Girlfriends NOV_DEC 2018

Southern Minn

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Girlfriends

Michelle Redman

leads Southern Minnesota Big Brothers Big Sisters to national recognition southernminngirlfriends.com

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contents features

about us editor:

Beth Forkner Moe

contributing writers: Kari Berit Julie Buchwald Haley Lisa Cownie Rian Dicke-Michels Carlienne A. Frisch Mallory Fuchs Nancy Iglesias Trent Jonas Marianne Radtke Terri Schlichenmeyer Sara Schlueter

multimedia consultants: Cash Alladin Kristie Biehn Ginny Bergerson Nicole Brandon Kari Clark Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Pam DeMorett Crystal Hobart Emily Kahnke Tim Mart Mark Nelson Jay Petsche Kyle Shaw Gayle Stelten

graphic designer: Kate Townsend-Noet Volume 10, Issue 6

Copyright© Girlfriends 2018 Published Nov/Dec 2018 by: Southern Minn Media 514 Central Avenue Faribault, MN 55021

28 Mayor’s Youth Council

Giving a voice to Northfield’s youth.

6 Send in the Clowns

30 Holiday Celebrations

Southern Minn Advertising Manager shares her experience volunteering for Macy’s Thanksgiving parade.

Local holiday celebrations around Southern Minnesota.

12 Volunteers and Community

35 Winter Holiday Traditions

Under Michelle Redman’s leadership, local Big Brothers Big Sisters has earned national awards.

48 Let’s Get Cooking Recap

A compilation of winter holidays celebrated around the world.

Make Regional Agency a Winner

Thanks, and it was a whole lot of fun!

accessories

14 PROFILE: Cindy Boyum

Taking a compassionate approach in helping others.

24 a man’s perspective 50 book review

54 gf directory 5 note from the editor 42 the coach’s corner 46 unexpected caregiver

44 wellness

41 women in the news!

16 Making New Holiday Traditions

How some traditions may change and how others might evolve into new ones.

22 How Volunteering Helps Everyone

Your community, organizations... and you.

on the cover:

26 Making a House a Home

Michelle Redman See her story on page 12.

Rice County Habitat for Humanity’s go-to crew.

southernminngirlfriends.com Send releases and story ideas to:

Beth Forkner Moe at Girlfriends magazine, bfmoe@southernminn.com

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H forkner Moe Beth Forkner Moe is the editor of Southern Minn Girlfriends magazine.

Find Southern Minn Girlfriends on Facebook

appy holidays to our readers!

No matter what holidays you celebrate this time of year, it’s definitely a time of busyness, family, food and more.

In this issue – the last of our 10th year in publication – we celebrate people who make a difference in our community, and we share the multitude of events that occur across our region.

Volunteerism and philanthropy is alive and well in Southern Minnesota, as well as across the state and country. The United States is unique in the way we “step up” to volunteer for non-profit organizations – whether it’s a small organization with a very grass-roots background or a huge organization with

NOTE from the editor seemingly unlimited resources - whether it’s a religious or a human service or an animal welfare or a health or a political organization – whether we spend a hour or two or dedicate our lives to it – we are definitely a country of volunteers.

And Minnesota should be proud of all of its volunteers. We consistently rank among the top states for the percentage of people who volunteer and provide resources to our non-profit organizations. It’s a “good thing” to do, and it’s the “right thing” to do, and it makes a huge difference in our communities.

I grew up knowing what it meant to volunteer.

My mom was able to stay at home with us, until my youngest sister was in school (at which point, she took a paying part-time job – coincidentally or not, as a volunteer administrator at a local health facility). During those days, my mom kept busy volunteering for various organizations – making sure we were able to accompany her to her various activities. My dad also volunteered for various organizations, whenever he could fit it in around his job.

I didn’t know what I wanted to do “when I grew up” – I simply knew I wanted to help my community, thanks to the example my parents showed me. That’s probably why I’ve spent the vast majority of my

career working in the non-profit sector.

Even in my role as Editor of Southern Minn. Girlfriends, I make certain we cover topics that involve the role of non-profits and the importance of being involved in the community.

I hope you enjoy this issue. We have stories about non-profits and their volunteers, and the difference they make in their communities. We also talk about holidays and traditions, making new traditions, and more. We have a fun story about a parade and clowns – can’t wait for you to read that!

Enjoy the season, and make sure to take the time to savor the good moments, let go of painful issues, and breathe a few deep breaths.

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By Nancy Iglesias

hen Ginny Bergerson decided to take an online class through the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, she was primarily interested in growing her knowledge base in magazine layout. As the Advertising Director of the Owatonna People’s Press and also ad sales rep for Girlfriends Magazine, design and layout is something Ginny finds interesting. She is

also the kind of person who is always looking for the next personal and professional challenge. She lives her life always on the look-out to better herself and take on new adventures. “You gotta have goals, right?” is a personal mantra for Ginny.

Through that first class at FIT, she was introduced to Barbara Berman who owns Barbara Berman Dressers. This is the business that assists the models working during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Ginny was asked to be a part of Fashion Week as a volunteer dresser. She worked on eight shows and had the privilege of meeting many designers, including Rachel Zoe, Desigual and even CONTINUES ON PAGE 8 HOLIDAY 2018

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Fun facts about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

• Began in 1924 (Tied with Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day parade for being the oldest parade)

• More than 1000 volunteer clowns

• Thanksgiving Day Television tradition since 1952

• All elements of the parade are designed and created by the artisans at the Macy’s Parade Studio.

• Check out the Macy’s Parade Studio online and get a 360 degree view of all the behind the scenes action

• 3.5 million spectators • 50 million viewers • 4200 costumes • 8000 participants • 300 pounds of glitter used to make costumes, floats, clowns. sparkle

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Carrie Underwood (CALIA-Fitness Apparel for your life).

She said one of the biggest highlights was getting to meet Carrie Underwood and receiving a full outfit, including accessories, as a thank-you for her work. Ginny said hearing Carrie sing to herself backstage as she worked with the crew was a little surreal.

In June 2017, through these same connections, Ginny attended a series of workshops in New York City on sustainability in the fashion world. She spent five days listening to experts from across the globe speaking on issues of fashion recycling and what can be done to change how we buy our apparel, limiting what is being thrown away.

