The Woman Today Aug/Sept 2021

WOMANthe today

Laura Muus

Photographer shares her journey from Peru to the Northland

• How journalism led four women’s career paths

• Take a ride with Jessie Limberios

• Learning, celebrating Ojibwe women’s history

• Recipe Remake; Keepin’ it sweet

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PROFILES

6 Renee Passal

Lisa Neitzel

Melinda Lavine

Connie Wirta

A Journey in Jounalism

11 Haley Cope

Collaboration, conservation with Lake Superior Zoo CEO

16 Jessie Limberios

A need for speed

20 Learning, celebrating Ojibwe women's history

24 Finding their niche: Emigrants make their homes in Northland

28 Three women share their creative gifts with world

33 Empowered Women

38 ARTcetera

34 Arts and Events Calendar

40 St. Luke’s

42 Fashions by Sam FOOD/NUTRITION

WOMAN the today

GROUP PUBLISHER

Neal Ronquist

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Rick Lubbers

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Megan Keller

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Ali Carlson

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Renae Ronquist

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Julie Schulz

CONTRIBUTORS

Alison Stucke

Andrea Busche

Andrea Vivanco

Angela Leidall

Cindy Cieluch

Comstock Creative

Dan Williamson Essentia Health

Esther Piszczek

Joanna Kuperus

Karleen Tjepkama

Lisa Neitzel

Molly Ovenden

Renae Ronquist

Renee Passal

Samantha Roffers

Sue DeNio

TO OUR READERS

Hello, readers!

Hello, fellow readers! It’s hard to believe that August is already here. I don’t know about you, but this has been a jam-packed summer filled with so many things to do and places to see. I think this was one of the hottest summers I have seen in a long time. Now that August has arrived, school is on the minds of many people. Parents are preparing their kids for the upcoming school season, college students are getting settled into their new homes, and the educators of our community are busy as always coming up with new programs to expand the learning in all fields of education.

This was such a fun issue for The Woman Today team to put together. Four amazing women shared their journey with us on how journalism led them to the careers they have today. We then hopped down to the Lake Superior Zoo to have a visit with Haley Cope to learn how the past year has gone since she accepted her role as CEO.

Michele Hakala-Beeksma, who is a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, shared the historical role of women in Ojibwe culture. After that, we took a spin with local stock car driver Jessie Limberios, who shared her love for the sport that has captivated her since childhood. This is just a snippet of what we have in store in this issue. Our community is filled with extraordinary women and our goal is to share their stories with you. We appreciate all of your story recommendations; please keep them coming. They can be sent to magazines@duluthnews.com. Thank you for picking up this issue of The Woman Today, see you in October!

Megan Keller Advertising Director

Tom Krob/Shooter Guy Photos St. Louis County Historical Society

A Journey in Journalism

Four local women pursue careers in media, business and beyond

By Andrea Busche

For those with a background in journalism, the list of career options is seemingly endless. From writing and reporting to business and entrepreneurship, the knowledge acquired through the study of journalism can open many doors — for those with the curiosity to knock.

Today, we share the unique stories of four local women with backgrounds in this profession:

Renee Passal, who has a degree in broadcast journalism, is a reporter/anchor for WDIO-TV. For many local residents, watching Passal report the news is part of their daily routine.

Lisa Neitzel earned a double major in broadcast journalism and political science. She was part of the team that started WDIO's “Good Morning Northland” program, and was at WDIO for

nearly seven years before leaving to work for an advertising agency in town. She worked as an account manager for almost 10 years prior to starting her own business, Surge Communications, in 2011.

Melinda Lavine, who majored in English and communications, is a features reporter at the Duluth News Tribune. Her main areas of focus include human interest, home, faith, health and food stories, along with movie reviews.

Connie Wirta, who has a degree in journalism and public relations, worked for four daily newspapers, including the News Tribune, for over 27 years. Wirta retired from Essentia Health’s marketing and communications department April 9, 2021.

All four women have successfully used their knowledge of journalism in a variety of ways. And, they each have some advice to impart to anyone looking to enter the field.

Renee Passal

Passal explained a bit about her highly visible career.

“I help generate stories, write them, sometimes shoot them, and then share them with viewers during the 5 p.m. show,” she said. “My work also airs at 6 p.m. and sometimes 10 p.m. Plus, I post stories on our website and social media platforms.

“I also help produce the 5 p.m. show, which means I am part of gathering the stories and placing them in a particular order throughout the day,” she added. “My beat is the Iron Range, and I cover

Renee Passal anchors the WDIO news broadcast from the DuLooper bus in 2020.

mining, shipping and general stories up there.”

When it comes to advice for others, Passal shared: “Be curious. Take classes in political science, math and science. You'll need those to tell good stories. Get good at asking questions, but in a non-confrontational way. Ask people, ‘How do you know that?’ Be genuine when you're building relationships; that's what makes this job so fun. Be honest and upfront with people. Be empathetic, and try to look at things from other people's perspectives.

“Finally, be accountable when you make a mistake. Then learn from it.”

Continued on page 8

Above: Renee Passal, husband Aaron, and children Weston and Elliot enjoy a day on Brighton Beach in 2019. Left: Renee Passal conducts an interview while aboard one of the Tall Ships in the summer of 2019.

Renee Passal

Neitzel said of her business: “I am the owner/president of Surge Communications, Innovations & Online Services, a fullservice marketing, advertising, PR and online services agency. My amazing team and I serve many clients — from bigger corporations to small businesses and nonprofits.”

Neitzel offered a few tips for up-and-coming journalists.

“I was lucky to be working in the journalism industry at a time when I had a team of co-workers to do the producing of the shows, shooting and editing for reporting, camera and teleprompter, etc., for the news. I see a trend that has been happening for a while where reporters often shoot and edit their own stories, and anchors produce their own show. My advice is to be prepared and learn it all while in college so you can meet the current needs of the industry.

“And also, keep in mind that there are really no ‘normal’ hours in broadcast news — it’s early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays, too. That was the main reason I decided to go into advertising and PR when I did — I wanted my schedule to be more like the typical 9-5 workday.”

Lisa Neitzel

Right: Lisa at the anchor desk at WDIO.

Bottom left: The 2021 Skyline Rotary Changing of the Guard celebration. Lisa and Surge help with communications for both Skyline Rotary and the larger Rotary 5580 District.

Bottom right: Lisa enjoys spending time with family and visiting friends.

Lavine told us about her role at the News Tribune.

“My job duties include planning my content, interviewing sources, going on shoots with photographers and digital producers, writing, working my stories and occasional photos up for our websites, and posting the Duluth Media Group’s content to my Twitter account. On the digital side, I occasionally record video that accompanies my stories, and I’ve helped record the Lifestyle Report for our ‘DNT Minute’ podcast.

“But, a lot of this is about being in the community,” she added. “Keeping my eyes and ears open for what’s going on and the people behind it.”

Regarding advice for new journalists, Lavine said: “Get as much experience as you can in different areas of journalism. I interned as a photographer, news and features reporter at my college TV station and, at my college newspaper, I was an editor/page designer, columnist and reporter. If we had a radio station, I would’ve tried that, too. This laid a solid foundation for my career and figuring out what interested me. Also, the concepts I learned are still present in what I do today.

“Follow your curiosity, and always pack a second writing tool,” she added. “And ask for help when you need it.”

Continued on page 10

Bottom left: Melinda Lavine interviews members of Ghostbusters North on June 3, 2021. The local group of "Ghostbusters" fans appear in parades and parties, and donate all of their proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House.

Bottom right: Melinda Lavine tries her hand at rock climbing during a February 2019 interview with the North Shore Vertigals, a local group of all-female identifying climbers who teach and share the love of the sport. Their mission: "to unite female (cis and trans), trans people of all genders, and gender non-conforming climbers of the Twin Ports."

Melinda Lavine

Melinda Levine

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE HALL

Connie Wirta

Most recently, and up until her retirement, Wirta was an editor and communications specialist for Essentia’s Vision Northland project.

“I was responsible for both internal (employee) and external (community; some media requests) communications,” she explained.

“I developed a communications plan and did a variety of writing such as press releases, advertisements, website copy and memos. I also worked on videos, informational meetings for employees and the community, and events.”

In her newspaper days, Wirta worked as a news reporter, feature writer and in a number of assigning editor roles. She was metro editor at the Evansville (Indiana) Press, where she ran the newsroom under the managing editor and editor. At the News Tribune, she was an assistant city editor and then features editor.

“I worked on Essentia’s communications team for the last 13 years and had a variety of roles, including the website, a magazine and brand journalism before working on Vision Northland,” she said.

Reflecting back on several decades in journalism, Wirta generously offered some useful advice.

“The best journalists I have known are curious and committed,” she said. “They see their work as a calling. They understand the responsibility they have to their readers and the community they serve.”

“My other advice is to read good writing of all kinds because it makes you a better writer. The only way to get better at writing is to write, and then write some more.”

What they Love

Each of these four women have used a background in journalism to achieve their individual, and varied, career dreams. When it comes to their favorite parts of the job, their answers differed, too.

“I love being out in the field and meeting people who are passionate about what they do,” Passal said. “Then, it's like putting together a puzzle. You take their input and interview,

combine them with visuals and some creative writing, to make an interesting, informative or even entertaining story for people. I am still learning every day on this job. And that's what makes it so interesting! The Northland is a special place, and I'm very proud to be a part of it.”

