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issue Meet the Dundas Dukes

Southern Minnesota’s Leading Women’s Magazine

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MAY 2014

You and your baby

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Lauran Rott

FROM THE PUBLISHER — Lauran Rott is the pubisher of Girlfriends magazine.

Find Girlfriends on Facebook Let us know what you think... and we’ll print what’s trending in our August edition. We reserve the right to edit comments for space and clarity.

Y

ou know those commercials that claim men can’t do anything right when it comes to cleaning or cooking or laundry? Oh, and forget taking care of their own children ... men are completely helpless when it comes to that! I hate those commercials and I’ll tell you why: Because men are not hopeless, hapless idiots. They are incredibly needed and loved.

I am an exceedingly lucky woman to have had the grandfathers, father, husband and son that I have in my life. My grandfather, George, would sit me down at McDonald’s from the age of five and run numbers on his napkins. He would calculate how much money I would have in retirement if I saved $50 a month and earned a rate of 7% interest. “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world!” he would say. Honestly, all I cared about was the Happy Meal toy that I never got because it was more expensive than ordering the cheeseburger, fries and drink on their own.

One of the last great men - my father - was a man of few words, and from a young age I always likened him to John Wayne. When he spoke, you wanted to listen because he passed along wisdom you could get nowhere else. He had true grit, but with four daughters his heart was full of patience, laughter and love. He cooked for us, making the best green olive cheeseburgers you would ever eat (the trick was to constantly turn them on the grill so the juices would be flowing throughout the meat rather than dripping out of it.) He taught me how to change a tire, drive a manual five-speed, hate Ohio State in favor of Michigan, and he gave me such unconditional love that when I would screw up as a teenager, all he would have to do was hang his head in disappointment and with that I would immediately understand to never do it again. I lost dad to cancer six years ago this month. I know this may

seem cliché, but not a day goes by that I don’t miss his warm laugh, guidance, and understanding. In fact, I still pick up the phone some days by mistake to share news. Those are the times I hug my husband and children close, knowing how short life can be.

Who in the world could ever put up with me?

Right now, my boss is reading this and laughing.

I demand a lot from a partner and I know that.

He needs to know the wine I prefer (that would be any - c’mon now!), how I like my steak (medium rare), how I like my martinis (dirty—extra dirty if you truly love me), that my bathroom is always a disaster, and how to make me laugh.

Pretty simple needs, I would think!

My husband Dave can’t make a decent martini, but he can make a mean sirloin. Dave and I have been married 17 years, and his sense of humor is what drew me to him. In fact, he and my daughter have their own inside jokes that I’ll never understand, but am willing to accept because I know how it makes them closer. Dave has coached our son Henry’s hockey team for seven years and always has something positive to say after a game, even when I have criticized. He believes in character over ambition and substance over simplicity. He cooks, he cleans, and he does laundry! Dave makes me better, if only because I am laughing more.

I would never want to diminish the role of dad, husband, brother or son in anyone’s life. I remind my 13-year-old son every day to respect the women in his life. His sister can definitely make it difficult at times, but I’m positive he’d go to the mat for her if needed. I guess what I’m trying to say is that men are not the bumbling fools that commercials and movies sometimes project them to be. Men can be examples for others. Men can make us laugh. Men can have a great capacity to love. And we should be grateful for the men in our lives.

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contents

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About Us Volume 6, Issue 3

Copyright © Girlfriends 2014 Published May 2014 by: Southern Minn Media 115 W 5th Street Northfield, MN 55057 507-645-1110 Send releases and story ideas to:

Brenda Ward at Girlfriends magazine, bward@southernminn.com Publisher:

Lauran Rott

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6

Editor & Senior Writer:

Brenda Ward

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Contributing Writers:

Jordan Almen Kari Berit Lucy Casale Sarah Osterbauer

Features

Multimedia Consultants:

Why some men are so attached to their favorite teams

The male brain explained | 6

Kristie Biehn Kathleen Davies Lisa Dwyer Debbie Ensley Betty Frost Stephanie Hill Shawnea Hull Kacie Karels Aaron Louks Mark Nelson Catherine Olson Lauran Rott David Weeks

The art of the cigar | 8 Cigar basics

profile: Charlie ruud | 12 Life lessons from the ball diamond

bicycling | 24 It’s healthy, fun, and family friendly!

what’s up with low testosterone? | 26 The lowdown on “low T”

JUST FOOD COLUMN | 27 Local: It’s in the wellness aisle too!

Accessories FROM THE PUBLISHER | 3 From the Kitchen | 22 WE TIME | 19 Unexpected Caregiver | 28 GIRLFRIENDS GUIDE | 29

Graphic Designer:

Kate Townsend-Noet

} ON THE COVER:

Ad Designers:

Mary Jo Blanchard Nicole Gilmore Naomi Kissling Keeley Krebsbach Jenine Kubista Kelly Kubista Kate McGillen Kayla McMullen Paul Ristau Jennifer Schoenbauer Jordan Taylor

The Man Issue!

Dundas Dukes pitcher Todd Mathison

Photographer:

Brooke Schroht

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On Top of the world...

With good health!

Child and Teen Checkups are available to children from birth through age 20 who are covered by Minnesota state health plans such as:

• Medical Assistance • Minnesota Care • South Country Health Alliance • Blue Plus Call if you need help with transportation, interpreters or making an appointment with a doctor or a dentist.

Child and Teen Checkups Program Steele County Public Health

507-444-7650

Men and sports:

The

male brain explained

By Sarah Osterbauer

R

yan is at home in his favorite chair, glued to the TV. The Wild are playing tonight.

His wife Katie is in the office down the hall working on a project, but it’s OK because Ryan will update her on the game by yelling from the living room.

When things get tense, Ryan’s chair rocks back and forth at an aggressive pace. If things become really intense there is also the possible yelling of obscenities to accompany the rocking. This is hockey after all, the greatest sport in the known world (per

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Ryan), and it should not be taken lightly.

Katie understands that as a hockey player, Ryan feels strongly about the game because he has an idea of what the players are experiencing. That said, Katie doesn’t know if she “loves anything as much as Ry loves hockey.” It’s doubtful she’s the only wife/ girlfriend/lady friend that feels this way.

I, myself, am a hardcore baseball fan.

When I watch baseball, I yell at the TV and occasionally I may wave my arms (you know, to encourage someone to run home because they can totally see me from inside the TV and follow my instructions). So part of me gets where a man’s motivation for similar behavior comes from.

That said, I have never dropped an “F bomb” watching baseball. Nor have my physical reactions been up to the caliber of damaging furniture or other objects around me. These types of reactions are outside the realm of my feeble understanding of the male brain.

