in the area each July, and continue the work of member Ray Picconnatto, known as the “Tomato Man.” Picconnatto grew and donated thousands of tomato plants to local students to spark a love of gardening.
Duluth Garden Flower Society members are also a source of experienced help for much-needed community projects.
Carol Borich of Chisholm is the president of the Lake Superior Rose Society, which has members throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Their volunteer efforts are purely focused on maintaining the Rose Garden at Leif
Erickson Park in Duluth. Rose Society members work alongside city of Duluth staff to properly prune and care for the 2,500 rose bushes in the 4.5-acre park.
But twice a year, Borich said, they put out the call for Duluth Garden Flower Society members to help “tip” the roses, which means laying the bushes down in a protective trench covered with mulch for the winter, and then easing them rightside up again each spring. It’s a huge task that must be done quickly, and many hands are needed, Borich said.
Duluth Garden Flower Society members also gather each spring to help plant the large, round concrete planters placed by the city of Duluth throughout the area, Suliin said. City crews bring all the planters to one location, and society members gather with gloves and trowels ready to fill the planters with colorful annuals, graceful grasses and trailing sweet potato vines. After everything is settled in place, city
crews move the planters to their summer locations.
Such teamwork between the city and the society of volunteer “weed pullers” works for everyone, Suliin said. The city benefits from the experienced help, residents and visitors enjoy the visual effects, and gardeners feel like they are contributing to their communities while having fun with other gardeners.
Gardeners of all ages and abilities, from all corners of the city are invited to join this century-old group of flower enthusiasts.
Learn more about the Duluth Garden Flower Society, including a list of gardening clubs that need volunteers, by visiting www.dgfs.org. D
In 1923, Rebecca Boyington moved to Duluth from Nova Scotia in the early 1900s. According to Duluth Garden Flower Society history, Boyington was impressed by the natural beauty of the Duluth area, and wanted to enhance it.
Boyington, a single mother, started holding gardening meetings in her home in western Duluth in 1923. She opened one of the first greenhouses in Duluth. A newspaper clipping showing a meeting of the Fond du Lac Flower Club shows Boyington flanked by a few dozen other gardening enthusiasts.
By 1927, the Duluth Garden Flower Society was organized and members held their first flower show. The Depression and World War II restricted activities for a time, but by 1945 the society was hosting regular flower shows once again. In 1987 they celebrated their 60th anniversary flower show, and in 1994 they helped celebrate the grand rededication of the Leif Erickson Rose Garden.
The society added the Secret Garden Tour in 1995, and joined WDSE’s “Great Gardening” public television program as phone hosts in 2010.
Today, more than two-dozen Duluth Garden Flower Society clubs are growing across the Twin Ports. Some are all-purpose gardening clubs, while others have a more specific focus, such as utilizing native plants or gardening to benefit monarch butterflies.
Socks can help.
So can spending time.
Since 2015, members of the Duluth Police Department CoResponse unit, known as CORE, have brought a compassionate element to police response in Duluth. Civilian social workers and registered nurses who follow up on 911 calls alongside Duluth police officers bring needed mental health and substance abuse skills to complicated situations.
A citizen experiencing a mental health crisis — who may be creating a public disturbance that prompts a call to the police — may not be best served by spending time in jail.
Duluth CORE social worker Jessie Metzinger recalled working with a citizen who had prompted a large number of calls to police.
“She was distraught, dysregulated, in crisis, homeless, with no services in place,” Metzinger said. “She didn’t trust anybody.”
When police responded to the scene, Metzinger was right there as well. She talked with the citizen until she agreed to get
help from the Birch Tree Center in Duluth, which provides help for adults in a mental health crisis. The police officer left to take another call, and Metzinger settled in to wait with the citizen.
“It took me the whole rest of my evening,” Metzinger said, but the client got the help she needed at that moment, and that didn’t involve spending the night in custody.
The CORE unit’s job is not to solve a mental health crisis on the spot. Instead, they try to connect that citizen with mental health, addiction or other long-term services in the community.
The Duluth CORE unit was the first to have embedded social workers within a police department in Minnesota, beginning in 2015. Since then, police departments from St. Paul, St. Cloud, northern Minnesota and more have shadowed the CORE unit to see how the program works, said social worker Megan Tezak.
“It is a growing trend,” Tezak said. “More departments are seeing benefits to having social workers on staff.”
And it seems to be working.
It’s a ‘dream job’ for social workers, mental health care for those who need it
While it’s impossible to attribute community data to any one program, Tezak said the number of referrals the CORE unit has responded to in recent years, compared to data from 2018, has dropped about 30%.
“We are absolutely less busy than last year,” Metzinger agreed. Team members believe that’s because they are having some success in moving people towards the help they need.”
“The holistic approach of enforcement, recovery, and education and prevention allows us to provide resources to those in need,” said Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa.
Each member of the CORE unit said they value the flexibility and unpredictability that comes with the job.
Several members, in fact, described being part of their unit as
their dream job.
“I like the fast-paced stuff,” Metzinger said. “I like not knowing what the day will bring, not knowing what will happen. I like trying to help people, to pave the way for their future.”
