• Honoring and celebrating women in service
• Going out for the Fourth? See what Fashions by Sam has prepared
• DIY: Who knew rhubarb and dandelions could be so much fun!
• Easy recipes that will impress your guests
6 Misty Flynn
Master Chief Petty Officer
8 Lisa Erikson
Chief Master Sergeant
12 Sabrina Magness
Staff Sergeant
14 Samantha ‘Sammy’ Preston
Marine Corporal
16 Michelle Houston
Chief Petty Officer
18 Jackie Groshens
Police Officer
22 Marnie Grondahl
Deputy Chief
26 Women in Service: The sky is the limit
HEALTH/MEDICINE
32 Essentia
Essentia Health finds new ways to deliver health care
36 St. Luke’s
St. Luke’s is open and ready to see you FASHION
38 Fashions by Sam FOOD/NUTRITION
56 Pork Lo Mein
57 S’mores bars HOME TOUCHES
42 Hawk Ridge home fits into the hillside and highlights view of Lake Superior
52 Hermantown home gets a 1200 sq. ft. remodel
BOOKS
30 Book Reviews by Barb KIDS/FAMILY
24 Enjoy a safe and happy Independence Day
35 Word on the Street
39 Sparkler safety for kids and adults
FINANCIAL
34 Banking changes with the times DIY
40 Dandelion lotion bars
50 Rhubarb leaf bath for your feathered friends
GROUP PUBLISHER
Neal Ronquist
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Rick Lubbers
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Megan Keller
Ali Carlson
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Renae Ronquist
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Julie Schulz
• 148th Fighter Wing
Public Affairs
• Abigail Blonigen
• Alex Comstock
Photography
• Alison Stucke
• Andrea Busche
• Ann Klefstad
• Barb Plumb
• Clint Austin
• Jackie Groshens
• Jay Pugh
• Michelle Houston
• Molly Milroy
• Samantha Preston
• Samantha Roffers
• Three Irish Girls
Photography
• Will Roffers
Some of my greatest memories are from the Fourth of July. As a little girl, my older brother Matthew and I would lay out in the yard while my dad set off fireworks. We would have a bonfire, roast marshmallows and hotdogs.
To this day, I squeal like a little girl when I get to see a fireworks show. Makes me feel like a kid again. All this wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our service and military members who keep us and our country safe.
As a third generation on my mother’s side of the family, almost every generation starting in the late 1800s has members who have served in the military. Such as my Grandpa Roy Knutson, who was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. He enlisted at the age of 17 and became a parachute instructor and a member of the “Jumping Gypsies.” He made more than 60 parachute jumps while on duty in Japan. He served from 1943-1947 in the 11th Airborne division. Knutson served in World War II and the Korean War, decorated with the following honors: Asiatic Service Star, Pacific Bronze Service Star, Philippine Liberation Bronze Service Star. While in the service he was an honor guard at President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s funeral.
During Knutson’s time in the military, he met the love of his life, my Grandma Vera (Vera Kucharek). Vera left home at the age of 16 to be a nanny for extended family. At that time she met her lifelong friend, Frenchie. Soon after, the two of them became “Rosies” where she was a riveter on airplanes in Detroit, Mich. In 1943, Kucharek enlisted in the Women’s Army Aircorp (WAC) where she became a master sergeant. This is when Knutson and Kucharek met and married Oct. 4, 1946 in Greenville, S.C. After the war, they moved back to Owatonna, Minn., and became dairy farmers. The family soon grew from the two of them to plus-seven. Roy B. Knutson passed away July 8, 1989, and Vera Knutson passed on Nov. 29, 2004.
On my father’s side of the family, Fred Keller was a corporal for the U.S. Army intelligence sector from 19441947. Prior to enlisting, Fred was wed to Blanche Eleanor Lee on Jan. 5, 1944. Leaving behind his new wife and newborn daughter, Mary Ruth, he served in WWII. Once the war ended, Keller went to the Illinois School of Optometry, graduating in 36 months in 1949. Keller then returned to Mora, Minn., to raise a family with four kids until his passing on May 4, 1999. Blanche later passed away Oct. 6, 2006.
It is important to learn about our history, to understand what it took to get us where we are today. I am proud of my family, and thank them for what they have done.
In this issue you will read about many spectacular women who now live to serve and protect our communities and our country. Each has shared why they joined and the journeys they have experienced. Thank you to all for letting our team have the great opportunity to learn new perspectives on military and service leader life.
I want to thank all of our veterans and active members of the military and community service leaders who work every day to keep us safe. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Megan Keller Advertising Director
WhenMisty Flynn told her mother she was joining the Navy, her mom laughed.
When Flynn asked her what was so funny, she replied, “Misty, you don’t like to get up in the morning, you don’t like people in your face, you don’t like being told what to do. Why do you think I’m laughing?”
“She was absolutely right,” Flynn said. “All of those things were true, but all of those things were part of the problem.”
Flynn, now ranked Master Chief Petty Officer, was born on the Iron Range and raised in Duluth, graduating from Denfeld High School in 1992. She was a smart but unmotivated student who “drove teachers crazy.”
“I just had a philosophical disagreement with the concept of homework,” she joked.
Despite this, Flynn enrolled at Mankato State University with a number of scholarships. However, by the end of her freshman year, it became clear that college was not the best option for her, as poor grades caused her to lose scholarships.
“College requires a work ethic that I just didn’t have,” she said.
Feeling adrift, Flynn moved back to Duluth and picked up a couple of minimum wage part-time jobs to make ends meet.
Some months later, a friend of Flynn’s who joined the Navy right out of high school came back to Duluth on break to do some recruiting. At the same time, the Navy ship USS Estocin was in the Duluth harbor on its Great Lakes Cruise, where small Navy ships sail along the Great Lakes and visit port cities since the Midwest doesn’t have as
much interaction with the Navy.
The sailors visited the restaurant where Flynn was working and they hit it off. Flynn ended up hanging out with the crew the entire time their ship was in Duluth.
“They had this camaraderie with each other that really hit me, and that was something that I wanted,” she said.
It was after this experience that Flynn decided to join the Navy, recognizing that she needed to make a drastic change if she were to find any direction in her life.
In 1995, at 20 years old, Flynn headed off to bootcamp in Great Lakes, Ill. She started her service as active duty, and vividly remembers leaving a Duluth snowstorm for the heat and humidity of Jacksonville, Fla., for her first duty station.
“That’s where I learned humidity and I are not friends,” she said, as she was sent to medical for dehydration about once a month for her first six months.
Flynn was later stationed in Japan, and then back to the Great Lakes before being assigned to her first ship — eight years into her Navy service. Women were only allowed on ships beginning in the early 1990s, so it took some time to find ships that had availability for women sailors as they had been primarily built for men.
Since then, Flynn has served on three aircraft carriers, each with roughly 5,000 people, functioning as a “floating city.” Sailors are assigned to a ship for three years, but that entire time is not spent at sea. When in port, the ship basically functions as a floating office building.
Through her service and deployments, Flynn has been all over Europe, and to a few countries in the Middle East and the Pacific coast of Asia. She is currently stationed in Hawaii.
“The biggest thing that the Navy taught me is how big the world is outside of the bubbles that we come from,” she said.
The first time that sentiment began to sink in was after the required swim test in boot camp. Flynn recalled that many of the women who failed the test were from big cities, and many were African American.
She mustered the courage to ask her bunkmate, one of the women who failed, why she didn’t know how to swim. Her bunkmate was from a larger city where, unlike Minnesota, not everyone knows someone with a cabin on a lake. Her bunkmate’s school didn’t have a swimming pool or a swim team. The only pool she would have had access to was at the
local YMCA, and that is where the drug dealers hung out.
“That was the first time that I truly started to understand that we don’t all grow up the same. We don’t all live the same life. We may all be Americans, but we don’t all come from the same America.”
Flynn has worked her way up to Fleet Mass Communications Specialist for the US Pacific Fleet, meaning she is responsible for making sure that every Mass Communications Specialist (MC) on every ship in her area is properly trained and equipped. She oversees approximately 400 MCs across five aircraft carriers, 100 other ships, and bases from the West Coast of the United States to the East Coast of Asia.
Flynn is grateful for her incredibly supportive family in Minnesota. She has two children who grew up as Navy kids, and although it was difficult to miss significant events in her kids’ lives, she said her children are now adaptable, independent, strong, and understand sacrifice.
Citing all the ways in which the Navy has broadened the horizons of her and her family, Flynn said, “I joined the Navy because I needed something to propel me because I was stuck, but what I found in it was so much more attractive.” D
A32-year career at any one place is an impressive feat in and of itself. But Lisa Erikson’s story is arguably more inspiring.
Erikson, a Chief Master Sergeant for the 148th Fighter Wing–Minnesota National Guard, has served over three decades in what most would consider a male-dominated career track. Her military career has brought her all over the world, with positions of increased responsibility.
While Erikson has found great success in her career, she is also a loving wife, mom and grandma. She even finds the time for a few extra-curricular activities, including volunteer work and service to her church.
Erikson was born and raised in Esko, the youngest of three children. Her dad was a truck driver and her mom worked at Potlatch. Her parents instilled the value of hard work at a young age.
“We were taught a good work ethic our entire lives,” she said. “And we were also taught that family is always at the forefront of your life. Friends will come and go, but your family will always be there.”
After graduating from Esko High School in 1986, Erikson attended college for a time – first at Moorhead State, and later at the University of Wisconsin Superior. After a couple of her friends had talked to an Air Force recruiter, she decided to do the same. Shortly thereafter, she decided to enlist and left for boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in April 1988.
While she was committed to her military service, Erikson didn’t expect to make it her career.
“At that time, I intended to serve four years, but it didn’t exactly work out that way,” Erikson said with a laugh.
After graduating from basic training, Erikson attended technical training for 9 ½ weeks, where she learned to be a jet engine mechanic.
“This was a very non-traditional career for women at that time,” she said.
Erikson’s first set of orders sent her to Okinawa, Japan, where her colleagues made her feel right at home.
“They quickly took me in as their little sister. They took very good care of me, and the other women, too.”
