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ON THE COVER
Debbie Almirall -- president and CEO of Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union, adjunct professor at UMD’s Labovitz School of Business and a member of Skyline Rotary -- enjoys a unique hobby: sailing.
Photo by Comstock Creative, courtesy of Debbie Almirall.
TO OUR READERS
Hello, Woman Today readers!
Welcome to October, perhaps the most fickle of the 12 months.
The harvest month often gives us a taste of fall in all its splendor, the last gasp of summer and the first bluster of winter — sometimes all during the same week! A mild day after a cold snap can even showcase a hint of spring.
If April is the cruelest month, then October is the most erratic. For that reason, it’s also one of the most fun!
So, as you are reading this issue of The Woman Today, enjoy everything the month of October throws at us. Winter truly takes over in the coming weeks.
Here are some of the stories we’re excited to share with you in this issue:
• You’ll meet the “Lead Turkey Tamer” for the DECC’s Thanksgiving Day Buffet — Monica Hendrickson.
• Take the ice with the Duluth Motherpuckers, a casual, no-checking hockey league for women of all ages and experience levels.
• Enjoy a taste of Santa Fe with a delicious sampling of fall recipes.
• Learn about Dr. Gratia Pitcher, the new chief medical officer at Essentia Health.
• DIY a Jenga Block Pumpkin.
Thanks for spending some of your time reading The Woman Today. Your readership is greatly appreciated.
The holiday season is quintessentially the time to gather and celebrate the comforting powers of faith, family and food. These “3 Fs” help draw us together and feel connected.
But not everyone has a healthy relationship with their family. Not everyone can afford to cook a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. And some of us struggle with our faith.
Duluth resident Monica Hendrickson believes that, no matter what, all humans have value. We all deserve the basics of life, including a hot meal.
And Hendrickson lives out those values every day. She has been the event organizer (also cheekily referred to as the “lead turkey tamer”) for the DECC’s Thanksgiving Day Buffet — which is free and open to all — for the last 10 years.
“I believe every human being deserves the basic necessities of life,” she said. “Health care, a meal, and a roof over our heads. I wish I could afford to give every person access to all three. But our goal for the buffet is to connect people and give them hope. Everyone deserves to feel some sort of belonging to something greater. And everyone deserves a meal.”
This photo shows most of the Thanksgiving Day Buffet Leadership Committee. They each play a lead role in supporting operations and logistics for the event and home deliveries.
“The first fundraiser I ever helped with was, ironically, a turkey dinner for a family in our neighborhood."
- Monica Hendrickson
Iron Range roots
Hendrickson’s draw to community service started in childhood. Growing up in Aurora, Minnesota, her father, the late Dino Radniecki, was a mechanical engineer in the mines.
“We all shared the highs and lows of living in a mining town,” she said. “I still remember in the ’70s when the mines shut down. I’ll never forget how our community bonded and gathered together.”
Hendrickson’s mother, Angie, was a homemaker, who also helped out with the family’s liquor store, Dino’s Bottle Shop. Hendrickson has two older brothers, Joe and Bob.
Hendrickson recalls vividly her first opportunity to dig in and help others, when she was in the third grade.
“The first fundraiser I ever helped with was, ironically, a turkey dinner for a family in our neighborhood.
“Their baby was born with cystic fibrosis, and our church — Holy Rosary — helped make their family a meal and raised funds for their medical costs. The importance of community has been with me since day one.”
Education and career
One of Hendrickson’s first jobs was as a dishwasher for Bluefin Bay Resort, which is where she met her husband, Mike. “I knew the day I met him that I was going to marry him,” she said.
It took Hendrickson a few attempts to complete her college education, due to her health — she has several autoimmune conditions. However, she ultimately got the job done; Hendrickson has a bachelor’s degree in finance and business from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Over the years, her career has been interesting and varied. She has worked for Daugherty Hardware and the Coppertop Church. She took a giant step up in seniority when she was hired as Cellular One’s regional marketing director. Then, she was the national marketing manager for Maurices for nine years.
Monica Hendrickson and her husband, Mike, enjoy hiking at Banning State Park.
Today, she owns Hendrickson & Company, a consulting firm, and offers integrated marketing and development services for nonprofit organizations and the professional services sector.
She donates roughly half of her time, working pro bono for her nonprofit clients. The flexibility of this career path has been good for her health, and has also allowed her to focus on the DECC’s annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet.
Turkey Day buffet
The buffet started as a grassroots effort in 1989. It was kicked off by the owners of the former Superior restaurant, The Library, and was held there for its first five years.
“The owners of The Library just wanted to help people during the holidays,” Hendrickson explained.
The event outgrew its venue by 1994, when it was moved to the DECC. That was the same year the
College of St. Scholastica took over as its organizing body.
The event continues today, and this year will commemorate the buffet’s 35th anniversary.
Hendrickson was brought on board 10 years ago after one of the organizers heard she lost her job at Maurices.
“It was supposed to be for just a year, but I got involved and fell in love with it,”
Hendrickson said. “It’s so fun to see families, widows, the homeless — everyone — come together to enjoy the day and a hot meal.”
Delivery services and to-go “bag lunches” are also an option. The event is presented free of charge due to the generosity of several corporate sponsors, many individual donors, the DECC, and the efforts of many hardworking volunteers.
Monica Hendrickson and her daughter, Becca Manley, enjoy hiking at Jay Cooke State Park, which is just a few minutes from Monica’s house, and where she goes to recharge.
Statistics
The numbers behind such a giant community effort are jaw-dropping. For instance, each year’s buffet involves:
• 7,000 meals served (including in-person, delivery and bag lunches).
• 1,100 volunteers
• 2,200 pounds of turkey.
• 2,000 pounds of potatoes.
• 600 pounds of corn.
• 110 gallons of gravy.
• 200 pounds of onions and celery.
• 500 pounds of bread crumbs for stuffing.
Other affiliations
Hendrickson also stays busy with other efforts. She donates her time to the Union Gospel Mission, her church (St. James Catholic Church), and is helping with a capital campaign to start an animal rescue organization in Carlton County.
She has been recognized a few times over the years. In 2011, she received one of the Duluth News Tribune’s “20 Under 40” awards. And in 2024, she was a nominee for The Woman Today’s Rosie Award.
Personal
Hendrickson and her husband, Mike, a UPS driver, live in Duluth’s lower Smithville neighborhood. They have two adult children: daughter Rebecca Manley (and son-in-law, Phil), and a son, Ben Hendrickson.