Tezak thought at first that she would enter law enforcement. But after beginning her training, she realized that job just wasn’t for her. While doing some civilian work for the Duluth Police Department, Tezak met the social worker with the CORE unit, and that clicked.
“I realized I wanted to help people in a different way,” Tezak said. “I got to intern with this unit, and it’s been my dream job. I got very lucky.”
CORE team members are not employed by the Duluth Police Department. Social worker Kalli Botten, for example, officially works for St. Louis County, and registered nurse Marissa Leonzal is employed by the Human Development Center, a private, nonprofit agency in Duluth.
“This takes time,” Metzinger said. “We have to build a rapport with people. There’s a misconception that everyone can be fixed easily. But the individual has to want the help. We can’t force them. It’s a tough balance.”
Just as the Downtown Duluth Clean & Safe Team provides a highly visible public service, with team
members outfitted in distinctive blue and neon uniforms, members of the CORE unit present themselves as a team.
Each member responds to calls wearing a police radio and dark blue jacket with “social worker” or “registered nurse” embroidered on the back. They carry either a fanny pack or a backpack stuffed with necessary supplies — everything from naloxone and fentanyl test strips for the nurses to lists of community resources and “engagement tools,” like clean socks, for the social workers.
Handing over a pair of fresh socks, or perhaps offering to take someone’s blood pressure reading, can be an opportunity to open a conversation about a citizen’s true health needs, CORE team members said.
Eight years after creating the CORE unit, the Duluth Police Department is leaning even further into the multidisciplinary approach for police response. The department recently announced that the CORE mental health team and its Substance Use Response Team will combine into a new unit,
known as the Behavioral Health Unit.
“Substance use and mental health conditions often go hand in hand,” Lieutenant David Drozdowski said in a news release. Chief Mike Ceynowa noted that the combined unit will help provide recovery support services, harm reduction services, access to mental health facilities, withdrawal management, and more to those who need help.
Combining the two teams will also foster more collaboration among the social workers and law enforcement.
“I have been a social worker for 10 years now,” Botten said. “I’ve worked in multiple areas — involuntary case management, civil commitment. Working with the CORE unit is by far the most exciting thing I have ever done, in the realm of my job. I appreciate the team I work with, and the collaboration with law enforcement.” D
Ana Kruger was 8 years old when she realized she was transgender. She came out to a couple of friends and her dad, Cam Kruger, when she was about 12.
“She may have come out to me when she was 4,” said Cam Kruger. “When asked what she wanted to be when she grows up, she said, ‘I’d like to be a girl.’”
The two laughed from their respective Zoom screens as Cam Kruger told the story. This kind of playful, honest storytelling is exactly what one can expect from Ana and Cam
Kruger’s podcast, the Transgenda.
Ana and Cam Kruger launched the Transgenda in late 2021. Ana Kruger, who uses she/her and they/them pronouns, began her social and medical transition in 2020 around the age of 18. The two shared a love of podcasts, so they decided to launch their own as a way to stay connected as Ana Kruger learned to navigate both womanhood and adulthood.
The first year of the podcast chronicled Ana Kruger’s gender transition and Cam Kruger’s experience as a parent learning how to support her. The subject matter of the podcast has
since expanded to be more “queer in general,” sometimes inviting guests to share their stories and expertise.
“Anybody who is queer or questioning or whatever can come find a safe place in our podcast, ask the questions that they might have and really find community within our space,” said Ana Kruger.
So far, their community boasts 60,000 listeners.
“When we started we expected to have nobody listen to this except maybe our close family and friends,” said Ana Kruger. “And it's been incredible to have an audience who is worldwide.”
The duo is beginning to take the show on tour, with a live show in central Minnesota and conference in Idaho. Ana Kruger has also begun to coordinate training opportunities for organizations that want to better understand the trans experience.
Ana Kruger is passionate about reaching new audiences to “advance the trans agenda, which is ultimately that we want to be heard. We want to be respected. We want to have rights,” she said.
“I think for a lot of people of a certain generation, either you’ve never really thought about trans people or you thought of them in a really negative light. … A lot of this is reprogramming our brains a little bit to undo some of the really toxic societal messages that we’ve received,” he said.
While the discussion of trans rights can trigger heated political debates, Ana Kruger hopes that in sharing her experience, she can remind people that these issues are deeply personal and have profound consequences. She said coming out as transgender was the hardest thing she has ever done in her life.
“I came out out of necessity, having struggled with suicidal incidents,” she said. “From that it was kind of a question of do I die (as) someone who the world will never know … or do I live as someone who I can look in the mirror and actually say I love you?”
Ana Kruger is grateful for the growing trans community in Duluth, which has become more visible in recent years. She specifically shouted out Trans Northland, an advocacy organization; Positively 3rd Street Bakery, which advocates for and employs trans individuals; Deep Cuts, a trans woman owned barber shop; Alseth
Ana Kruger also recognizes how fortunate she is to be supported by her father, Cam Kruger. According to the Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to ending suicide in young people who are LGBTQ, 40% of LGBTQ youth reported being kicked out or abandoned by their family due to their identity.