While in Japan, Erikson met her first husband, Bob, who was also serving in the Air Force. The two married and had two sons while stationed in Okinawa – Jason, who is now 31, and Jon, 29. The family spent a total of three years in Japan, after which they were transferred to McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Wash., where they spent one year.
Both Bob and Lisa decided to end their military service at this point, and moved to Duluth after Bob got a civilian job there. Lisa also got a job –at USG Interiors in Cloquet – and while she enjoyed her job, she still felt the pull of the military.
“I met a friend, Jodi Stauber, who was in the Air National Guard,” she said. “And I missed wearing the uniform, along with the camaraderie. So, I decided to join the 148th Fighter Wing.”
The next several years included a flurry of big life events for Erikson. Her first marriage ended, and she later met and married her current husband, Jeff Erikson, who at the time owned Pike Lake Liquor. Jeff and Lisa adopted a third child, daughter Ellie, in 2002.
All the while, her military career was flourishing. Erickson was promoted to personnel flight systems manager in 2001, where she was happy to have the support of many other female staff members.
“We were all working moms,” she said. “We always had each other’s backs, and we were the support structure for each other.”
Subsequent roles included recruiting office supervisor, medical superintendent, and today’s role, chief
• Environmental Education integrated throughout the curriculum.
• Art, Music, PE, and Environmental Ed Specialists
• Small Class Sizes
Art, PE,Music,and EnvironmentalEdSpecialis BusingfromDuluthand TwoHarb
• Busing from Duluth and Two Harbors
Preschool: Fu ll an dH alfDay op tion s, Ha nds-on learning that is developmentally appropriate,
master sergeant, which she was promoted to in 2013. Erikson has fond memories of her time working in recruiting.
“My sons were both older teens, and it was so fun to watch them enlist in the Air National Guard. I was able to enlist my kids and their friends. I was proud to look parents in the eye and say, ‘I will look after your kids, and we’ll do right by them.’”
Erikson is also proud of the fact that under her supervision, the 148 th recruiting arm hit their highest “end strength” ever – at 111% enlistment.
In 2012, Erikson was deployed to Afghanistan. Interestingly, while there, she was able to witness her granddaughter, Georgia, being born – via FaceTime.
The Eriksons live in the Caribou Lake area, and enjoy hunting, skiing and golf. Their adult sons are both married, and they have three grandchildren.
Their daughter, Ellie, plans to attend the Aveda Institute in the fall, using her mother’s well-deserved GI Bill benefits. Ellie is also considering a career in the military.
Erikson plans to eventually return to college, too. Throughout her military career, she attended the Community College of the Air Force, where she earned three associate’s degrees. She is currently just one art class shy of earning her bachelor’s degree.
Despite a full and busy life, Erikson sits on a national board called the Enlisted Field Advisory Board, along with 14 other Air National Guard Command Chiefs. The team works collaboratively to resolve issues that affect our Airmen.
Erikson also volunteers every year with the ALS Blizzard Tour, along with her husband, Jeff, who is on their advisory board. The Eriksons have also held positions with the church council at Peace in Christ Church in Hermantown, where Erikson sings in the choir. Erikson is also a 2009 graduate of Leadership Duluth.
Advice for others
Erikson currently has 32 years of service with the United States military, and plans to remain there until her retirement. When it comes to a career in the military, Erikson is happy to promote the path to others.
“Take the leap of faith. You’ll never regret it. The friends you’ll make and the experiences you’ll have will be very meaningful and fulfilling. Commit and work hard, and anything is possible.” D
By Abigail Blonigen
Whilethe Army often brings to mind images of heavy machinery in the desert, Staff Sergeant Sabrina Magness has spent most of her military career in places where her feet get cold, currently stationed in Duluth.
“I have been in the desert, but more of my career has been spent in places where I’m cold and my feet are wet more than any time I’ve spent in the desert sweating,” said Magness. “It’s definitely not always what you think about.”
Magness, from the small rural town of Catawissa, Penn., never considered joining the military growing up. After graduating from high school, she got a job in the area. It was a good, steady job, but Magness found it to be unfulfilling.
“There was this voice in the back of my head that was like, you know there’s probably more you could do,” she said.
Out of curiosity, Magness went to the Army website and filled out their recruitment questionnaire. The Army was the first branch to pop into her head due to her father’s time in the service before she was born.
About an hour and a half later, with Magness still in her bathrobe, an Army recruitment officer showed up at her door.
“I was really impressed that within a two-hour
timeframe of reaching out, I had a response,” she said. “They were very interested in me, and I didn’t look back.”
In 2011, after being sworn in, Magness headed to basic training in Fort Jackson, S.C. She had joined the Army Reserve to do satellite communications, which she described as working in the field with equipment that makes internet connection possible in remote places. She was first stationed in Fort Indiantown Gap, Penn., a few hours from where she grew up.
About two and a half years later, Magness was deployed with a unit from Puerto Rico to continue her communications job in the Middle East. Her battalion was stationed out of Kuwait, and she was there for the standard deployment of nine months.
“I got the chance to learn a very technical job, and I really enjoyed it,” she said. Magness met her husband through her service, who is also in the Army. They spent about a year living in Texas and then two years in Georgia before being stationed in Duluth about a year and a half ago.
Both Magness and her husband are now active duty soldiers, she in supply and he in recruitment. The Army tries to place married soldiers in the same location, so
Magness feels fortunate there were positions open for both of them in Duluth. They expect to be in Duluth for roughly three years total before being placed at their next duty location.
She likes Duluth for its adaptability, friendliness, and that there is a lot to do year-round. She and her husband went snowmobiling for the first time this winter, and her kids love to ice skate.
“Growing up in Pennsylvania, I’ve experienced winter and snow, but it’s nothing like the winters up here,” she said.
In Duluth, Magness serves as the supply sergeant for the 612th Engineer Detachment, a different role than her previous communications position. This consists of making sure the soldiers and unit have the right equipment, doing paperwork, inventory, and planning and preparation for training events.
“It’s been relearning things I thought I knew and figuring out how to be a full time staff member instead of just weekend trainings,” said Magness of her new active duty role. “I’m an essential team member now, and I’m learning how to manage all of that and be a constant for the unit.”
Through her military service, Magness has learned a lot. In addition to technical skills such as packing quickly and efficiently, she has learned a great deal from the people she’s met and served with.
“Everyone can teach you something,” she said. “Everyone is good at something. Everyone offers some value to the team.”
She’s also learned the importance of focusing on her family when she is home, as she is the mother of 10-yearold twins and welcomed a new baby in December.
As far as being a woman in the military, Magness said she has not encountered a negative situation due to her gender.
“The military today is much different than it was even 10 years ago as far as opportunities for women,” she said, noting that all combat jobs are now open for women.
“Women are definitely still a minority, but I think the impact that we have is not diminished because there are fewer of us,” she said.
Magness said she was fortunate to have good role models both in the military and in her personal life that she never had a second thought about her ability to serve. Both she and her spouse hope to make a career out of their military service and are excited to see where it takes them next. D
Atjust 23 years old, Marine Corporal Samantha
“Sammy” Preston has experienced a more exciting life than she had perhaps expected. Born and raised on Minnesota’s Iron Range, she enlisted in the military at a young age, which expanded her horizons well beyond her small hometown community.
The U.S. Marines have provided Preston with plenty of interesting opportunities for growth and continued maturity. While she doesn’t plan to make the military her lifelong career, Preston will no doubt carry the skills and life lessons the Marines have taught her into everything she does.
Preston and her younger brother, Joseph, grew up in Virginia, Minn. Their dad worked at Minntac, and their mother was a Postmaster for the U.S. Postal Service. Preston was active in the environmental and science clubs, as well as the archery team during high school. She graduated in the class of 2015 from Mountain Iron-Buhl High School.
Preston also participated in the Upward Bound program, which supports students in their preparation to enter college. As such, she believed her next logical step was to attend college.
“I figured I should take the college route; after all, that’s what I was groomed for,” she said. “So, I attended Mesabi Range Community College for a year. But I felt like I needed more life experience. I had always wanted to do something with the military, but I was unsure of what. I was thinking about the Air Force initially, but my boyfriend (now husband) had enlisted with the Marine Corps, and I really liked how they were so hands-on.”
So, Preston decided to enlist.
Preston explained a bit about her boot camp experience, which lasted for three months.
“The first week is very disorienting,” she said. “You’re fresh in the military and still learning. You have no contact with your family, and everyone is screaming at you. But by the end of the first month, you know you’re here for a reason.
“By the second month,” she continued, “I started getting more comfortable and well- adjusted. I could talk to my
family, and began learning firearms training.
“But in the third month, it’s hard to think. You’re ‘doing drill’ the entire time, and getting ready for ‘The Crucible,’ which is a test consisting of long hikes with a heavy pack, team building, and obstacle courses – all on much less sleep.”
But she made it, graduated from boot camp, and became a United States Marine. When it came time to be stationed, Preston was asked a question.
“They ask you, ‘Do you want to be stationed on the East Coast, the West Coast, or overseas?’ My husband, Chayse, and I were already married by that point, and he was stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina, so I chose the East Coast.”
The two settled into a home off-base in New Bern, N.C., where they live with their two dogs, Oliver and Logan. Interestingly, Preston’s brother, Joseph, enlisted with the Marine Corps shortly after Preston, and is also stationed in North Carolina.
Preston’s next step was to enter the School of Infantry, followed by attending additional military training in Missouri. She ultimately became a Motor Transport Operator, which is the job title she holds today. In this role, Preston is required to know a vast array of details about military vehicles – including Humvees, trucks, buses and “7-tons” (a type of military truck) – including their serial numbers, how much weight they should carry, and how to drive them.
During her time off-duty, Preston enjoys giving back. She volunteers at least once per month for a food drive organized by the United States Marines. And, when she isn’t working or volunteering, Preston enjoys painting, drawing, camping, playing video games and walking her dogs.
At this point, Preston has served about 3 ½ years of her
four-year commitment to the Marines. Her military service will be complete as of January 16, 2021.