“I love working with people,” Neitzel said. “I love to see business owners and nonprofit organizations succeed and grow, with help from Surge. I also love to network, and these

networks have helped me in many aspects of new business development.”

“As a reporter and writer,” Wirta said, “my greatest privilege was sharing people’s stories with readers. I loved interviewing people, earning their trust and then doing my best to tell their stories.”

reporter) and Christa Lawler (arts and entertainment) were among the reporters who met with me. At the end of our talk, I asked them what they loved about their jobs. Sam said, ‘People invite you into their sacred space.’ Years

later, when I shifted from editing to writing full time, I knew what he meant. And, I still know.” D

BE: TRENDY WITH DESIGNER FRAMES

And, Lavine shared her perspective through a story.

“When I came to interview for an editor position at the News Tribune,” she said, “Sam Cook (now-retired outdoors

“The best journalists I have known are curious and committed. They see their work as a calling. They understand the responsibility they have to their readers and the community they serve.”

~Connie Wirta

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

Collaboration, conservation with Lake Superior Zoo CEO

By Molly Ovenden

Haley Cope

Two moments led 31-year-old Haley Cope to her role as Lake Superior Zoo CEO.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” Cope said.

Her kindergarten class took a field trip to Lake Superior Zoo. When visiting the brown bear exhibit, she said, “the bear just came up to the glass” scaring all the parents and exciting all the kids. From then, she visited zoos whenever she could.

~

At 16, Cope visited St. Paul’s Como Zoo gorilla habitat.

”I was just leaning in and I had put my hand up and one of the gorillas was sitting there and he put his hand up to mine and it was like, it was a life changing moment,” Cope said.

Now, she works to foster empathy between humans and animals, creating intimate interactions for guests to connect with animals like she did.

Collaboration

What Cope called a unique “mosaic of experiences” and multifaceted career path across public and private sectors in marketing and communications prepared her to be CEO.

She jumped at the opportunity to work at the zoo, first as marketing director in January 2018, then, as CEO since August 2020.

Cope keeps regular office hours to discuss staff concerns and new ideas. As Director of Business Operations and Staff Photographer, Hannah Beal works alongside Cope daily.

“Haley maintains an open mind, and gives all staff a voice in our operations,” Beal said.

Cope said: “It’s important for everyone to have a seat at that table and I feel that now that I have one, I want others to be right there along with me and to see everyone be a part of that change.”

“Her leadership style has improved communication within our organization and made staff feel like they are part of a larger team,” Director of Education, Sarah Wilcox said.

Cope anticipates ongoing conversations, nationally with senior leaders about increasing diversity in leadership to represent the communities where the organizations are located.

Conservation

“We want people to know how much we participate in the conservation aspect,” Cope said, considering the animals members of her own family.

Visiting the zoo with Cope, she demonstrates genuine care for the animals. Greeting each by name — African bullfrog, Cucumber; American black bear, Syke, Siberian lynx, Felix — Cope asks how they are, she praises them, like an affectionate mother. She mentions species facts to nearby guests, sharing an animal’s story of how they came to live at the zoo.

The Lake Superior Zoo is one of 241 facilities worldwide, accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

With regular inspections and accountability, accreditation plays a significant role, promoting animal welfare, ethical veterinary practices, ongoing education and mentorship and maintaining adequate staffing.

“We do not go into the wild and take animals and bring them back to the zoo,” Cope said. “Our animals are either rescues where they could no longer survive in the wild on their

Continued on page 14

Korbel, a 48-year-old parrot, is Haley Cope's "older and wiser mentor."

own or they are born in protected care … at a zoological facility.”

Managed through the Species Survival Plan, the Lake Superior Zoo provides a safe home for 30 participating species, “ensuring that those animals are here for generations,” Cope said.

Community

A lifelong learner, Cope promotes regional zoo education programs to over 20,000 people annually. Education will always be a cornerstone of the zoo’s mission.

Zoo to You subscription boxes came out of the pandemic. Sixty families subscribed, receiving monthly education resources with animal keepsakes, like Leo the lion’s shed fur, exclusive digital content and learning activities.

Summer camps paused in 2020, but opened this year, filling immediately.

Zoo mobiles also paused, but in Fall 2021 will resume visiting nursing homes, schools and events, providing

Right: Watching Kiwi, a black crested mangabey mom, Videll the dad, and baby T'aami, Lake Superior Zoo CEO Haley Cope gasps, giggles and celebrates how the zoo's newest addition leaps and climbs around their habitat.

Bottom:

Haley Cope checks on the black crested mangabey family at the Lake Superior Zoo.

opportunities for people to learn about and connect with nature, animals and other wildlife, and how to make a difference to animal welfare and a positive environmental impact.

“Our animal care staff are the heart of the organization,” Cope said.

They’re currently working on choice and control training with education ambassador animals. Tying into animal welfare initiatives, if animals don’t want to go on a zoo mobile trip, they don't have to. Clover and Dandelion, two of the zoo’s guinea pigs, love getting into their travel crates.

Brothers and regular Lake Superior Zoo visitors, Ian, 9 and Elliot 6, Eastvold love the zoo.

“It’s a good hangout place with friends,” Ian said.

They’ve both learned lots at the zoo including, “how harsh the life in the wilderness is for animals,” Ian said.

Elliot loves “seeing the wolves and hearing them howl,” he said.

With the passing bonding bill in 2020, Lake Superior Zoo will fund renovations of the main building, improving educational spaces and playscapes.

“Being a mom in Duluth in the cold, freezing depths of winter, we're looking for indoor things,” Cope said. The zoo can be another inclement weather indoor option for families.

“I’m just excited for the future and the possibilities of this new main space to be able to bring a really great experience to the neighborhood here in West Duluth,” Cope said.

For Elizabeth Dixon, Guest Experience Manager and Special Events Coordinator, Cope is not the first CEO she’s worked with. Dixon said, “One thing I can say for certain, is that with Haley at the helm, we’re definitely moving forward.”

There will be lots to celebrate in 2023 when the Lake Superior Zoo turns 100. D

Fun Facts about Haley

Current Reads: Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” and Kim Scott’s “Radical Candor,” help build healthy relationships and improve communication. Success stories inspire Cope in Grace Bonney’s “In the Company of Women.”

Favorite Animals: Baby Táami, black-crested mangabey monkey, born in May 2021; Alaskan brown bears, Tundra and Banks, mischievous orphans raised by Lake Superior Zoo after their mom was killed; and parrot, Korbel. A double-headed yellow Amazon, the oldest and maybe wisest, animal in the zoo, Cope loves spending time with her.

Favorite Quote: “The art of moving forward lies in understanding what to leave behind.” — Seth Godin

Personal Goal: After her grandma’s passing in January 2020, Cope continues practicing living in the moment, cherishing time with her most important people.

Favorite Places: Other than the zoo, Cope adores the North Shore and Park Point, feeling Lake Superior waves, exploring trails and new places with her husband and son.

Words of Wisdom: Cope encourages young people to let go of insecurities, accept imperfections and “embrace who you are and you’ll find your place.”

Molly Ovenden is a Duluth freelance writer.

A FOR NEED

By Andrea Busche

Jessie Limberios is cruising through life full throttle. The Poplar resident is making waves as a female pure stock race car driver at Superior’s Gondik Law Speedway. Eager fans can catch her racing, under No. 131, every Friday night. She explained a bit about that deeply personal number.

Jessie Limberios peeks over her shoulder before entering her stock car for a heat race at Superior's Gondik Law Speedway.

“My racing number is 131,” she said. “My dad was No. 31 my whole childhood, and still now, I obviously couldn't steal his number. So, that's what drove me to picking No. 131.”

In addition to her passion for racing, Limberios has a very full life as a business owner, wife and mom. Together with her husband, Angelos, she owns and operates the Superior location of Kosta’s Gyros.

INSET: Limberios races at Proctor Speedway.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOM KROB, SHOOTER GUY PHOTOS

SPEED

Much like her racing career, the business remains a family affair. Her father-in-law, Konstantinos “Kosta” Limberios, retains ownership of the Hermantown branch, and her brother-in-law, Apostolos Limberios, owns the west Duluth location.

Limberios, 28, has greatly enjoyed marrying into a lively Greek family. In addition to all that delicious food, “there is a

lot of music and dancing,” she noted with a laugh.

Early introduction to racing

Limberios’ father, Tom Treviranus, has long been involved in racing on the local circuit. She realized at an early age that she, too, enjoyed not only the adrenaline of racing, but building engines and working on cars, as well.

“My dad taught me about racing and the mechanicals, and we worked in the garage every day of my childhood,” she said.

Limberios also found a helpful mentor in the form of Kevin Talbot, a Proctor resident who took several young people under his wing to teach them about cars and racing.

“Kevin was into the mechanics of drag racing. He taught me how to build and work on cars, and how to build an engine,” she said.

Despite living in rural Hawthorne, Wisconsin, Limberios made the long drive to Proctor two nights per week throughout high school, in order to learn more about cars.

Continued on page 18

Jessie Limberios

Career trajectory

After graduating from Northwestern High School, Limberios attended Northwood Technical College (formerly Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College), where she earned her certified nursing assistant license. She worked in the medical field for seven years until her son, Konstantinos (“Little Kosta”) was born, three years ago. After that, she made the professional transition to working in the family’s restaurant business.