Because of this, during each podcast, after Ana Kruger introduces herself, Cam Kruger opens with, “And I’m your dad,” both in reference to Ana Kruger and those listening who may not have that kind of parental support.
The two hope that sharing their relationship via the podcast will not only help queer and trans people feel more seen and heard, but also help parents through the growing pains that come with having a trangender child.
“I hear all the time, ‘Oh, my gosh, my teenager is going through this thing,’ and I’m like, here’s the language. Here’s the stumbling points, and it’s OK to screw up,” said Cam Kruger. “But you also need to be loving and supporting.”
The two look forward to building their business together as Ana Kruger builds her career in podcasting and trans advocacy. Keep up with the Transgenda at transgendapod.com.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. For trans specific help, call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 for peer support. D
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 Megan KellerFor this edition of Fashions by Sam, our team went to Maurice’s corporate location in Duluth. I had connected with their team and expressed our goal and how Fashions by Sam features clothing businesses. They were excited to have us stop by. They gathered details on Sam so they could appropriately fit her with their new spring line coming out in May. We honestly didn’t know what to expect. I don’t always write an introduction for our fashion section. However, with the wonderful experience we had at Maurice’s, this warranted a story to show what it took to provide this month's Fashions by Sam.
Our team included me, Samantha Roffers (Fashions by Sam fashionista) and photographer Alex Comstock, owner of Comstock Creative. As we were escorted to the photoshoot location at Maurice’s, I can say we all were in awe at how warm
by Sam
and welcoming the business atmosphere was. I had no idea the corporate office had an actual Maurice’s retail storeroom within the building. This is where it all happens when they release a new clothing line, and where the visual presentation leads design each Maurice’s store.
Outside of this storefront, we were gracefully greeted by Cameron McCrary and Katyanna Emanuel who are Maurice’s visual presentation leads. Sam and I both looked at each other and could not stop beaming at the fact that she would be outfitted by experts in a nationwide clothing organization. Cameron and Katyanna guided us to a back room where they had built a custom dressing room for Sam, which had a bouquet of flowers and a framed “Welcome Sam” sign on a table. And to make us feel even more welcome, they made us each a gift bag of items to take home.
Next, it was time to see what Cameron and Katyanna had picked out for Sam. This was truly a treat as typically Sam and I cruise racks and she pieces the outfits together. Today, she had a professional design team which had already pieced together five beautiful outfits for the photoshoot. I can’t lie, I got a little choked up seeing how amazing this team was with Sam, and how they made her feel so beautiful inside and out. For the next two hours, I assisted Sam in each frame for the shoot, making sure she was standing in the right angle, for the right lighting, providing her with my best dance moves to demonstrate getting her dresses to dance for the camera. She and Alex then worked their magic to provide classy and quality looks to display these gorgeous outfits.
This truly was a wonderful experience for us all, and an amazing one. Kindness and professionalism were given freely throughout the entire visit. We learned more on what goes on behind the scenes before anything goes into the stores, and how it all works.
Next time you walk into a Maurice’s, stop and take a look at every rack, every display and note how the store is presented and know there is a team of people who work hard to carefully select where every piece goes in their stores. There is a true art to ensuring that this is done properly. McCrary and Emanuel are artists, and we got to see their art and passion for fashion in its full capacity.
Thank you, Maurice’s, for hosting us this month! D
1Look No. 1 is my hands-down favorite. As soon as I saw this on the rack, I knew it was going to be a winner. These pants are so gorgeous and perfect for any spring or summer occasion. You could wear these pants to baby showers, grad parties, lake days, even the office. These pants are also perfect to bring along for any tropical vacation during the winter months. The stylists paired these pants with a beautiful white knit tank, ultra comfy heels and light wash jean jacket.
By Samantha Roffers
I hope this issue finds you surrounded by warm breezes, spring flowers and green grass. As I sit next to a fire with a steaming hot chocolate and watch a late March snowstorm roll in, it is hard to imagine spring may have finally arrived by the time this issue makes it into your hands.
For this issue of Fashions By Sam, we made our way to Maurice’s headquarters in downtown Duluth. We got to play around and explore in their mock store, and I was styled from head to toe by the fantastic Cameron McCrary and Katyanna Emanuel. They had picked out incredible outfits for me to feature, and they covered everything from head to toe. They created a changing area for me and adorned my dressing room with flowers and a beautiful welcome sign.
They even sent us all with great swag bags. They made me feel so beautiful and the entire experience was full of laughs. I have always loved Maurice’s and their clothing through all walks of life. They have something for every single occasion and many different styles to fit everyone's comfort level. I left the shoot feeling so much light within my heart after working with Megan
Keller
This third outfit is really fun. I love these kitten heels with the ankle ties. It gives the outfit a fun twist and adds a youthful charm. The patterns on this dress are so vibrant, so it could be worn in any season. This dress would have no problem transitioning into your fall and winter wardrobes with its warm tones. The length of this dress is great and so fun to twirl around in! The dress is paired with a denim jacket but a sweater or cardigan would also be perfect.