Chayse, who is from Embarrass, Minn., has already finished his enlistment, and chose to exit the military. His next step is to pursue a college education. Preston plans to do the same; the couple plan to eventually move to the Duluth area to pursue their post-secondary schooling.
“I’ve really enjoyed the military experience, but it’s not something I can see myself doing for life,”
Preston said. “I plan to go back to school. I want to earn my associate’s degree and then pursue becoming a dental hygienist.
Throughout my time with the Marines, I’ve done some schooling, but it’s been hard to manage both.”
Sammy and Chayse would eventually like to add children to their family, as well.
One thing is for certain: Preston and her husband are grateful to be able to use the generous benefits provided to military personnel through the GI Bill. The young couple will both have access to a cost-free college education.\
Preston would recommend military service to anyone asking for her opinion.
“I think everyone should experience the military,” she said. “Being in the Marines has taught me how to handle most situations. I gained skills I didn’t even know existed, and it gave me a lot of confidence.
“It gave me a lot more structure as a person, and made me more responsible,” she added. “The Marine Corps definitely gives you a good set of core values.
“It’s definitely worth it, hands-down. Some days are hard, but you’ll get through it.” D
By Andrea Busche
WhileChief Michelle Houston is a high-ranking member of the United States Coast Guard today, when she decided to enlist, she was a hardworking but somewhat aimless 22-year old, just trying to figure out her life. Eighteen years later, she remains in the military, and has earned many promotions along the way.
Through a life filled with structure and discipline, Chief Houston has risen in the ranks to become a top leader – her current rank is E-7 Chief Petty Officer, and she is also the Acting Command Chief for the Marine Safety Unit in Duluth. Her job title is marine science technician. Houston remains humble, however, despite her many promotions and career success.
Chief Houston may not have had a clear vision on day one, but the military certainly has a unique way of finding the “diamonds” and helping them shine.
Houston grew up in Spokane, Wash., where she lived for the first 22 years of her life. Her dad was an entrepreneur who owned an eclectic variety of businesses, including an employment service, a janitorial company and a nursing school. And her mom worked for a computer company, where she handled software sales along with administrative duties.
Houston started working for her dad at a young age.
“Every day after school, my older sister and I would have to vacuum a church,” she said. “We just hated the fact that my dad was a janitor, but it was actually quite a lucrative business for him.”
After high school, Houston earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts. At the time, she was working as a server in a bar, and wasn’t quite sure of her next step in life. Her entire future hinged on a frank question – along with some solid advice – received from her dad.
“My dad asked me, ‘What are you going to do with your life?’ He had recently taken a fishing trip on the Oregon Coast, and he had seen a Coast Guard station there. He suggested I enlist, so I did. I immediately met with a recruiter, and started boot camp in September 2002.”
Houston truly had no idea what to expect.
“Growing up in a non-military family, I didn’t even know what I was stepping into,” she said.
She was also surprised that, at the tender age of 22, she was considered the “elder” of her boot camp group.
Boot camp was held in Cape May, N.J., and lasted eight weeks. After that, she was stationed in Alameda, Calif.
Houston met her future husband, Nate Houston, an electrician, a few short months before she enlisted. The two got engaged in short order, and Houston planned a Washington wedding to Nate while living in military housing in California. Their wedding was a whirlwind, but ultimately, the two settled into spousal Coast Guard housing in Alameda.
At the time, Houston was an E-3 level seaman, working in the shipping and receiving area of a warehouse. After two years, she attended the Coast Guard’s “A” School in Yorktown, Va. Here, she was trained to become a marine science technician, which is still her specialty today. Soon, she was promoted to an E-4 3rd Class Petty Officer, and she and Nate moved to Valdez, Alaska, for her next assignment.
The Houstons remained in Valdez from 2004-2009. During this time, Houston was promoted two more times, ultimately becoming a 1st Class Petty Officer. Her next move was to Sitka, Alaska, where the couple remained for four years, followed by three years in Juneau. While in Alaska, Nate began a successful electric company of his own, and the couple had two of their three children – Gaige, now 12, and Sadie, 7.
Houston was promoted again, in 2015, to Chief Petty Officer, which required a job transfer to Duluth. The family was intrigued.
“When you’re in Alaska, people talk a lot about Minnesota,” she said. “They’re somewhat similar. But I’ve learned that the winters are much more extreme here!”
The family settled down in Cloquet in 2016, and Houston reports to work at the federal building located in downtown Duluth. Their daughter, Ember, who is 1, joined the family after they relocated to Minnesota.
Houston explained a bit about her job duties.
“My job is very environmentallybased. For instance, the ‘salties’ that come in to port – we go onboard to make sure they’re compliant, have proper documentation, and aren’t polluting the water. We visit neighboring businesses, such as CN Duluth, to check on security issues. And, if there’s a drum floating out in
the water or an oil sheen, people call the Coast Guard, and we respond to those types of calls.”
Today, Houston has three direct reports, but also oversees the readiness and performance of the entire area’s enlisted workforce.
While the Houston family misses life in Alaska at times, they love Minnesota, too.
“I love the summers here,” Houston said. “And I love the people. I had heard rumors about ‘Minnesota nice,’ but it’s definitely a thing.”
In addition to her regular duties, Houston also serves as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, a non-profit organization which promotes community service, scholarships and fundraising, and partners with military and veterans’ organizations both locally and nationally. She also volunteers in her own time, by serving at local soup kitchens, and organizing donations for Safe Haven Shelter and Feds Feed Families.
When she’s not working, Houston enjoys spending time outdoors, sewing and quilting.
“I don’t have a lot of time lately, but I have a fabric stash that’s just calling my name,” she said with a laugh. Eventually, after her military retirement, she would like to go back to school and become either a nurse or chef.
Chief Houston would recommend a military career to other young people, particularly women, stressing how it can really enhance one’s leadership capabilities.
“I’ve always been a pretty responsible, disciplined, structured, and timely person, but the Coast Guard has taught me to be a leader,” she said. “It’s also taught me to be humble.
“I’d highly recommend the military as a career for young women,” she continued. “I think you have to go into it with the mind frame that, ‘I can do this job as well as a man could.’” D
Growing up, Jackie Groshens wasn’t exactly sure what she wanted to do with her life. Eventually her calling came to her through a series of events. She knew she wanted to help others. Now she works as a Duluth police officer and lives in the Northland with her fiancée Justine and her 14-year-old stepson.
Originally from White Bear Lake, Minn., Groshens, pronounced Gro-hans, moved to the Northland in 2008 to study and play softball at the University of Wisconsin Superior. She graduated in 2012 with a degree in criminal justice.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my criminal justice degree, I was leaning toward probation and started working at a group facility for juveniles that have mental health diagnosis and traumatic incidences in their life,” explained Groshens. “I really got to learn how to deal with mental health in that aspect.”
After taking another position with a different company in Duluth where she was able to conduct in-home treatment with children who had mental health diagnoses, including teaching them coping skills, her interest in helping others evolved.
“I really got into the mental health aspect of working with people,” she said, adding she always juggled the idea of going into law enforcement.
Her desire to help others runs in her family. Her two older sisters both work in service oriented industries in the Twin Cities, one as a paramedic and the other as a therapist.
Groshens graduated with her Associate of Arts in law enforcement from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in 2016. In December 2017, she joined the Duluth
Police Department. Although there has been a learning curve, she enjoys the work as it brings something new every day.
“I really like the fact that every day I go into work it’s something new,” she said. “Each call you handle differently. You have to work your way through a puzzle to try to figure
out what you are dealing with and what you can do to get through a situation.”
One of her favorite parts of the job is working alongside her co-workers.
“The majority of the crew that I work with, I’ve been working with since I started, so we’ve really gotten to know each other,” Groshens said. “We’ve really been able to figure out each other’s strengths and how we can use each other’s strengths in responding to calls. I really do appreciate being able to trust the people I work with.”
Lt. Robert Shene, Groshens’ shift commander, shares a similar sentiment.
“She engages with people and can work with just about anybody,” he said, “and she’s fun to work with. She always has a good day.”
When Groshens responds to domestic violence or sexual assault calls, she knows that being a female police officer can bring a sense of calm.
“Being female can be perceived as being compassionate and understanding during times when people are vulnerable. It can be a little bit easier when they’re speaking to a female,” Groshens explained. “What’s most important is how am I going to do my job and how am I going to do it well.”
Police work can be difficult and with it came a learning curve for Groshens.
“It can be challenging. There are a lot of things I didn’t know I would be getting involved in. It was a lot to juggle at first.”
According to Lt. Shene, that can also be a strength.
“She wants to learn, she has a maturity where she realizes she’s new and she’s not afraid to ask and she’s not afraid to learn from others.”
With everything Groshens encounters on her shifts she knows it’s important to leave some things at the door.
“The number one thing that I think is difficult and that I had to definitely learn from is just being able to check my day at the door before coming home,” Groshens said, sharing that some days are harder than others. “Later on I may talk to Justine about it to process through. There are plenty of people to talk to and that is definitely one thing I had to learn, that it’s OK to talk.”
Another aspect to the job that can be difficult is the variety and severity of the calls that come through.
“It can be hard when you’re dealing with day to day calls like thefts or vehicle calls, and then you have to go right to a high priority call so your adrenaline is pumping,” she said. “Once that call is over, then we get back to our day to day
calls. Being able to fluently go through the waves of the shifts throughout the day can be challenging.”
When she’s not patrolling the streets of Duluth, Groshens likes to be active outside, taking in all the Northland has to
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offer. This past spring, her stepson taught her how to mountain bike and when she’s not biking the trails, she’s hiking them. She enjoys hiking the trails at Jay Cooke State Park and along the North Shore where she and Justine will take their two dogs, Ralph, a Yoranian, and Spirit, a Yorkie Shih Tzu.
Groshens also plays on summer softball leagues, including one in South Range, Wis.
“There’s so much to do all of the time, but with a smaller town feel to it,” she said. “And it might sound cliché, but I love the lake. Any opportunity I have, I go sit by the lake and look at it. It’s super calming to me.”
Groshens’ days are full of activities that are both challenging and rewarding. Despite the challenges, she finds satisfaction in her work.