Most women have probably given up on trying to make sense of the intense relationship men have with sports and have written it off as “guy stuff.” It’s easy to dismiss it as such and move on with your life. Today, however, we’re going to try to understand it, because we care about our men and we want to do what we can to understand them.

As it turns out, there is actually a psychological reason for these types of reactions.

Dr. Marsha Fields, licensed psychologist at the Mankato Clinic Department of Psychiatry explains: “Human beings have brain cells called mirror neurons in the pre-motor cortex that light up when we watch someone performing an action. It then feels as if we are the ones doing the action. These neurons are also connected to an area of the brain called the amygdala which is strongly involved in emotions; Thus, when we watch an athlete taking a shot at a basket and then the ball goes in, there is an emotional response that occurs in our brains.”

Or in guy terms/Ryan’s words: “[I react strongly to hockey] because playing is literally the greatest thing in the world ... the sense of being on a team is awesome.

Watching it is like that, where I feel I’m vested in the team, like it’s mine and I put myself in the situations. I see what I think I would do and then I watch the players and see it play out.”

For Ryan, this reaction stems not only from being a hockey player, but also specifically from being a goalie and feeling a connection with the pressure that comes from playing that position.

Another thing that makes watching hockey emotional for Ryan is having an affinity for the players as people. Our previous Wild goalie Josh Harding has multiple sclerosis and up until recently was not only playing but was putting up leading stats as a goalie.

For Ryan, putting himself in the place of the

players drives his reactions to the game, and being invested in them as people does as well.

So far this is all making sense. But what about when a man loves a sport he’s never played? Dr. Fields, your assistance again: “Non-athletes still have mirror neurons that are activated when watching another person in action. It is true that athletes can relate more and that their mirror neurons do respond more intensely, but people in general can still make the physical and emotional connection to the action.

“Emotionally there are similarities to our yawning when we see someone else yawn.

That is an example of a mirror neuron at work. For non-athletes, they can either see the emotion on the face of the player or, having mirrored the action in their brain, they can know what they would be feeling in that same situation – anger, disappointment, frustration, exultation, etc.”

OK, I get this now. Our brains are programmed to see things and do the same/feel the same. So, is there something comparable that women react to as strongly as some men do to sports?

“The same issue is involved when women watch a ‘chick flick,’” says Dr. Fields.

Now we’re speaking my language here.

Carry on, Dr. Fields.

“There appears to be a mirror system for emotions that is separate from that for motor activity, but it works in the same way. Again, if a person has lost a parent or a spouse and then watches a movie with that event being central to the plot, the empathic

response would be stronger than it would be for a person who has not personally experienced that event. There is some limited research suggesting that women have stronger responses (both motoric and empathic) in general than do men.”

This is the psychological reason why I lose it when I watch “Juno.”

Now that we have a better idea of where these reactions come from, I asked Dr. Fields, what is the best way for women to handle/view their partner’s strong reactions to sports?

“Well, it depends on how extreme it is. If the man is just getting very involved in the game, I’d suggest either learning to enjoy the game with him or find something else to do and just smile at his intense emotions. If he has more extreme negative emotions, such as anger after the game, then – when he is calm – talk with him about the problems that seem to follow watching, say, football on TV. Maybe he should switch to watching golf. And possibly see a therapist about anger management.”

There you go ladies. The male brain explained.

Sarah Osterbauer is a die-hard city girl with a passion for live music, locally brewed beer and Twins baseball.

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Parejos or Figurados?

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By Brenda K.M. Ward egendary actor George Burns was rarely seen without the smoke of a cigar drifting upwards alongside his petite frame. Winston Churchill was known for his Cubans, whether opting for a cigar over an oxygen mask when in the air or convincing royalty that smoking at dinner was perfectly acceptable. Whoopi Goldberg’s cigar preferences range from smaller cigars to a big Cohiba.

Cigar smokers know what they like in a fine stick of tobacco and often relish the experience of smoking as a time to sit back and enjoy.

“It’s the relaxation of it – the flavors, the notes, the smell,” says Andrew Klug, store manager of Tobacco Field in Northfield and occasional cigar smoker.

Klug has plenty of knowl-

edge when it comes to cigars and uses it to help store patrons, whether curious gift buyers or advanced smokers, navigate their way through the variety of types and styles available.

Like the variations in flavor and bouquet of wine, cigars, too, are individually unique. Also similar to wine, they range in quality and therefore price: You can toss down a few pennies for a machine-made Swisher Sweet or a open your wallet wide for a handcrafted, quality made Cuban Esplendido.

The first step in knowing what to look for in a cigar is to learn the basics.

A cigar begins at the cap (the tip), followed by the head, the body and the foot. Each is comprised of three major components: • Wrapper – The outer layer that provides one of the primary flavor components, ranging in color from light to dark. It is also one of the most expensive aspects of a cigar.

• Binder – The layer between the wrapper and the filler, designed to hold the inner tobacco together.

• Filler – The interior of the cigar, where the majority of flavor and uuu

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strength comes from. Lower-end cigars have smaller bits of tobacco leaf, or short-filler, whereas higher-end cigars use long-filler tobaccos.

Each of these parts vary in flavor and quality depending on the tobacco’s growing region – primarily Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Connecticut and Pennsylvania within the United States, Central African Republic and Indonesia.

“It’s the meld of all three – the wrapper, the binder and filler. Everything coming together is what makes a cigar,” says Klug.

“Everything” also includes tobacco quality, drying, combinations and aging, as well as the skills of the cigar maker, known as a blender.

Handmade cigars vary in size, flavor and, of course, cost.

You can buy a cigar that has a milder earthy flavor, like the “Connecticut,” a flavor made sweeter by the use of a green leaf, a coffee flavored stick or even cigars with flavors that hint of pepper, to name a few.

And let’s not forget size.

There’s both length and the girth to consider. Length is given in inches, whereas diameter – or ring gauge – is measured by 64ths of an inch. A cigar with a 60 ring gauge (the thick-

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est), for example, is considered 60/64.

But does size really matter?

“It’s all up to the smoker’s preference, how long they want the process to be,” says Klug.

The thicker the cigar, the slower it burns and the more intense the flavor.

As for strength, there’s mild, medium and full-bodied with some variations. The longer a cigar ages, the more mellow the strength.

Preferences in strength evolve with experience, and aficionados may lean towards a stronger medium or full-bodied blend.

For beginners, Klug suggests Quorum as a good starter: A light-to-medium body cigar sold at $2.50 to $4 each. Acid blondies are a sweeter blend that some beginners may also enjoy, says Klug.