The family also has two rescued Siberian huskies, Kal and Bailey. Hendrickson has a passion for educating people about the intense care required for this breed.
In her spare time, she enjoys attending concerts, traveling, cooking and hiking.
Fr. Richard Kunst, Mark Hall-Patton (“The Beard of Knowledge” from the TV series Pawn Stars) and Monica Hendrickson celebrate at the Kitchi Gammi Club in Duluth as they launched “Vatican Unveiled: An Exhibit of Papal Artifacts” in Duluth. Monica enjoys giving back by volunteering her time to her church, St. James Catholic Church.
“One of the best parts of the event is seeing different groups of people, wherever they are in life, simply sharing a meal.”
- Monica Hendrickson
Heart for service
Hendrickson remains deeply moved by how meaningful the buffet has become in our community.
“One of the best parts of the event is seeing different groups of people, wherever they are in life, simply sharing a meal,” she said. “A lot of my life has been spent dealing with my health, which has formed who I am. So, I try to just live each day and help others. I also try to live my faith, instead of just talking about it. Helping others is how I find joy.”
Monica Hendrickson is shown with Chris Mueller, vice president for College Advancement at The College of St Scholastica. Mueller’s development team is critical to the Thanksgiving Day Buffet’s planning and fundraising efforts year-round.
For more information about the Thanksgiving Day Buffet, visit css. edu/administration/ thanksgiving-day-buffet/.*
Andrea Busche is a Duluthbased freelance writer and small-business owner. She has been a frequent contributor to The Woman Today since 2008.
Sankta Lucia Celebration presented by the Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth
Saturday, December 14, 2024 9:00 am • Seating begins at 8:20 am Duluth Holiday Inn Great Lakes Ballroom Lucia Processional and Scandinavian Buffet Brunch
Adults $25 • Children 5-10 years $15 4 and under are free
Call by November 30 for tickets: 218-348-0353
www.swedishculturalsociety.org
Debbie Almirall Banking professional is a community-minded leader for Duluth
By Amy Carlson
Debbie Almirall absolutely believes people can achieve whatever goals they have, and she has set an incredible example in her own life for others to emulate. More importantly, she shares her experiences and supports others on their own journeys: “The most rewarding thing you can ever do is help other people achieve their goals and provide them with the resources to do that,” she said.
Photo by Comstock Creative, courtesy of Debbie Almirall.
Photos courtesy of Debbie Almirall
Growing up in the Twin Cities, Almirall fell in love with Duluth while on vacation as a child. She earned college scholarships elsewhere but wanted to go to the University of Minnesota Duluth, so she worked at a glass factory to pay for her degree in economics. After college she worked as a teller (even working as a spokesperson for her bank’s first ATM in the Minneapolis skyway showing people how to operate it), and then progressed through the ranks in the banking world. Along the way she earned her MBA from UMD, commuting from Grand Rapids with two kids under the age of 3.
“You don’t always have a straight path,” she said, “but if you have a goal, you can achieve those things.”
“YOU DON’T ALWAYS HAVE A STRAIGHT PATH, BUT IF YOU HAVE A GOAL, YOU
ACHIEVE
THINGS.” - Debbie Almirall >
‘Listening to her employees’
In 2013, Almirall moved from a traditional bank environment when she was hired as president and CEO of Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union. She loves her job because “every day is different, every day you’re always going to have issues and problems to solve, which is fun if you can solve them.”
Instead of holding scheduled meetings, Almirall often chooses to walk around and check in with people. Cory Oullette, vice president of operations at MPECU, said Almirall “really listens to her employees and you can tell she really wants what’s best for them,” adding that she is a true team player, even offering to help run a cash drawer as a teller if he’s shorthanded.
Almirall loves the credit union model, where they emphasize financial literacy: People “need somewhere to go to get advice that’s fair. … We try to teach people how to have a better financial future. That’s our mission,” she said.
MPECU began in 1933 to help Minnesota Power employees when banks weren’t lending. As a cooperative, all members are also owners. This allows them to charge lower fees and pay more in savings, while offering the same services as a standard bank. They also add a personal touch by staying connected to members.
“We try to meet you where you are so you can call us and we answer, you can come in, or you can do everything online,” Almirall said.
During her tenure, MPECU has doubled in size, added business lending, and expanded its membership to include 20 select employer groups — other local businesses whose employees can also become members.
While at MPECU, Almirall spearheaded the development of the Women’s Leadership Network, dedicated to supporting women in the industry. They meet quarterly, bring in female entrepreneurs to share their stories, provide branding strategies, professional development pieces, and networking opportunities for female credit union employees throughout the state.
Mara Humphrey, president and CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, praises Almirall’s commitment to this group: “She really helped share her career journey as well as inspire other women. She has a way of bringing people together.”
In addition, Almirall mentored a young girl through the YMCA Mentor Duluth program for many years,
and she recently graduated from college.
“I’m so proud of her, she did all that. … It’s really great to see somebody succeed,” Almirall said. She also teaches as an adjunct professor at UMD’s Labovitz School of Business, a position she’s been committed to since 2016. And as a member of Skyline Rotary for almost 20 years, she’s served in numerous leadership roles and actively volunteers, whether on construction projects or at the annual dragon boat festival in Superior, Wisconsin. Longtime friend Mark Leutgeb is also a Skyline Rotary member and has “seen her compassion as well as her tremendous decision making and humanity.”
“ WE TRY TO TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO HAVE A BETTER FINANCIAL FUTURE. THAT’S OUR MISSION. ”
Debbie Almirall
The Duluth Skyline Rotary Club, with Debbie Almirall pictured in the center wearing pink, tours Duluth’s West End.
Debbie Almirall and her husband, Paul, visited the Sydney Opera House during their cruise last spring. Notice Debbie happens to be holding a Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union backpack in the photo.
Debbie Almirall, left, participates in cultural dancing in Esparza, Costa Rica with children in the community during her trip last spring.
“We all would say we came in like friends and we came out like sisters. … It absolutely wouldn’t have happened without Deb.”
- Sara Priest
Passion for sailing and traveling the world
Debbie and her husband, Paul, have five grown children between them and eight grandchildren. She learned to sail with Paul many years ago, and she found she loved it. She regularly raced on Wednesdays and competed in offshore races on Lake Superior on their J29 sailboat, Indigo. Then in 2015, as the skipper of an all-female crew, they finished fourth in their class in the Trans-Superior Yacht Race from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Duluth.