2Look No. 2 is so fun and beautiful. This outfit made me want to drink champagne on a yacht in Europe. This entire look down to the neck scarf screams aquatic adventure. These skinny jeans were extremely stretchy and forgiving, perfect for all-day wear. The stylists paired the jeans with white sneakers and a striped bell sleeve shirt. This look could easily be elevated with heels and a blazer for an office look or kept casual for a great after-work or weekend outfit. Every piece of this outfit could easily be reworked into different looks, which I love.
Outfit No. 4 is so beautiful — perfect for the office. These pinstripe linen pants and blazer are perfect for spring and summer. The stylists paired the suit with a burnt orange tank, nude heels and layers of gold jewelry. These pants are very comfortable and could be worn with many different tops.
Mostpeople can agree that being a parent is tough. Being a mom — and a working mom at that — is even harder. Nobody understands that more than a group of four women working in Essentia Health’s OB/GYN department, all of whom are experiencing a baby boom.
“I enjoy all aspects of women’s health," said Courtney Meister, a certified nurse-midwife at Essentia. “I particularly love supporting and walking alongside patients through their entire pregnancy, labor and birth.”
Now, when we say “experiencing a baby boom,” we’re not only talking about patients coming in to deliver their little bundles of joy. No, we mean amongst the staff, too. In the last several months, four — yes, four — of our OB/GYN specialists had babies of their own. Dr. Haley Meyer, Dr. Kirsten Indrelie, Dr. Karin (Britta) Knutson and Meister recently gave birth and are ready to help more moms do the same.
“I think going through the pregnancy, birth and parenting experience alongside my patients helps me deeply understand their concerns and questions,” said Dr. Meyer, a mom of two. “I find it much easier to answer their questions because I’ve had the same concerns.”
Their unique experiences make them well-equipped to take on just about anything that’s thrown at them, and they’re eager to help patients, all the way from trying to conceive, through childbirth and beyond.
“Our baby is the result of a long road of infertility testing and treatments, so I have a real appreciation for the ups and downs of those journeys,” said Dr. Knutson, who welcomed her first in October. “I know exactly how lucky I am to have this beautiful baby, and I look forward to helping women who are struggling to conceive experience the same joy I have.”
This group has a range of expertise, from midwifery to fertility, gynecological surgery to obstetrics and just about everything in between.
“I think my personal experience has helped me feel comfortable providing advice about all the ‘other’ aspects of pregnancy,” said Dr. Indrelie, who had her first baby in August. “I’m happy to talk about all things related to motherhood, things like breastfeeding, postpartum changes, caring for an infant and sleep deprivation. If you have a question, I’ll do my best to answer it.”
“Being a part of the pregnancy and birth process is such an intimate and personal experience,” Meister said. “It's an honor to be involved in such a pivotal moment in our patients’ lives. At
Essentia, we truly work as a team to provide the best possible care to patients and their families.”
While helping with pregnancies and assisting with births occupy much of their time, these providers are happy to talk about managing your period, menopausal symptoms and treating all aspects of women’s health.
“I am in awe of the strength of my patients in all stages of life, and am always doing my best to support folks to make the life choices they want or need,” Dr. Knutson said. “I love supporting people in their transitions through adolescence, childbearing, hormone management and contraception all the way through menopause.”
Take it from them — these women think there’s no better place to have a baby than at Essentia. Once the replacement St. Mary’s Medical Center is complete, that experience will include giving birth and recovering in a beautiful, state-of-the-art space
that fosters comfort and privacy.
“Being on the patient side of things was a great experience,” Dr. Meyer said. “I was so appreciative of my midwife’s support throughout both of my pregnancies. I liked having the option for midwifery care as I was blessed with two low-risk pregnancies and was able to choose that pathway.”
While this group has the medical experience and training to help with your OB/GYN needs, they have real-world experience as well. And who better to care for moms with babies than, well, moms with babies?
As Mother’s Day approaches, we appreciate all moms and parents who are raising the next generation — across Essentia Health and beyond. D
The West Theatre Events
Thursdays in May & June
May 10 - The Looney Lutherans (comedy, music); May 11 - The Rocket Club Returns with Chris Hawkey (country); May 17 - Monroe Crossing (bluegrass); May 18 - Martin Sexton (rock, blues); May 24 - The BritPack (British invasion); June 1 - Chris Kroeze: An Acoustic Show (country); June 8 - Dustbowl Revival (folk); June 15 - Becky Buller & Ned Luberecki: All The Banjos Duo Tour (bluegrass). Visit thewesttheatre/events.com.
Sacred Heart Music Center Events
May 5-6 - Duluth Homegrown Music Festival; May 25 - An Evening with Jeff Slate; May 26 - Duluth Dylan Fest Singer-Songwriter Contest; May 27 - Bob Dylan Tribute Concert Featuring Infidels. Visit sacredheartmusic. org.
The Music of Living
7:30 p.m. May 5
Join the College of St. Scholastica choirs for an evening of exceptional music making at Mitchell Auditorium. Visit www.css.edu/about/ events.
Lady Prom
6 p.m. May 6
Gather up the gal-pals, dress up and dance the night away at Greysolon Ballroom, with dinner, dessert, cash bar, dance and a prom queen. Proceeds support PAVSA. Visit www. glitteratievents.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.
DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit dsso.com/ concert/copland-beethoven.
Community School. Visit facebook.com/ secondsaturdaymarketplace.
Depot STEAM Festival
10 a.m. May 13
This community event focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Denfeld DNA and 3-D Robotics will be there with mechanical magic. There will be a mix of hands-on stations, displays and demonstrations. Visit www.facebook. com/events.
Foreigner
7:30 p.m. May 9
Foreigner brings 40 years of rock favorites with their “The Greatest Hits Tour” at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit decc.org/event/ foreigner.
BHC Auxiliary Jewelry and Purse Sale
May 19-20
DSSO Masterwork VII
7 p.m. May 6
The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra presents Copland and Beethoven in the
Duluth Junk Hunt
May 11-13
More than 125 vendor booths at the DECC Arena will offer an array of all things vintage, antique and repurposed. Visit www. duluthjunkhunt.com.
What She Said Festival
May 11-13
The Duluth Playhouse’s annual new play festival celebrates female-identifying playwrights and directors from all over the country. The selected plays are then brought to life by local actors and directors at The Underground Theatre. Visit duluthplayhouse.org/underground-theatre
Nice Girls of the North Marketplace
May 13 & June 10
This arts and crafts marketplace, full of beautiful, unique work with a wide variety of handmade items, will be held at Spirit of the Lake
This 26th annual event will be held at Somers Hall on the CSS campus, featuring costume, vintage and fine jewelry gently used at great prices. Benefits Benedictine Living Community Residents. Call or email for details: 320-267-4034; sheilawaverekamo@ gmail.com.
Festiversary 2023
May 20
Bent Paddle Brewing Co. celebrates 10 years in business with this annual street festival, featuring live music, food trucks, games and family friendly activities. Visit bentpaddlebrewing.com/festiversary.
Duluth Dylan Fest
May 20-28
Celebrating Duluth’s “native son,” Bob Dylan, this annual festival is eight days of activities in Duluth, Hibbing and Superior. Visit duluthdylanfest. com/duluthdylan-fest-2023.
This awardwinning play takes you inside the mind of Christopher, a 15-year-old autistic boy who is under suspicion for the death of his neighbor’s dog and determined to solve the mystery of who really did kill their dog. Visit duluthplayhouse.org/norshor-theatre.
Annual Plant Sale
8 a.m. May 27
Find great deals on all things plants and garden from the Duluth Garden Flower Society’s annual fundraiser, held at the Rose Garden parking lot of Leif Erickson Park. Visit dgfs. org.
Superior Porchfest
6 p.m. Thursdays
Held every other Thursday (June 1, 15, 29, July 13, 27, Aug. 10, 24, and Sept. 7), Superior Porchfest is a free, family-friendly music and art festival and multiple locations through Superior. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic and enjoy the show. Visit www.superiorporchfest.org.
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Always Patsy Cline
This musical play about the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with fan Louise Seger, complete with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’ unforgettable hits. Visit boatclubrestaurant. com/productions-theater.
employment
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It’s 3 a.m. and you’re stressing about money…again. We’ve all had an impulse purchase we’ve regretted or something we’ve forgotten to take into account when figuring out the budget for the month. But how can you cope with the deeper, darker feeling like you’re failing with your finances?
Remember, financial anxiety is just a feeling. Though it may be valid, it isn’t an insurmountable challenge. Most of the time, a little mindfulness and confidence is all you need to help you turn your feeling of helplessness into a situation you can manage. Granted, it’s easier said than done. With social media pressures presenting picture-perfect lifestyles and our own perceptions of what people have and how they afford it all, it can be an additional burden.
Above all else, money is simply a tool. It’s easy to forget that when we wrap so many other emotions and contexts around it. Strip away the hype around money and it’s easier to cope. Think very seriously about money, budgeting, finances, financial goals, etc. Does it freak you out? If you have a fearbased reaction, you might be stuck in a very passive mindset when it comes to money. This can lead to increased anxiety and muddled thinking. A healthier approach would be to respect
money, not fear it. Respecting money is a more active, in-control mindset. You work hard to earn it, you want to make sure you are using it mindfully and intentionally.
So, you’ve thought about all the ways money can stress you out and how you can take an active approach to your mindset to lessen the stress. Before you start dealing with the anxiety, give yourself credit for being anxious about your finances. If you weren’t bothered, you wouldn’t be bothered to look at it critically. A little worry is healthy — it helps keep you sharp and guards against complacency.
Next, focus on the positive and confront the fears. List the positives you have going for you financially. Even if it’s just the idea that you’re willing to work on your situation, it’s still a step in the right direction. Then, go to the worst-case scenario. “What would happen if X came to pass?” What would you do? More importantly, how realistic is it that X happens? Talk yourself through how you could handle your worst fears. There are always more options than you may think.
Take control and make a plan. Put a budget down on paper and use it as a guide on how you have spent money. Don’t feel bad when you see spending patterns which are less than ideal. Use it as a budget as a map and re-route your spending where you can. Are there areas to cut back or swap out? Subscription
TV, unused memberships, grocery bills and food expenses more than they could be? Get creative and shop around. Budgets should be dynamic — sometimes you have to adjust as
situations change. Keep evaluating your spending and your budget as time passes.