Finally, there is the shape. Do you want a straight “Parejos” or fancy “Fiuardos” variation?

Smoking a cigar is like enjoying a glass of wine: slow and easy.

First, you must cut the cigar. Snip off the cap (the rounded end without tobacco exposed) using a cigar cutter by making a straight cut, lessening chances of tearing the wrapper. (No uncouth biting please!)

Using a cigar lighter such as a torch lighter is not only more sophisticated in appearance, but lights a thicker

cigar evenly without altering the flavor in the way that a match or candle can.

Once lit, draw the smoke into your mouth and hold – but do not inhale. Notice the flavors of the smoke, the subtleties, and then gently blow the smoke out of your mouth. Puff every 30 seconds or so to keep a steady burn, and about 12 puffs in (depending on length) remove the band.

When done smoking, simply set it aside in an ashtray and it will extinguish itself.

“The best way to enjoy a cigar is to match it with a drink that fits. A drink opens different notes in a cigar; you find different flavors,” says Klug.

Klug recommends combining a Cohiba Puro Dominicana with a Glenlivet 18 single malt scotch. Other complimentary drinks include port, cognac, bourbon, or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Standing in the walk-in cedar-lined humidor at Tobacco Field in Northfield feels like being inside a conservatory, but instead of plants you’re surrounded by artfully made cigars and the air is a touch less humid. Kept at a comfortable 70 percent humidity and 70 degree temperature, this humidor is ideal for keeping the cigars moist while promoting curing through certain types of good molds.

But don’t dash off to collect your hammer and saw just yet. Most cigar smokers don’t have a walk-in cooler, and a desktop humidor the size of a jewelry box will certainly do the trick. Look for one made of quality materials with a sound seal for protection.

For the best cigar experience, whether buying a gift of a cigar or humidor, or wanting to experiment with smoking a cigar yourself, stop in at a local tobacco shop and have an expert lead you through the process.

Finds!

Check out these great finds from the region!

Hanging out with the guys.

A fitness center … a movie theatre … premier care and services … It’s all here.

Northfield Retirement Community offers:

SHOES - from Sperry Casual to dress, if you’re looking for that perfect shoe to wear at the park, family outing, or to church, Sperry will accommodate any outfit day or night.

Owatonna Shoe, Downtown Owatonna, owatonnashoe.com.

Women’s Bahama (pink): $56.00 Men’s Sperry Cup: $90.00 Kid’s Bluefish: $45.00

• Multiple living options, including independent and assisted living apartments • Skilled nursing and memory care • Rehabilitation • Full-time spiritual care services with on-site pastoral care To learn more about NRC’s comprehensive approach to senior living, stop by or visit us online at northfieldretirement.org.

RETRO 1951 PENS “Life’s too short for an ugly pen.” That’s the motto of this nostalgic line of pens and we agree! Beautifully crafted and smooth-writing, Retro1951 pens come in a variety of colors, styles and themes. They make wonderful gifts!

The Sketchy Artist, Downtown Northfield, thesketchyartist.com.

Starting at $28

NRC residents (L to R) Gene Finger, Arndt Braaten and Dick Lewis.

507-664-3466 www.northfieldretirement.org

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Profile

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“In the ‘big inning,’ God created the heavens and the earth.”

Life lessons from the ball diamond

I

By Brenda K.M. Ward t’s been a good 30 years since Charlie Ruud gripped his first baseball in his little toddler hands, and in a way he’s never let go.

After his warm-up years playing T-ball, youth baseball and high school ball, Charlie went on to pitch for the St. Olaf College baseball team (later becoming a pitching coach) and for four years with the St. Paul Saints. Now, at age 32, he manages the Dundas Dukes of the Minnesota Baseball Association amateur leagues and plays for the team too, alongside other men like Todd Mathison who is featured on our cover.

By career, however, Charlie’s focus is set on serving the people of his congregation as a pastor at Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina. And, along with his wife Becky, he’s taken on an entirely dif-

ferent sport – raising kids: Lucy (age 5) and Hattie (age 3).

We wanted to know what it is about sports that draws men like Charlie, and how athletic success is defined; and we were curious as to how time spent on the ball field relates to everyday life. From his unique perspective as both a ball player and a pastor, Charlie answered our questions providing valuable insight into life as an athlete.

GF: What is it about playing baseball that appeals to you? For what reasons?

CR: Wow, lots of reasons. The intricate games within the game are addictive and fascinating, especially between the pitcher and hitter. The pace of the game is also unique – there’s no clock, so it demands focus and patience. It’s a difficult game where excitement happens in inches (where the ball flies or lands) and splitseconds (a close play at base or home

plate). Mostly, these days, the appeal is the time with teammates. Baseball allows for teammates to really get to know each other and have fun.

GF: What has been one of the greatest challenges in your sports career?

CR: My biggest challenge has been injury. I pitched/played with a small tear in my shoulder for nearly 12 years and suffered a few dislocations playing other sports, which made it worse. Finally, having surgery a year and a half ago, I’m back to throwing and playing with stability and less worry.

GF: And one of your greatest achievements?

CR: Being able and having the opportunity to play professional baseball for four years was an awesome experience, and I was able to perform well most of the time and help the team, so I’m quite grateful for that time and accomplishment. uuu

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Charlie Ruud.

Photo courtesy of Charlie Ruud.

GF: What do you think it takes to become a successful athlete?

CR: Personally, I think anyone who gets joy out of playing, is a “successful athlete.”

Whether it be professionally, recreation league, or a pick-up game in the driveway, if you encounter joy in it, you’re successful.

Now, if one’s particular measure of success is found on the stat-sheet, it surely helps to have some natural gifts of talent and athleticism, but even then I think a person really has to love it. Being great at a game takes a lot of focus and dedication, a willingness and determination to work endlessly on small details, so loving it is necessary. Otherwise, it would be miserable.

GF: Has your work as a pastor affected your baseball career or vice versa? If so, how?

CR: Well, of course everyone knows the first verse of the Bible reads, “In the ‘big inning,’ God created the heavens and the earth,” right?! But seriously, there are so many connections. As a pastor I’m constantly immersed in the nitty-gritty of life and death, faith and hope, suffering and service. Baseball incorporates or mimics much of that reality.

For instance, I think there’s perhaps no other game where players are so guaranteed to encounter failure and hardship (even the best batters make an out 7 out of 10 at-bats), and the pace and rhythm of the game is so much like life.

GF: Baseball is very team oriented – how does being a part of a team affect an athlete?

CR: Those relationships can be so key and they make the experience so much richer and meaningful. Having good people with you to share the joys and sorrows, or to exchange TOP RIGHT: Steve Loos. Photo by Lauran Rott.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Patrick Wadzinski. Photo by Lauran Rott.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Taylor Freiermuth. Photo by Lauran Rott.