Sarah Priest, a friend and crewmember, recalls, “There was levity and fun and more team building that happened on that trip. We all would say we came in like friends and we came out like sisters. … It absolutely wouldn’t have happened without Deb.”
And while Almirall is widely known for supporting others, she isn’t afraid to lean on friends and coworkers when she needs them. Her husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, so they sold their sailboat. Then in 2024, they embarked upon the trip of a lifetime, a 111-day cruise to 40 ports around the world, including highlights such as Fiji, Africa, and Ephesus, Turkey. She said it was an amazing experience, comparing it to summer camp for adults, and they made many dear friends.
“The cruise was really good for us,” Almirall said. “We were in a 148-square-foot balcony cabin, so for months we learned how to help each other, and he learned how to accept help and deal with it.”
Almirall also had to rely on her management team at MPECU to keep things afloat while she was away.
Debbie Almirall drives the America’s Cup boat in New Zealand during her trip last spring.
“Get people in place that can help you and use their help,” she said. “We all think we have to do everything ourselves and it’s like ‘No, I relied on my people for three and a half months and the credit union’s still here, the wheels did not fall off, everything went fine,’” she said, laughing.
Ready to take on any challenge that comes her way, Almirall is an inspiration for many people who say that she lives what she believes and encourages all those around her. *
Amy Carlson is a Duluth freelance writer.
SOCIAL STUDIES
SCIENCE
This is the all-women’s crew approaching the finish line in Duluth at the Trans-Superior sailboat race in 2015 on Debbie Almirall's boat, Indigo.
Dr.PitcherGratia Focus on active listening
By Janna Goerdt
Dr. Gratia Pitcher snuggles with Lulu.
Photos courtesy of Dr. Gratia Pitcher
Doctor blends business and patient care as Essentia Health’s new chief medical officer
For Gratia Pitcher, it was a tossup between becoming a Disney animation artist or becoming a pediatrician.
She was in sixth grade and trying to figure out her career future. “The Little Mermaid” was in theaters at the time, she remembers, but she thought medical school might actually be easier to accomplish. Several decades later, Dr. Gratia Pitcher of Duluth has been named the new chief medical officer at Essentia Health.
Historically, a CMO has walked the line between employment and the medical staff. But in modern health care systems, a CMO “is someone who should have a balanced scorecard of health care, economics and patient outcomes,” Pitcher said. “In the end, having great finances and poor-quality outcomes is not acceptable.”
The role of a CMO will likely continue to evolve, Pitcher said.
“We have the opportunity to improve clinicians’ well-being, and reduce the documentation burden,” Pitcher said. The patient voice is helping to drive those changes, she added. But at the same time, she doesn’t want to sacrifice the well-being of her staff. Pitcher believes Essentia Health can improve both.
“If staff well-being hits the mark, patient well-being hits the mark,” she said.
Pitcher said she enjoys the challenges of improving health care processes. She served as chief quality officer at Essentia Health for three years, and worked in leadership in Essentia’s eastern market.
She likes blending her experience of being on the front line of health care, and seeing what the day-to-day business of health care is like, with taking a strategic look at Essentia’s overall operations. She enjoys helping “guide the organization
through challenging times,” she said. “That appealed to me.”
She is also part of a younger generation of leaders at Essentia. “Dr. Pitcher has consistently demonstrated her ability to gain the perspectives and trust of her colleagues to advance the care of the patients we are privileged to serve,” said Essentia Health Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Herman. “She is the right clinical leader during this time of tremendous change in health care, and we’re proud to have her in this leadership role.”
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Herman has helped prepare Essentia Health’s board of directors for fresh new faces, Pitcher said. “He told our board, ‘The folks we are succession planning for our roles, they are going to look young to you.’”
But in Pitcher’s view, having worked for many decades in health care isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for a leadership role.
“The interesting thing about leadership abilities is that I have not noticed that it’s related to age,” Pitcher said. “Age gives experience, but leadership can definitely be developed.”
Dr. Gratia Pitcher takes a selfie with Dr. Dean Fox and Dr. Melanie Ripley at legacy St. Mary's Medical Center on the last hospital shift before the move to the new facility in Duluth.
Dr. Gratia Pitcher meets with the Minnesota Hospital Chief Medical Officer Group at the Capitol Building in St. Paul.
“THAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF MY JOB. LISTENING, AND GOING INTO A SITUATION WITH CURIOSITY.”
- Dr. Gratia Pitcher
From Ohio to Duluth
Pitcher earned her medical degree from the Medical University of Ohio (now the University of Toledo) and completed a residency in internal medicine from the Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies.
Her 15 years of clinical practice in internal medicine, combined with her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin, helps her deal with the complex scope and challenges of modern health care. It was important to Pitcher to stay connected to clinical practice, even as she adapts to her new role. She works a couple of shifts per month at Essentia HealthSt. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.
Essentia Health’s Vice President of Patient Experience Lanie Dixon (left) and Dr. Gratia Pitcher, chief medical officer, enjoy a moment together.
“It’s very grounding,” she said of maintaining that patient connection. “I find it joyful to sit down with patients and hear their stories, to help them navigate. And that helps me be a better leader, to bring that lens to the leadership table.”
Another crucial part of her job — both in direct patient care and at that leadership table — is active listening.
During her clinical practice, when she met with patients who had a long, seemingly impossible-to-tackle list of health issues, Pitcher learned to start at the top. She asked her patients to focus on their top three health needs. And then she would listen.
She uses that same skill in her role as CMO, Pitcher said.
“That is the most important part of my job,” she said. “Listening, and going into a situation with curiosity.”
Dr. Gratia Pitcher and her son, Max, take time to hit the water on a Soo Locks cruise.
Relaxing on the shores of Lake Superior
Pitcher also nurtures her sense of curiosity in her free time. She and her son, Max, and her mother spend a lot of family time at their cabin in Calumet City, Michigan. Pitcher often combs the beaches in search of agates and other special rocks that Lake Superior has to offer. Rows of beachcombing treasures line the cabin’s window sills, she said. She dabbles in gardening, and loves to take her side-by-side for a ride in the woods surrounding the cabin. Thanks to a childhood partly spent working in the diners that her mother operated near Cleveland, Pitcher said she can whip up an outstanding breakfast at a moment’s notice.