Get an emergency fund going. Even if it’s just a small amount at first, build savings into your budget so you can see “wins” as you save up. It’ll also take the edge off of some of your worst-case scenarios since you’ll be building a cushion to land on, if needed.
After you see where you’re at financially and where you’re going to, talk it through and ask for help. Educate yourself on areas you are unsure of. Meet with a credit counselor, financial advisor, insurance rep — whoever can help you shore up your knowledge and make you more confident. If you have a partner, share your feelings with them, even if you keep your finances separate. If they don’t know that you’re struggling with this anxiety, they can’t help you through it and assist with your plan to get it under control. Finally, get a little perspective from someone you feel has control over their finances — chances are they’ve struggled in the past and they may have tips to help you.
As you go forward in this process, do not feel guilty or shame yourself. We all are our own worst critics and beating ourselves up over money mistakes in the past doesn’t do any good. Continue to learn and measure yourself against your goals. The ultimate way to tame financial anxiety is to challenge yourself to be better than you were before you started on this financial journey, one step at a time. D
Annie Lepper is vice president of operations/marketing for Minnesota Power Employees’ Credit Union (MPECU).
The Doobie Brothers
7:30 p.m. June 20
The Doobie Brothers will bring their signature rhythm and harmonies style to Amsoil Arena with their 50th Anniversary Tour. Visit decc.org/event/the-doobiebrothers.
Pardi in the Park
5 p.m. June 23
Country singer Jon Pardi performs with several special guests at Bayfront Festival Park. Visit decc.org/event/ jon-pardi-2023.
Newsies Jr.
June 23-25
This 60-minute version of the hit Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film, will be performed at the Duluth Playhouse. Visit duluthplayhouse.org/family-theatr
Hippo Campus with Miloe and Papa Mbye
6:30 p.m. June 24
Minneapolis indie rock band Hippo Campus will be joined by Miloe and paps mbye at Bayfront Festival Park. Visit decc. org/event/hippo-campus-2023.
Bluey’s Big Play
June 28
The Emmy-winning Australian’s children’s television series is brought to the state at the DECC’s Symphony Hall for two shows. Visit decc.org/event/deccpresents-blueys-bigshow.
Flo Rida
5:30 p.m. June 30
Bringing all his chartbusting hits, Tramar Lacel Dillar, aka Flo Rida, will perform at Bayfront Festival Park. Visit decc.org/event/flo-ridatwista-2023.
The Guess Who
7 p.m. June 30
With special guests Kiss the Tiger and FenixDion,
The Guess Who will perform at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit decc.org/event/deccpresents-the-guess-who
Manypeople live with the ongoing risk of developing blood clots. This is especially true for those who have had a heart attack or valve replacement surgery. If nothing is done to prevent blood clots from forming, they live with an increased risk of stroke and other heart issues.
To reduce this risk, these people typically take anticoagulant drugs. The most common anticoagulant is warfarin (Coumadin). This medication is extremely effective, inexpensive and has been used with proven success for decades.
But there’s a catch.
“Warfarin doesn’t play well in the sandbox, if you will,” said St. Luke’s Anticoagulation Management Program Nurse Jackie Wichlidal, RN.
St. Luke’s Anticoagulation Management Program
The dosage of warfarin a person needs for the drug to remain effective at preventing clots is fairly affected by lifestyle factors. This includes diet, activity, medications, supplements, sleep and stress. That means whenever these factors change, a patient’s warfarin dosage must change to maintain effectiveness.
That’s where St. Luke’s Anticoagulation Management Program comes in. This team of four nurses and a pharmacist works closely with more than 900 patients. They monitor patients’ ongoing lifestyle changes and adjust warfarin dosages to ensure effectiveness.
“We don’t want patients to base their lives around how much warfarin they’re taking,” said Wichlidal. “So, we instead stay in communication with them so we can adjust their warfarin dosages as needed.”
For patients new to warfarin, the team focuses on education and ensuring that each person’s dose is calibrated to their lifestyle. Ongoing check-ins help patients know how to adjust their dosage when they are sick or have any lifestyle changes.
These check-ins are done by phone. This is especially helpful for patients who spend part of the year in warmer climates.
“Even if a patient lives somewhere else for six months a year,” said Wichlidal, “we still provide them with the same care and service.”
This one-on-one support is a primary reason the clinic thrives, said Lora Lee Chiaverini, RN. She has been with the program for 17 years.
“We build long-term, trusting relationships with people,” she said. “This helps us effectively manage their dosages.”
The program recently expanded its care with the addition of Pharmacist Tyler Hassel, PharmD. This approach, combining the expertise of nurses and a pharmacist, makes St. Luke’s unique among anticoagulation programs nationwide.
Hassel joined the team in summer 2022, after graduating from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and
completing his residency at St. Luke’s. As a pharmacist, he monitors medications, potential drug interactions and transitions of care. If a patient has an upcoming surgery, for example, Hassel works with the primary care physician to pause their warfarin usage and resume the medication when safe to do so.