Some of the speakers included large big box retailers, designers who are using only fabrics and textiles that will break down, and even some Asian denim factory operational leaders. A NASA expert who worked on making space gloves for astronauts was one of the week’s guests who got his start designing for the New York Ballet and Broadway shows.

Ginny said the conference was an amazing experience where she had the opportunity to learn how to weave on large looms, grow organic textiles, and even learn about how clothing will eventually be able to communicate people’s medical well-being to doctors within seconds to treat serious medical issues. To say the least, this conference was an absolute eye-opener and an amazing privilege to attend, she said.

After her Fashion Week work, Barbara Berman asked Ginny if she wanted to assist in dressing the clowns during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Needless to say, she was thrilled! The first year, she was a part of the crew responsible for the Breakfast Clowns. They are the eggs, toast and bacon that appear near the beginning of the parade.

As an “official dresser,” she arrives in New York City the day before Thanksgiving.

While the atmosphere is fun, from a dresser’s perspective, there is not much clowning around behind the scenes. Ginny explained that the vibe behind stage is as serious as Fashion Week, and when they are working it’s all business. Ginny 8

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has a background as a visual merchandiser with Ganto’s, Marshall’s, Victoria’s Secret and Charlotte Ruesse stores – so dressing and undressing human bodies is something with which she is very familiar. However, when the clowns get a little “clowny” it can become quite challenging. She said, somewhat tongue-incheek, that she has learned not to give them their horns or confetti until they are ready to get on the bus that will take them to the parade route.

All of the clowns are asked to attend Clown University, put on by the pros at the Big Apple Circus of New York City.

As a dresser, Ginny was given a very detailed clown manual. Everyone starts at 4:45 a.m. in the ballroom of The New Yorker Hotel near Macy’s. The racks and props are laid out along the wall, and each dresser is teamed up with one of the clown crew captains. Once the

clowns - who are all volunteers - arrive, the real action begins.

Since the weather can often be chilly, most years, the basic clown costume starts with long underwear. Everyone is prepped on the appropriate layers for the day’s forecast. They are also trained on each of the props the clowns will carry. Armed with safety pins, doublefaced tape, scissors, needles and thread, Ginny and her counterparts are tasked with making sure that each outfit fits perfectly and is secure. Then it’s time for wigs, hats, gloves, spats and usually a red nose.

Ginny has worked with the Breakfast Clowns, the Pirates, the Chicken Farmers and jumped in to assist other groups. “It’s a crazy, crazy time that goes by so fast we don’t really know what hits us,” she said. Most clowns are off and on their way to the parade by 7 a.m..

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and Ginny and the rest of the dressers get a little break and watch the parade in another ballroom while they wait for the first group to arrive back at the hotel.

Then, they do it all backwards with the tired but happy group of clowns. The costumes come off. They are all carefully packed away. All the accessories and props are sorted; the gloves and spats go into bins, props are packaged up in foam, racks are counted and audited for repair and cleaning. The whole process is a well-oiled machine. With clockwork precision, everything is packed back up and put into the trucks and it all disappears. According to Ginny, from a costume perspective, Macy’s could be ready to do the parade again within two weeks.

While intimately involved in her backstage role, Ginny has never actually gotten to view the iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade live. But this year is going to be different. Ginny put some feelers out earlier this year for a new role in the parade. In early October, she got the official word that she will be trading in her behind-the-scenes role to become one of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade clowns!

Cue the confetti and send in the clowns!

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Nancy Iglesias is a freelance writer and non-profit consultant. She spent 20 years working as an Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Winona, MN. Prior to that, she was the Marketing Manager for InterVarsity Press in Downers Grove, IL. Nancy enjoys entertaining, water fitness and teaching preschoolers at her church.

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Rita is a Foster Grandparent volunteer through Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Foster Grandparents like Rita are placed in classrooms and early childhood development programs to provide one-on-one attention to children who are most at risk.

The kids Rita mentors are living with their families at People Serving People in downtown Minneapolis, the region’s largest shelter for families experiencing homelessness. For the past four years, Rita has supported the teachers by helping the 2-1/2 to 5 year olds in the program’s early childhood development classes. Rita has worked with children before, as a Head Start volunteer, and as a tutor. “So when I found out about the LSS Foster Grandparent program, I thought that would be a great place for me,” Rita said.

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Melody and Gabby.

Melody and Gabby doing yoga.

Volunteers and Community Make Regional Agency a Winner

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By Carlienne A. Frisch

hen Michelle Redman became the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Southern Minnesota more than three years ago, she envisioned a time when the Owatonna-based organization would receive the top national BBBS award. Under her leadership, the chapter won the National Quality Award in 2015, the Gold Standard Award in 2016, and the Pinnacle Award in 2017. When it was chosen the 2017 Michelle Redman, Executive Director, Agency of the Year, it was the culmination of a dream BBBS for Redman, but also a wonderful surprise.

“Having won the first three awards, we knew we were in a pool for Agency of the Year,” she said. “The winner is chosen by a council of peers, and we knew we were in the top three.

But at the 2018 conference, when they said my name as the executive director, it was the highlight of my career. I’ve always looked ahead to when Southern Minnesota would be recognized, but I never thought it would happen.”

In 2017, BBBS of Southern Minnesota had 594 matches of Bigs and Littles – as they are called – about 61 percent girls and 39 percent boys. The organization serves four counties – Steele, Rice, Dodge and Waseca.

Redman worked in television and advertising until her children came along, and then put her extra energy into volunteerism. Ten years ago, she became a BBBS of Southern Minnesota employee, working with grant funding and events planning before she became the executive director. She explained that winning national awards is all about community support, committed staff and willing volunteers like Melody (Mel) Hylle and Val Oldenburg. Volunteers

range in age from 18 into their 80’s.

For 55-year-old Val Oldenburg, who has no grandchildren, it’s an opportunity to “be a grandma” to a seven-year-old girl. Oldenburg learned about BBBS from Hylle, who has an eight-year-old Little.

The two Bigs and their Littles often do activities together, some of which are offered by the organization, such as playing pickle ball or mini golf, visiting a museum or horse-back riding on a track. Some Bigs and Littles attend Twins games together. Activities can be as ordinary as cooking or even going grocery shopping.