“Overall it was a good choice for me to be with the Duluth Police Department,” she said. “It has given me the ability to keep learning throughout my career. It’s been a good experience for me.” D
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Grondahl is a pioneer, both in the firefighting industry and within the city of Duluth. Upon her recent retirement in May 2020, she had over 30 years’ experience as a firefighter. Several subsequent promotions along the way have also made her a leader – and a wellrespected one, at that – within the Duluth Fire Department.
Grondahl was one of the very first female firefighters hired in the city of Duluth. Her promotion to deputy chief in 2019 made Grondahl the first female chief-level officer in the Duluth Fire Department’s history.
Today, as we celebrate her retirement, we learn more about her journey, including her career progression and early experiences as a young, female firefighter.
Grondahl was born in Duluth and raised in the Morgan Park neighborhood, as the youngest of six children. Her father worked as a dispatcher for the DM&IR Railroad, and her mom was a teacher at the former St. Jean’s School.
Grondahl tells an entertaining story about having her own mom as a teacher.
“I attended elementary school where my mom taught, and I had her as a third-grade teacher. I had to call her Mrs. Menzel. She was probably harder on me than the other kids; anytime two people were talking, I was always the one who got in trouble.”
It was during her youth that the very first seed was planted in Grondahl’s mind about pursuing firefighting as a career.
“I saw an after-school special about a woman who became a firefighter,” she said. “That wasn’t really an opportunity that most
girls had ever thought of. But I knew I wasn’t the type to sit behind a desk, and I liked the idea of helping people.”
After graduating from Denfeld High School, Grondahl enrolled at the University of Minnesota Duluth, but wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. Her dad happened to take notice of an ad in the newspaper, stating that Lake Superior College was starting a new firefighting school. He said, “You should try this out.”
Ultimately, she enrolled and was part of one of the program’s first graduating classes. There were only two other women in her class.
After an intimidating interview, consisting of the fire chief and four other personnel, along with having to pass several tests, Grondahl was hired as a firefighter by the city of Duluth in 1987. Two other women, Pam Wutz and June Anderson, were hired the same year, making the trio the very first female firefighters in the city of Duluth.
The beginning of Grondahl’s career wasn’t without
challenges.
“The city wasn’t prepared for female firefighters yet,” Grondahl explained. “There were no female locker rooms, so we had to use offices. And a lot of the guys didn’t want us there.”
But with time, things have changed. Today, female firefighters are not just accepted, but welcomed into the department.
“Thankfully, things are very different today and people are very accepting,” Grondahl said. “Women have their own locker rooms now. And, while there used to be wide open dorms, there are now dividers for privacy.”
Today, of the 132 firefighters with the city of Duluth, nine of them are female.
Grondahl explained that she has always had to put in extra effort to keep up with the guys.
“I specifically worked out with a trainer who would help me realize how to use my strengths better,” she said. “Most women, including myself, don’t have the same upper body strength as men, but I do have strong legs.”
Grondahl’s career in firefighting has followed a steady upward trajectory. She was a firefighter from 1987 to 1998, when she was promoted to fire inspector. She was promoted to deputy fire marshall in 2002, and fire marshall in 2010.
And, she became deputy chief of the Life Safety Division, a promotion bestowed upon her by Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, in 2019. In this role, she managed the budget, personnel, kept
track of department activities, tracked inspections and permitting, and more. Upon her retirement, she had 11 direct reports.
Throughout her career, Grondahl has been dedicated to continuing her education. She attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md., approximately 10 times, where she attended courses on public education, fire investigator training, and more.
Over the years, Grondahl has spearheaded many initiatives within the Duluth Fire Department, which continue to this day. They include the mock crash program, which teaches high school students the dangers of drinking and driving, or texting while driving.
She was also the creator of the popular car seat clinics, where firefighters help parents inspect the installation of their baby’s car seat. Another of Grondahl’s projects was to convince former Minnesota Wild hockey player Darby Hendrickson to film a PSA about fire safety.
Continued on page 25
Independence Day is a celebration of the United States of America. The holiday is marked by fanfare and large parties, complete with barbecues, fireworks and parades.
As fun as July 4th festivities typically are, injuries, particularly those involving fireworks, are a concern that celebrants should not take lightly. An estimated 11,000 people visited the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries in 2016, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, fireworks aren’t the only danger this time of year. In order to remain safe, individuals can heed these tips.
Do not drink and drive
Alcohol consumption may accompany Independence Day festivities. For those planning on using a car to get to and from parties, it is essential to designate a driver who will not imbibe. Otherwise, utilize any number of ridesharing services or available taxis.
Swim smartly
Always swim with a buddy, and consider hiring a lifeguard if you’ll be hosting a pool party and cannot keep a watchful eye on guests in the pool. Adults also should not swim intoxicated, as it can impede the ability to stay afloat and may lead to risky behaviors.
Leave fireworks to the professionals
Watch a public fireworks display instead of lighting fireworks on the street or in the backyard. Exercise caution with sparklers
Kids running around with sparklers in hand could be a recipe for disaster, as sparklers burn extremely hot. Make sure children do not wave them around or others can get burned. Keep a bucket of water handy to properly extinguish the sparklers.
Review safe boating practices
If July 4th festivities find you out on the water, be sure that life jackets are worn and set boating and water safety rules for the family.
Check in with a vet
The Fourth of July can be traumatic for pets not accustomed to fireworks and other loud noises or crowds. Behavior therapy, medication and ensuring that pets do not run away from home and get lost may be necessary.
Watch food temperatures
Do not leave food out in the hot sun for too long; otherwise, harmful bacteria can grow and potentially cause foodborne illnesses. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service says to never leave food out of refrigeration for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90 F, food should not be left out for more than one hour. D
She also began the program “Get Alarm Duluth,” which included having the fire department give away, and install, 1,000 smoke alarms in Duluth resident’s homes. Additionally, Grondahl founded the Northeastern Arson Task Force, a group working hard to stop arson crimes in the area.
Grondahl has been recognized for a few special awards over the years, including the 1999 Clarence Maddy Employee of the Year award, and the 2001 Firefighter of the Year award, given by the Kiwanis Club.
Grondahl’s husband, Rick, is also a firefighter with the city of Duluth, and has been for 29 years. The Grondahls have two children – Jake (26), who is a police officer with the Duluth Police Department, and Paige (23), who teaches English in South Korea.
The Grondahls live in Duluth’s Woodland neighborhood, and enjoy outdoor activities, such as golfing, camping, gardening and biking. Looking forward to her welldeserved retirement, Grondahl hopes to continue her active lifestyle, and start volunteering in the community.
Kudos from the Chief Grondahl’s boss, Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, had some wonderful things to say about Grondahl upon her retirement.
“Marnie has been a great asset to the Duluth Fire Department for over 30 years,” he said. “Her experience in the Life Safety Division is second to none, and she will be missed.
“The knowledge she has gained working with fire code, rental licensing, building inspections, and fire investigations is almost irreplaceable,” Krizaj continued. “Marnie has been a great mentor over the years, passing her knowledge along to multiple inspectors and personnel working under her.
Marnie has also been a great role model for women in the community, by working her way up the leadership ladder in what is usually considered a male-dominated field.”
Grondahl would like to share some encouraging words with young women who are thinking of pursuing a career in firefighting.
“I have always felt like women have to work harder in this profession, but don’t give up on it if it’s something you want to do,” she said. “Keep trying until you get it. Every day, you just have to work hard and do your best.” D
“I wasreally happywith the conservativeoption to enhance my smile.Painless treatmentwith a beautiful result!”Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.
By Ann Klefstad
Women have always served their communities, and their nations — sometimes in disguise. In 1782, during the Revolutionary War, for instance, Deborah Samson Gannett enlisted under her brother’s name. She was wounded twice, and cut a musket ball out of her own leg so her gender wouldn’t be found out. In 1804, Samson was awarded a pension for her service.
Nowadays women and men can play similar roles in this task. We’ll talk here with some of the women in our services: from the Navy, the 148th Wing of the Air National Guard, the Marines, and the Coast Guard.
If you or members of your family are interested in serving, these women’s experiences may give you an idea of the services they work with. There are myriad opportunities to use your talents in the service of your nation. According to the Defense Department, 15 percent of the Army, 9 percent of the Marine Corps, and 20 percent of the Air Force are currently women.
Audra Vance is in the U.S. Navy, serving in Human Resources. She joined at 18, after attending a College Fair and picking up a pamphlet. She also discovered some
hidden military history in her family: her grandfather had also served in the Navy.
Her pre-boot-camp haircut, she remembers, was “the shortest and probably worst haircut I ever got!” But despite the trepidation of the first night and first day, arriving at night in the snow with hundreds of other new sailors, she remembers the beginning of an esprit de corps.
“The smallest recruit in our division was weighed down with her sea bag (which was about as big as she was) and her ditty bag. As we marched around the base by streetlight through falling snow, her bag appeared to get heavier and heavier. One of the other recruits grabbed her ditty bag and helped as we continued to march through the night. We all lost track of time and our bearings. . . Eventually we wound up at our barracks and we were able to rest for the night.”
She began her journey as an enlisted sailor. After six years of active duty, the Navy sent her to UCSD to earn a degree and an officer’s commission.
Vanceis scheduled to retire soon, after 24 years in the Navy. Her experiences as a young active duty sailor were different from those of an officer with greater responsibilities. She’s now the Officer in Charge at the recruiting station in Minneapolis that covers seven
Midwestern states.
Vance had served at sea after completing her degree.
“My first and second officer tours were onboard the USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) and USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) out of San Diego, as Strike Warfare Officer and Training Officer,” she explained.
She started as an enlisted sailor, did two tours as a Surface Warfare Officer, and transferred into the HR community, where she is today.
She notes that a military life was great preparation for life in general.
“One of the biggest benefits is learning how to respond to stress, pressure and working with minimal resources,” she said. “Out to sea is the best example, where you have to work with what is on hand; it stretches the creativity levels of the sailors. . . . Malfunctions are not usually a life-ordeath situation, but they can be. Whether it’s training or real-life events, the Navy practices like they play.”