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encouragement, instruction or guidance, makes a huge difference. For me, often the people are more memorable than the games.

GF: Many people, both men and women, feel passionately about sports, whether playing or watching. In your opinion, what might ignite such a passion? And what might help those who are less enthusiastic about sports understand this passion in others?

CR: There’s something about doing or watching athletic competition that can be so freeing and exciting. As a fan, it builds community with others who follow the sport and share the interest. It’s never scripted. Anything can happen. You see people displaying unbelievable skill which took countless hours to develop. Sometimes it’s just about seeing what you or someone else can do. The passion can certainly go to unhealthy extremes, but in healthy doses, it’s wonderful.

My advice for those who don’t understand it: Seek to learn more about a sport from someone who’s passionate about it and see what you find ... but be careful, you might get sucked in!

GF: What has playing sports taught you about life?

CR: As a quote in the classic baseball movie “Bull Durham” puts it, “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains.”

You never know what may happen next.

Our faith and action and how we go about things matter deeply, but sometimes things are beyond our sight, ability or control. Those truths can be daunting or exciting, joyful, boring, hopeful, anxious or scary; but I think engaging in sports can teach anyone about how one might live in that reality, if a person is willing to listen and learn.

Todd Mathison.

Photo by Lauran Rott.

FRONT TO BACK: Eric Ginapp, Alex Donkers, Marcus Nelson, Taylor Freiermuth. Photo by Lauran Rott.

Rich Bordas and Mike Ludwig. Photo by Lauran Rott.

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Jackie Nelson, Nort hfi

O

ne of the most valuable ways to enjoy friendships is to spend time in each other’s company, whether in the comfort of your home or traveling together to beautiful places. We’d love to

hear how you celebrate your friendships. Send a photo and a few words about what your friends mean to you to Editor Brenda Ward at bward@southernminn.com and we’ll do our best to fit it in an upcoming issue.

Power of the Power Purse of the

a fundraiser for

Purse

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Jackie Nelson, Northfield

“Our annual girlfriends’ trip to relax in the sun, March 2014 – a perfect day at the beach in Marco Island, Fla., our get-away destina-

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Tuesday, June 1 7 th 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Owatonna Country Club

1 9 9 1 Lemond Rd., Owatonna, MN

Live and Silent Auctions 50 per person Tapas, dessert and cocktail $

Tickets available to purchase at the United Way Office: 110 North Cedar, Owatonna and also at Kristi’s and Kottke Jewelers.

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507-451-2524 • www.spare-time-fun.com

Like us on Facebook!

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tion since 2005.” From left: Suzanne Langehough, Sara Nielsen and Jackie Nelson, all from Northfield.

Jennifer Fisher, Owatonna “My Sister, Melissa, and I have a fun time with our new Betty Boop caps and sending pictures to my mom who couldn’t make it to Minnesota for Christmas that year. Betty Boop is her favorite character. My sister and I seldom get to do things that are fun or get us laughing, so this is in my treasure vault of great memories.”

Nicole Borwege, Faribault

a n n to a w O , er h is F er if n Jen

“My sister, Chelsea, and I recently met up with Anna, our foreign exchange student from 15 years ago, to travel around France and Germany. Highlights in Paris included the Eifel Tower, Louvre Museum, Sacré-Cœur Church, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Versailles. Time was also spent traveling around Germany where we saw castles and the Cologne Cathedral. From left: Nicole & Chelsea Borwege (Faribault), and Anna Kuruvilla (Bonn, Germany).

Nicole Borwege, Faribault

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We Time

ou’ve managed to survive the bitter winter and the endless sneezing of “allergy season.” Now it’s time to reward yourself with good times under the warm and welcoming summer skies. Here are some ideas to get you started!

Dazzling displays of independence Fourth of July festivities will take place throughout the region with plenty of entertainment including music, games, baseball, parades, food and, of course, fireworks. Each celebrations is unique, so be sure to check the local chamber or southernminn. com for what’s in store in your community.

• Blooming Prairie’s “Old Fashioned Fourth of July” held July 3-4: www.bloomingprairie.com.

• St. Peter’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration begins at 10 a.m. in Minnesota Square Park: stpeterchamber. com.

• North Morristown’s Fourth of July Celebration will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church grounds.

• Waseca’s Lakefest Music Celebration takes place at Clear Lake Park: discoverwaseca.com.

• Faribault, Northfield, Lonsdale and Veseli also host activities day and night: southernminn.com.

Lively Fairs and Festivals Faribault’s Heritage Days celebrates the past, present and future of Faribault with a carnival, music, food, craft show and more, June 18-22. Information: faribaultheritagedays.org.

Celebrate North Mankato Fun Days July 9-13 at Wheeler Park in Mankato with five days of fun for all ages. Information: greatermankatoevents.com. uuu

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Owatonna’s Five Days of Fun & Festival of the Arts has something for everyone: Ice cream social, old car cruise-in, Crazy Days sidewalk sales, kiddie parade, food, music, hog roast, street dance and a festival of arts. Whew!

Held Wednesday through Sunday the last weekend in July in Central Park, Owatonna.

Information: visitowatonna.org.

Three days of Czech cultural activities will take place July 25-27 at the Montgomery Kolacky Days. You’ll also find a beer garden and food stands, kids’ games, arts, homemade

wine contest, dance and bike tour. Information: montgomerymn.org.

Lonsdale Community Days is an annual small-town celebration of music and food, along with activities and competitions for kids and adults, a bike tour, parade and more.

Watch for more information on this August event at www.lonsdale.govoffice.com.

And don’t forget your county fair, filled with attractions and events for the whole family!

• Rice County Fair: July 15-20, Faribault.

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Information: ricecountyfair.net.

• Waseca County Free Fair: July 16-20, Waseca. Information: www.wasecacountyfair. org.

• Dakota County Fair: Aug. 4-10, Farmington. Information: dakotacountyfair.org.

• Nicollet County Fair: Aug. 6-10, St. Peter. Information: nicolletcountyfair.com.

• Steele County Free Fair: Aug. 12-17, Owatonna. Information: scff.org.

• Le Sueur County Free Fair: Aug. 14-17, Le Center. Information: Lesueurcountyfair.org.

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Clean up, or get dirty, for charity Spiff up and join your girlfriends for Power of the Purse Imagination Library Fundraiser held June 17 at the Owatonna Country Club where you can bid on purses filled with magnificent items. Tickets: $50, include tapas, dessert and cocktail. Purchase at the United Way Office, 110 North Cedar, Owatonna, or at Kristi’s or Kottke Jewelers.