In September, Oldenburg and her Little picked apples at Oldenburg’s father’s home. Oldenburg said, “She climbed the tree and got all of the top apples. Then we cored some of them. Sometimes we just hang out at my house, making crafts or slime (like Silly Putty) or we just walk the dog. We’ve tie-dyed a shirt. Although it’s recommended to meet twice a month, we do something every week. It’s affected me more than I thought it would. I get a lot of joy out of it.”

Hylle learned about BBBS at a Twin Cities charity event and became a Big Sister two years ago. She said, “My Little enjoys doing community events, like going to the homecoming game or gymnastics and dance shows. We also hang out at my house, baking or doing crafts.

“Val and I enjoy going to the waterpark or swimming pool with our Littles,” Hylle said. “Every month we are notified about BBBS-sponsored events by email, so it’s really easy. You don’t even have to plan, if you don’t want to, but Val and I are planning wood-working projects.”

Redman said, “Volunteers do not have to change their life, just take the child along, add a child to what you are already doing.”

She credits her staff, as well as volunteers and the community, with achieving the top national award. She said, “Our staff is passionate about the work we do and very goal-driven. We strive to do our best for the children we serve. In the past two years, we grew the number of children served by 27 percent, a huge accomplishment. Most children are referred by a social worker or a teacher, and even by a parent.”

“Our goal for 2018 is to serve 625 children, a goal we’ll surpass,” she said.

“Even so, we have 220 children on the wait list, more boys than girls. Although we need more male volunteers, we can match couples with boys. Volunteers

Val and Harper.

have an in-depth personal interview and we do a background check, contact references and check their driving record and that they have car insurance.”

“We also have school-site matches, which can be either with an adult or with a high schooler. The volunteer and the child remain in the child’s school, where they can do homework or crafts, or play on the playground,” she said.

History of Big Brothers Big Sisters

For more information, contact BBBS of Southern Minnesota at 507-414-0311 or www.bbbsofsouthernmn.org

In Steele County, the BBBS program began under the auspices of the YMCA and, in 1987, became a standalone organization. Three other counties have since been added--Rice, Dodge and Waseca.

BBBS began in 1904 in New York City, when it was recognized that contact with caring adults could help children who were in trouble with the law. A court clerk, Ernest Coulter, sought volunteers to work with boys (the beginning of the Big Brothers movement), and soon after, the Ladies of Charity befriended girls who came through the New York Children’s Court. That group became Catholic Big Sisters. The two groups joined forces in 1977, becoming Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, now operating in all 50 states and in 12 countries around the world.

OF SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

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PROFILE

e v i L Alive

CINDY BOYUM 14

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By Sara Schlueter

ealth and wellness coach Cindy Boyum is all about taking a compassionate approach in helping others to be the best version of themselves—mind,

body and spirit.

Located in Northfield, Boyum is a national board-certified health and wellness coach. She thrives in helping others become healthy in both body and mind. Because of her certification level, she is able to work directly with clients’ doctors and medical providers to get a full picture of their health, and from there determine an inspired action plan. She creates a collaborative atmosphere with her clients to create a strategy together. “I don’t ‘should’ people. I listen and we create. I hold space for the true honesty to come out and what you are willing to do to begin a transformation,” she said.

GF: Why did you choose to enter the health and wellness space?

CB: I have always been interested in health and wellness from being an athlete. My dad was a swim coach, and that was a passion of mine. When I went to college I got into food and health, and I had the intention of possibly going to medical school. I started to become a fitness instructor, and I did that for many years. When I went through a transition period in my life, I heard about health and well-

ness coaching and I got trained at Mayo Clinic.

I opened up IT! Factory Fitness and Wellness Studio in Northfield. We were named the Best Group Fitness Club by WCCO in 2016. It was a new concept club. My belief has always been that too often we treat people just for losing weight or eating better, and my way is taking a holistic approach when working with clients.

GF: What is the role of a wellness coach, and how does a wellness coach focus on mind, body and spirit?

CB: I break it down as there are some people that come in and see me for specific problems.

With a wellness coach we do a two-hour release, and I look for a story dump. We find where there are different patterns that are slowing them down from what they really desire. It could be in their personal life, finances or relationships. We look for the big picture story and what is creating the “I am stuck” moment. I specialize with people who are stuck in the eye of a transitional storm. They are looking for something different, and they want action plans. We look at it and create an inspired action together. I don’t “should” people.

I listen and we create. I hold space for the true honesty to come out and what are you willing to do to begin a transformation.

GF: What kind of work do you do with high school and college-aged students?

CB: With teens and college students we have an epidemic with stress, depression and anxiety. The level of stress these kids have is that of a 40-year-old. They are coming in with high levels of stress and anxiety, and parents don’t know how to support them. Parents are

feeling hopeless, and the teen is wondering, “Will I ever feel better?” They come with a feeling of hopelessness from this social media frenzy since they see these lives on these social platforms that look so beautiful. They feel as though happiness is something they will never feel, or ever have sustained happiness. Even though we deal with heavy topics, we want to get to know the person and their desires.

We use the power of play. There are tears and sadness, but we laugh. We get to know ourselves. With these teens and college kids, it’s to help them to become self-aware and self-responsible. We help them get into a place of ownership, so they can make decisions. We have a culture of blaming everyone else for our problems, but what if you were responsible for your life and you could get what you desire and find happiness.

GF: What are some things that we can all do at home to help us improve our wellbeing?

CB: One of the things I would recommend is when you feel upset or triggered, take a moment and breath. I personally start the day with a moment of setting a place of gratitude and setting a desire for the day or asking for what I want to see today. Movement and sweating in any capacity is a great way to get energy. Move the body in some way if you are upset, and take a non-judgmental breath.

If you are interested in learning more and connecting with Cindy, visit www.cindyboyum.com.

Sara Schlueter is a writer and editor in Minneapolis with a passion for storytelling, all things Minnesota, and being involved in the community.