Audrey Beaudry
Audrey Beaudry is an Airman 1st Class in the Air National Guard here in Duluth. In contrast to Vance, she is new to this life, but is the third generation in her family to make a career in her unit.
She recalls her boot camp: “Basic . . . puts you in a room with strangers that in the end become family. Everyone goes through the same thing, and it’s a part of all the memories made at training that no one else will understand. You meet people from all over, and hear about their lives back home. Being in the military is different from civilian life. . .”
Her official title is now Aircraft Armament on F-16s. She’s looking forward to the rapid learning that comes with practicing her craft, and also appreciates the educational benefits the Guard offers.
“Depending on your job, you may also get things such as the GI Bill, the GI Kicker, and bonuses, which are all things that apply to my career field,” she said.
What matters most to Beaudry, though, is that her role “teaches you a lot about yourself, like pride and discipline, makes you appreciate everything a lot more. It has made me become a much stronger and independent individual.”
Michelle Reif
Staff Sgt. Michelle Reif, U.S. Marine Corps, is very proud of her service. Her situation after high school will sound familiar to many.
“I had decided to drop out of college at the University of
Continued on page 28
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Minnesota after my junior year,” she said. She didn’t have a major and was running out of money, working as a server in a restaurant. “I felt very lost about what the next step in my life should be. My best friend had just enlisted into the Marines and she convinced me to speak to a recruiter.”
She loved the challenge and prestige offered by the Marines, which drew her in with their focus on selfdiscipline and selfconfidence. Marine Corps recruit training differs from the boot camps in the other branches, she noted. Recruits are not considered Marines until they complete The Crucible, the culminating event, toward the end of the 13 weeks of training.
“You don’t JOIN the Marines,” Reif explained. “You BECOME one.”
As a consequence, the friendships she’s developed within the Marine Corps are strong, arising from shared hardships and experiences.
“I’ve become close with people who are different from me on many levels, but that has never mattered to our friendship because we are all Marines first. . . .Marine Corps veterans go out of their way to help each other and support each other.”
Reif is the Marketing and Communications Chief for Marine Corps Recruiting Station Twin Cities, acting as the public affairs representative for the area, doing community relations, social media, media liaison, special events management, and much more. She appreciated the training.
“I learned basic journalism, photojournalism, videography, and broadcasting,” she said.
Additional training in skills and leadership is available through the Corps, and after leaving active service, you can go to college on the GI Bill.
After serving eight years, she’s in the process of leaving
the Marines. She’s ready to enter the Hubbard School of Journalism at the University of Minnesota and move into public relations work as a civilian.
Angela Roman retired from the US Coast Guard in 2013. She grew up in a military family, with parents who served in the Air Force and a grandfather who spent World War II in the Army. But her parents left the service when she was a young child. When she was 14, though, she found an article in her grandfather’s VFW magazine on Coast Guard icebreakers, and “that was it. I wanted to be on a ship powerful enough to break ice, that went to Antarctica, Australia, and other exotic places,” she said. “My recruiter was a great guy, but he failed to mention that there were no billets for women on icebreakers in 1985. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. . . .”
She went to boot camp in September 1985. Things she remembers:
• “Wishing I had taken my recruiter’s advice about building up my running endurance. Running is not my friend.”
• “Singing in the squad bay in the evening, while we ironed our uniforms and shined our boots or shoes. We sang everything from Boston to Mr. Mister to the Doobie Brothers. ‘Broken Wings’ and ‘Black Water’ still take me back to the smell of starch and shoe polish.”
• “Feeling the drama of everything. Everything was the most important thing in the world, the highs were the highest and the lows were the lowest. I think that came from being in boot camp and being eighteen years old.”
As a Coastie, Roman said, you change units every few years. Sometimes that means a change of job but more often it means you uproot your life and move hundreds or thousands of miles away.
“For me, this means I have loads of acquaintances and a small handful of true friends, my tribe. . . . The distance doesn’t make them any less my people.”
When Roman joined the Coast Guard, she was a mechanic.
“I was waiting for the day when I wasn’t a rarity, when people weren’t asking why, as a woman, I became a mechanic. It never occurred to me to look forward to the day when sexist remarks and jokes would stop. I had four brothers and bought into the ‘boys will be boys’ culture.”
Today, she notes, there are more women of higher rank who are actively keeping women networked and supported. And the culture has changed.
The Coast Guard offers tuition benefits for enrolled staff, but Roman didn’t use them. She did, however, use the GI Bill to get a bachelor’s degree in creative writing at Penn State Erie.
Roman is an advocate of Coast Guard service.
“You learn it’s not just you, that you’re part of something bigger than yourself. There is the potential to
have a lot of responsibility at a young age – at a small boat station, it’s not uncommon for the person in charge of the boat and its crew to be in his/her early 20s.”
“LaRose” is the 18th novel by award winning author Louise Erdrich. This is a soulful story of justice, retribution and love, written in Erdrich’s familiar native storytelling style.
It is set in 1999 in the dying prairie town of Pluto, N.D., a reservation border village, and is the tale of white vs. tribal, and catholic vs. traditional native spirit ways.
Landreaux Iron is an Ojibwe who is a catholic who is also following tribal ways. Out hunting, he accidentally shoots and kills Dusty, his neighbor Peter Ravich’s young son. It is determined to be an accident by tribal police, but strong familial emotions arise, as Dusty’s mother Nola and Landreaux’s wife Emmaline are half sisters.
In accordance with tribal ways of justice, Landreaux must give his own young son, LaRose, to the Ravich family. Dusty’s older sister Maggie devotes herself to keeping Nola alive, with the help of LaRose.
Animosities must be worked through between the half sisters while following tradition. * * * * *
“The Little Red Chairs” is Edna O’Brien’s 17th novel and the first in 10 years. O’Brien’s writing as always is moving and lyrical. It is set in the hamlet of Coonoila, Ireland, after the Bosnian war.
Dapper and intriguing Dr. Vlademir Dragon, a poet and holistic healer, arrives and the town folk are smitten — particularly Fidelma McBride, unhappily married to an older man and wishing for a child. She falls under his spell and turns to him, becoming pregnant after a brief
encounter.
Fidelma’s illusion is shattered when Dr. Vlad is arrested and revealed to be a war criminal and mass murderer in Bosnia, which he denies. The Cloonoila residents are at first devastated but as the truth comes out, Fidelma is forced to leave her home. She first journeys to London and then to the Hague where he is being tried. She confronts him and he denies her and proclaims his innocence in the crimes.
O’Brien touches on some of the Bosnian Civil War, but focuses on Fidelma and her trial from romance to horror. * *
Tami Hoag 2018
“The Boy” is Tami Hoag’s sequel to “The Thin Dark Line,” with young married couple Detective Nick Foureade and Detective Annie Broussard teaming up again to solve a gruesome murder.
The story is set in Bayou Breau, La. On a hot and steamy night, single mother Genevieve Gauthier’s 7-year-old son KJ is brutally murdered. Genevieve is injured and flees their home.
A second mystery comes into play when KJ’s 12-year-old babysitter Nora Flourette disappears the next day.
The plot thickens as it comes to light that Genevieve is a convicted criminal. Genevieve is both victim and accused, and it comes to light that babysitter Nora has a questionable background.
The story is full of intrigue as Annie and Nick struggle to solve the mysteries, sometimes at odds with each other as the romantic couple they are.
(Note: Remember Tami Hoag began her writing career with Silhouette romance novels in the 1980s.) D
In the course of a few weeks, “normal” took a sharp turn as communities, businesses and organizations adapted to finding innovative ways of doing things when faced with COVID-19. The sudden new reality caused everyone to navigate through social distancing and business closures for the health and safety of our communities.
From delivering care virtually to drive-up testing, health care took on a new look in the face of the pandemic.
Essentia Health expanded health care into people’s homes with virtual video visits. Virtual visits are a telephone or video appointment directly between a provider and patient similar to an in-person visit. The difference is patients are in the comfort of their homes using audio and video through their own computer, tablet or smartphone.
Plans for an April launch were already in place at Essentia for this service when COVID-19 fast-tracked it. Essentia’s first virtual video visit was conducted on March 16, and since then has exploded with an average of about 3,000 visits occurring each weekday.
“By adopting this technology, Essentia Health has been able to provide safe and quality patient care in a new and creative way,” said Dr. Sarah Manney, chief medical information officer at Essentia. “We are continuing to care for our patients throughout this crisis.”
Virtual video visits are available in primary and pediatric care, and nearly all specialty areas. Appointments are open to both new and existing patients.
Therapy is virtually serving patients of all ages and patient
reaction has been positive. Therapists at Essentia have the ability to demonstrate exercises and provide direction through video interaction. Patients appreciate the opportunity to continue therapy sessions from the comfort of their own homes.
Family members have also been more likely to attend these virtual appointments, allowing providers to keep them actively engaged in the treatment, as well. Many patients find an unexpected benefit in the amount of time saved in travel or possible wait times.
Blaire Ziebol, a 23-year-old Superior resident, appreciates the convenience of virtual visits. Ziebol suffered a concussion about five months ago and had been seeing nurse practitioner Kelly Kleinschmidt.
And while the way her care is delivered changed in the midst of the pandemic, the high-quality level of care has
If you have concerns or symptoms related to COVID-19, Essentia Health is providing E-Visits at no cost* for evaluation. To learn more, or to start an E-Visit, go to EssentiaHealth.org/COVID-19.
After the visit, patients determined to need a test will be directed to one of Essentia’s drive-up testing sites.
*Testing ordered as a result of screening may incur a charge.
remained the same. Ziebol’s past three visits have been conducted virtually and include the same elements of the inperson visits she previously had. Visits last around 15 minutes, time is spent going over symptoms and other concerns, and then Ziebol does balance exercises so Kleinschmidt can further assess her progress.
“It’s really quick and easy, and I don’t have to worry about coming in and being exposed to others who might be sick,” Ziebol said. “It gives me peace of mind. I really appreciate being able to do them from home.”
With patient safety and comfort in mind, Essentia Health put new models in place for virtual video visits that may require in-person follow-up. Clinic locations have been designated for patients to receive immunizations, labs or other necessary treatments post-virtual visit to ensure the highest level of care.