Above: A group of Essentia Health administrators gather at the New Scenic Café in Duluth for conversation and a meal. Pictured, from left, are Vice President of Integrated Care Kenzie Hohman, Chief Patient Quality and Safety Officer Dr. Maria Beaver, Chief Medical Information Officer Sarah Manney, Chief Nurse Executive RN Rhonda Kazik, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gratia Pitcher, Retired Chief Human Resource Officer Diane Davidson, and Vice President of Patient Experience Lanie Dixon.
Left: Dr. Gratia Pitcher’s home away from Duluth is her cabin in Calumet, Mich.
Pitcher often works remotely from the family cabin, which is not far from the small Michigan town in the Upper Peninsula where her own grandfather was a physician in the early 1900s.
Medicine has changed a lot since then, and Pitcher knows it will continue to evolve. There are still lingering effects of the pandemic — with provider burnout still an issue, and the rapidly changing role of virtual care as just a few trending topics in medicine.
For example, health care systems will have to learn how to offer excellent virtual care options to the millennial generation, while still maintaining a system for generations more comfortable with in-person patient services, Pitcher said.
And when it comes to figuring that out, Pitcher said she will be ready to listen. *
Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range farmer and freelance writer.
Duluth woman receives oncology care close to home
By Melinda Lavine
Andrea Huber found the lump by accident. During a trip to Florida, she hugged herself after exiting a pool – and there it was.
“I felt it on the right side of my right breast. It felt like a giant marble, and it was hard,” she recalled. “I knew right away it wasn’t something that should be there.”
After returning to Duluth and receiving an ultrasound and a mammogram, Huber was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma in March 2023.
This rare cancer develops in the lobules, or the milk-producing glands of the breast. The cancerous cells eventually break out of the lobule and spread to the breast tissue, with the potential to spread further to the lymph nodes, spine, brain and ovaries.
Huber sprang into action. She researched treatment online and sought support online from other cancer patients.
She also had an important ally close to home.
Essentia Health oncologist Dr. Peter Kebbekus had lived next door to Huber and her family for several years. “He’s part Italian, my family’s Italian, so we talk pasta and wine,” Huber said.
After her diagnosis, Huber asked Kebbekus if he’d be willing to be her oncologist. He agreed, and he answered her questions and relieved her concerns about treatment, surgery and what to expect for future care.
Andrea Huber is a breast cancer survivor living in Duluth’s Kenwood neighborhood. Photo by Derek Montgomery, courtesy of Essentia
“I got my mammograms, exercised and ate healthy. I did all the right things, and I still got cancer.”
“It’s been a learning curve for me, and it’s great to have Peter next door to bounce questions off of,” she said.
Due to the type of cancer and the tumor size, Huber and Essentia’s Dr. Nicole Flynn discussed the removal of Huber’s right breast.
Huber opted for a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery to reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning. “It was a good decision. The tumor was about 2.5 inches. It was quite shocking,” Huber recalled.
After surgery May 11, 2023, Huber recovered and returned to walking and gardening “relatively quickly.”
“Once I got the drains out, life got a little bit easier,” she said.
She completed radiation in August 2023. Huber meets with Kebbekus monthly for follow-up treatment and has started different
medications, hormone blockers and an aromatase inhibitor.
And because hers is a hormoneresponsive cancer, Huber elected to have an oophorectomy. “Getting your ovaries out is one less thing to worry about,” she said.
Reflecting on her experience, Huber is more than happy with the care she received at Essentia.
Flynn was determined to remove all the cancer and ensure Huber felt cared for and heard, and Kebbekus and his family continue to be close. Huber will walk with his wife on occasion, and Kebbekus and his daughter will sometimes dog-sit for Huber.
They’re close neighbors that Huber is very grateful to have in her life, she said.
Today, Huber walks daily. She enjoys golf, pickleball, cooking and entertaining.
- Andrea Huber
To others, she stresses the importance of self-breast exams and being a champion advocate for yourself and your care because “cancer doesn’t discriminate.”
“I got my mammograms, exercised and ate healthy. I did all the right things, and I still got cancer,” she said.
A cancer diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean a death sentence, she added, but it can mean living with a chronic condition you’re trying to not let control your life.
Next up for Huber is reconstructive breast surgery this fall. She said despite what has been, at times, a “horrific” experience, she aims to find humor wherever she can.
“Although it was traumatic, I’m going to have perky boobs at 50,” she said. *
Melinda Lavine is a communications specialist for Essentia Health.
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Arts & Entertainment Calendar
The West Theatre Events
OCTOBER
Oct. 2 - Lucy Kaplansky
Oct. 3 - GB Leighton
Oct. 10 - John Ford Coley
Oct. 16 - Blue Note Classics: A Candlelit Session
Oct. 17 - Lizz Winstead Live at The West Oct. 20 - John McEuen & The Circle Band Find updated information at thewesttheatre/ events.com.
Duluth Superior Film Festival
OCT. 2-6
The 13th annual event is part of the North Star Story Summit, which also includes the Minnesota Web Fest, the EDU Film Festival, and the Catalyst Story Institute. Events are held across several venues. Visit dsfilmfest.org.
For King + Country
OCT. 3
Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone will bring their positive and emotional music to the DECC with “The Unsung Hero Tour.” Visit decc.org/ event/for-king-country.
Bayfield Apple Festival
OCT. 4-6
With more than 60 orchards and food booths, nearly 100 arts and crafts booths, a kids carnival with games and rides, there’s plenty to see and do at this 62nd annual event in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Visit bayfield.org/ bayfield-apple-festival.
Ben Folds
OCT. 5
The “Paper Airplane Request Tour” will come to the DECC’s Symphony Hall with his genre-bending music. Visit decc.org/ event/ben-folds.
Art
Night Out
OCT. 11
Celebrate the closing of two exhibitions by Azania Tripp and Gary and MaryAnn Carlson at the Duluth Art Institute. Hear the artists talk about their work and process while enjoying appetizers and beverages. Visit duluthartinstitute.org/event-5818231.
Celebrity Dance Challenge
OCT. 11
Local celebrities are paired with professional dancers for an exciting and dynamic show featuring all styles of dance. Visit minnesotaballet.org.
“Fallenstar: The Watchoverers”
OCT. 11-13
Commissioned by the BIPOC Superhero Project, and in collaboration with Duluth Playhouse, New Native Theatre will present this play about three cousins who discover a meteorite that gives them superpowers. Visit duluthplayhouse.org/stages/special-events.