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By Nancy Iglesias

I

grew up in a home where Christmas traditions were as plentiful as the tins of cookies and candies that filled the extra table set up in the garage just for the month of December. Lots of our family holiday traditions revolved around food. The saffron bread made with sweet golden raisins was a nod to our ancestors from Cornwall, England (or at least that is why I think we had it.) My dad always did his shopping on Christmas Eve Day. Outdoor Christmas decorations were put in place the two days following Thanksgiving. My dad always had a plan for our home and was a mainstay decorator at the little Methodist church in town. Christmas cards were taped to every vertical surface in the kitchen and a little green basket hung on the back door, stuffed with Christmas letters from all around the country. My mother made batch after batch of Swedish stollen bread and her infamous brazil nut/citron fruitcake. Christmas Eve started with steaming bowls of oyster stew (“just drink the broth if you don’t want the oysters”), cheese and crackers, cranberry salad and then we would go to a traditional Christmas Eve service at church.

The evening finished with a drive around town to look at the Christmas lights. Conveniently, Santa made his annual stop at our house while were out, and when we arrived back to 314 Clifton Street, a wonderful array of gifts and packages was spread under the tree.

As time went on and my siblings and I married and moved away, some of those traditions remained, and some changed and evolved to meet our changing family.

But we still enjoyed going back to our childhood home at the holidays. It wasn’t always oyster stew. But it was gathering around the table with the red Christmas tablecloth, Christmas dishes and poinsettia napkins that bound us together. Perhaps that is the essence of a tradition—a thought, an action, a custom that becomes so much a part of who we are that it gets passed on from one generation to the next.

Many of us would say that traditions seem to add a certain stability or richness to our lives. In “Fiddler on the Roof,” Tevye belted out his opinion on this matter in singing his infamous “Tradition!” song.

His belief in traditions was so strong that he said a world without traditions would

be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.

I fully realize that we’ve come a long way from my somewhat idyllic childhood in southwest Wisconsin and even further from the days of “Fiddler On The Roof.”

So is there still a place for traditions? And what happens when life circumstances change? For better or worse, life happens.

Children grow up and may move half a world away. Those we love and were the torch bearers for our family traditions are no longer present (perhaps through death, divorce, or broken relationships). Or maybe someone new from another country or culture joins our family. How do we honor and embrace the traditions of our past and yet joyfully delight in new traditions?

Last November, just before Thanksgiving, I met a woman at my local Target whose cart was loaded with Christmas pajamas. Pajamas in every size imaginable - from infant pajamas to toddler, children’s, teen’s, grown-up’s - red and green plaid, little reindeers, Santas, snowmen, big pajamas, little pajamas, “feet-y” pajamas. There must have been 25 pairs of pajamas. She also had hot chocolate mix, marshmallows and all kinds of snacks. I just couldn’t help myself and struck up a conversation with her. I commented that she must be planning a big Christmas pajama party. (Very astute of me now, right?)

Tears instantly sprang to her eyes and her story came tumbling out. Her only sister had just lost a long painful battle with cancer and passed on a few months previously. Understandably, she was very, very sad. That sister’s husband and his grown children and their children were all coming to her house for Thanksgiving in a few days. While she knew it would be good to be together, she didn’t want their time to be characterized by sadness over the obvious absence of her sister.

She and her husband discussed how they could bring some joy into their holiday weekend. It was actually her husband who remembered that when the two sisters were much, much younger with several small children each, they would spend Thanksgiving weekend at the home of one of the two sisters. They would buy matching pajamas for their little ones and have a tree trimming party. My new Target friend and her husband decided it was time to revive the Great Pajama Party and splurged on pajamas for everyone.

There was no way to pack up the sadness of losing their wife, sister, mother

and grandmother, but there was a way for them to honor the past and create new memories that would lead them into the future.

That spirit of embracing life’s changes and creating new memories and traditions is so important. It is, I think, what allows us to go through life’s challenges and transitions with a sense of joy and hopefulness.

Holidays for me are all about being together with family. Several years ago, we had just moved across the country about five months before Christmas. Due to various circumstances, we were not planning to be with our extended family on Christmas Day. Someone gave us tickets to see an NFL game on Christmas Day in our new community. While I enjoy sports, I can’t say that my initial reaction was positive. But my husband and son were very excited, and I must say that it turned out to be a great day! We took in the game and cheered on our new team with great enthusiasm. Pre-game tailgating replaced the Christmas ham! Who knew that could be so enjoyable?

But what about divorce? All of the emotions that go along with divorce are stressful on a good day, but when you add in the pressures of the holiday season, it can seem overwhelming. Audrey Cade in a blog post called “How I’ve Found My ‘Snowflake Moments’ in Christmas After Divorce“ speaks of this issue. While the tendency at holiday time could be to compete and divide the family even more, she made a commitment to recognize the best that both she and her ex-husband could bring to the table.

“I determined that the best gifts I could give my kids for Christmas was not necessarily from their wish list to Santa, but in the way I can give them a sense of stability, consistency and magic in the everyday and holiday celebrations throughout life,” she wrote. “If my children grow to become well-adjusted, loving, productive and respectable adults, then I will know I have given them the most important gifts.

I couldn’t give them one roof to grown up under, but I could give them a healthy outlook on life, less conflict in their lives and two parents who love them very much even if we are no longer together.”

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in a variety of ways.

I want to come full circle and go back to the saffron bread my mom use to make. My father passed away four years ago in July, and my mom passed away just four months later in November. Going into that first Christmas without either of them made us all very sad.

In an attempt to re-create a “taste of

home,” I decided I would surprise everyone and make saffron bread. We tracked down the nearest Penzeys Spices store and a paid handsomely for a small bottle of saffron.

I honestly don’t remember where I found the recipe. It might have been my mom’s or might have come from Pinterest. As it turned out, my distant memories of saffron bread were much sweeter than the real thing. None of my family was too enamored with it, and Nancy’s saffron bread has not become a tradition. In fact, we all had a

TOGETHER, WE ARE DEFENDERS OF

good laugh over it.

Perhaps that is the tradition that most honors my parent’s legacy - a home filled with the desire to bring joy to others and, when life doesn’t quite go as planned, the ability to be able to laugh, let go and look forward to tomorrow.

Nancy Iglesias is a freelance writer and non-profit consultant.

She spent 20 years working as an Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Winona, MN. Prior to that, she was the Marketing Manager for InterVarsity Press in Downers Grove, IL. Nancy enjoys entertaining, water fitness and teaching preschoolers at her church.