Prepare to get muddy during the Mankato Mud Run held Aug. 16 at Loyola Hill. The race will involve two difficult hill climbs and many obstacles, like a mud pit crawl and noodle gauntlet. Proceeds will benefit Team Winter, a charity for Cancer Research, and Loyola Boosters Club. Information: www. mankatomudrun.com.

It’s all about the food

From barbecues to restaurant specialties, food is a great reason to head out with your friends. You’ll find all the fixin’s along with beer, live entertainment, demonstrations and whole lot more at these festivals.

• Taste of Northfield: 5 to 9 p.m. May 29 in downtown Northfield. Information: nddc. org.

• Smokin’ in Steele barbecue and blues festival: May 30-31 at the Steele County Fairgrounds. Information: www.smokininsteele. com.

• Chuckwagon Supper and Extravaganza: July 12-13 at Steele County Historical Society’s Village of Yesteryear in Owatonna.

Information: Steelecohistoricalsociety.org.

• Blue Collar Barbecue and Arts Festival: Aug. 9 downtown Faribault. Information: paradisecenterforthearts.org.

• Ribfest: Held in August at Riverfront Park in Mankato. Information: visitgreatermankato. com.

Making musical memories

Spanning from June through August, Mankato’s Riverfront Park Vetter Stone Amphitheater is where concert goers can hear music at the Riverfront Park Concerts while enjoying beer and food tents in this woodsy setting.

Information: visitgreatermankato.com.

Over the course of four nights, 12 bands will perform at the June Bug Festival of Music held June 25-28 at the Contented Cow in Northfield. Information: 1001solutionsllc. com/the-contented-cow.

On July 26, join Blues on Belgrade where several blues bands from all over will perform in downtown North Mankato. Information: visitgreatermankato.com.

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From The Kitchen

BOILS

Source: Men’s Journal

Campfire, the original grill

W

hat could be better on a summer’s eve that sitting around a campfire with its mesmerizing glow and soothing hiss of burning wood? A campfire is also a great means for cooking a meal, as Trent Jonas well knows.

“If you’re car camping with a few other people, a great social meal around the campfire is a Low Country boil,” says Trent, of Vadnais Heights. “The cool thing about a boil like this is that it takes a few very simple ingredients, a really basic cooking method and achieves a fun, richly-flavored one-pot meal.”

Frogmore Stew from Bowens Island Restaurant in Charleston (Submitted by Trent Jonas, originally found in the September 2010 issue of Men’s Journal)

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Ingredients 6 to 8 cups cold water 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning Dash of hot sauce 1 1/2 pounds new red potatoes 2 pounds Hillshire Farm Polska Kielbasa, cut into 1- to 2-inch lengths 6 ears of corn, shucked and broken in half 2 pounds shell-on fresh shrimp (36- to 40-count) Directions Place the cold water, Old Bay seasoning and hot sauce in a large pot. (The amount of water depends on the size of the pot; you should have enough space inside to let the ingredients breathe and move, and enough water to just barely cover them.) Bring the water to a boil; add the potatoes and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until soft when pierced with a fork. Add the kielbasa and corn and cook for another 5 minutes; then add the shrimp and

remove the pot from the heat. Stir gently to mix, and keep watching until the shrimp start to turn pink. Drain in a large colander and return to the pot. Serve immediately.

And suggested by our Facebook friends…

Linda Kirby says “chicken and rice” is her son’s favorite backpacking food. Simply boil water over the campfire and add instant rice, canned chicken, cream of mushroom soup and black pepper. Stir and enjoy!

Teresa Dehning suggests “hobos”: Potatoes and vegetables wrapped in foil and cooked to taste.

Ruth Jenkins enjoys local yams and apples cooked over an open fire.

Erica Ordaz stuffs jalepenos with cream cheese then wraps the peppers in - what else?

- bacon! Grill and savor every bit of goodness.

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Wellness

Bicycling Bicycling It’s healthy, fun, and family friendly!

By Jordan Almen It looks like warm weather has finally made it to Minnesota, so it’s time to take advantage of the season and head outside. A great way to enjoy the fresh air and the area you call home is to hop on a bicycle for a cruise around town or on a local trail. Whether you are a zealous bike enthusiast or a more casual fan, southern Minnesota has options for you. But before you hit the trails, here are a few handy tips to help you have the best experience.

First, understand that a bicycle is not “one size fits all.” The folks at Milltown Cycles in Faribault want cyclists to be sure “the bike fits the person” for category – like road or mountain – and size, making small adjustments where necessary to find the proper fit.

The best way to ensure a good fit is to stop at a bike shop and ask for help. Fit To Be Tri’d in Northfield recommends finding a bike shop that you’re comfortable dealing with longterm so when repairs, route suggestions or just plain advice is needed, you will have a place to go. No need to worry if you

are not well-versed in the “ins” and “outs” of cycling – bike shops are a great place for beginners to get their footing.

Once you’re all set up, consider making your outing a family event. Straight River Sports & Fitness in Owatonna encourages families to make bicycling a part of their wellness routine. Since kids of any age can participate – whether in a baby seat, a trailer, or on their own – it is a great way for them to witness their parents making wellness a priority. Before setting out, visit the “discover” tab at mapmyride.com to find routes near you.

Finally, don’t forget to wear your helmet – you just never know when it might save your life.

Jordan Almen is a senior communication studies major at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter.

Local bicycling groups Owatonna Bicycling Club: owatonnabikeclub.com Northfield Bike Club: northfieldbikeclub.org Cannon Valley Velo Club: sites.google.com/site/cannonvalleyveloclub Greater Mankato Multisport Club: mankatomultisport.com Other groups can be found at midwestfun.com

Fun facts

(Source: bicikla.net) In 1935, Fred A. Birchmore rode his bike around the world, pedaling an impressive 25,000 of the 40,000 miles (the rest of his travels were by boat)!

When riding a bike, you consume half the amount of oxygen a motor vehicle requires during a trip of the same distance, not to mention no pollutants are give off.

There are twice as many bicycles in the world than motor vehicles, with about 1 billion bicycles in use today.

The fastest recorded speed on bike is 152.2 miles per hour, a record set by American Olympic Cyclist John Howard in 1985.

Regular biking can reduce your risk of heart disease by 50 percent.

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Wellness

What’s up with low testosterone?

The lowdown on “low T”

By Lucy Casale

I

t’s inevitable: After the age of 30, all men begin experiencing a decline in their general testosterone levels.

However, this natural change is not the same as the medical condition of low testosterone, or “low T,” says Dr. Charles Li, family medicine physician with the Mayo Clinic Health System in Faribault.