“The Importance of Being Earnest”
OCT. 11-19
The University of Minnesota Duluth’s theater season starts with this Oscar Wilde play at the Marshall Performing Arts Center. Visit tickets.umn.edu.
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.
Mania: The ABBA Tribute
OCT. 16
Since forming in 1999, Mania: The ABBA Tribute has been touted as the best ABBA tribute concert ever, and they’ll perform at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Visit decc.org/ event/mania.
“The Thin Place”
OCT. 17-27
This immersive ghost story transforms the theater into an intimate séance. The Duluth Playhouse will host this performance at the Underground. Visit duluthplayhouse. org/shows/the-thin-place.
Chelsea Handler
OCT. 18
Comedian Chelsea Handler will perform at Black Bear Casino Resort in Carlton. Visit blackbearcasinoresort.com/ottercreek.html.
Duluth Senior GO Show
OCT. 22
The GO Show is geared for adults 55 and older with exhibitors, live entertainment, seminars, services and samples at the DECC. Visit goshowexpo.com.
Poe: The Ballet
OCT. 24-31
This performance at Studio Four will feature original works set to hair-raising Edgar Allan Poe tales: “The Purloined Letter” (intertwined with “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart”), “The Death of the Red Mask,” and “The Pit and the Pendulum.” Visit minnesotaballet.org.
Great Lakes Outdoor Summit
OCT. 25
The DSSO co-commissioned Composer James Lee III to write this concerto for orchestra and English horn, celebrating three outstanding female social activists. Visit dsso.com/concert/ courageous-lights.
“The Impresario & Circe” on Superior NOV. 1, 3
Lyric Opera of the North (LOON) opens the 2024-25 season with “The Impresario & Circe” on Superior, performed at the St. Louis County Depot main stage. Visit loonopera.org/ events/the-impresario-circe-on-superior.
“Swan Lake”
NOV. 2
Presented by The World Ballet Company, “Swan Lake” will be performed at the DECC’s Symphony Hall one night only. Visit decc.org/ event/swan-lake
ONGOING:
Duluth Children’s Museum 115 S. 29th Ave. W., Duluth 218-733-7543 duluthchildrensmuseum.org
Duluth Depot 506 W. Michigan St., Duluth 218-727-8025 duluthdepot.org
Douglas County Historical Society 1101 John Ave., Superior 715-392-8449 douglashistory.org
Glensheen Historic Estate 3300 London Road, Duluth 218-726-8910 glensheen.org
Great Lakes Aquarium 353 Harbor Dr., Duluth 218-740-3474 glaquarium.org
Lake Superior Zoo 7210 Fremont St., Duluth 218-730-4500 lszooduluth.org
North Shore Scenic Railroad 506 W. Michigan St., Duluth 218-722-1273 duluthtrains.com
The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad 6930 Fremont St., Duluth 218-624-7549 Lsmrr.org
A Heart of Resilience
How Aspirus St. Luke’s helped one woman overcome the challenges of heart surgery and recovery
By Claire Kiger
Kim Day woke up in the intensive care unit feeling groggy. It took her awhile to get her bearings. When she did, she was pleased to hear that her heart valve replacement surgery had gone well. But she was shocked to find out how long it had been.
“The surgery was supposed to last four to five hours,” said Day, “but it ended up taking 10.”
Aspirus St. Luke’s Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Hebroon Obaid had suspected two of Day’s coronary arteries would need attention. He had let her know that he would be able to address this during her heart valve surgery with a bypass procedure. However, he soon found that Day’s heart would need even more TLC than they had thought.
Comprehensive heart surgery
“In addition to two bypass surgeries, Kim’s aortic root — the part of the largest artery in the body that connects to the heart — was smaller than usual,” Dr. Obaid said. “We addressed both the coronary artery blockages and the valve. However, the prosthetic valve was leaking quite a bit. I didn’t want to do anything less than perfect for Kim, so we did a second valve replacement. All these issues being addressed in one comprehensive procedure ensured the best possible outcome.”
The beginning of Day’s stay is still a bit of a blur for her. Recovering in the ICU, she often had trouble remembering what was happening.
Kim Day with Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Hebroon Obaid.
Photo courtesy of Aspirus-St. Luke's
“My family and I laugh about it now,” she said. “But my poor nurses! Apparently, I was combative and said some crazy things. Still, they were all so kind and gracious to me. I was given the absolute best care.”
Soon, she was moved to the cardiac care unit where she continued to heal. After two weeks, she was feeling much more stable, but started to grow restless. She knew an additional 10 days of cardiac rehab still lie ahead of her.
Rebuilding strength with cardiac rehab
“After a heart attack, heart surgery or another event that caused heart damage, patients greatly benefit from cardiac rehab,” said Sharon Bourdeau, Aspirus St. Luke’s supervisor of Cardiac Diagnostics and Rehabilitation. “For patients in our cardiac unit, specialists meet with them twice daily as soon as they are able to get moving.”
Determined to finish her rehab as soon as possible, Day pushed herself. Her physical therapists helped her regain her strength in getting up, walking, balancing and going up stairs. Dr. Obaid continued to visit her every day, offering encouragement and checking in on her progress.
“Truly, it was a challenge at times,” Day said, “but everyone was so encouraging. The physical therapists were excellent. They cheered me on when I didn’t think I could do something, and that was just what I needed. Dr. Obaid was just amazing, too, stopping in to see me so often. I truly can’t say enough about him. He was so reassuring, always telling me I was going to get there.”
Dr. Obaid was right. In a recordbreaking five days, Day conquered the first phase of rehab. She was finally ready to go home.
Compassionate heart care at Aspirus St. Luke’s
A week after her discharge, Day began the second phase of cardiac rehab. This part of the program takes place in a group setting, offering patients the support of others who are in a similar situation. Day came to Aspirus St. Luke’s three times a week, learning how she could best care for her heart and participating in monitored exercise.
“I loved going to rehab,” Day said, “and after 12 weeks, I was done! And you know what? I got a membership so I can keep going to the gym there. We live in Superior, but I just love all the people there so much that I can’t imagine going somewhere else.
“I feel incredibly fortunate for my entire experience,” she continued. “I’m thankful for all my nurses who cared for me so compassionately. I’m thankful for the exercise specialists and physical therapists who helped me regain my strength, and for the constant support of my loving family. Finally, I am so thankful for Dr. Obaid. Without him, I might not be here. I just can’t say enough about all the wonderful people at Aspirus St. Luke’s.”