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Happy Holidays from Nicollet County Bank

The Staff of Nicollet County Bank

Holiday Open House Friday, December 14th • 2-4 pm

St Peter High School Chamber Singers singing from 3:00-3:30 PM Cookies, Coffee & Cider will be served!

2018 Calendars on display in our lobby.

Eight designs. Free, but limit one per customer, please.

www.nicolletcountybank.com • 220 South Third Street , St. Peter · 931-3310 • Like us on Facebook!

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How Volunteering Helps Everyone Your Community, Organizations….and You.

H

By Beth Forkner Moe

ave you ever volunteered? If you live in Minnesota, you probably have. Minnesota consistently has one of the highest rates of volunteerism in the country. Maybe it’s our “Minnesota Nice,” maybe it’s something our families have always done, maybe it’s simply that we enjoy helping. Whatever the reason, we spend a lot of time volunteering, in order to make a difference in the community.

People always have volunteered; it’s human nature to help each other. We’ve always helped our neighbors raise their barns and bring in their crops, have always brought food to ailing friends, have always worked in the church kitchen to serve funeral lunches.

We still do that type of grassroots, neighbor-helping-neighbor work. In the past several decades, though, volunteerism has grown to be an even more significant fact of community life. At many

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organizations – non-profits, schools, churches, and others – volunteers are their backbone. Without volunteers, many organizations wouldn’t exist and the community would not benefit from their valuable work.

People volunteer earlier and more intentionally than they used to. Students as young as elementary school age develop and conduct volunteer projects, sometimes as simple reading to residents at a local nursing home. High school and college students are often required to do community service as part of their classes; they also go on mission trips, having fun while doing good.

Many people volunteer because they enjoy it. But it’s more than simply a fun way to spend time. Volunteerism is an incredibly important economic driver in every community. Independent Sector, a coalition of America’s charitable and philanthropic leaders, estimates that the current (2018) economic hourly value of a volunteer is $24.69. Of course, volunteer work truly is priceless, but putting a price tag on it shows the enormous impact it has.

According to Independent Sector (as of December 2016), there are 31,528 non-profit organizations in Minnesota (including public charities, private and public foundations, Chamber of Commerce,

veterans’ organizations, etc.). They employ almost 14% of the workforce and generate almost $66 billion in annual revenues.

Non-profits, however, could not do their work without the help of volunteers. They simply couldn’t afford it. And they wouldn’t have the benefit of so many types of people bringing their time and talents to the organizations.

Beyond the obvious benefits to organizations, volunteers also receive a lot in return. Volunteers: • Have fun using their skills or doing something completely new and different; • Feel good about themselves while helping others; • Build their portfolio or resume by showing their commitment to the community; • Have the opportunity to use their expertise to help others; • Add to their skill set while helping to improve the quality of life enjoyed by their neighbors; • Meet people with similar interests In addition, volunteering is good for you and your health. According to Create the Good, a non-profit organization, it offers many health benefits, including:

GIFT GIVERS DESERVE A GIFT

• Decreas(ing) your risk of depression. Volunteering with and for others increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common commitment and interests—both of which have been shown to decrease depression.

• Enjoy(ing) a sense of purpose and fulfillment—and increase(ing) your self-confidence.

• Stay(ing) physically and mentally active. A study released by Johns Hopkins University in 2009 revealed that volunteers actually increased their brain functioning. Volunteer activities get you moving and thinking at the same time.

• Reduc(ing) stress levels. By savoring your time spent in service to others, you’ll feel a sense of meaning and appreciation—both given and received—which can be calming.

• Experienc(ing) “The Happiness Effect.” You know that feel-good sense you get after a vigorous workout? It comes from a release of dopamine in the brain. Helping others has that exact same effect— so the more you volunteer, the happier you become.

Most people report that they volunteer because someone has asked them. Others simply jump in when they see an opportunity.

No matter the reason, if you have the chance to volunteer, do it – you’ll be making a difference in your community and our world – and for yourself.

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A man’s perspective

Epiphany jonas Trent Jonas is a Twin Cities-based writer and divorced father of two. He is fascinated and frightened by women but is working through his issues.

I

’m not very religious — in any flavor. It would probably take an act of God (or a free meal) to make me attend any organized service.

That being said, I like most of the holidays. At least the happy ones. Coming from a family of a mixed secular background, we celebrate everything from Rosh Hashanah and Halloween to Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day. We’ll even break our (non) fast on Yom Kippur and go out to brunch on Easter. Mostly, we just like a reason to be together and enjoy time as a family (nontraditional though we are, having several “biological” and ex-[fill in the blank]s among us).

And we celebrate birthdays, of course.

My Dad’s birthday is January 6th, but he died in 2002, so now my brother and I will occasionally refer to it as Dead Dad’s Day. Last year, however, I was speaking to an ex-Catholic friend of mine (she’s still a friend, but now a Methodist), who explained to me that January 6th was also a traditional feast day called “Epiphany.”

Curious, I said, “Go on….” — one eyebrow arched in doubt.

She explained that Epiphany was the day that the Magi (wise men, etc.) were said to have visited infant Jesus, shortly after his Christmas birth. And then everyone realized — had an epiphany, one might say — that the baby was, in fact, God incarnate.

Now, that was a little heavy for me. But I really liked the idea that it’s on my

anyone?

Dad’s birthday, and “Epiphany” sounds much better than “Dead Dad’s Day” — and the “wise men” part has always been my favorite part of the Christmas story (hence my affinity for “The Little Drummer Boy”). I thought, in light of the coincidence, “There’s got to be something there…”

I thought about the modern definition of “epiphany.” It basically means suddenly understanding something better or more essentially than you did before. Like realizing Darth Vader was Luke’s father. But in a more personally meaningful way. (For Luke, that was probably pretty deep).

So, here we have a holiday, just after Christmas and just after the New Year, that is a pre-existing holiday, that also happens to be my Dad’s (and my friend Eric’s) birthday.

Why couldn’t we put a modern twist on it (but without disturbing any of its long-held meaning)?

You know how the “Black Friday”-toChristmas season is fraught with commercialism and consumerism? And then New Year’s Day is a let-down that feels the same as the day before, except now you have these empty resolutions?

What if we extend the generally-accepted holiday season to include Epiphany? And we could celebrate it as a day without gifts, spent with loved ones, perhaps around a meal, decompressing after the holidays.