If a man has low testosterone – “hypogonadism” in medical terms – his body is not making enough testosterone and/or has an impaired ability to produce sperm. Because testosterone is the hormone that makes a man physically a man, abnormally low levels of testosterone can cause a number of unwelcome side effects. And all of this can become a concern for a man and his wife, girlfriend or partner.

Fortunately, there’s good news about low T. Low testosterone can “absolutely be fixed,” says Li – so long as it’s diagnosed and treated correctly.

The likelihood of low T Low testosterone affects roughly 45 percent of men over the age of 45, says Dr. Peter Sershon, a urologist with Metro Urology, a private urology practice with 11 locations, one of which is in Faribault.

“Although this number seems very high, remember that this is the average,” says Sershon. The incidence, or probability, that a man will experience low testosterone rises with age, he explains. “Men over 80 have over a 50 percent incidence, while men between 60 and 70 only have a 20 percent incidence. Men under 60 have less than a 20 percent incidence.”

Sershon says that there are also a number of risk factors that up a man’s chances for having the condition, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high choles26

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terol, chronic stress and chronic opioid use.

So, how can you tell if your partner is suffering from low testosterone? Li and Sershon say there are a number of signs and symptoms a man with low testosterone can experience, both sexual and nonsexual.

Sexual symptoms include: • Low libido (desire for sex) • Poor erections • Decreased sperm production Non-sexual symptoms include: • Decreased energy • Increased fatigue • Increased body fat • Depression • Mood changes • Hair loss • Difficulty maintaining and building muscle mass and tone However, just because a man has one or more of these symptoms does not mean he has low testosterone.

“Many other medical problems can mimic low testosterone,” Sershon cautions. “Also, low testosterone can be the sign of other medical problems.”

Only a doctor can diagnose low testosterone, so if there is any suspicion of a problem, encourage your partner see his primary care doctor for a physical.

Testing for low testosterone Low testosterone is determined by a blood test to measure testosterone levels. If your partner is going to have this test, there are two things to keep in mind.

First, says Sershon, expect a morning appointment. That’s because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, so blood for this test can only be drawn in the morning before 10 a.m.

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Second, plan to pencil in a second appointment on your calendar. The test must be done on two separate occasions to confirm a diagnosis of low testosterone.

Treatments: natural and medical If, after his blood test, your partner is diagnosed with low testosterone, his doctor will talk to him about the number of ways to treat the condition. There are many

options, both natural and medical.

“Low testosterone can often be improved by basic health improvement,” says Sershon.

This may include weight management, eating a healthy diet, reducing stress or improving stress management, getting enough sleep and exercising daily – especially incorporating weight training into workouts.

If lifestyle changes don’t work, Li says that hormone replacement

therapy is the medical option to treat low testosterone. Hormone replacement comes in two forms: Testosterone gels or foams that are typically applied to the skin on a daily basis; or testosterone shots that are administered on a two- to four-week basis.

Depending on your partner’s preference and his doctor’s recommendation, his doctor will help him decide what the best treatment option might be.

Taking the first step Keep in mind that low testosterone is a treatable condition.

“All it takes is to raise the question, to have it looked at and followed over a period of time,” says Li. If you’re concerned that your partner may have low testosterone, encourage him to talk with his primary care doctor today.

Lucy Casale is a health writer and proud graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield.

Low testosterone by the numbers (Source: Dr. Li and Dr. Sershon)

>20 – percent of men under age 60 who have low testosterone 20 – percent of men ages 60 to 70 who have low testosterone 30 – age at which a man’s testosterone levels naturally start to decrease 45 – percent of men over age 45 who have low testosterone 50 – percent of men ages 80 and over who have low testosterone

Wellness

Local: Meg Jensen Witt

Here’s to good health Meg Jensen Witt is the Wellness Manager at Just Food Co-op in Northfield, MN Sponsored by Just Food Co-op

Visit Kathy and Nick of Simple Harvest Farm, as well as many other local Northfield producers, during the Eat Local Farm Tour July 19. Stop by Just Food in mid-June to receive your farm tour booklet, or visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/EatLocalFarmTour.coop

It’s in the wellness aisle too!

As you may be aware, we’re all about local here at Just Food. We want to support local farmers and producers so that we can nourish our community. Just Food has the most locally produced items in our store as is possible – and local can be a challenge to do in the wellness aisle! It’s one thing to have local veggies all summer long or local grains from Whole Grain Milling in the bulk aisle; it’s another thing to have locally produced items in the wellness aisle. Fish oil and Asian ginseng are a little hard to come by in Minnesota, but we do find as much as we can locally for the wellness aisle so that we can better meet our customers’ needs. There are more locally available products on the body care side of the wellness aisle than on the supplement side of the aisle. Just Food carries several locally made soaps, a locally made salve and lotion, and locally grown herbal teas. Both of our essential oil companies are also local.

Currently, we have three local soap makers: Simple Harvest Farms goat milk soap, SunLeaf Naturals solid shampoo body bars and White Rock Naturals olive oil-based soaps. The latest addition to our local soap offerings is White Rock Naturals: Their soaps have a smoother texture and are a bit more like French milled soaps, so they last a bit longer as well. I do, however, have a special place in my heart for the goat milk soaps made by Kathy and Nick Zeman of Simple Harvest Farm. I love their farm – and they love their goats dearly – which I think makes for better milk and therefore better goat milk

soap. Kathy and Nick’s soaps also come in many scents and some have oatmeal in them which is really great for sensitive skin.

Our local salve company, Four Elements, is made from herbs all grown directly on their farm. They combine their herbs with various skincare oils like olive oil and beeswax. Four Elements has salves to help soothe those bumps, bruises and bug bites. They also make the best eczema cream I have ever used; it works wonders on irritated skin. In addition to their salves, the farmers at Four Elements grow such an abundance of herbs that they have formulated their own herbal teas that are positively delicious.

Looking for essential oils to dabble in making your own tinctures or salves? Just Food also has two local essential oil companies, Aura Cacia and Veriditas, which are based in Iowa and just south of the Twin Cities, respectively. Aura Cacia makes both conventional essential oils and organic essential oils; Veriditas makes organic essential oils.

The choice is yours at Just Food, but as you can see we strive to offer options with different price points.

I love shopping local, for I get to see my dollars at work. I know that if I buy a bar of Simple Harvest soap, Kathy and Nick will receive those dollars; I can then see those dollars at work on their farm, feeding their animals and making more soap. I love that. I know how my hard-earned dollars can positively affect my community, and I can see it at work. That’s powerful stuff.

Fresh.

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Co-op.