If you have any concerns about your heart health, schedule an appointment at Aspirus St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular Care – no referral is required. Call 218-249-6370 or visit slhduluth. com/heart. *
Claire Kiger is a writer and marketing specialist at Aspirus St. Luke’s.
At Aspirus St. Luke’s, cardiac rehab is a 12-week program designed to help patients recover and prevent future issues.
Photo courtesy of Aspirus-St. Luke's
Salo Downs reflects on years of COMMUNITY SERVICE
PattyDownsSalo
Patty Salo Downs knows who she is. She is optimistic. She is a lifelong learner. She is … naive?
While her friends and colleagues may shake their heads at the well-educated and accomplished community leader calling herself naive, Salo Downs embraces her “stubborn naivety” as the driving factor in many of her life choices. She believes that naivety has helped her escape from other people’s constrictive opinions of what she can and can’t do, and has opened the door for her to become who she is today.
After attending Roosevelt High School in Virginia, Minnesota on the Iron Range, Salo Downs decided to pursue a degree from the University of Minnesota. She faced opposition from school counselors who told her that she “wasn’t college material” and from unsupportive family members.
Photos courtesy of Patty Salo Downs
“Had I listened to other people, I wouldn’t be here. But my desire to be a teacher was far stronger than any of those comments.”
- Patty Salo Downs
“I remember leaving my house and not one person said good luck,” Salo Downs said. “The only thing they said is, ‘If you fail, don’t come home.’”
Despite the lack of financial and emotional support from her family, Salo Downs graduated with her bachelor’s degree in education in 1976.
“Had I listened to other people, I wouldn’t be here. But my desire to be a teacher was far stronger than any of those comments,” Salo Downs said.
Patty Salo Downs and her colleague Susan Johnson sell toffee at a Junior League Duluth event.
A lifetime of community service
Since finishing college, she has flourished. Salo Downs has held many leadership roles over the years, including serving on the board of the Association of Junior Leagues International, being president of Junior League of Duluth, and serving on and chairing dozens of committees. Currently, Salo Downs is the executive director for the Alworth Memorial Scholarship Fund, the chair of Duluth Thrives, a certified life coach, a fiber artist, and she remains an accomplished member of Junior League of Duluth.
One of her most personally impactful projects took place when she co-chaired Junior League of Duluth’s First Witness Child Advocacy Center build committee from 1992-1993.
The First Witness Child Advocacy Center provides a safe space for professionals to interview children and adolescents who have reported sexual abuse, physical abuse, or witnessed violence. The First Witness model allows for children to experience one forensically sound interview, without having to recount their experience multiple times to the court system.
During the project, Salo Downs was on the ground — hard hat and all — overseeing aspects of the construction. She was wowed by the ingenuity of herself and her team as problem solvers, and amazed by the support of the Twin Ports community.
“There were a lot of community partners,” Salo Downs said. “Just keep in mind, we don’t do these things by ourselves.”
Some of those community partners included local labor unions and vocational students who volunteered their time, the city of Duluth, which donated the land the center was built on, and the National Guard, which provided dump trucks when the crew needed them.
Patty Salo Downs is a fiber artist in her spare time and created this original scarf, among other works. In the fall she can often be found teaching classes on felting at the Duluth Folk School.
“So many of us waste most of our life going over and over things that have happened with outcomes we weren’t necessarily happy with — that’s ruminating.”
- Patty Salo Downs
‘I had a hand in their healing’
Nearly 30 years later, in 2022, Salo Downs saw her involvement come full circle when she was asked to serve on the First Witness Capital Campaign Committee. Salo Downs and other committee members worked to secure funding for a larger building after First Witness outgrew its original space.
“I jumped on. I said, yes, I’d be willing to be a part of the capital campaign to raise the money,” Salo Downs said. “It was, by the way, extremely successful. Over $3.5 million was raised.”
Several summers ago, Salo Downs heard a testimonial about First Witness from a stranger she met while picking blueberries. The woman told Salo Downs about how First Witness helped her granddaughter after a traumatic event. She said the center went above and beyond to ensure her family will thrive.
“I’m in the blueberry patch and I’m crying my eyes out, knowing that I had a hand in that,” Salo Downs said, tearing up. “I had a hand in their healing. And yeah, it still makes me cry.”
Patty Salo Downs poses with members of the Junior League Duluth community council.
Throughout her years with Junior League of Duluth, Salo Downs has worked on several other impactful projects, including building the wooden Playfront Park, implementing the Seeds for Peace Violence Prevention Curriculum provided to fourth-grade students in Duluth, and she is currently serving on the Junior League of Duluth board as Community Council director.
In addition to her work in Junior League, Salo Downs has served on 10 nonprofit boards. She is currently the chair of Duluth Thrives, a grass-roots organization that hosts public workshops on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and teaches community members how to engage in nonviolent compassionate communication. While Salo Downs was initially excited to be a part of a program that would help others work through their ACEs, she found the sessions have been instrumental in her own life and healing journey.
“So many of us waste most of our life going over and over things that have happened with outcomes we weren’t necessarily happy with — that’s ruminating,” Salo Downs said. “And I personally have found I don’t need to do that anymore. … My inner voice knows. And I block out the rest of the noise of the world. And maybe that is a bit of a naive approach to life, but it has served me well.”*
Kayde Moore is a Duluth freelance writer.
Patty Salo Downs has chaired Duluth Thrives since 2021.
Not just hockey moms
Duluth Motherpuckers hit the ice, have fun and play the game
By Janna Goerdt Photos courtesy of Melissa Goodson
Liesa Klyn is pictured at a parent-child hockey game with two of her three children, Reijer (right) and Xochi (front). Photo courtesy of Liesa Klyn
Liesa Klyn hadn’t laughed that hard in years.
She had just joined her first adult women’s casual hockey team practice in a suburb of Chicago. Her skates were four sizes too big. She fell down a lot. And she was having an absolute ball.
It was so much fun that in 2020, when Klyn learned her family would be moving to Duluth — where a casual hockey team, surely, would be waiting for her to join — she was excited to keep playing.
“I was pumped,” Klyn said. “Here I was, moving to Hockeytown, USA, and I was ready to play hockey in Duluth.”