And the point of the holiday would be to think of the last calendar year and the coming months and try to gain a new, essential understanding about yourself or someone (or something) important to you. Wouldn’t that be a lovely way to start a year? Calmer and wiser?

So, what do you say? Epiphany anyone?

How to Make TAX FREE Contribution to Charities

I

t’s always nice to make a charitable contribution—helps the charity so they can continue to do good work, and it makes you feel good, but to be able to take a tax deduction for it, isn’t a bad feeling either.

Under the 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, your standard deduction for a married filing joint couple goes to $24,000 and for everyone else it

is $12,000. When take your Medical Expenses that are over 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (or AGI), add your taxes (which include your state income taxes, property taxes and car tabs) which are now limited to $10,000, add your home mortgage interest and charitable donations—if these amounts total more than your new standard deduction, then you will itemize for Federal purposes.

If you do not have enough SPONSORED BY deductions to Sandy Flom, CPA, CFP® itemize on your 414 Central Ave., STE A Federal tax Faribault, MN return, you still 507.333.3973 may be able to Sandy@FaribaultCPA.com itemize on your Minnesota return since Minnesota is a non-compliant state, which means they are not following Federal Tax Law— they created their own Itemized Deduction form (M1SA) to match the old rules that Minnesota continues to use. This means that they will still have the old standard deduction rate, and will give you your personal exemptions so your charitable donations may help if you can itemize on Minnesota. But if you still can’t itemize, Minnesota also gives you 50% of everything over $500 that you contribute as a charitable contribution deduction so you don’t need to itemize.

But, if you are over the age of 70 ½ and have to make your Required Minimum Distributions (or RMD) you may also transfer the money directly from your IRA to a Charity. This way you don’t have to include the distribution in your income and then be limited on taking the deduction to donate. This also keeps your AGI down, which can help on the limitation that is then applied to Medical Expenses on your itemized deductions.

This is a great way to contribute taxable money from your retirement accounts to a Non-Profit Charitable organization, because they don’t pay income tax on the money received because they are non-profit.

I know that this seems really confusing—and complicated—but that’s where I come in. As both a CPA and a CFP, I understand the details so that we can make this work for you and get your RMD out of your retirement account, transfer the money to your charity and NOT have you pay tax on it.

Give our office a call; we would love to help.

Taxes, Investments, Business and maybe a little more Sandy Flom CPA, CFP® Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. For this and other important information please obtain the investment company fund prospectus and disclosure documents from your Rep/Advisor. Read this information carefully before investing. Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Sandy Flom, LLC are not affiliated. Cambridge does not offer tax advice.

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More Heart Than Hammer:

Making a House a Home

I

By Julie Buchwald Haley t takes a lot of heart to make a house into a home. Chat with a couple of Rice County Habitat for Humanity’s go-to crew for a few minutes and you’ll see just how passionate they are about helping to build affordable homes in Rice County. They will also tell you that it takes an entire community of volunteers to make it happen.

Larry Narhi (known on the job sites as “Larry Two”) and Larry Menzel (“Larry Three”) do it for love. For the love of the work, the people they work with, the mission of Habitat and teaching others, but most of all they do it for the love of seeing the faces of the new homeowners – especially the kids - when Habitat hands over the keys to their new home.

Narhi spent his professional career as a computer design engineer, retiring from Hewlett-Packard in 2010. He and his wife moved to Northfield later that year and joined Bethel Lutheran Church where they met Wayne Kivell, a Habitat volunteer since 2002.

Kivell suggested Narhi volunteer some of his time and considerable skills to Habitat. Since then, Narhi has helped build roughly 20 homes in Northfield and Faribault. In 2014, he became a construction coordinator responsible for ordering supplies, site supervision, and – as he said - “cajoling volunteers to keep working.” He also teaches volunteers how to do everything from putting up siding to laying down flooring.

Menzel spent much of his professional career in financial services with Mutual of Omaha. He retired three years ago and was soon approached by Kivell to volunteer his time and talent for carpentry to Habitat. Menzel says he “showed up on-site with a belt full of tools” and the motivation to “be of service to others,” he said. “Volunteering and Habitat get in your blood.” He is a safety coordinator and site supervisor, and has helped build at least six homes in Lonsdale, Northfield, and Dundas.

Narhi and Menzel each volunteer 30-40 hours a week with Habitat,

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Volunteers from Cardinal Point Apartments providing a hot lunch to the work crew. (Photo courtesy of Rice County Habitat for Humanity)

but they are quick to point out that Habitat works because of its many, and varied, volunteers – from its builders to board members and mentors to committee members and the new Master Gardeners, helping to make the homes even more beautiful.

Some volunteers even ride bicycles in the annual Habitat 500 (now entering its 26th year, the Habitat 500 is a bicycle ride - not race - and fundraiser that covers 500 miles over the course of 7 days, an average of 71 miles per day. Each rider raises funds from family, friends, businesses, and church groups and designates the Habitat for Humanity affiliates they choose).

Narhi and Menzel are especially grateful for the many volunteers who provide daily coffee, donuts, and lunches to the build crews – “oh, the cookies!” Even Habitat staff members started as volunteers.

Narhi and Menzel both say they are inspired by Habitat’s executive

Larry Narhi and Larry Menzel.

(Photo by Misty Schwab at Faribault Daily News)

are currently building homes 47 and 48, in Northfield and Faribault, respectively, and are on-track to build nearly a dozen homes in the next few years.

For Habitat volunteers, making a house a home is not about the hammers. It’s about building a place where parents have increased financial security and less need for government assistance, where kids can learn to thrive academically and socially because they feel safe, where families participate more in their communities. Volunteers do it for love.

director Dayna Norvold for her hard work, dedication, and passion for Habitat and its mission.

Habitat for Humanity is an international nonprofit housing orgaJulie Buchwald Haley is a freelance writer and PTSD survivor who works full-time, volunteers part-time, and is a pet parent to five. She recently returned to Minnesota after a 30+year nization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. absence to make new memories with her parents. and approximately 70 countries around the world. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. It works toward this vision by building strength, stability, and self-reliance in families who need decent, affordable housing.