In addition to running the Superior restaurant, Jessie and Angelos operate a Kosta’s mobile food truck, too. And, they enjoy using it to give back.

“Every year, we bring the gyro stand down to Viola, Wisconsin, to sell gyros during hunting season opener,” Limberios said. “The money is donated to a program called Shop with a Cop, where cops take low-income kids shopping. This will be our fifth year doing that, but Kosta has been doing it much longer.”

Racing

While she has been involved in racing her entire life, this is Limberios’ very first season as a race car driver herself. As

noted, she races in the pure stock class, and is currently the only woman doing so in Superior.

She explained a bit about her race car.

“My car has a Monte Carlo body, and the engine is a 305,” she said. “It looks like a normal street car from the ’80s.”

Logos for her sponsors, which include Kosta's Gyros, Mikrot Logging (owned by her brother-in-law), and Trev-Trev Trucking (her parents’ business), are prominently displayed on her car.

Limberios’ family remains deeply involved in the racing community, too. Her father, brothers and uncle are fellow race car drivers. And her mom, Christine Treviranus, comes to the track every Friday night to keep an eye on little Kosta while his mom is occupied.

“Even if I come in dead last, it’s fun,” she said. “I enjoy the family time — in the pits, hanging out.”

Limberios regularly maintains her race car herself, with a bit of help.

“I can pull a tranny out. I can pull pistons out. I’m a good laborer, but I’m not necessarily the brains of the operation,” she added with a laugh. “There are a couple things I may not know how to do. My dad will tell me what to do, and then I have to

Jessie Limberios puts on her gloves and will attach the steering wheel before a race at the Gondik Law Speedway.

do it. I get no special treatment because I am a girl. Along with my dad, another good family friend, Matt Budnick, helps me out a lot.”

Goals

At this point, Limberios isn’t focused on setting any records on the race track. She enjoys racing in order to learn, spend time with her family, and have fun. But she did mention one particular goal. “My only goal this year is to beat my brother, Danny,” she said with a laugh.

When she isn’t working or at the track, Limberios enjoys the simple life.

“I would say I live a pretty boring life,” she said. “I’m either working on my race car, my house, or the business. I just want to have a simple, happy life. Family is very important to me, and we have a very tight-knit family. If I died tomorrow, I’d be very pleased with my life.”

Advice

Limberios has some useful advice for other women looking to enter the world of racing, and it all starts with listening and observing.

"I would say get in and get your hands dirty," she said. "Even if you don't have a mentor yet, just hang out at the garage or racetrack. There is always something to learn." D

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

Learning, celebrating OJIBWE WOMEN'S HISTORY

By Molly Ovenden

Michele Hakala-Beeksma is a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. She’s on the Board of Governors and American Indian Advisory Committee for the St. Louis Historical Society, while also working full time for the 1854 Treaty Authority.

History has always interested Beeksma and she has a desire to educate the public about Ojibwe history and culture and correct common misconceptions.

“The more you know and understand about each other (will) build up the level of respect” as well as help with issues of stereotypes and racism, she said.

With the Historical Society, Beeksma advises on the portrayal of Ojibwe history and ensures the correct wording is used in education and exhibits. Recently, she’s created resources inspired by local teachers’ requests for guidance with Ojibwe-themed lessons. These learning guides are available to the public on the St. Louis County Historical Society website.

“They’re meant to be widely shared,” Beeksma said, reflecting on how fun they’ve been to create.

The 1854 Treaty is what ceded the Arrowhead region, spanning across the Duluth area, into Pine County, north toward International Falls, vaguely bordering Highway 53 and eastward to Grand Portage.

The treaty ensured that tribes reserve the right to hunt, fish and gather.

“It wasn’t a right given to them, it was preserved,” she said.

With conservation officers and a large resource management division, the 1854 Treaty Authority regulates the treaty and various aspects in the natural world, including animals, aquatic plants and invasive species, and wider environmental issues, like climate change.

Continued on page 22

TRANSFORMINGJOINT REPLACEMENT WITH MAKO ROBOTIC ARM ASSISTED TECHNOLOGY

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Photographs by Ivy Vaino which are part of the St. Louis County Historical Society's Lake Superior Ojibwe Gallery at the Depot in Duluth.

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For Ojibwe women, environmental issues involving water are important since their role has always been as water keepers since water gives life and women are life givers, their babies surrounded by water in the womb.

Traditionally, songs and prayers are offered to water in daily life, but also in sacred times, like the Full Moon Ceremony, which honors women’s connection to water they sing, pray, heal and honor spirits together.

Part of preserving the right to hunt, fish and gather involves educating younger generations of Ojibwe, teaching outdoor skills. Children’s programming incorporates Ojibwe culture, too.

“We’ve always got those Ojibwe elders coming in, talking about traditional methods and how to do things in a spiritual way,” Beeksma said.

Historical role of women in Ojibwe culture

Even though Ojibwe women generally had a calm demeanor, their quiet observation “is not to be mistaken for being weak,” Beeksma said.

“Women always had a strong role within the community,” Beeksma said.

With councils for women, men, elders and youth, they’d discuss issues and if they wanted to take action, they’d need a consensus from the other councils, also.

Women were in charge of fishing,

berries, maple sugar and wild rice, and the wigwam home “was her domain,” Beeksma said.

“Women have always been warriors,” she said. They fought alongside their husband and after he died, they’d usually take his place, avenging his death.

“There is a saying within Ojibwe culture that ‘we aren’t defeated until the grandmothers are defeated,’” Beeksma said.

Part of honoring strong women is honoring elders within the community.

“To us (elders) are very highly spiritual beings … like dignitaries,” she said.

The Ojibwe word for “elders,” “gichi-aya'aa,” even has respect built into the language; it means “great being.”

Celebration events

The American Indian Advisory Committee and Historical Society at the Depot offers space for non-Natives to learn and ask questions without fears of offending. In recent years, they’ve hosted events to celebrate Native American history with drums, traditional Ojibwe food and speakers teaching about Ojibwe history and culture. Events at the Depot are free and open to the public.

“Really the goal is to get accurate, respectful information out there,” Beeksma said.

The Fond Du Lac Band also has various events throughout November at Black Bear Casino Resort that are open to the public. They display historical items and Native dance troupes perform.

While November is officially National Native American Heritage Month, Jill Doerfler, department head of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth, advised against waiting until then.

Red jingle dress and men’s ribbon shirt, made by Michele Hakala-Beeksma, for an exhibit highlighting the issue of Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women.

"Ojibwe

Women," dated 1856-57 is a painting by Eastman Johnson from Grand Portage, MN, featured in the St. Louis County Historical Society's art collection.

The American Indian Community Housing Organization and the Fond du Lac Reservation Cultural Center & Museum are great starting places.

“The Tweed Museum of Art always has American Indian art in their Nelson case,” Doerfler said.

Doerfler also suggested reading books by local American Indian authors like Linda LeGarde Grover, and to watch the TV show ”Rutherford Falls.”

Doerfler suggested that students pursuing careers in education, social work, medicine or law would benefit from studying American Indian history, especially if they anticipate working with or for American Indians.

“It is not offensive to want to learn more about other cultures, American Indian or otherwise,” Doerfler said. “For more than a hundred years, the lack of representation and accurate information in the American educational system and popular culture has created and perpetuated problematic stereotypes.”

Education can minimize misconceptions and stereotypes.

In the Ojibwe culture, Doerfler said, she believes it’s “equally important for students to understand women’s historical roles in American Indian cultures as it is to understand our roles today and see the changes and continuities across time.”

Last words

American Indian peoples are not an old culture, but one that’s present today.

“We have vibrant contemporary communities,” Doerfler said.

“We’re still here,” Beeksma said, “We’re still a culture. We’re still evolving. We’re a living culture.”

Continuing education opportunities

• Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College offers an Associate of Applied Arts degree in American Indian Studies, which has transferable credits for further study in higher

education.

• The University of Minnesota Duluth offers a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major and minor in American Indian studies through the College of Liberal Arts.

• The University of Wisconsin-Superior offers a First Nations studies minor through its Human Behavior, Justice and Diversity Department. D

Molly Ovenden is a Duluth freelance writer.

Finding their niche:

Emigrants make their homes in Northland

By Molly Ovenden

Whatdoes it feel like to leave your family, your home country and your native language to live in America? Are the streets really paved with gold? For immigrant Laura Muus, 28, of Grand Marais, and Joanna Kuperus, 44, of Cloquet, educational pursuits and learning English brought them to America, and even to northern Minnesota.

Maybe the streets aren’t paved with gold, but they are paved with opportunity for these two women. Both have found empowerment through community, motherhood and their own photography businesses while they’ve made their home up north.

Laura Muus

From the oceanside region of Callao outside Peru’s capital, Lima, Laura Muus’ mother was a teacher and her father served in the Navy. Their hard work made private education possible. Healthcare was available, too, through the Navy’s provision for their enlisted service people and families.

Muus’ parents opened doors “to be able to have a better quality of life,” she said.

One key, Muus said, “was the opportunity to learn a second language, which was learning

Laura Muus, a South American native from Peru, has adapted well to Minnesota and loves calling Grand Marais home, along with her husband, Jacob, and son, Matteo.

English,” something Peruvian schools emphasize in kindergarten through college.