She found teams for two of her children who were into hockey. But for hockey moms like her? Nope.
“There was nothing here for middle-aged to older adult women who want to play this hockey thing, too,” Klyn said. “I was stunned.”
Motherpuckers take the ice
So Klyn, a teacher in the Hermantown Community Schools, began putting together a team. She kept dropping hints to other hockey moms she knew, and spreading the word to others she thought might be interested. For their first practice, about eight women showed up on the outdoor rink at Glen Avon Hockey Club. The Duluth Motherpuckers were born.
After a half-hour skating and hockey skills practice and a half-hour scrimmage, the women were ready for more.
“We all felt there was something here that we wanted to continue,” Klyn said.
“It’s great exercise, a wonderful group of people,” said team member Laura Mullen. “Every time I go, I’m so happy.”
Mullen had played some casual women’s hockey while in college, and she also plays on the Northern Gales, a team with the Women’s Hockey Association of Minnesota, or WHAM. WHAM is the country’s largest women’s hockey league, with seven levels of play ranging from beginners to teams for women aged 20 and up with a lot of experience.
So many women are now playing with the Duluth Motherpuckers that the team has "self selected" into a group of beginners and a group that has more skating and playing practice, said founding member Liesa Klyn, but there is room for all skill levels to join and play.
The Motherpuckers “are really scrappy,” Mullen said. “We’re just sort of going for it. Every good day of ice in the winter, we’re out there.”
Steady growth
The group started looking ahead to building an even bigger 2022 season. Forty women showed up to play — women who had never played hockey before, women who had played in college, women who knew how to skate but not much about hockey.
“People were coming from everywhere,” Klyn said.
They were coming because it was athletic, energetic, simple, pure fun. It was a chance for someone else to put the kids to bed for the night, a
chance to layer up to keep warm and glide out on the outdoor rink under the night sky, a chance to work up a sweat and learn something new and have fun all the while with a group of supportive women all around them. It was a chance to just play.
“If you’re just learning, it’s safe and casual,” Mullen said. There is no checking or violent contact. “Basically, it’s meant for beginners.”
The second real season was also a success, Klyn said, with about 75 women showing up throughout the winter to play. Having that many women interested was great, but also a challenge, she said.
The Motherpuckers primarily play on outdoor ice at Glen Avon Hockey Club in the Hunters Park neighborhood of Duluth, and
finding enough ice time can be tricky. During the winter of 2023-24, consistent warm weather meant outdoor ice was a rare commodity. As part of their agreement with Glen Avon, the Motherpuckers contribute to ice maintenance, including flooding the rinks, driving the Zambonis and shoveling snow off the ice.
Working to maintain the outdoor ice for themselves and others helps build a sense of community, Klyn said.
“To have 15 middle-aged women shoveling snow off the ice so we can bang a puck around, that’s something we feel like clinging to,” Klyn said. “It’s pure joy, and purely ours. It’s uncomplicated.”
Members of the Duluth Motherpuckers cluster around coach Jamie Prochnow at the Twin Ports Invitational Tournament at Heritage Ice Arena in Duluth in March 2022. The team is going into its third season amid rising interest among women who are interested in playing hockey.
“IT’S PURE JOY, AND PURELY OURS”
Future plans
Heading into their third winter might bring some changes, Klyn said. If interest in the team continues to rise, they might have to run two different sessions, or use one indoor and one outdoor rink, Klyn said. That is still to be sorted out.
“We are trying to be a casual, low-commitment team that’s open to everyone, but we can’t have 100 skaters” trying to scrimmage on one sheet of ice, she said. “We’re trying to walk that line. We don’t want to say ‘no’ to anyone.”
Elena Willmot of Duluth said “yes” to her first hockey experience during the Motherpuckers’ inaugural season. Willmot grew up near Toronto and learned how to skate as a child, but she had never played hockey.
As an adult, “I am a collector of hobbies,” Willmot said. From mountain biking to crochet, she is willing to try anything once, so she picked up her first hockey stick.
And she loves it.
“It’s really nice to be physically active in the winter,” Willmot said. “You get outside, in the fresh air, and the women are so supportive. There are such a range of abilities, and people are so supportive when you
- Liesa Klyn
stand up on your skates, or when you get a goal.”
Klyn is looking forward to the upcoming hockey season, and welcoming even more women in full hockey gear onto a sheet of fresh outdoor ice. For her at least, it’s much more fun than running a 5K or joining a book club.
“I’m an energetic person,” Klyn said. “I wind down when I can
wind up. Being able to be aggressive, and sweat, and play feels good to me — and I think I’m not alone.”
To learn more about the Duluth Motherpuckers, visit their website at duluthmotherpuckers.com, or send an inquiry about joining the team to duluthmotherpuckers@gmail.com.*
Janna Goerdt is an Iron Range farmer and freelance writer.
Members of the Duluth Motherpuckers sit in the box during a casual tournament.
▶ Jenga-style wooden blocks (Kenya game tumbling tree or similar)
▶ Paint palette
▶ Paint brush
▶ R ibbon (optional)
By Molly Milroy
As the harvest season rolls in, there’s no better time to reflect on gratitude and to share that gratitude with loved ones. These cute DIY Jenga-style block pumpkins are perfect for decorating your home or gifting to someone special as a thoughtful “I’m Thankful for You” gesture. Whether displayed on a counter as a centerpiece or on a mantel, these pumpkins bring warmth and a touch of fall décor to any space.
Gather your materials: Decide whether you want to make a large or small pumpkin, depending on the size of your blocks. Gather 12 blocks for each pumpkin you plan to create.
Assemble the pumpkin shape: Start by gluing together six blocks to form the pumpkin’s core. Begin by gluing two blocks together side by side, and then add two more in the same way to create a rectangular base. Next, glue three blocks on each side of the rectangle, ensuring the middle block is perpendicular to the others to make the shape of your pumpkin.
Prepare your paints: Squeeze out brown, green and orange paints onto your palette. Mix a bit of yellow or red with the orange paint to create various shades of orange. Choose your desired shade and paint the assembled pumpkin blocks. Allow the paint to dry completely.
Paint the stem: While your pumpkin dries, take a square block and paint it either green or brown. This will be the stem for the pumpkin. Set it aside and let it dry.
Attach the stem: Once both the pumpkin and stem are dry, glue the stem on top of the pumpkin, centering it for a balanced look.