Habitat homeowners are required to volunteer 350 hours toward building their home and/or that of other Habitat homeowners, gaining important skills for maintaining their new homes and critical pride of ownership. Habitat homes are not free; homeowners pay an affordable mortgage.

Habitat also partners with Business Builders and Faith Builders, local organizations that commit for at least 12 months to provide volunteers and financial contributions to Habitat home builds. Local Faith Builders include Emmaus Church of Northfield, St John’s Lutheran of Northfield, Northfield United Methodist, First English Lutheran of Faribault, and Our Saviors Lutheran in Faribault.

Business Builders include Uponor in Apple Valley (it supplies PEX floor heating), Square D Company (electric), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 110 of St Paul (wire, boxes, and labor), DOW (foam insulation), Valspar (paints and stains), and Whirlpool, which donates a stove/oven and refrigerator to every home built by a Habitat affiliate.

Volunteers from SageGlass of Faribault providing build help. (Photo courtesy of Rice Rice County Habitat for Humanity volunteers County Habitat for Humanity) HOLIDAY 2018

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Front Row, L-R: Angie Oscal Orrego, Caroline Peterson, Molly Stevens, Caroline Pritchard, Audrey Pagel, Elle Schmidt and Celia Meagher Back Row, L-R: Celine Falcon-Geist, Ryan Malecha, Angelo Perez, Sam Ryden, Dan Nelson, Eli Voland, Greenlee Dahle, and Logan Wells. Not pictured: Anders Larson, Riley Ledman, Athziri Marcial-Rodriguez.

Having A Voice in Northfield

Mayor’s Youth Council

N

By Julie Buchwald Haley

orthfield Mayor Rhonda Pownell has a unique group of invested citizens providing well-developed, thoughtful recommendations to the city’s legislative body - 18 local high school student members of the Mayor’s Youth Council (“MYC”). The advisory council is tasked with studying critical issues, taking public testimony, performing independent research, reviewing staff reports and recommendations, then formulating and forwarding their

recommendations to City Council members.

Meleah Follen, Youth Engagement Director with Northfield’s Healthy Community Initiative (HCI), supervises and gives the students this leadership role while gently guiding them during meetings to keep them on point. “I love seeing the enthusiasm and the willingness of the MYC members to get involved in their community,” she said. “They are eager to have a voice and to share what matters to them. From safety, to inclusion and equity, to sustainability, these youth engage their peers in conversations that matter and have an impact.”

Northfield’s HCI is a dedicated group of staff members and supporters that encourage “collaborations that support, value and empower youth” in the Northfield area. It is focused on supporting

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programs through the community and sharing that knowledge with others, as well as bringing together the youth community for activities such as the MYC. The HCI service model has gained attention from communities across the country and provides guidance to help make the most of other youth programs.

The MYC students regularly attend City Council meetings and report back to the MYC on issues and votes. At a recent meeting, the group heard discussions and votes regarding Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the fire truck budget and the proposed civic center. The students also learned about consent agendas - a practice that groups routine business and reports into one agenda item for approving rather than filing separate motions on each item. During the recent City Council meeting, a Councilor voted against one of the items in the consent agenda, but not the agenda in its entirety. Voting was a popular

topic during the MYC’s meeting, where youth members are working to get students who are 18, or will be 18 on Election Day, registered to vote.

Pownell encourages the MYC members to introduce themselves during TOP: Angie Orrego City Council meetings.

BOTTOM: Molly Stevens “Everyone enjoys meeting and hearing from them. They bring a positive energy to the proceedings,” she said.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 41 u u u

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Around Southern Minnesota!

T

here are so many things to do in the region during this holiday season – festivals, lights, carols, etc. Bundle up the kids or grandkids, and enjoy making some new memories (or enjoying the traditions you’ve made during the years).

Faribault

Holly Days Sale

Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault November 15 – December 22 Paradise Center galleries will be decked out in boutique style and filled with the artistic wares of regional artists. The Grand Opening, which runs 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, will be a gala event with free hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a cash bar to enjoy while browing the beautiful array or artisctic creations. What a wonderful way to find that one-of a kind gift for someone special! A portion of the sales will help fund continuing programs and exhibits at the Paradise Center for the Arts.

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Winterfest and Hometown Holidays

November 29 – December 1 On Thursday, November 29, the annual store window decorating contest will take place. Stroll the downtown shops and vote for your favorite holiday display. That day, there will also be horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, Santa and his reindeer, live music, and an ice carver. On Saturday, don’t miss the second annual Parade of Lights, with fireworks and a street dance! Bundle up and boogie away the winter blues!

Le Sueur Holiday Lights Parade December 1, 6:00 p.m.

Holiday lights parade on North Main Street includes units of area businesses and organizations.

Mankato Kiwanis Holiday Lights November 23 - December 31 What does your picture-perfect Christmas outing look like? Is it full of holiday lights, a jolly Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a lively parade?

If not, then make a visit to Mankato’s Kiwanis Holiday Lights celebration this holiday season, at Sibley Park, This free event is so popular that it was recognized for having one of the best holiday lights in Minnesota by OnlyInYourState.com. If you’re in the giving spirit, they accept donations of cash and nonperishable food items to benefit local nonprofit community organizations. The website praised it for having “one of the largest displays in Minnesota” and “definitely one to add to your bucket list.” Get ready to get into the holiday spirit. Here are the top reasons you should plan your seasonal festivities in this beloved city.

A Glorious Parade of Lights Once Thanksgiving ends, the holiday festivities are in full swing. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, Mankato will host its opening ceremony and kickoff parade. The parade will start promptly at Mound Avenue, where you’ll marvel at the impressive collection of illuminated floats and lavishly designed costumes. The parade is organized by the local Mankato Area Derby Girls. For a comfortable viewing experience, bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and a nearby warming house will be available if you wish to take a break from

the cold. The parade will end with a lighting ceremony, where you can watch the entire area flicker with 1.5 million holiday lights. After the parade, take the kids to meet Santa. Then, let them skate the night away at the skating rink warming house; make sure they bring their own skates!

An Event for Every Day Each night has its own special theme such as “Dashing Through the Snow,” where you can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides for a small fee, weather permitting. And “Meet Rudolph,” where you can see live reindeer on display.