With Lima’s centralized government and commerce, Muus’ family’s story is like many others in Peru. Accessing opportunities for a good education and future with job security causes people to move to Lima from outlying cities and makes everyone highly competitive.

In 2013, Muus ventured to America to work in Lutsen, like her cousin and brother had done. As an international student, earning money and improving English were her goals. She returned two more winters, ultimately moving to Grand Marais for love.

She met Jacob who took her ice fishing and showed her “a side of Minnesota that I had not been able to see or experience because I was just too busy,” Muus said.

They got married in 2017.

Long-distance immigrant relationships leading to marriage are complicated, expensive and laden with paperwork, waiting and uncertainty. Before engagement, crossing the borders were scary for Muus, not knowing whether she’d be allowed back to be with her boyfriend.

People don’t understand the visa and residency process for immigration or ”what it takes, how long it takes, how much it costs,” Muus said.

Wishing people knew what it felt like to be an immigrant and unable to speak her native language, Muus said, “I have had people who get

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA VIVANCO

offended or get annoyed when I speak Spanish to other people. And that is sad.”

Muus has noticed an increase in the Latino population in Cook County since she first visited. She loves speaking Spanish with native speakers or anyone willing to practice it.

After her son was born, Muus adjusted her career to pursue photography as a business. A wedding and lifestyle photographer, she loves it all: business’ behind-the-scenes photographs or marriage proposals.

“It’s just amazing,” she said, “all the opportunities that photography is offering to me today.”

Paired with her marketing and communications education, she also manages social media accounts for local businesses, and continues to educate herself.

“Starting next year…I want those two to be my full-time jobs,” she explained.

Muus misses Peru’s fresh ocean fish for ceviche and her

favorite drink, chicha morada, made from purple corn. While she teaches her son Peruvian culture and celebrates traditions with Latino friends, Muus is proud to call Grand Marais her home.

Joanna Kuperus

When Joanna Kuperus was in school, she received pivotal advice: study English and finances to find success. While neither subject thrilled her, she followed the advice.

She attended English camps.

“I did my master’s degree in finances and banking and that definitely opened lots of doors for me,” she said. “Polish people are humble.”

When Kuperus received her degree, she collected the documents and returned to work, never expecting accolades. Educational achievements are accepted and expected, but not celebrated like in America.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOANNA KUPERUS

Joanna poses with her husband, Matt, their daughters Maja, 9, and Olivia, 6, and their Polish Tatra Sheepdog, Polar.

In 2007, Kuperus left her job at Jagiellonian University, in Cracow, Poland. Moving to Ireland, she hoped to improve her English. She reconnected with her friend Matt, now husband, who was in the military. Long-distance dating was expensive with travel costs until they got engaged. Applying for a fiancé visa, she moved to Nevada, where he was stationed, and they got married in 2010.

Emigrating to America meant Kuperus couldn’t work right away.

“It was kind of (a) shock and it hurt,” she said. “I remember that it hurt.”

The immigration process involved months of waiting for paperwork before receiving authorization for a work visa, a driving license, and immunization.

Kuperus found a job at the Las Vegas Polish consulate and loved working with Polish people, but it was short-lived. The military transferred her husband’s job to New Mexico.

Preparing for the move, she realized the job market was poor. She wanted to redefine herself and her work. An online course for photography allowed the learning journey to continue. The technical language would have challenged her, even if it wasn’t in English, yet she persevered, learning to capture beauty in photographs.

“It was good for me,” Kuperus said, “because it stretched my capability of doing more.”

In 2013, the Kuperus family moved to Cloquet.

Loving motherhood, when her 9-year-old daughter said, “I want to be like you, Mommy.” Kuperus was flattered.

When her daughter continued to say that she wanted a husband to pay for everything so she could drive around and do whatever she liked, Kuperus laughed. “It freaked me out!” she said.

She changed how she modeled womanhood to her 6- and 9-year-old girls, showing them that their mommy has a master’s degree, speaks multiple languages and actually enjoys working.

Because of her English and finance education, Kuperus said she found a job within a week.

While living in America with widespread empowerment and self-belief, Kuperus has grown in confidence.

It’s satisfying to work in finance, having a creative outlet of her photography business open on the side. She has watched longtime clients grow and change. It’s a privilege and personal experience for Kuperus, the photographer.

While she misses aspects of Poland, like the anticipation of gathering for Christmas and singing centuries-old carols, Kuperus shares traditions with her children. She is proud to be Polish and grateful for the childhood advice that brought her to America, allowing her to meet so many different people. D Molly Ovenden is a

3 women share their creative gifts with world

By Andrea Busche

Herein the Northland, we are surrounded by many talented people. Photographers, writers, gardeners, painters, sculptors, musicians, graphic designers, educators and many more creatives coexist here, dwelling under the wide and welcoming umbrella of the artist.

Today, we introduce you to three Duluth women who are following their passions in a variety of interesting ways:

Esther Piszczek, a retired attorney, is an artist, art teacher, writer and blogger.

Karleen Tjepkema, a retired teacher, is a master gardener, fiber artist and musician.

Sue DeNio, who has long worked in education, pours her creative energies into the students she mentors through National History Day. Under her tutelage, several students have gone on to become national champions.

Esther Piszczek

For Piszczek, her professional life has taken several fascinating turns.

“I am a retired lawyer,” she said. “I practiced law for 11 years before leaving it to live more creatively. For most of my legal career I was an appellate attorney. When I stopped practicing law, I began writing creatively.”

She also spent some time as a writer.

“After I arrived in Duluth in 2012, I spent a number of years writing for the Duluth Budgeteer, The Zenith News and The Woman Today,” Piszczek said. “My favorite assignments were profile articles about interesting people.”

Piszczek tells us about her current career as an artist and teacher.

“I am a fine-line pattern artist in addition to being a certified Zentangle teacher,” she said. “Zentangle is a method of fine line pattern drawing that is non-representational (i.e., it doesn’t look like a boat, a landscape or a fish).

“My medium is pen and ink,” she said. “I enjoy drawing on paper, mirrors, glass and wood. I love taking my original artwork and flipping and rotating it electronically to create mirrored repeats. I’m always surprised by the new and interesting patterns that form using this simple graphic design technique. I’ve used this process to print my patterns on fabric creating silk scarves, a dress and a skirt, both of which my niece designed and sewed for me.

“I’ve also used this technique to create stationery and

Esther's Zentangle-inspired art fabric pattern, Whirlwind, began with her original drawing on a 3.5" square paper tile. She used simple graphic design to flip and rotate the pattern and had the fabric printed at Spoonflower.com. Her niece Vivian Ayo designed and created the dress she is wearing in this photo.

origami stars,” Piszczek. “In fall 2019, I taught a Community Education class called ‘Tangled & Folded,’ where students drew a tile with me and then I turned their artwork into origami paper that we then folded together in a second class. Each student left the class with their own artwork folded into an origami star.”

Piszczek teaches introductory and advanced Zentangle pattern drawing classes through the Duluth Community Education program. Since April 2020, she has also been teaching twice-weekly Zentangle classes via Zoom. Last year, Piszczek also created and taught a pilot class called “Nia Meditation” through Duluth Community Education. She also maintains a monthly art blog: twinportsart.blogspot.com.

Piszczek’s artwork can be viewed at Duluth Fine Pianos, Master Framing Gallery in Duluth and Art on the Planet in Superior.

Continued on page 30

Top: Esther Piszczek took her original Zentangle-based artwork, which began on a 3.5" square paper tile, and used it to create stationery and origami paper. Her Diva Dance Origami ornament is based on an origami money star pattern. She has also taught her students how to turn their own artwork into origami-based ornaments.

Bottom: May You Live is an original pen-andink drawing by Esther Piszczek with calligraphy by Brenna Jordan (Calligraphy by Brenna).

To create her original piece, Surf, Esther Piszczek used white paint pen to draw on a round piece of reclaimed glass. An Arrowhead Regional Arts grant helped her to double frame this approximately 38" square piece for her solo show at Pizza Luce in August 2015.

Karleen Tjepkema

After spending 25 years in Port Wing, Wisconsin, Tjepkema now resides on Duluth’s Park Point. She worked as a teacher for many years, and also operated a bed and breakfast. She is now finding her second wind as an artist. Tjepkema’s favorite forms of art include gardening, fiber art and music.

Tjepkema tells us a bit about her teaching career.

“Teaching has always been a passion of mine, be it in a classroom of high school or middle school students or teaching a workshop in one of my favorite mediums: handmade paper, silk fusion or bookmaking.

“As a business teacher, I began my classroom teaching in central Minnesota and Colorado. Once we moved to Duluth, I taught at Central, Morgan Park, Denfeld and East, ending my career at Woodland, where I helped set up a state-of-the-art

networked computer lab in the new addition. An early retirement in 2000 gave me an opportunity to focus on an ‘encore’ career with the creation of Garden House B&B and on my artwork.

“After spending 25 years of planting and caring for numerous perennial flower beds at Garden House B&B in Port Wing, Wisconsin, I am now developing gardens at our new home on Park Point which will include some favorite grasses and shrubs,” she said.

“My artistic endeavors involve working in mediums that allow me to engage in the entire process,” she said. “This began with weaving fabric for the garments that I designed; gathering fibers for making handmade paper, books and dimensional fiber pieces; painting with thread; and now watercolors. As I sell these works, I find it difficult to let go as they become part of who I am — my children. But my purpose is not to become a commercial artist. Any sale just goes to help finance the next project.