One of his first projects was to develop and implement an electronic system to support the team’s efforts. This system works by immediately flagging medication changes for warfarin users within St. Luke’s. For instance, if a patient visits the Emergency Department or Urgent Care and starts a new medication, an alert notifies the Anticoagulation Team.
“The first thing I do every day is pull up that report,” Hassel said.
If he spots any interactions or changes, he works with the nursing team to reach out to the patient. Their warfarin dosage can be modified right away, long before they’re at risk for a clot or bleed.
Chiaverini finds this approach especially effective. “It ensures our patients’ warfarin is dosed on an individual basis, safely and in a timely manner.”
Patients with medication questions can call the team anytime.
“We are a lifeline — a really good resource,” said Wichlidal. Talking with patients every day is her favorite part of her job. “They share their lives with us, the good and bad. If they’ve been sick, on vacation or just had a granddaughter, we get to hear about it.”
Patients appreciate the team, too — sending emails, cards, and even Valentines to show gratitude for their support.
To learn more about this service, visit slhduluth.com/anticoagulation. D
Summer has arrived. It’s the perfect time of the year to join friends and neighbors for an outdoor gathering. Whether hosting a barbecue or a night around the campfire, this DIY serving tray makes moving drinks and food from one room to another much easier. It also can serve as a conversation starter with your guests.
Wooden board, paints, paintbrush, drop cloth, ruler, painter’s tape, handles, screws, drill and someone who knows how to use a drill.
I visited a local craft store and found these two boards that looked like perfect serving trays. I also loaded up on paint colors and brushes, and found two different types of handles that would pair nicely with the boards. The brown handles with the metal accents provide a rustic look, while the black handles offer a more modern look.
First, protect your working space with a drop cloth or vinyl tablecloth. Next, spread your materials out and decide how to design your board. I wanted the narrower board to be cheery, so I chose bright colors.
For the first design, I put strips of painter’s tape 3 inches apart in a diagonal pattern. Then I painted the separate sections of the board with various colors. The painter’s tape gave me the freedom to apply paint generously. Then I let the board dry for about an hour.
Once the paint was dry, I removed the painter’s tape and painted the remaining sections white. For a perfectionist personality, put painter’s tape over the first sections you painted. Or use a steady hand and a smaller paintbrush along the different colored edges.
Once the board is completely dry, measure both ends and mark with a pencil where you want the drill holes to go for your handles. Finally, drill the holes and secure
the handles. If you are not handy with a drill, which I am not, find someone to do it for you.
The wider board will be used to move s’mores ingredients from the kitchen to the fire pit. I wanted a more rustic look to match the outdoorsy theme, so I chose neutral black, gray and brown colors. This board was easier to paint because I didn’t use painter’s tape to make a design. Once the paint was dry, the drillmaster got to work and fastened in the handles. Design your serving tray any way you want by choosing your board, handles and colors. Using painter’s tape, the possibilities for designs are numerous. One option would be to make a monogram board. To do this, put painter’s tape in the shape of the first letter of your last name and tape it on the board in the position you desire. Then paint the board. Once dry, remove the painter’s tape and paint the letter with a different color. However you decide to design it, this DIY serving tray will be a helpful tool for moving drinks and food from room to room, adding style to your gathering. D
Sponsored by:
Blue skies and longer days are finally here! Sloane has been soaking up all the time she can get outside. We have a saying in our house, “Dirt can be washed off and clothes can be dried. Get outside and be a kid!”
Have fun, go explore all the great things our community has to offer. We visited the Aquarium recently and two hours just was not enough time to experience it all! We could have spent two hours in the treehouse slide and with the water tables alone. :)
Museum exhibits
Educational programming. Family events. The St. Louis County Depot is a welcoming space for all. Follow us on social media or visit our website to find all there is to experience inside this wonderous building. ExperienceTheDepot.org or “St. Louis Count Depot” on Facebook & Instagram.
Explore more than ever at the Zoo. See and learn about over 300 animals in indoor and outdoor habitats. Meet two rescued brown bears, talk with a parrot, and even hang with a two-toed sloth! At the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, there’s something for everyone. We believe the Zoo is a place for all people to have close-up experiences with animals that create connections with wildlife and action toward conservation in our region and around the world!
FRIDAY
5:00-8:00 pm*
Super Glow Skate Party! *Free light stick with each paid admission!!
Fun For All Ages!
8:30-11:00 pm
Adult Night Ages 18+ Only!
College Rate With ID
$8.99 + Rental $9.95 + Rental $8.95 + Rental
Summer Camp registration now open
It’s time to plan for summer! Summer day camps meet on-site and use the Aquarium exhibits, grounds, and community parks to learn about our natural world. Join us for a summer of caring for animals, celebrating Lake Superior, SCUBA diving, and more! Find the full schedule and register early at www.glaquarium.org.
Mary McFadden was born in Canada in 1874 to Irish immigrant parents. The family moved to Graceville, Minnesota when McFadden was young. Her mother passed away while giving birth to her 13th child when McFadden was 17 years old.