“Given our current crisis, we have an opportunity to provide excellent and safe patient care in a different way,” Dr. Manney said.
For more information on virtual video visits, go to essentiahealth.org/virtualvisit. D
By Trina Hoff
During this uncertain time, it is an entire new way of learning to do your banking without the personal touch of your lobbies, tellers and loan officers. It is of the utmost importance that everyone remains safe and sound, and that you know your financial institutions are getting creative so they can support you and all your financial needs.
In addition, it’s important to remember that your deposits are federally insured through the National Credit Union Administration, a federal insurance fund backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, to at least $250,000. We strongly discourage withdrawing large amounts of cash, which may place you at risk. You do not need to worry about access to your accounts and money, and we encourage you to
contact your financial institution if you have any questions about your federal insurance or account access. We understand many of you are practicing safe social distancing and staying home during this time. We encourage you to connect with your financial institutions through their digital, nobile and telephone banking services for your banking needs, which are available for most transactions 24/7, from any location.
The World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a worldwide pandemic on March 11. The virus has disrupted business as usual, yet the credit union industry has adapted. The industry quickly met the safety and security concerns of its employees and members by overhauling operational structures and offering empathetic solutions to those affected by the virus. This new normal has
required patience as financial institutions institute more firsts, including appointment-only banking, at-home workstations, and widespread loan deferments. Each day brings with it new governmental guidance or reshaped regulations. Life, as we’ve seen, is moving fast.
Although credit union leaders are tasked with making immediate, important judgement calls every day, the pandemic has brought into a focus an equally important question that can’t be overlooked: What comes next?
The next steps are making sure we are able to serve our communities with all of their financial needs. Interest rates are at a low, loan closings are being done through the drive-thru and via social distancing, new accounts are being opened through the drive thru and now more than ever we are being creative on how we can make “life” easy for our community and their banking needs. D
THE WOMAN TODAY ASKS ABOUT YOUR LIVES, EXPERIENCES AND THOUGHTS
We recently asked our Facebook followers to share their favorite quarantine moments!
Hello The Woman Today!
This is what we did last night! So fun! My daughter and son in law had drive in night at their home. Our grandsons handed out our ticket as we came up the driveway! We all brought our own drinks and snacks, sat in our own cars and watched the movie “Inside Out” on their garage door! What a great evening! Thank you Patrick and Ashley!
Nicole Kaczor
I don’t have one favorite moment, but several... Between painting projects with my daughter, making quilts for loved ones, getting flowers just because, and eating the healthiest I’ve ever eaten I can say quarantine life has been very enjoyable!
Elaine Folkert
Teaching my mother how to video chatand use filters.
Laura Plys
Attempting a new hobby during quarantine! Water color painting.
Rachel Mae Downs
Couples that mask up together, stay together!.
Beverly Patronas
My favorite quarantine moments are training with this beautiful girl.
Kristen Crotteau
As many things are uncertain right now, we are blessed with great news. As a first-time mom, staying healthy and safe is top priority!
OnMarch 27, 2020, life in Minnesota changed drastically to slow the spread of COVID-19. With the announcement of a shelter in place mandate, the normally bustling Northland paused as Minnesotans everywhere stayed home. However, health issues can’t be mandated that easily.
“At first, this was really terrifying for folks,” said Dr. Sandy Popham, nephrologist at St. Luke’s Nephrology Associates. “Our biggest concern was that people would get behind in their health care. If someone waits too long to deal with an issue, they may not have as good of an outcome.”
This is especially true for someone with a chronic health condition like Dr. Popham’s patient Mary Mettner.
For the past year and a half, Mary has been seeing Dr. Popham once a month for an in-person evaluation. While some clinic visits were available after the shelter in place order was announced, Mary decided she wouldn’t be going anywhere.
“I wanted to stay away from doctors’ offices and hospitals as much
as possible,” she said. “I have so many health issues that if I were to get the coronavirus, I’m afraid it wouldn’t be good.”
That’s when she heard about the option for a telehealth video visit.
To help keep our community safe, St. Luke’s now offers new ways for patients to get the care they need without having to come into a clinic building. This includes telehealth video visits, curbside telehealth video visits and curbside lab draws. Telehealth video visits in particular have been a crucial part of continuing care during the pandemic.
“While I love seeing my patients in person,” said Dr. Popham, “this is a great option.”
Requiring only a device with a camera (such as an iPad or smartphone) and an internet connection, telehealth video visits allow patients to see their healthcare provider through video chat. This means issues can be addressed without the patient ever having to leave home. This service works especially well for needs like
preventative care, minor health concerns and illnesses, chronic care management and urgent care concerns.
While the setup is simple, the technology can pose a challenge for some.
“I’m 71 and I’m not computer savvy at all,” said Mary, “so I was a little intimidated at first. I didn’t know if I’d be able to set it all up correctly.”
For patients who are new to telehealth, St. Luke’s staff members help make the process as easy as possible.
“When someone calls to schedule, we walk them through how everything works, step-by-step,” explained Dr. Addie Vittorio, family practice doctor at St. Luke’s Mount Royal Medical Clinic. “Then, we send them an email with all that information again, just in case they need to reference it.”
On the day of the appointment, the clinic will call to start the check-in process. After a medical assistant runs through a few questions, the patient is sent a link via text or email to start the video portion of their visit with their
Safe options for care during the COVID-19 pandemic
provider.
If someone doesn’t have the necessary equipment to do a video visit from home, St. Luke’s can loan them the required technology.
“All they have to do is drive to the clinic when it’s time for their appointment and a medical assistant will bring them an iPad they can use,” said Dr. Vittorio. “Then, we do the video visit while they stay in their car.”
If blood work or an immunization is needed, this can be done as the patient remains in their vehicle as well.
After some encouragement and a little help, Mary was able to connect with Dr. Popham and get the care she needed.
“I had to chuckle because it did feel a little odd at first,” she said, “but then it was pretty normal. I really enjoy Dr. Popham and feel comfortable with her. I can ask her anything and telehealth didn’t change that at all.”
Everyone who wants to be seen in person can rest assured that St. Luke’s is diligently following infection control measures set by the Centers for Disease Control to keep everyone safe. This includes registering patients in their vehicle when possible, having everyone wear masks, practicing good social distancing, being relentless about good hand hygiene, and thoroughly disinfecting patient rooms, door handles, clipboards and pens after every visit.
“Don’t delay in addressing your health issues,” said Dr. Popham. “St. Luke’s is a very safe place to be.”
If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, call your clinic or 218-249-4000. To learn more about telehealth, visit slhduluth.com/ telehealth. 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 your life has resumed some “normalcy” after the crazy year we’ve had so far. I know my life hasn’t changed too much. I think living rural sometimes spares you from the chaos of the world. If you are struggling with your “new normal” I hope I can distract you for a few minutes with this month’s feature.
Due to social distancing, we are still unable to visit the stores, so this left us with the challenge of making the most of what I had at home. Our theme is a Fourth of July party look and a “what I wear to the lake” look.
Thankfully, I love to shop so there were many options! I ordered one item for this month’s look — an adorable sun hat from Kohls. I opted for “contactless” pickup and, I have to say, I love the convenience. Most of the time I am running errands with my children, so the option of staying in the car really makes my life easier.
If I’m able to get you thinking of warm summer days spent at your favorite lake and parties with friends and family, then I have done my job… Stay healthy and happy!
by SamThis Fourth of July party outfit was so fun for me to put together. The big hat, fringe shoes and flowy fabrics are so summery! When I think of the Fourth of July, of course I think of red, white and blue along with big accessories. These skinny jeans are my absolute favorite. They are LC brand from Kohls, and they are so light and stretchy. They will take you from a warm day to a cool night with ease and offer you protection from the bugs. The boots are from Amazon and add a fun flare to any outfit. The kimono and tank are both from Maurice’s, and the hat is from Kohls. The sunglasses are Quay brand. This look is totally versatile, you can easily lose the accessories for an indoor party and still look festive and adorable.
Now I also wanted to share with you what I bring for a day at the lake. A big beach towel is a must, I also bring sunscreen, an insulated cup, a big comfy chair, sun hat, sunglasses, a light waterproof jacket and a couple snacks. If I know I am going somewhere where replenishing my water or beverage won’t be an option, I will grab a gallon of water to bring along as well. If I know we will be out past dark, I will throw in a can of bug spray, too. My big chair comes with a handy carrying case and I like to throw everything else in an insulated bag to keep things cool.
I wanted to keep it real for the lake look. When I pack for a day on the water, I typically don’t think about fashion. It’s more about functionality (and the million things my kids need). I always gravitate towards a pair of denim cutoffs; they go with absolutely everything. Denim is timeless and effortlessly cute. I love bold swimsuit colors that accentuate a sun-kissed glow and this look can easily be tied together with a solid swimsuit cover up. I love the pop of color this cover up gives. You can leave the cover up full length like a dress or tie it up to go with a pair with shorts. Of course, I had to grab my favorite summer shoe… Once the snow melts, I live in my Birkenstocks. The bottoms of these sandals also provide some grip, so no worries if the dock is a little slippery.
Did it work? Are you longing for summer barbeques and lake days?
I know I am! Although life is different these days, get out, be creative and enjoy your summer.
Ten thousand lakes leaves more than enough room for us all.
Sparklers can be a fun way to light up warm summer nights. With their brilliance and glowing trails through the darkness, sparklers attract both children and adults on special occasions like Independence Day or during backyard barbecues or parties.
Even though sparklers can be fun, people who intend to use sparklers are urged to treat these devices with respect and caution. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is as hot as a blow torch, and definitely hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers are responsible for 9 percent of all fireworks burns and other injuries, warns the CPSC.
Sparklers are created by hardening flammable chemicals on the end of a wire or a wooden stick. Unlike other fireworks, sparklers burn slowly due to their chemical composition. This makes sparklers seemingly safer for youngsters to handle. But parents and other guardians may want to reconsider. Emergency rooms repeatedly treat burn injuries to hands and faces resulting from sparkler usage. Kids may be tempted to show sparklers off to their friends and then run and lose their balance or wave the sparkler around and not know others are close by.