Karleen Tjepkama's incorporates thread in her painting for a unique textural quality.

Karleen Tjepkema

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTHER PISZCZEK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KARLEEN TJEPKAMA

“Music becomes another art form, and a part of each day, as I practice the piano and clarinet,” she added. “It is an honor to be a participant in the Twin Ports Wind Orchestra at UMD and the Twin Ports Symphonic Winds.”

Sue DeNio

Sue DeNio works as History Day Program Associate–Northeast Region. National History Day is the overall national program, while an affiliate, National History Day in Minnesota, is based out of the Minnesota Historical Society. National History Day in Minnesota is a co-curricular program for students in grades 6-12 that focuses on historical research and analysis about a topic of their choosing.

“History Day is teacher-based, meaning the teacher initiates it, and as staff, I can then help assist them,” DeNio explained. “So, if a school does not provide the program, it means no teacher has decided to offer it. Of the teachers I work with, I'd say we mentor each other, with new ways to help students with skill development, topic ideas, and resource ideas.”

DeNio tells us about her tenure with the program.

“I first heard about History Day as a parent in 2001,” she said. “Soon after, I incorporated it into the gifted and talented program at Fergus Falls Middle School, where I was academic challenges coordinator.

“From 2002-2007, six student projects advanced to NHD, with one of them winning National Group Performance first place. While at National, and knowing my husband and I were

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moving to Duluth for his job, I met two students from Duluth. They were each going to attend separate high schools, but wanted to compete together, so I offered to be their coach.” This duo ended up returning to Nationals.

DeNio shared that she learns a little something from all of her students and their projects, whether they compete or not.

“I learned how Bobby Orr's innovation of the curved hockey stick impacted the number of goals scored in hockey; how the greenhouse effect was discovered in the 1800s by a woman (but never credited to her); how football helmets can be a safety item but also a weapon; how Title IX got started as a challenge to college hiring practices; and how the slave narratives of the Federal Writers Project are viewed by historians.

“I get to meet amazing students who show diligence and fortitude in such a long-term project — many are 6 months long — with 30 or more works researched and put into a project. Through it all, we can laugh together, whine together, and most of all, play off each other's enthusiasm and keep going until the project is completed.”

Inspiration

Each of these three creative women are inspired in different ways. But they all share a passion for sharing their knowledge with others.

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“I love helping my students discover their ability to create beautiful lines,” Piszczek said. “The moment when a student looks at what they’ve created and says, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I did that.’ Hearing the awe, pride and surprise in their voice and words delights my artist’s heart. My favorite, though, is when one of my student’s says or writes, ‘For the very first time, I felt like an artist. Thank you.’

“I am inspired by possibilities,” she added. “The question, ‘What if?’ motivates me. I tell my students that it is important to learn how a tangle pattern is created, and once you know that, you can do anything you want with it.”

DeNio shared: “My calling is to help teach students skills of critical thinking and research to help them in later life. I think my specialty is my excitement for the process. My favorite part of the job is when students find a resource that makes their topic real to them — a handwritten letter, a newspaper article, or an interview with an expert, that helps them see it is not ‘dry history,’ but something that affected a specific person, and has a connection with us today. That ‘aha’ moment in the student's

eyes is priceless.”

Tjepkema noted: “To me, the process of exploring new ideas and ways to share that experience are an important part of the learning process for both teacher and student. My hope is to introduce students to the basics, and from there, they broaden that experience.”

“A need to make this a more beautiful place motivates me to create,” Tjepkema added. “I hope to leave a bit of myself behind.” D

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

Sue DeNio (left) and five National History Day qualifiers — Aedea Winter, Hannah Mason, Natalie Miller, Emma Ambrosi and Anwen Winter — meet Duluth Mayor Emily Larson (center), who was also a National History Day qualifier when she was in middle school, in June 2021.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUE DENIO

Empowered

Showcase,

Stephanie Dunaiski Copywriter and Content Producer

Swim Creative is excited to welcome Copywriter and Content Producer, Stephanie Dunaiski to the team. Schooled as a journalist and a creative writer by nature, Stephanie has more than 10 years of professional writing experience under her belt and has written for everything from billboards to websites. Combined with her knowledge of content SEO and keyword research skills, Stephanie will create outstanding work both in traditional advertising and the web world. Welcome Stephanie!

Katie Sorensen Physician Assistant

St. Luke’s is pleased to announce that Katie Sorensen, PA-C, who works at St. Luke’s Surgical Associates, has been named 2021 Preceptor of the Year by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

The award honors a preceptor or instructor who demonstrates exemplary service in clinical education of physician assistant students as a mentor, role model, and furthers the image of physician assistants by exemplifying the profession’s philosophy of providing accessible, quality health care.

Congratulations, Katie!

slhduluth.com

swimcreative.com

Name of Empowered Title

Take advantage of this great opportunity to showcase up and coming Empowered Women in our new section in The Woman Today, “EMPOWERED.” This is the time to celebrate, congratulate and showcase the amazing women who work for your organization and the community every day. The Woman Today team produces eight issues throughout the year. If you are interested and want to learn more about this great opportunity, email Magazines@duluthnews.com for pricing and details!

Arts & Events Calendar

Chester Creek Concert Series

August 3-17

Enjoy the following music

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.at Chester Creek Park: “Anderson Daniels” Aug. 3; “A Band Called Truman” Aug. 10; and “Dave’s Manual” Aug. 17.

Rain date is Aug. 24. Find event information on Facebook or call 218-730-4321 ext. 2.

Bayside Sounds Concert Series

August 4-25

Enjoy the following music Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m.: “John & Andy” Aug. 4 at Hammond Park; “Woodblind” Aug. 11 at Kelly Park; “Last Call” Aug. 18 at Central Park; and “Whiskey Trail” Aug. 25 at Barker’s Island.

Earth Rider Beer Garden

August 5-26

Enjoy al fresco food and beverages on the Duluth Harbor featuring $5 Earth Rider Brewery beers, wine, and local nonalcoholic options, weekly performances by the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra and a rotating selection of food trucks and other local

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.

vendors from 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at the Great Lakes Aquarium. For more information, visit www.glaquarium.org.

Superior Porchfest

August 5 & 19

Superior Porchfest is a grassroots, familyfriendly community music event held in Superior neighborhoods: Thursday, Aug. 5, in the Billings Park neighborhood, and Aug. 19 in the East End neighborhood. Find event information on Facebook.

Celebrate our world-class Duluth bike trails with two days of actionpacked events. For more information, visit www.spiritmt. com.

Proctor Car Show and Swap Meet

August 8

Come to one of the best car shows in the area! See vehicles of all types, a big swap meet, many vendors and food options, a pin-up contest, and the music of Todd Eckard all day long. This 48th annual event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Proctor Fairgrounds. Find event information on Facebook.

GitchiGrass Music Festival

City on the Hill Music Fest

August 6-7

Established in 2015, on the shores of Lake Superior, City on the Hill Music Festival brings together people of faith for two days of fellowship and music at beautiful Bayfront Festival Park. For more information, visit www.cityonthehillmusicfest.com.

Bike Duluth Festival

August 6-8

The Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival is a chain-rattling Minnesota mountain biking event you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a cross-country spandex warrior, freeridin’ adrenaline junkie or family that craves adventure, good times are guaranteed.

• Environmental Education integrated throughout the curriculum

• Art, Music, PE, and Environmental Ed Specialists

• Small Class Sizes

• Busing from Duluth and Two Harbors

August 12-14

Presented by Black River Revue, GitchiGrass 2021 will feature 14 bands over three nights at Earth Rider Brewery Fest Grounds, 1617 N. 3rd St., Superior. For more information, visit www.earthrider.beer/taproom/music-events.

Bayfront Blues Festival

August 13-15

The 32nd annual event, one of the largest annual outdoor music events in the upper Midwest, features three days of blues music on two stages at Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park. For more information and tickets, visit www. bayfrontblues.com.

Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival

August 14

Duluth MakerSpace will host this event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3001 West Superior St., Duluth, featuring agate vendors, food trucks, open house tours of pottery and lapidary studio, and silent auction. Find event information on Facebook.

Wood City Music Festival

August 14

This Christian music festival will be held at 8:30 p.m. in Veterans Park, Cloquet, and prayed over by Cloquet House of Prayer and sponsored by Kingdom Builders Ministry. For details, visit www.facebook.com/ woodcitymusicfest.

Grill Wars 2021

August 18

Twin Ports restaurants will compete to see who has skill on the grill, preparing burgers, brats, hot dogs, ribs and more from 5-8 p.m. at Bayfront Festival Park. The event is free to attend, but there’s a charge to sample and vote. The event supports the work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland. For more information, contact Tammy Sundbom at 218-727-1549 or email tsundbom@ bgcnorth.org.

-Laura Mullen

Hoghead Festival

August 18-21

Proctor will host this annual community celebration featuring golf and softball tournaments, parade, kids games, food vendors, ped parade, street dance, Hylla 5K Race, Powerhouse Car Show, museum events, and fireworks.

‘Daddy Long Legs’

August 19-28

Directed by Peter Froehlingsdorf and starring Amelia Barr and Jace LeGarde, “Daddy Long Legs” will be performed by the Renegade Theater Company. It is based on the classic novel which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire. This heartwarming Cinderella story about a witty and winsome young woman and her mysterious benefactor has charmed audiences of all ages from Los Angeles to London. Details can be found at www. zeitgeistarts.com.