Add finishing touches: Feel free to experiment with different color combinations for your pumpkins and stems. For a more decorative touch, you can glue a ribbon around the stem or add small embellishments like leaves or twine.
A season of gratefulness These DIY gratitude pumpkins are not just a craft; they’re a reminder of what we’re thankful for. Whether you keep them for yourself or give them to a friend, let them symbolize the gratitude that enriches our lives during this season of harvest. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Korner k i d s ’
By Ali Carlson
Happy start to fall! Sloane’s got some fresh wheels for her adventures this season and we can’t wait to get moving! Fall in Duluth is packed with fun adventures — Boo at the Soo, Scarium at the Aquarium, the Pumpkin Train — the list is endless! Let’s get out and enjoy the season, you’ll most likely catch Sloane out having fun at our local businesses all fall!
At the Aquarium
SCARIUM AT THE AQUARIUM
Join us Oct. 22-24 from 4-7 p.m. for Scarium at the Aquarium! Children 12 and under are FREE. Pre-registration is required for entry. Visit www.glaquarium.org/scarium.
At the Depot
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Educational programming. Family events. The St. Louis County Depot is a welcoming space for all. Follow us on social media or visit our website to find all there is to experience inside this wonderous building. ExperienceTheDepot.org or “St. Louis Count Depot” on Facebook & Instagram.
Get 10 admissions and roller skate rentals, birthday place settings, 1 free pass per guest and a birthday T-shirt for the birthday person for $18495 with more options available.
Brought to you by:
OF FALL FLAVORS
NEW MEXICO Santa Fe,
By
Kim Quinones
THE WOMAN TODAY
Photos Courtesy of Kim Quinones
Salsa Verde
INGREDIENTS:
6 whole tomatillos — remove husk and wash sticky coating off
2 whole jalapeno peppers
2 cloves garlic
½ white onion
⅛ cup rice vinegar
DIRECTIONS:
Place all ingredients except vinegar into a pot of water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. When the ingredients are soft, drain the water. Add ⅛ cup rice vinegar. Blend in the pot with an immersion blender until salsa consistency or blend ingredients in a blender. Set aside. Reserve ¼ cup to use as a topper at the end of the entree recipe.
Note: For a milder salsa verde, cut jalapeno peppers in half and deseed prior to simmering.
Salsa Verde Pork and Cabbage
INGREDIENTS:
1½ lb. pork, cubed (used pork steak in this preparation)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
3 cups cabbage, cut into small chunks
Salsa verde
Sear pork in a pan coated with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Once the pork is browned, stir in the prepared salsa verde. Next, stack the cabbage on top and cover with a lid. Let simmer for 10-12 minutes until cabbage is tender and pork is cooked through. Stir one more time to incorporate all ingredients in the pan. Boost the flavor with an additional splash of rice vinegar. Plate with a starch, such as white rice or roasted potatoes. A vegetable side such as sliced tomato adds cooling freshness against the heat of the salsa verde.
Top with reserved ¼ cup salsa verde or use as a dip for chips.
Recipe remake of Puerco en Salsa Verde by ArniTex
Honey Pine Nut Pie with Red Chile
New Mexico version would use locally sourced Piñon nuts: Honey Piñon Nut Pie with Red Chile
PAT-IN-THE-PAN PIE SHELL:
1 cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup butter, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup pine nuts, chopped
Toast pine nuts in a small dry pan over medium heat. Allow to cool before chopping. Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl with a fork until crumbly. Pour into an ungreased 9-inch pie plate and press firmly against the bottom and sides. Set aside.
PIE FILLING:
⅔ cup sugar
⅓ cup butter
½ cup honey
½ cup corn syrup
4 whole eggs
¼ tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. red chile flakes
1 cup pine nuts
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt and vanilla. Set aside.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, honey and corn syrup and stir until the sugar is dissolved and butter melted. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to slightly cool.
Next, add in the beaten eggs and stir constantly until smooth. Stir in the chili flakes.
Pour the mixture into a prepared unbaked 9-inch pie crust. Sprinkle the pine nuts on top to cover the pie. Secure 1-inch strips of foil around the edges of the pie crust to prevent browning too quickly. Remove the last 10 minutes of the bake.
Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, and then decrease the temperature to 325 degrees and continue baking for 35-40 minutes until the center is set.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving.
Pie filling: Recipe remake of Honey Piñon Nut Pie with Red Chile from the blog ‘’An Inspired Cook”
Pie crust: Recipe remake of a Gold Medal Flour recipe on back of flour bag
The Woman Yesterday
Ingrid Wells 1912-2012
By Amy Carlson
Ingrid Wells (nee Ingrid Kainu) was born and raised in Crosby, Minnesota in 1912 to parents who were first generation Finnish Americans. She attended St. Cloud State Teachers College and worked at a bank and taught elementary school before moving to Duluth in 1946. Her husband was Ward Wells, a longtime physical education professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth (for whom Ward Wells Fieldhouse is named) and together they raised three children.
She first entered local politics by supporting Hubert Humphrey’s Senate campaign and served on several Democratic-Farmer-Labor party and women’s groups, even running (unsuccessfully) for a state House seat in 1956. In 1963 she was temporarily appointed postmaster of Duluth, serving for nearly two years. Wells told the Duluth Herald in 1963 that her appointment showed that “this is not entirely a man’s world,” hoping it would inspire other women to become active in public life.
Afterward, she continued her work in the community: She had a leadership role with the Voyageurs National Park Association, helping to create the park in 1975. She also served on the city of Duluth’s Planning Commission. In 1976, Wells was named to the board of commissioners for the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth and served for 14 years before stepping down in 1990. She was elected board president in 1979, becoming the first female president. According to the Winter 1990-91 Minnesota’s World Port, her interest in mining and shipping began while growing up on the Cuyuna Iron Range. One of her earliest memories was the Milford mine disaster in 1924, where her father was one of seven miners to survive. Forty-one miners died.
In 1984, she was named the Port Cities Woman of the Year to honor her contributions to the Duluth community. Wells moved to Rochester, Minnesota after 50 years of residing in Duluth, passing away in 2012 at age 99. *
This photo from the Oct. 3, 1963 Duluth Herald, was captioned “Touring the post office, Mrs. Ingrid Wells, who will be the first woman ever to act as Duluth postmaster on Friday, confers with Paul Callahan, White Bear Lake, who was assigned to Duluth temporarily by the regional office in the absence of a postmaster.”