516 Water St S, Northeld 507-650-0106 · justfood.coop THE MAN ISSUE 2014 |

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Kari Berit

Unexpected CaregiveR Kari Berit (www.KariBerit.com), author, radio show, caregiver coach, is here to help you on your caregiving journey.

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The New Paradigm of Caregiving Too often I hear family caregivers say, “You don’t understand, if I don’t care for Mom, who will?” I hear you, but I also don’t want you to burn out.

Do you recognize when your caregiving role is overtaking your life? Taking care of someone is noble. Running yourself into the ground because you’re doing for others and ignoring your own needs is just plain dumb.

To help you shift your thinking about being a caregiver, I’ve created five steps in my “New Paradigm of Caregiving”: 1. Wake up!

2. Understand your past 3. Reconnect in new ways 4. Draw your lines 5. Love yourself and let go In step one, I’m asking you to wake up! If you’re not already giving care to a loved one, you will be soon. Thirty-six and a half million households, or one in three, have at least one person working as an unpaid family caregiver. Why is this happening?

Because Americans are getting older! There are more people age 65 and older than teens, and more people age 85 and older than 5 year olds. Twelve million elders will require care by the year 2020, and we will increasingly turn to family to provide this care. The challenge with relying more heavily on families is that not all families get along.

That brings us to step two: Understand your past. Remember how you fought for Mom or Dad’s attention when you were little? Or the scrimmages that took place at family dinners? Old sibling rivalries return as we’re called to take care of Mom and Dad. We’re miffed that our brothers don’t seem to care at all. It drives us crazy when the out-oftown sister visits and bosses us around. Step two

involves understanding that your family is not going to change now that care of a parent is needed. Be realistic and look at how your family functions (or doesn’t function), and don’t expect them to change their deeply conditioned behaviors.

To assist you from getting stuck in emotional tangles, embrace step three: Reconnect in new ways. Find new ways to interact with family in an unemotional way. Instead of falling into the routine chatter of, “Why doesn’t your sister ever call?” or “Why can’t your brother visit?” dive into a puzzle, a walk or even a movie. Stay away from conversations that trigger your shame buttons, causing you to go into that place where you berate yourself or get stupidly angry at your loved ones.

This takes belief in yourself and leads you to step four: Draw your lines. Create boundaries that protect you from emotional slavery. The best way I’ve found to create boundaries is to sit quietly and write down what it is that triggers me to misbehave or shame myself. Share your observations with a trusted friend. Enlist someone to nudge you when you’re crossing your healthy boundaries. (If you need help with this step, contact me at www.

KariBerit.com).

Setting boundaries will help you with step five: Love yourself and let go! When you understand what you’re getting into, use creativity to connect in new ways and create clear boundaries, your caregiving journey will be more joy and less stress.

Actor and comedian Bill Cosby said it well: “I don’t know what the key to success is, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.”

When caring for others, take a moment, place your hand on your heart and ask, “What care do I need today?”

Girlfriends Guide

$ Financial Resources Brad L. Running CLU® Financial Advisor. A unique and disciplined approach. Today, it’s natural to have questions about your retirement, even if you’ve saved and planned for it. With our proprietary Confident Retirement® approach, we’ll find answers and take the first step toward creating a road map to the future you want. We’ll talk through the four basic principles of retirement: (1) covering essential expenses, (2) assuring your lifestyle, (3) preparing for the unexpected and (4) leaving a legacy. And I’ll help you make adjustments as needed so you can retire on your terms. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., 1850 Austin Road, Suite 104, Owatonna, MN 55060, 507-455-4070 brad.l.running@ampf.com, ameripriseadvisors@ampf.com/brad.l.running.

Bremer Bank- Ryan Gillespie Buying a new home should be exciting. At Bremer Bank, we’ll make sure that arranging your home financing is a positive experience.

The process can be safe and simple when you work with a bank that helps you understand what you should know and takes action for you. Ryan Gillespie, experienced mortgage loan officer, can help with any mortgage need you have, whether you’re a first-time home buyer, looking to move into a different home, looking to refinance, or about to build a home. Ryan Gillespie, NMLS #503704, 507676-2708, 730 West Bridge St, Owatonna. rlgillespie@bremer.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Castle Rock Bank The Castle Rock Bank has been serving the women in this community for 96 years. To answer the question, “What do women want in banking?” We believe the answer is, “To be heard, understood, respected and valued.”

27925 Danville Ave Castle Rock, 507-6457751 www.castlerockbank.net.

Food & Entertainment Legacy Golf & The Grill at The Legacy The Legacy is a championship 18-hole facility offering value-added golf and a warm friendly environment for golf outings & casual dining.

It provides a unique setting for meetings, reunions, groom’s dinners, banquets and bridal showers. The indoor Grill can accommodate 30-50 people & the open-air Pavilion can accommodate up to 170. 1515 Shumway Ave, Faribault, 507-332-7177 www.legacygolf.net.

OWATONNA COUNTRY CLUB Welcome to the Owatonna Country Club, your full service club offering everything from golf, fine dining, and catering to fun! The Owatonna Country Club has been meeting the needs of Owatonna and the surrounding comunities since 1919 — either through our numerous membership options, hosting spectacular weddings and executive meetings (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) or by providing the most professional golf tournament venue in southern Minnesota. Please call us with any questions or visit our website at www. owatonnacc.com. 1991 Lemond Road, Owatonna, MN 55060, Main: 507-451-6120, Catering: 507-451-6120.

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Health & Wellness

Curves of faribault Curves of Faribault is a complete health club that provides diet, exercise and motivation designed to strengthen women. We offer a 30 minute total workout that includes both cardiovascular exercise and strength training.

Stop in or call today for a free fitness assessment where our friendly staff or new owner is always available to help you set and reach your personal fitness goals. 1620 Hwy 60 West Suite 2, Faribault, MN 55021 (507) 332-6801

Curves of Owatonna Our Curves Complete program, offers women a complete weight loss solution— exercise, meal plans, and coaching—all in one location. Curves Protein Bars (Meal & Snack size) and Spot Toning classes. All Curves staff are certified by the Cleveland Clinic in Exercise, Nutrition and Behavior Coaching. Curves - 1828 S. Cedar Ave, Owatonna 507-455-4060.

Holland Family Dental Holland Family Dental is located in the Professional Building on Hillcrest Ave. in Owatonna. We have been in Owatonna since 1996 and concentrate on dentistry for the entire family. We offer services in preventive, cosmetic and comprehensive care which includes implants and up-to-date dental technology. Please visit us at 605 Hillcrest Ave. Owatonna MN. 507-451-7250.