Continued on page 36

Arts & Events Calendar

Free Range Film Festival

August 20-21

The lineup for the Free Range Film Festival is heavily weighted towards animal and pet movies. In addition, local restaurant Magnolia Café will be onsite with their food truck and the neighboring Food Farm will offer farm tours from 3-5 p.m. Aug. 21. Films will be shown from 7-9:30 p.m. both days at the Free Range Film Barn in Wrenshall. For details, visit www. freerangefilm.com.

Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair

August 21-22

Don’t miss this free art festival on Duluth’s beautiful lakefront. Over 100 artists fill Bayfront Festival Park with juried works of art including jewelry, painting, photography, ceramics, metalworks, glass

and more. For more information, visit www. artinbayfrontpark.com.

Lake Superior Harvest Festival

September 11

Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association’s 26th annual event features one of the largest farmers markets in the region, live music, hot food court, artisan wares, family activities, renewable energy fair, Kiwanis kite fly and informational exhibits. The festival will continue rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 11 at Bayfront Festival Park.

Tribute Fest

August 26-28

This three-day festival, organized by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, will be held at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. The top tribute bands come together to raise funds for awareness and homeless veterans in our area. For more information, visit www.thetributefest.com.

Light Duluth Teal Gala

September 11

This Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Association event, set for 6-10 p.m. at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, features an inspirational program hosted by WDIO-TV Anchor Renee Passal, entertaining live and silent auctions, dinner and more.

Duluth Oktoberfestival

September 17-19

Duluth Superior Pride Festival

September 2-5

Events are being developed for this annual event, with a mayor’s reception at 5 p.m. Sept. 2 at the Duluth Depot, the festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at Bayfront Festival Park, and a parade at noon Sept. 5 in Superior.

AAD Shrine Circus

September 3-5

The AAD Shrine Circus is returning to the DECC Arena! Tickets will go on sale at the AAD Shrine (in Hermantown) or at the DECC Box Office (in person). You can also purchase tickets at the DECC on the day of the event as all seating is General Admission.

Enjoy cold German bier, delicious Bavarian food, authentic live music, tons of games and activities, and much more at this second annual event at Bayfront Park. Visit www. duluthoktoberfestival.com for more information.

Duluth Fall Wedding Show

September 19

This event, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Lake Superior Ballroom of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, gives couples an opportunity to meet with local wedding professionals, including catering, limousine, accommodations, music, floral, apparel, and other businesses. Visit lundeenproductions.com for more information.

ONGOING

Duluth Children’s Museum

115 S. 29th Ave. W., Duluth 218-733-7543

duluthchildrensmuseum.org

Duluth Depot

506 W. Michigan St., Duluth 218-727-8025

duluthdepot.org

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

douglashistory.org

Glensheen Historic Estate

3300 London Road, Duluth 218-726-8910

glensheen.org

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

glaquarium.org

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

lszooduluth.org

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

duluthtrains.com

The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad 6930 Fremont St., Duluth 218-624-7549

lsmrr.org

This may be the first best time you’ve had all year.

INTO THE OPEN AND AT THE GARDEN

Miller-Dwan Foundation’s signature fundraising gala, now in its 23rd year, will take place on Friday, September 17th at The Garden, anewly renovated indoor/outdoor location in Canal Park. This is your chance to dine, mingle and get out into the open.

Over the years, the Miller-Dwan Foundation has received remarkable support from individuals and businesses throughout our community –support that has allowed us to fill important health care gaps. This year will be no different. With the leadership of ARTcetera Chair Mary Kay Berarducci, we’ll join hands to support the mental health needs of people of all ages. Throughout our nation, COVID

has exacerbated life’s stresses. More than ever, people everywhere need the skills to help them cope. Together we can make that happen. With your support, ARTcetera 2021 proceeds will be used to hire afull-time, community-based Coping Skills Specialist certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. These are the same skills taught at Amberwing and the same skills that can help transform the lives of children, parents, families and anyone interested in feeling better. Already, these skills have been taught in area schools, agencies and organizations. But there’s so much more to do. Evidence-based and used all over the world, DBT saves lives.

So, believe in hope, believe in the light and come into the open. Join us for aone-of-a kind, intimate and exclusive evening where you can support the mental health of those in our region.

Evidence-basedand used all overthe world, DBT saveslives.

to their son, Ralph. In the ensuing years, afounder and aprolific public speaker things in life with wit, humor and heart.

Her unforgettable talks inspire audiences to face and conquer any obstacle—with aredefined, more accessible version of resilience and the strength that comes from knowing that we are not alone.

RESERVE YOUR ARTCETERA SEATS TODAY!

SPACE

FRIDAY, SEPT. 17TH, 2021

Brand New Venue: The Garden 425 Lake Ave, Duluth, MN

5–10PM Social Hour, Auction, Gourmet Dining Experience, Special Guest Nora McInerny

To get additional information, preview auction items and purchase your tickets today, call the MillerDwan Foundation at (218) 786-5829 or visit www. mdfoundation.org/artcetera-2021

Tickets are $150 per person.

PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“I learned DBT to help my clients. Iended up helping my marriage.”

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“Our whole family is in abetter place because of these skills.”

“These need to be taught in the classroom. They are skills you need every day.”

Ihave used my DBT skills often and even teach them to my friends.”

Holistic health care at St. Luke’s

Massage therapy and acupuncture now available

By Claire Kiger

Thehuman body has been designed with the astounding ability to heal itself. However, this ability is lessened when under stress.

“We tend to work too hard, sleep too little and have unhealthy eating habits,” said Kristina Polzin, licensed acupuncturist at St. Luke’s. “This high-stress environment makes healing difficult. Because of this, many people live in constant pain or discomfort.”

While many are able to find relief through modern medicine, some are not.

“We actually have quite a few patients who don’t respond well to medications or even surgery,” said Dr. Maricela Schnur, interventional pain management physician at St. Luke’s. “These patients need other options.”

This is why St. Luke’s now offers massage and acupuncture. These non-medicated therapies provide a more holistic approach and give patients the options they need to discover what works best for them.

Massage therapy

“Massage is much more than a way to pamper yourself,” said Megan Martin, licensed massage therapist at St. Luke’s Rejuvenation Center. "Regular care offers the body the ability to heal itself by reducing stress hormones, allowing for better sleep, increasing range of motion by reducing muscle tension, and reducing anxiety."

In addition to massage, Martin likes to give her clients additional resources that can prolong the effects of the therapy and help them feel their best.

“After a massage session, I teach my client some stretches they can do to target their problem areas,” Martin said. “I’ll also talk to them about proper posture, sleep position and daily routines that will contribute to a better quality of life.”

Martin offers a wide range of services, including chair massage, full body relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, reiki and prenatal massage.

Massage increases range of motion, lowers anxiety and encourages better sleep.

Licensed massage therapist Megan Martin works on a client at St. Luke’s Rejuvenation Center.

Acupuncture

Similar to massage therapy, acupuncture also encourages the body to heal itself. “Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system and causes chemicals to be released into the muscles, the spinal cord and the brain,” Polzin said. “These biochemical changes stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities, promoting physical and emotional well-being.”

Because this therapy addresses issues at a deep, internal level, acupuncture can be used to treat a broad range of symptoms. This includes headaches, physical pain, poor digestion, nausea, mental distress and infertility.

“Many people are scared of acupuncture because they think it’s going to be painful,” Polzin said. “But it shouldn’t hurt at all. The needles are very thin — only about the width of a single strand of hair. I like to dim the lights and use calming music to create a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a quiet time for people to reconnect with their body. A lot of people even fall asleep!”

Natural healing options at St. Luke’s

While acupuncture and massage are available at various locations in the Twin Ports, there are many benefits to receiving these services at a medical facility.

“When you come to St. Luke’s for any service, you can know that your provider has been thoroughly vetted,” Schnur said. “Anyone who practices at our facility is consistent with St. Luke’s high quality standards.”

Both Martin and Polzin practiced privately before coming to St. Luke’s, and both are excited to be partnering with this healthcare system.

“I ran my own successful practice for two years,” Martin said. “However, I found it to be a bit lonely and sometimes downright scary to be all alone. I am thrilled with the incredible support system offered at St. Luke's.”

Polzin looks forward to being established within a network of medical providers as well.

“I became an acupuncturist because I want to help people,” she said. “Working at St. Luke’s, I can connect and collaborate with other health care providers to help people in a more comprehensive way. It’s a big difference from just practicing on my own. I’m really looking forward to it.”

To learn more about each of these services or schedule an appointment, visit slhduluth.com/massage or slhdululuth.com/ acupuncture. D

Claire Kiger is a marketing specialist and writer for St. Luke’s.