A year later, McFadden enrolled at the University of Minnesota, according to Zenith City Press. There is no record of her graduating, so it is unclear if she received her degree, but by the time she was about 24, she was working both as a reporter for the Minneapolis Times and a stenographer at the state Capitol.
In 1903, McFadden moved to Duluth and became the first full-time female reporter at the Duluth News Tribune. She worked her way up at the News Tribune from writing uncredited reports to authoring her own weekly column. She eventually became associate editor and then editor of the paper.
McFadden let her personality and political views shine through in her writing, often sharing poetry and opinion pieces. She was vocal on many prominent issues of the time, women’s suffrage being her primary subject.
Though her views on women’s rights were progressive for the time, she did support eugenics and stood against interracial marriage. She took issue with the fact that Black men were
granted the right to vote before white women.
By 1909, McFadden was a lobbyist at the state Legislature and the legislative committee chairman of the board of the Minnesota Woman Suffrage Association, according to Zenith City Press. Her efforts helped win the formal support of the State Editorial Association.
McFadden campaigned for women’s suffrage all over the state, leaving Duluth for St. Paul around 1912. There she became owner and editor of The Courant, a monthly magazine in which she continued to promote her views. She refused advertisements from businesses that didn’t pay women a living wage.
In 1915, McFadden moved to Europe to work as a war correspondent, writing about women’s experiences in Belgium and Germany. She returned to the United States in 1916, and by 1920 had moved to New York City, working as a freelance writer and poet.
She faded into relative obscurity in her later years, living in the bohemian artistic neighborhood of Greenwich Village in New York City. She died in 1944 of a heart attack. Her death was noted in the New York Times and newspapers in both the Twin Cities and Duluth. D
SALAMI ROSE, MOZZARELLA, TOMATO WITH BASIL APPETIZER
Per skewer:
3 thin slices Salami, Italian dry salami and/or Genoa Salami
2 pearls Fresh mozzarella
2 leaves Basil, fresh
2 Cherry tomatoes
Drizzle Balsamic reduction/glaze
3.75-inch Appetizer skewers - one per appetizer
Lay 3 thin slices of salami slightly overlapping and fold in half horizontally. Roll tightly from the short end into a “rose” floral shape and secure by pushing an appetizer skewer through the lower third.
Add to each side of the salami rose: 1 bay leaf, 1 mozzarella pearl and 1 cherry tomato.
Place on a serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic reduction/glaze prior to serving.
This recipe yields 1 cup which is enough to dress a family-sized salad and marinate two pounds of chicken tenders in the following recipes.
⅔ cup Olive oil
⅓ cup Red wine vinegar
2-4 cloves Garlic, sliced in half
4 Tbsp. Basil, fresh, finely chopped or 2 frozen cubes home preserved*
1 tsp. Mustard, dry, finely ground OR bottled
Dijon mustard
1 tsp. Black pepper
½ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper
Place all ingredients into a jar with a tight sealing lid and shake until incorporated.
*See kitchen tip
Continued on page 56
MARINATED VEGETABLES
1 cup Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
½ Red onion, sliced thin
½ Cucumber, diced
½ cup Fresh mozzarella pearls
¼ cup Prepared basil vinaigrette dressing/marinade*
Place vegetables and cheese in a small bowl, pour dressing over and lightly toss. Set aside while you prepare the chicken tenders.
Other salad ingredients:
Spring mix greens
Balsamic reduction/glaze
2 lbs. Chicken tenders
½ cup Prepared basil vinaigrette dressing*
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place chicken tenders in a medium bowl, pour basil vinaigrette over and lightly toss. Set aside to marinate 20 minutes.
3. Place tenders on a foil-covered baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside if serving the
chicken warm, or refrigerate if serving cold.
4. Assemble salad: Place mixed greens on a platter and spoon marinated mixed vegetables and mozzarella cheese mixture over greens. Place whole or
sliced chicken tenders on top and dress with additional ¼ cup of basil vinaigrette dressing. Drizzle chicken with balsamic reduction.
Enjoy! D
*See dressing recipe on page 55.
Harvest basil from a kitchen plant, garden or purchased share and follow this preserving method for recipe ready fresh basil at your convenience.
• Wash, spin and thoroughly air dry basil on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
• In batches, finely chop in an electric chopper, food processor or use the multi-blade herb scissors.
• In a bowl, place finely chopped basil and generously add enough olive oil to coat.
• Pack into ice cube trays.
• Add additional olive oil to each cube as needed.
• Freeze overnight.
• Remove cubes from trays.
• Place cubes in an airtight, freezer safe container, jar or freezer bag.
• Date and store in the freezer.
• Ready for use in dressings, marinades, hot or cold pastas, bean dishes, pestos and soups.
• For best quality, use within 4-6 months.
Your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and their team are ready to assist you in making the best decisions for a healthy mouth and lasting smile. We have a wide scope practice to offer, including:
•Dental Implants
•Wisdom Teeth Extraction
•Corrective Jaw Surgery
•Financing Available/CareCredit
Serving the area since 1969
Recipes starting on page 54.
THEWOM AN TODAY 2023