JERILYN WIEDERHOLT, MS, MS, LP, ATR-BC Licensed Psychologist, Registered Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Educator K-12.

Providing mental health services (assessment, therapy, consultation, training) to adults, adolescents and children. Use of psychological techniques to improve mental and physical health. Integrative, holistic, wellness oriented. Northfield, MN. 507-321-2002.

Millstream Commons Assisted Living Millstream Commons Assisted Living is located in downtown Northfield. 44 Assisted Living apartments (studio, 1 and 2 BR) featuring three meals a day, supportive nursing care, respite care, & life enrichment activities. Pets allowed. Licensed Housing with Services provider. Part of the Three Links Community. Member of Aging Services of Minnesota. 210 8th St W, Northfield, 507-650-9627, threelinks.org .

Northfield Urgent Care Tired of waiting to see your doctor for simple problems like sore throats and earaches? We provide walk-in medical care for all ages, from infants to adults. We are open 7 days per week and no appointment is needed!

Quick, easy and efficient! 2014 Jefferson Rd Suite C, Northfield, MN 55057, 507-664-9999, northfieldurgentcare.com.

The Northfield Area Family YMCA The Northfield Area Family YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for all individuals, families, and the community to achieve their fullest potential. From summer camps, to youth sports, to preschool activities and adult wellness, we have something for everyone.

Become a member of the YMCA! 519 Division Street, Northfield 507-645-0088, www.northfieldymca.org. Scholarships are available to ensure everyone can participate.

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Girlfriends Guide Northfield Retirement Community Situated on a 30-acre, beautifully landscaped campus, NRC was established in 1969 to provide housing and services specifically designed to meet the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of older adults. Housing options include apartments with a minimal level of services, as well as other home settings that make increasing levels of service readily available. Options include rental and owner-occupied living spaces.

Units are available for both income-sensitive and market-rate income levels. NRC also provides a fully-staffed care center for those who desire a more traditional nursing home setting. 900 Cannon Valley Drive, Northfield, 507-645-9511, northfieldretirement.org.

Home & Garden Judy’s Floral Design Whether Your Wedding is black tie/ ballroom or barefoot on the beach or somewhere in between! Beautiful, quality flowers and great ideas start with Judy Smith. “Specializing in fresh creative and affordable blooms for all the flower moments of your life” 507645-0008, 300 Railway St. North, Dundas, judysfloraldesign.com.

Bremer Bank- Ryan Gillespie Buying a new home should be exciting. At Bremer Bank, we’ll make sure that arranging your home financing is a positive experience.

The process can be safe and simple when you work with a bank that helps you understand what you should know and takes action for you. Ryan Gillespie, experienced mortgage loan officer, can help with any mortgage need you have, whether you’re a first-time home buyer, looking to move into a different home, looking to refinance, or about to build a home. Ryan Gillespie, NMLS #503704, 507-676-2708, 730 West Bridge St, Owatonna. rlgillespie@bremer. com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Insurance

Shopping

American Family Insurance Bart Jackson Agency American Family Insurance offers home, automobile, atv, motorcycle, boat, commercial business, farm and life insurance. We are available to meet with you personally to review your situation and provide recommendations as to the proper coverage’s for your needs.

Bart Jackson Insurance Agency, 408 Central Ave N, Suite D, Faribault, MN 55021. 507332-6812.

American Family Insurance Therese Whitesong Agency American Family Insurance believes in you and your dreams. As an American Family Agent, I am here to help you find the right coverage to protect both. Whether it’s your auto, home, life, farm or business, we listen to you to determine the insurance that best protects your needs. Your dream is out there.

Go get it. We’ll protect it! Therese Whitesong Agency, 510 Washington Street South, Northfield. Business: 1-507-645-5010 or twhiteso@amfam.com.

A touch of charm A Touch of Charm is a quaint florist and gift shop in downtown Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Leanne Hanson, owner, has been providing home accents, decorating ideas, gift and full service floral for the area since 1988.

We specialize in a mixture of traditional, cottage and countrypolitan accents for your home and a unique array of gifts that you can’t wait to give.

507-583-7637, atouchofcharmonline.com.

The Paper Petalum The Paper Petalum in the historic Archer House (212 Division St.) offers friendly customer service and unique gifts for all occasions. Locally owned and operated since 1987 we specialize in Scandinavian gifts, Minnesota products, decorative napkins, Polish Pottery, Rothschild foods, and much, much more. Stop in and visit us. 507-6630565.

Transportation Northfield Lines, Inc.

Salons BLOWN AWAY SALON & SPA Blown Away Salon & Spa offers a variety of services that are perfect for any budget. The salon side offers hair cutting, styling, coloring, & perming. All of our staff is experienced and attends regular classes to keep our guests updated. On the spa side, we offer massage with therapists specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, & Reflexology. Our Esthetician does body waxing, makeup lessons/applications, lash extensions, facials, microderm, and chemical peels. Getting married? Check out our great bridal packages! 159 18th St. SW, Suite 4, Owatonna, MN 55060.www.blown-awaysalon.com.

Have your group arrive in style when you pull up in one of our luxurious motor or mini coaches. Single or multi-day sightseeing trips, shopping, girlfriend getaways, dining, concerts, weddings, receptions, casino visits – you name the event and we will get your group there safely and on time. 32611 Northfield Blvd, Northfield, 800-944-2190, www.northfieldlines.com.

Simon Bros Cement Co. Simon Bros Cement Co. has been serving the Northfield area since 1969. We specialize in quality concrete and masonry including foundations, driveways, epoxy garage floors.

Call for a free estimate. We will look at your project and use 40+ years of experience to share ideas and advice. Call Ray 612-3284591.

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OWATONNA, MINNESOTA

Nicollet County Bank Saints Club Events Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Tour!

October 10th - 15th

Join us this October when the Saints Club goes to Albuquerque to see the beautiful Balloon Fiesta! This great tour includes two nights lodging in Albuquerque and three nights in Santa Fe! Watch hundreds of brilliantly colored hot air balloons soar through the sky in early morn, and later at dusk, we’ll see the surreal balloon glow, lighting up the evening sky!

Call us at 931-3310 for more information on this unique fall getaway!

Upcoming Events: June 4 • Georgette Jones Concert & BBQ Luncheon June 13 • NCB’s Annual Ice Cream Social July 15-18 • Winnipeg: Polar Bears, Races & Dinner Theater Tour August 13 • “Ring of Fire” at Plymouth Playhouse September 25 • Treasure Island Casino & Riverboat Cruise October 1 • “Hello Dolly” at Chanhassen Dinner Theater

220 South Third Street St. Peter · 931-3310 www.nicolletcountybank.com