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 Samantha Roffers

HelloDear Readers! I hope this article finds you in a wonderful place. It's hard to believe the way summer is cruising on by, we could definitely use at least three more months of it in my opinion. When we headed to Amazing Grace Boutique, it was a surprisingly cool July day. I was thankful for the cooler weather to help inspire some fall fashions for this issue! I love the transition from summer to fall, you still have that great warm glow to the skin and it's all about light and soft layers. I hang on to my birkenstocks until the snow flies no matter how cold it gets so I paired them with a lot of the looks. Amazing Grace Boutique is an absolutely fantastic new addition to the mall, all of the pieces are very on trend and reasonably priced. They buy their clothes from American companies which keeps the sizing very consistent. They also have a fantastic size range which includes plus sizes. Not only do they offer an awesome clothing selection, they have tons of great gifts and accessories, everything from jewelry and bags to essential oils. If you are wanting a unique piece to add to your wardrobe I would highly suggest checking them out! D

1This first look was so comfortable and versatile. The jeans had a great amount of stretch and I adore the distressed look. The top was soft and romantic, with lovely cuffed sleeves and timeless ribbed detailing. You could easily pair this with your favorite fall boots and a jacket or pair this top with work slacks. The brown bralette added a fun touch to the outfit and spiced up the open neckline. I also grabbed this comfy black and floral skirt to pair with the green top for a totally different look, again so dang versatile!

by Sam

This next look was so classy and beautiful! These tan pants were so comfortable and fun, they paired perfectly with this black blouse. You could easily throw on a blazer or black sweater and wear this to work, or pair it with your favorite flannel or jacket for a dressed down and effortless outfit. It was so comfortable, it could easily be worn from day to night.

3 4 5

This third look was the winner in my book for comfort. The material of this super long cardigan was unbelievably soft, like being wrapped in a brand new super soft blanket. I loved the melted lines and tones of this piece. It's fun and different while still maintaining a nice neutral feel. I could see myself reaching for this on a daily basis to cozy up at home. I paired it with black leggins and a white tank top but the options are really endless.

This fourth look was so fun and vibrant. I was immediately drawn to this hot pink sweater and paired it with a cheetah bag, metallic cowhide slip on shoes and ripped jeans. This look was so comfy and cute. The sweater could easily be paired with leggings or slacks for a work day look or dressed down as shown for any other occasion. There is something about hot pink that makes me feel totally fabulous!

Preserving life through routine care

By Anthony Matt

After more than three decades in the workforce, then-66year-old Cindy Macaulay, of Carlton, couldn’t wait for retirement.

“I like to garden and read and take care of the grandkids,” she said. “I was really looking forward to those things.”

With eight grandchildren, there’s plenty to keep Macaulay busy in retirement, especially considering her myriad volunteer commitments: at Essentia Health as a wayfinder, helping patients navigate the expansive downtown Duluth campus; at her church; and as a gardener at the Lake Superior Zoo. You might say Macaulay has a passion for giving following 30-plus years working for the Veterans Administration as a mental health practitioner with combat veterans.

“I’m a people person; I love to see people,” she said. “I get to see a lot of people I know through volunteering, and I just love doing it.”

The proud mom, grandma and great-grandma has received medical care at Essentia for the last 37 years. Macaulay said the relationships forged over those nearly four decades, all at one place, might be what saved her life.

After retiring in May 2016, roles reversed the following October. Macaulay was the one who needed help. During a routine checkup, her primary care provider at Essentia, Dr. Anne Skadberg, suggested Macaulay get a Pap smear after she had some irregular ones previously. That proved to be the moment Macaulay’s retirement plans were put on hold.

More testing revealed abnormalities. Macaulay then was referred to an OB-GYN, who performed a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure, which is used to remove tissue from inside the uterus. That’s when they found the source of Skadberg’s concern.

“A quarter-size growth,” Macaulay said. “It was uterine

cancer.”

Macaulay said she had no obvious signs or symptoms. She felt normal and never would have known anything was wrong if it hadn’t been for Skadberg.

“In my career, the patients who have had uterine cancer have often shown very subtle signs, so you learn you need to pay attention to the things that are just not quite right,” Skadberg said, explaining why she pursued Macaulay’s treatment the way she did.

Fortunately, it was stage 1 cancer and operable. Skadberg suggested surgery. About a month after the discovery and diagnosis, Macaulay had a hysterectomy and all of the cancer was removed.

“I could have floated when I got that call,” Macaulay said. “Dr. Skadberg’s care was wonderful, and I will never be able to say how thankful I am for her. She’s capable, compassionate and smart. I’m on-my-knees grateful for her care.”

Macaulay did not require any chemotherapy or radiation and the cancer never spread. After some routine checkups over the first few years, Macaulay is happy to report she’s cancer-free and one more routine visit away from closing this chapter of her life.

“I’m so lucky, grateful and blessed,” she said. “I’m alive and so thankful they caught it before I needed serious medical treatment.”

Now, Macaulay is using her experience to spread the importance of annual physicals and routine checkups with primary care providers.

“I would have never known anything was wrong if it wasn’t for Dr. Skadberg’s hunch, and that hunch saved my life,” Macaulay said.

Macaulay attributes Skadberg’s hunch to their longtime relationship as primary care provider and patient.

“It’s so important to get care,” Macaulay said. “Let the doctors take care of you. They care about you and they want to help you.

Establishing a relationship with them is so important, but you can only do that if you see them regularly.”

For those who have been putting off a visit with their doctor, Macaulay’s advice is to just make the phone call.

“Stay on top of things,” she said. “Sometimes it seems easier to put your head in the sand and ignore what your body is telling you. Go get the care you need and get that peace of mind that makes life much easier.”

Skadberg agreed.

“Getting to know patients over time is one of the greatest joys in medicine and is often one of the best tools we have to care for them,” she said. “It allows us to recognize when something has changed in their condition. The trust developed over time makes guiding the decision-making process easier and I hope provides comfort and peace of mind as patients navigate their health journey.”

Now, about five years later, the 71-year-old Macaulay is happily and healthily enjoying retirement. She and her husband of about 20 years are anxiously awaiting another grandchild in October.

“I’m so blessed to still be alive, and I’m so thankful for the providers at Essentia that were able to help me enjoy this chapter of my life,” Macaulay said.

Anthony Matt is the media relations specialist at Essentia Health.

Vavra family relishes lake life in Caribou Lake home

By Andrea Busche

When describing a home, the aesthetic can be somewhat subjective. Such is the case with Mark and Kelly Vavra’s new house on Caribou Lake.

According to general contractor Ken Hiukka, owner of Ken Hiukka Custom Builders, the house is a “single-level home with a walkout, and an angled garage.” The home’s designer, Heather Hiner of Hiner Home Designs, LLC, refers to it as a “rustic craftsman.” But Kelly Vavra, the homeowner, calls it “where modern farmhouse meets lake house/beach vibe.”

No matter which descriptive terms are chosen, one thing is clear: the home, aptly named “Low Tide 2.0,” provides the perfect setting for the Vavras to live out their dreams, which include a happy retirement, plenty of entertaining, and all the glorious amenities “lake life” has to offer.

The Family

When building their new home, Mark and Kelly Vavra

wanted a comfortable place to enjoy retirement. After a 29-year career, Kelly recently retired as vice president of operations at UnitedHealthcare. Mark is the vice wing commander at the 148th Fighter Wing, with plans to retire soon. The couple intentionally planned for their master suite to be on the main floor, so steps aren’t an issue in the coming years.

The couple also wanted plenty of space for entertaining, and made sure to include rooms for their adult daughters, Delaney, 25, and Claire, 22, to use when they come home to visit. With thoughts that their daughters might eventually get married, along with hopes for future grandchildren, the entire lower level was planned out to accommodate a growing family. And yet another priority is for the family dog, Hudson, a German shorthair pointer, to be comfortable. Thus, the home’s finishings were chosen with all of this in mind.

“When people come for the weekend, it’s ‘lake time,’” Kelly said. “People (and dogs) are sandy and dripping from being in the lake or boat. You can really be carefree here.”

Planning

The Vavra family previously lived in Hermantown and bought their property on Caribou Lake in 2006. At that time, there was a seasonal cabin on the property, which the family used in the warmer months while they decided whether to remodel or build new. They christened that small cabin “Low Tide,” after being inspired by a friend’s home, aptly named “High Tide,” in the Florida Keys.

The Vavras hired Economy Garages to construct a four-car, detached garage with a studio apartment in 2011 so they could use the property year-round. The space also came in handy as an office during the pandemic.

But it was only after touring the beautiful home of their friends and neighbors, Dan and Cindy Urshan (whose home was featured in the December 2019 issue of The Woman Today), that the Vavras decided to take the leap.

“By seeing the quality of craftsmanship in their home, that really solidified our decision to build here, and to use the same combination of professionals – Ken Hiukka and Heather

Hiner,” Kelly said.

The Vavras began by doing some planning.

“First, Mark bought some software — this was all his vision,” Kelly said. But then the couple hired Hiukka, Hiner and their teams, and the process ultimately went very smoothly.

“They took hours sitting with us, getting to know us, and just listening to us,” Kelly said. “And when it comes to craftsmanship, they really nailed it.”

The building process began in July 2019, and the Vavras moved in July 2020.

“We had some shipping delays during the pandemic, but it wasn’t too bad,” Kelly said.

This grand new home is named Low Tide 2.0 as a homage to the previous cabin. A framed photo of the original Low Tide hangs proudly in the Vavras’ mud room. And the bunk beds from the old home were salvaged and incorporated into one of the guest bedrooms.

Continued on page 48

Wow factor

Upon entering the 3,200-squarefoot home, visitors are greeted by an enormous wall of windows facing Caribou Lake, providing an immediate, and jaw-dropping, “wow factor.”

The vaulted, beamed, maple tongueand-groove ceiling in the great room draws the eye upward, adding an extra spacious feeling to the open concept space.