More sparkler and firework safety information is available through the National Council on Fireworks Safety at www. fireworksafety.com. D
By Megan Keller
Woman
With all the hand washing and sanitizer we’re using these days, I thought a home remedy to help soften and heal hands would be the ideal thing to try for our DIY project, so I went to Pinterest for ideas. And, as I looked outside my window, I saw blankets of dandelions in my yard. That’s when I discovered how to make dandelion lotion bars!
I ventured into the yard to carefully choose dandelions. I wanted those big fluffy ones. I filled a 1 quart canning jar about ¾ full, then carefully laid them out on a towel on my patio table to dry for a couple of days in the sun. Also, since dandelions make quite the home for many insects, letting them sit for a couple of days allows those
little bugs to find a new home. When the dandelions were dry, I placed them in a 1 quart canning jar, added 2 cups of sunflower oil, screwed the lid on and placed the jar into a crock pot. I added enough water to the crockpot so the jar wouldn’t float, turned it on high and let that sit for about four hours to slow cook. Do not put the lid on your crock pot. Be sure not to boil the sunflower oil, that is why I used the slow cooker.
Next step, empty the contents of the jar over a thin wire strainer or cheesecloth into a measuring cup. This separates the dandelions and the oil. Discard dandelions. Once you see how much oil you have, you will use equal parts of sunflower oil, beeswax
and shea butter. Add all ingredients into a jar or pan to slowly heat. I do not recommend using your good cooking pots, I did that and they were not easy to clean! Heat the sunflower oil, beeswax and shea butter until everything looks like liquid. Stir in many drops of your favorite essential oil, shut off the heat and pour ingredients into your silicone molds. Let cool.
The batch I made was 2 cups sunflower oil, 2 cups shea butter, 2 cups beeswax and many, many drops of lavender essential oil, which made 12 lotion bars. I have to say, this is a must try! It was so easy, very organic and might be the best lotion bar I have ever used. I consider this a Pinterest win! D
• I would suggest filling the quart jar entirely with dandelions, rather than ¾ jar. They shrink a lot when dried out.
• Don’t leave the dandelions outside too long to dry. Mine blew away and I had to find them after they blew off the deck! But be sure to dry them for a few hours, however, so the insects can leave.
• Don’t use your nicer kitchen items as this is highly scented and hard to clean.
• If you want to start your project and save until later, you can dry out your dandelions, place them in a sealed jar with oil, and leave in your pantry for months, so you can make your lotions later.
Dandelions have natural oils that are beneficial for dry, chapped skin.
Nestled into the hill below Hawk Ridge in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood is a home that blends unobtrusively into the nature surrounding it. The husbandand-wife owners with four daughters fell in love with this location and its breathtaking views of Lake Superior. When they bought the property in 2014, they had a five-year plan to build their family’s new home there, but they didn’t want to alter the landscape with a house that stood out among the natural beauty of the hillside. They accomplished both goals. In 2018 they started building, in March 2019 building was completed, and in April 2019 they moved in. They chose to keep the colors of the outside of their home similar to the landscape that surrounds it.
“We wanted the house to blend into the hill,” said the wife. “The outside is an olive-green color with lots of wood accents including dark wood posts and a dark
The kitchen of this Hawk Ridge home is spacious enough for a nine-foot island where plenty of people can gather. The space features quartz countertops and a soothing neutral color palette.
wood deck off the front.”
“It’s a special spot. We wanted to make sure that whatever we were building fit in the landscape and wasn’t too showy,” said the husband.
To design the build, Bruckelmyer Brothers Construction took the homeowners’ dreamhouse plans and helped make them a reality for the homeowner family.
“Bruckelmyer Brothers made the home the right size,” the husband said. “They shrunk it down to an area that we could afford and a terrain that was workable.”
The couple said the Bruckelmyers’ computer presentation software was invaluable in helping them visualize the design of the house and property.
“The Bruckelmyers used a 3D program so we could see everything exactly as it would look when built,” said the wife. “That really helped.”
Because the house was built on a hill, special challenges needed to be addressed by the building team.
“They had to do a lot of leveling off of the property before they could start,” the husband explained. “There’s a 100-foot difference between the front and the back of the property. Given the rock of the area and elevation changes from one end of the lot to the other, it limited the ability to do certain things. Just getting a driveway in
The home’s main entry leads to the open-concept dining room, which is connected to the kitchen on the right and the living room on the left. The 16-foot vaulted ceiling allows for a stylish fireplace feature surrounded by windows with a view.
here was a big accomplishment. Bruckelmyer Brothers designed it and routed it at the logical point of entry.”
A large deck and smaller porch off the front of the house provide spectacular views of Lake Superior. Several patios provide additional spaces for entertaining. Dark wood beams add support and beautiful detail in the eaves under the roof. At night, lights placed in the beams
Continued on page 44
sparkle on the home on the hill.
“In almost every case, homes built on the high view sites of our Duluth area will require consideration for constructing on or near ledge rock,” Edward Bruckelmyer explained. “Ledge rock, while an extremely solid base for any foundation, brings with it many nuances that every design needs to consider, such as surface ground water, steep grades, view areas, solar gain, etc. The home emulates the result of careful consideration of these and many other factors in the design and ultimate construction of a great place to reside on the hillside.”
Inside the home: Views of Lake Superior from almost every room
The home’s main entryway leads to the open-concept dining room, connected to the kitchen on the right, connected to the living room with a vaulted ceiling that’s 16 feet high.
The homeowners chose to make the structure’s many windows and their views of Lake Superior the main focal point of the interior.
“The idea was to live in the house with four kids,
having a big family and various get-togethers, and to have it very functional,” said the husband. “We have a beautiful, panoramic view of Lake Superior. We wanted that to be the focus of the house. So we have these beautiful windows from H Window Company of Ashland. We wanted to have views of the lake from every room. Very simple and somewhat elegant.”
Shades of greys, whites, dark browns and beiges appear throughout the home, as do hardwood maple, tile, luxury vinyl, and carpeted floors.
“The kitchen is our favorite part of the house,” said the wife. “We cook a lot. Everyone always gathers in the kitchen, and that’s why we wanted to make it a bigger part of the house. Phil of Bruckelmyer Brothers was the designer. He was so patient and helpful. They custom made the cabinets. They’re painted white. The quartz countertops are from Granite Works.”
“The island in the kitchen is nine feet long,” she continued. “That’s where we tend to eat. There are six of us in the family (their daughters are ages 17, 16, 13, and 10). The island has drawer space at the end and stools for seats.”
The master bedroom and bathroom with soaking tub and tiled shower are also on the main level. This
bedroom also features a wonderful Lake Superior view.
“Our design team did an amazing job with the homeowners’ design/ build in capturing their vision of style, livability, and comfort of their new home while capturing the great view,” said Robert Bruckelmyer. “There was a lot of consideration on the main floor layout so all within the living space could see the view including the master bedroom.”
Also off that end of the main level are the laundry room and an attached garage. The family uses an entryway there as they come and go. All the essentials are on the main floor.
“We tried to design the home with the idea that we were staying here after our kids grew up,” said the husband.
The top floor and basement
The home features a three-quarter upper level that might be called a “loft.” It features the two younger girls’ bedrooms, plus a bathroom
Continued on page 51
I’vebeen wanting to make one of these ever since I planted my rhubarb three years ago! My plant finally grew leaves large enough, so I did my research, purchased my cement mix and set out to gather my leaves.
After harvesting the perfect leaves for my cast, I set up an area in our garage, placed the opened cardboard box on the floor, and made a mound of sand on top of the cardboard. Mold the sand into a bowl shape to set the leaf in, so that later, when the project is complete, if you fill it with water or bird feed, it will not spill out. I used the leaf as a guide to see how big the mound needed to be. I was making two leaves and realized I didn’t have quite enough sand to do both, so I tucked some old towels under the sand layer so I could get a deeper bowl shape. It took a little time to mold the
bowl shape like I wanted, so take your time getting the perfect shape! Once the sand was molded I covered it with plastic wrap, which kept the sand from getting cement on it. That way you can reuse the sand for another project.
Once you have your mold ready, place your leaf, top side facing down, on the sand. Now you’re ready to mix up the cement, which is really heavy! I used a big plastic bushel barrel tub to mix it in. You’ll want to have a helper for this part. Did I mention, it’s HEAVY?! Plus, you want to mix it as quickly as possible because it starts to dry and harden SOON after you add water. Taking turns stirring with a second person makes it easier. Using the shovel, start stirring in water a little at a time. Careful not to use too much water. You don’t want it soupy, or it will slide off the leaf mold. Once you have mixed the cement to a pasty consistency, it’s ready to put on the leaf mold.
I used rubber gloves to protect my hands because the sand and cement mix are really rough on your skin. Take handfuls of the mix and carefully
Materials
• Large rhubarb leafs
• Bag of cement mix
(I used fast-setting Quikrete)
• Bag of sand
• Water
• Cardboard box
• Plastic wrap
• Old towels
• Latex paint
• Clear coat water sealer
Tools
• Rubber gloves
• Shovel
• Large plastic tub or wheel barrel
• Paint brushes
(small and medium sizes)
mush it on the leaf. Take care not to tear the leaf. You will want to put a good inch or two-inch-thick layer over the whole leaf. The thicker the layer the stronger it will be. Just a precaution, it will make it very heavy to move! Also, I would plan ahead as to where you are going to put your finished project. You may want to smooth out a flat surface in the cement if you plan to place it on a stand or column. Let the cement cure for the time required by the product’s instructions.
Once the cement has finished curing you can turn it over and peel off the leaf. This may take some time to get all the surface of the leaf and stems out of the grooves left behind from the vines of the leaf. All the veining makes it beautiful and look like it’s the actual leaf.
When you have all the remains of the leaf picked off, it’s time to paint! I’ve seen all different colors of these. Some are painted to look like the natural rhubarb leaf and others are crazy beautiful colors. Have fun with it! I chose a darker color for the veining (to make them stand out) and a blend of blues. When you have it all painted, let it dry thoroughly. I finished it up by sealing it with two layers of clear coat water sealer on both sides of the leaf.