The Vavra home is set on 2 ¾ acres directly on Caribou Lake, with 670 feet of shoreline and a private swimming beach. The home was purposefully designed to take full advantage of the generous lake views.

“The sunsets here are to die for. We can watch them from the dock, boat and entire upstairs of the house,” Kelly said. “We wanted almost every room to have

In the back of the home, the spacious patio features a full outdoor kitchen with all the amenities for cooking and grilling, including a grill, fridge, granite countertops and plenty of seating. BELOW: The upstairs deck, constructed of maintenancefree synthetic decking, features wire railings which allow for a clear view of Caribou Lake.

Stone is the prominent material on the exterior, including the front entrance posts and exterior wainscoting, pavers for the driveway and rear patio and path to the shores of Caribou Lake.

a lake view.”

The Vavras certainly take advantage of everything “lake life” has to offer. The walk-out lower level provides easy access to the dock and boats, including a pontoon, jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and a fishing boat. A lovely, curved, sand beach pathway was installed by Troy Grohsman and his team at Miller Creek Lawn & Landscape. Grohsman’s team also planted native species around the perimeter of the property, and installed the paver driveway.

The couple also incorporated a large three-season porch overlooking the lake, which is accessed by the spacious upstairs deck. The deck is constructed of maintenance-free synthetic decking,

Continued on page 50

Natural wood is the prominent material on the interior, especially the tongue-and-groove maple ceilings and exposed beams in the great room and hickory cabinets in the kitchen. The wood-look vinyl plank floors add to the warm personality of the home. The spacious kitchen can seat six at the island bar and another 10 around a farmhouse table. The walk-in pantry, hidden by a pocket door, keeps clutter at bay.

Plenty of large windows in the three-season porch offer bright views of the lake.

and features wire railings, so as not to impede the lake views.

Downstairs from the deck is a full outdoor kitchen/patio, featuring a wood burning fire pit, a propane fire table, and all the amenities for cooking and grilling, including a grill, fridge, granite countertops and plenty of seating — all overlooking Caribou Lake.

In addition to the detached garage, the home also includes an attached, three-car garage, providing plenty of space for vehicles, gear and toys. The exterior features seamless steel siding and Smartside shakes.

Interior finishes

The main floor of the home features the great room, master suite, mud room, powder room and walk-in pantry. In the interest of easy cleanup, the home features ceramic tile and vinyl plank floors. And, the in-floor propane heat installed throughout is a great comfort on cooler days.

The lower level features a large entertainment room, kitchen/bar area, two generous guest bedrooms, and a large,

full bathroom. The utility room also doubles as a workout space. All of the bedroom closets feature generously-sized, built-in shelves and drawers constructed by Sam Heiken with Northland Custom Closets & Garage.

The countertops, which were selected by Danna Jablinske with Arrowhead Supply, are white quartz with swirls of gray. The kitchen is outfitted with a Wolf Subzero appliance package. And the kitchen cabinets are constructed from hickory.

Ensuring the home had adequate seating for entertaining was a priority.

Continued on page 52

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“We do all of our family’s holiday entertaining,” Kelly said. “Six people can sit at our kitchen bar, and 10 can sit at our farmhouse table, which is made of reclaimed wood.” Additional seating is also available in the lower-level kitchen/bar area.

Lighting includes a combination of pendant lighting, recessed lights, and under-cabinet lighting. Each step on the staircase leading to the lower level is also back-lit for comfort, beauty and safety.

The home features two fireplaces — a wood-burning fireplace in the lower level and a propane fireplace upstairs. The upstairs fireplace features a natural stone surround, constructed piece by piece by James Lord, a partner of Hiukka’s. Lord also did the stonework featured on the exterior wainscoting, the foundation, and on the stone pillars which support the deck. Another of Hiukka’s partners, Mike Stemper, completed the beautiful trim work found both inside and outside, including oak door and window frames.

The color scheme throughout the home includes light grays, whites and bright pops of blue. The Vavras’ daughter, Delaney, helped them select the colors. But wood and stone are another prominent aspect of the home’s aesthetic.

Designer’s thoughts

Heather Hiner provided her thoughts on designing this beautiful and unique home.

“This home has an angled garage,” she noted, “which was intentional in the design in order to create a courtyard-type feel when approaching. This also worked well with the location of an existing detached garage that was on the property.

“When entering the home, the wow factor is immediate with the tall great room wall of windows directly ahead looking out to the lake,”

Large windows in the bedroom allow the outdoors to filter in. A sliding door opens to the upstairs deck. In fact, the whole house was designed to have all living areas and bedrooms, both upstairs and down, face the lake. Bathroom counters are white quartz with gray marbling, and the master suite features a large walk-in shower.

A guest bedroom features bunkbeds salvaged from the previous home; hexagon tile makes a statement in a bathroom backsplash; and a farm-style vanity coordinates with a barndoor bath entry. The homeowner described her design vision: “where modern farmhouse meets lake house/beach vibe.”

Hiner added. “The open concept kitchen, great room, and dining area was designed with entertainment in mind. All have direct windows to the lake with access to a large deck and screen porch, allowing the indoor and outdoor space to be seamless.

“In addition,” she continued, “the master suite was located

Hiner

Hiner

The entertainment room in the lower level, decked out with a pool table, sports memorabilia and comfortable seating, also features a wood-burning stove and a spacious kitchen and bar area.

lakeside and has direct access to the deck. Overall, the house was designed so that all living areas and bedrooms both upstairs and down have lake views, with bathrooms and such tucked behind.

“The home is designed in what I would consider a rustic craftsman style, with the use of stone and wood to complement a variety of colors and materials throughout. It was a joy working with the homeowners to create their dream home on the lake!”

Contractor’s perspective

Ken Hiukka greatly enjoyed working with the Vavras to see their vision through to fruition, too.

“There is a lot that makes this home unique, including the setting on the lake, the vault in the great room, the curved windows, and the beams in the wood ceilings,” he noted.

“Also, they picked out natural stone, rather than a cultured stone. This gives the home a really authentic look.”

Hiukka said that, from the get-go, the Vavras really knew what they wanted.

“When we sat down, we went over what they wanted, and I never had to wait for their selections,” he added. “Everything just came together. They are just a really sweet, friendly couple.”

Happy homeowners

The Vavras are thrilled with their new home, where every detail was thoughtfully considered in order to accommodate the lifestyle they wanted.

“This still doesn’t feel real,” Kelly said. “Every time the kids come home,

Each step on the staircase leading down to the lower level is back-lit for

safety.

or the in-laws visit, they say, ‘This feels like a vacation.’ And I’d have to agree.” D

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

Keepin' it sweet

Preserving summer sweetcorn for those long winter months

By Renae Ronquist

The

Woman

Today

Voted Best Wine Selection

in the Duluth News Tribune’s 2020 Best of the Best Contest.

Growing up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota our summer days were always filled with hard work. Whether it was rising early to work in the fields, or picking the bounty of our gardens, or preserving the fruits and vegetables from our gardens, there was always work to be done. Working the fields was always dirty, dusty, hot and sometimes muddy from the previous night’s rain. So when I got to stay in the air conditioned house to work on preserving fruits and vegetables it was a good day!

It was a lot of work, but worth it. Our preserved food always tasted better than bought from the store. Freezing sweetcorn was a family event. We all pitched in. From picking straight from the field, to cooking and bagging.

Preparing corn for the freezer isn't hard to do, but definitely messy! Everything in the kitchen will be sticky, especially the floor! The corn kernels pop when you're cutting them off and the sweet juices fly everywhere.

Here's how our family preserves sweetcorn. Give it a try. Once you taste it you won't go back to store-bought, canned corn. D

Freezing Sweetcorn

Ingredients

9 cups uncooked sweetcorn

2 cups hot water

1/4 cup sugar

Tools

Cookies sheets

Vegetable brush

Electric knife

Measuring cups

1 Quart freezer bags

Instructions:

1. Shuck all the ears of sweetcorn. I do this part outside because it's very messy. I keep the corn in coolers as I work on the next steps.

2. Submerge a few dozen ears in the sink with cold water and start brushing the

tassle hairs off of the corn. I also cut off any bad parts that might be on the ears. Step 1

3. There are all kinds of gadgets out there to cut the corn off the ear, but I prefer to use an electric knife. It is the fastest! Step 2

4. In a large pot on the stove mix 9 cups cut corn, 2 cups hot water and 1/4 cup sugar. Bring to a boil for 3-5 min. You will see the color of the corn change to a nice bright yellow. Repeat this step of cooking batches of corn. Step 3

5. For this step you will want to have a large area to place several cookie sheets or large shallow pans to pour the hot corn into to cool down. At this point your kitchen will be steamy hot! I like to have a fan blowing to help cool the corn faster. (See page 56)

6. Once the corn is cooled enough to

handle, you can start filling your bags with the corn. I like to use a 1 cup measuring cup for this. That way I can measure appoximately how much I'm putting in the bags. For our family of four I like to put two cups in each freezer bag. Make sure to get a little bit of the juice in each bag too. Squeeze all the air out and seal the bag. I place the bags back on a clean cookie sheet to freeze them. When using freezer bags, you can store them in your freezer nice and flat so they don't take up up as much room, and they thaw very quickly for those last-minute meal preps.

10 dozen ears of sweetcorn (average size ears) = approximately 30 bags of sweetcorn (2 cups each)

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3