Things I would do differently next time: I will try putting mesh wire, like chicken wire, in the cement to reenforce the cement. The edges did tend to break when I picked it up or after a slight bump. Also, I recommend planning ahead ‒ know where you want to place your leaf and how it will be displayed, taking into account the weight of the leaf.
This was a really fun project and turned out beautifully! I hope the birds will love it as much as I do! D
Continued from page 47
they share. A large common space on that floor houses the family’s computer.
“As we were getting into framing up the structure, the homeowners decided to add a third bedroom to the upper level and our team came together to make that happen quickly and efficiently,” said Robert Bruckelmyer.
A lower level includes bedrooms for the two older girls, a large family room, and a spacious storage room.
Beautiful wood staircases leading to the upper and lower levels were handbuilt by the Bruckelmyers.
Although building their new home on the hill presented some challenges, the homeowners know that they found the right location.
“We knew it was the place for us,” said the husband. “Once we started the process, we didn’t look back. We connected with Bruckelmyers, and they were there from start to finish. We’re very happy with how everything turned out.”
“We’re pretty thankful that we can get up to Hawks Ridge from a trail just across the street,” said the wife. “We can go out the door and get on a trail.”
Kristen Jacklin and Wayne Warry had several key objectives for the 1200-foot remodel of their home in the Miller Ridge neighborhood of Hermantown. Their plan was to update the kitchen and laundry room, as well as replace floor coverings and renovate the staircase. The remodel began Jan. 15, 2019 and was completed April 29, 2019, and the homeowners were thrilled with the final results.
“Overall, we wanted to modernize the first floor of the house and give the space better flow,” Jacklin said.
Jacklin and Warry had lived in the home with their two children for three years when they started the remodel. They moved to Minnesota from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada to work as professors of anthropology for UMN Medical School in Duluth.
“We always felt the structural space and the layout were solid,” Jacklin said. “We like to say this house has good bones. But the house had not been updated since it was built (circa 1993).”
The couple believed it was time to streamline and unify areas of their home.
“The Jacklin-Warry home was a successful remodel project for our team,” said Jason M. Lind of Strategic Construction LLC, contractor who worked with the
couple. “Like any remodel there were a couple of challenges. We removed most of the flooring on the main floor. Part of that flooring included removing tile that was adhered to the subfloor very well. We also had to creatively vent the hood out to the exterior because the venting was not in place prior. But the project progressed very nicely.”
“For both of us the kitchen was the largest focus — it was dated and the space was not laid out efficiently,” said Jacklin. “We are not gourmet cooks, but we are a family who cooks daily so it was really important to have a kitchen that would make cooking easy and enjoyable.”
“The former kitchen had little storage and not great counter space,” Warry added. “The new island is larger, has storage, and is more functional. The new kitchen design makes for ease of preparation and cleanup, and everything is logically arranged. You can basically stand in one spot and have everything you need to cook within your reach.”
To begin their kitchen remodel, the homeowners connected with designer Brian Timm at Maureen’s LLC Kitchen & Bath Design Studio.
“We had some ideas but felt overwhelmed with the amount of choice available,” Jacklin explained. “We also knew that we probably needed to move some appliances and wanted a professional to help us think through the best use of space. Brian was able to provide some computer-generated models of a new design. Once the layout was agreed to, we worked with Brian to choose products and colors.”
“Stylistically, it was easy to navigate Kristin and Wayne into possible selections,” Timm said. “They have a strong sense of their likes and dislikes, and when I showed them a combination of more weathered/rustic materials combined with clean lines and a pop of color that came through on the island finish, they came to a decision quickly.”
Their selections included cabinets with a dark rustic finish, predominantly white countertops, light French blue cupboards, Cambria countertop, and brushed stainless steel hardware throughout.
“I think one of the things Brian and Kristen did best was to choose functional cabinets and shelving, such as pull-outs for large pots and pans and pantry goods, etc.,” Warry said. “My favorite is a below-counter drawer located right beside the stove that holds all the knives, spatulas, and cooking utensils — which also frees up
clutter and space on the counter tops.”
Appliances from Fergusons include Bosch stainless steel drawer microwave, JennAir Pro-Style stainless steel French door refrigerator, Wolf stainless steel dual fuel range stove, Elkay undermount quartz double bowl sink in silver mist, and Grohe Elberon kitchen pull-out spray faucet.
“The kitchen is excellent,” Jacklin explained. “Everything is where it should be for easy access during meal prep. There is enough room for both of us to work in the space and it is easy to clean. The appliances look nice and work well. There is ample cupboard space for the average family including some hidden storage under the overhang of the island.”
Next to the kitchen, the updated laundry room can be closed off by two sliding doors. A small square hallway connects the space.
“The laundry room is part of the ‘service entrance’ with an exterior door and a door to the garage,” Jacklin said. “We had to move all the plumbing to achieve what we wanted for the space.”
Included in the space are an oversized washer and dryer, cabinets, sink, and laminate kitchen soapstone countertops.
“There is a coat closet and wall hooks and bench for
the kids’ backpacks and shoes,” Jacklin continued. “We left the original flooring in this room. The backsplash in this room is really funky. I picked it out. I really think you need inspiration when doing laundry. It should be fun!”
As the focal point upon entering the front door, the staircase got a new look when Jason Lind removed the colonial elements (trim and railing) as well as the flooring. Lind was able to work with the original construction. New maple treads were made by Tongue and Groove Store of Duluth to match the new maple wood floor.
“We updated the railing to black and stainless rod style with the bannister in maple,” said Jacklin. “The railings came from Stairsupplies.com, again organized by Jason Lind. It sounds industrial but it really works with the flooring.”
“A highlight for us was installing the stained hardwood stairs and railing,” Lind said. “It added to the magnificent entry along with their beautiful chandelier light.”
Designer Timm provided more information on the light.
“I have to mention the lighting fixture in the foyer as it was one of my favorite pieces of the project,” said Timm. “Kristin had found an image of the light and I tracked down the artisan manufacturer and had this one custom
made out of hand-blown glass. It fits the space well and commands a sense of appreciation with its warm glow as you enter the home.”
Before the remodel, the first level of the home included many different types and styles of floor coverings.
“The main floor had many open concept elements, but the original interior designs separated the rooms by different types of flooring,” Jacklin explained.
“Any openness in the ‘before house’ was disturbed by the artificial division of spaces — hardwood, carpet and ceramic tile,” Warry explained. “The decision to use hardwood throughout unites the space and enhances the openness of the house which is extended visually to the outside deck.”
They selected Cassia Organic Collection in maple as their hardwood floors for the entire first level with the exception of the laundry room and bathrooms.
“We had stairs made in a distressed maple finish to match,” Jacklin said. “The flooring is my favorite part of the remodel. It is amazing to walk barefoot on and it’s what provided the continuity with the outdoor space that we wanted. Having Jason Lind install the flooring was a crucial part of this. The flooring is irregular and rustic, so it really took someone with a good attention to detail and someone willing to pull a few boards up and try again when necessary. Jason did an amazing job.”
“Installing hardwood flooring throughout the main floor really tied in well with the cabinetry, countertops, and walls’ colors,” Lind said.
Both Jacklin and Warry admire the final results of the
remodel. They’re proud of the work they did in working with the professionals to create an updated new space from their existing home.
“We are totally satisfied with the remodel,” Jacklin said. “We took our time, asked a lot of questions, and looked around — which all paid off.” D
Recipe
Remakes
Tasty Summer RecipesOursummer season is SO short in Duluth that I for one do not like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking or baking. The recipes we found this month are quick and simple — perfect to accomplish after you spend a couple of hours outside enjoying the evening before coming inside to make dinner! What I enjoyed with the pork lo mein recipe is that it is adaptable to your taste buds and preferences. You could add really any vegetable you’d like, you aren’t just stuck with celery and bok choy. The meat is also something that could easily be substituted, if you prefer chicken or beef, simply swap out!
I am not a cook, my skill set is more with baking. However, with the two recipes we chose this month I had more success with the pork lo mein.
The bars are very sweet so I would recommend cutting into smaller pieces. Also, don’t be heartbroken if the appearance of your bars do not match up to the picture provided — it never turns out that beautiful! And, what it is lacking in appearance it makes up for in taste!
Ingredients
1 pound ground pork
1 celery stalk
2 garlic cloves
1 bundle bok choy
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp sesame oil
2 Tbsps sherry vinegar
2 Tbsps black bean sauce
1/2-3/4 pounds lo mein noodles
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Serves 2
Directions:
Start a medium sized pot with boiling water. Chop celery, garlic and bok choy (discard root ends). Combine chopped garlic and bok choy in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, black bean sauce, vinegar and 2 Tbsp of water for your sauce.
In a large fry pan heat the sesame oil until hot, then add the chopped celery. Cook until celery starts to get soft. Then add the garlic and bok choy — this will only take a minute or two to get slightly softened.
Meanwhile, add the lo mein noodles to your boiling water. Cook stirring occasionally until noodles are tender.
Drizzle olive oil in a fry pan and add pork. Cook over medium heat until meat is browned. Combine the pork, cooked vegetables and cooked noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and you are ready to eat! D
Ingredients
2 Tbsp butter
1-10 ounce pkg mini marshmallows
7 cups Golden Grahams cereal
3 Hershey’s milk chocolate bars*, broken into pieces
*I chose to use chocolate chips instead of Hershey’s bars simply for convenience
Directions:
Grease a 9x13 pan with butter.
In a large pot over medium to low heat, melt the 3 Tbsp. of butter. Add all but 1 cup of the mini marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and add in the 7 cups of Golden Grahams until evenly coated.
Press into buttered pan and top with the chocolate pieces and remaining 1 cup marshmallows.
Heat broiler and cook until marshmallows are toasted, about 2 minutes.
Let set for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
***Key step here! If you’re anything like me, you will want to immediately eat any baked treat once it comes out of the oven. I think my picture speaks for itself on the appearance of the bars — I only waited 5 minutes. D