Other festivities include live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and visits with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Pay it forward by participating or cheering on runners at the Exclusively Diamonds Dash 5K race on Dec. 2. Hosted by the local YMCA, the race attracts hundreds of guests to run for a good cause, and runners are encouraged to dress up in their best holiday outfits. If you can’t participate in the race but still wish to contribute to the cause - canned goods, nonperishable food and personal care items are all acceptable to donate. The items will go to families in need.

Donated checks and cash will also be accepted.

Light Show Besides walking around Sibley Park to see all the festive lights, you can also explore the park from the comfort of your car by driving through the area to admire the lights. While exploring, be on the lookout for a computerprogrammed lighted driving tunnel with even more animated light displays. This year, the hosts of the celebration have doubled the size of the tunnel, giving you more to be mesmerized at. Free parking is available in its designated lot, and there is also on-street parking if you want to explore on foot.

New Ulm 30th Annual Parade of Lights November 23, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Every year, on the Friday night after Thanksgiving, New Ulm welcomes Santa to town with a Parade of Lights. This year, more than 60 units, all decked out with thousands of twinkling lights, will make their their way through the Historic Downtown. This is a great time to check out shops and restaurants before and after the parade. Head to City Hall after the parade for the Official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Mayor Bob Beussman will lead the ceremony with some help from the New Ulm Royalty and Santa himself. Also, be sure to stop by the Brown County Historical Society Museum for its Holiday Open House after the parade.

Northfield Winter Walk December 6, 5-9 p.m.

19 Bridge Square In the heart of the holiday season, an event – in its 20th year! - takes place that draws crowds from near and far. Steaming cups of hot cocoa, the sounds of hooves clippity-clapping along the streets, and candles flickering in the breeze, create a magical and can’t-miss one-night festival.

Experience downtown Northfield by candlelight, Stroll through unique shops, dine at fine restaurants, enjoy caroling, sleigh rides, storytelling, luminarias, decorated store fronts and much more!

Owatonna 28th Annual Festival of Trees November 16, 7:30 p.m. (opening event) – November 24.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Owatonna, 2365 43rd St N.W. Opening night for this event will be November 16, 7:30 p.m. Live and silent auctions, cash bar, hors d’oevres and desserts will be available. Event is open to the public; tickets are available at Hy-Vee, Cash Wise and Kottke Jewelers. After opening night trees will be available to view daily through November 24.

Proceeds from this event benefit Advocates for Developmental Disabilities.

Christmas in the Village November 30 – December 1 Steele County History Center/Village of Yesteryear 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna On Friday, step back in time for a Victorian Christmas in the Village! Stroll through the luminary-lit Village of Yesteryear and enjoy the carolers and a visit with Mrs. Claus, and buy homemade cookies at the fancy cookie sale. There will be crafts for children and demonstrations throughout the Village. See the Dunnell House lavishly decorated for the holidays. Stop by the History Center for the Homemade Soup Dinner and visit with Santa at the History Center Atrium and available for photos. Admission is free.

On Saturday, sample homemade cookies and enjoy live performances throughout the day. Events are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Village and at the History Center. The evening closes with a Meatball Supper hosted by the Nortonna Lodge.

Sunday, the Steele County Historical Society offers a Holiday Historic Home Tour featuring privately owned homes decked out for the holidays. Tickets are available at the History Center.

Lighted Holiday Parade and Lighting of Lights November 29, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Bundle up and head to downtown Owatonna for the Lighted Holiday Parade starting at 6pm. Parade vehicles will be decked out in their finest holiday lights. The parade ends with carolers and cider in Central Park.

Hometown Holiday Weekend November 30, 4 p.m. – December 2, 5 p.m.

Join us for Hometown Holiday weekend as we host various holiday events, shopping, music, family activities! More info is available at visitowatonna.org.

St. Peter Great Candy Cane Hunt December 1, 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 10:30 a.m.

St. Peter Community Center

Breakfast with Santa December 2, 8-11 a.m.

John Ireland School, 1801 W. Broadway Ave. Tickets are $8 per person, with ages 2 and under free. Ticket prices include craft activities, face painting, cookie decorating, a gift from Santa, and breakfast! Tickets are available at the parish office or at the John Ireland School office.

Free Rides on the Musical Horse Trolley December 8, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Waseca Never Enough Christmas Boutique November 15-18; November 23-25; November 29-December 29 Wonderful signs of an old-fashioned country Christmas await you at the farm. Folk art, antiques, country crafts and beautiful, handmade Christmas decorations.

Directions: 4 miles north of Waseca on Hwy 13, then 2 miles east on 410th Ave, then 3/4 mile north on 150th St., 2nd place on the right. From I-35 and Medford Outlet go 11 miles west on Steele County 12, then left on 150th St, first place on the left.

Sleigh and Cutter Fest January 26-March 9 Many events take place over several winter weekends. Look for more information in the January/February issue of Southern Minn Girlfriends!

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Winter Holiday Traditions

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By Marianne Radtke t’s that time of year – time to don cozy sweaters and woolen socks, and to throw extra blankets on the bed to ready ourselves for the season of hibernation, dormancy, darkness and cold. But many winter holidays around the world are a popular time for revelry

and celebration. While some are filled with solemn tradition, others focus on spirited fun and frolic. All pose opportunities for fun lessons in geography, culture, history, and religion.

Curl up next to a crackling fire and take a look at these popular winter holiday traditions celebrated around the world. They are sure to warm your heart.

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CONTINUED FROM page 35

St. Lucia’s Day St. Lucia’s Day is a Scandinavian festival of light celebrated mainly in Sweden on December 13 in honor of St. Lucia, one of the earliest Christian martyrs, killed for her religious beliefs. The festival begins with a procession of singing girls dressed up as “Lucia brides” in long white gowns with red sashes, and a wreath of lighted candles on their heads. Traditionally, the eldest daughter serves the family twisted saffron buns called “Lucia cats” (lussekatter), ginger snaps, and coffee. The festival marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Scandinavia.

St. Nicholas Day A popular December holiday in many European countries, St. Nicholas Day celebrates St. Nicholas of Myra, the man whose life inspired the tradition of Santa Claus and Father Christmas. He gave all of his money to the needy and was known for his compassion for children and all those in need. The holiday honors the man on the anniversary of his death, December 6, 343 A.D. Many celebrate with parades, feasts, gift giving, and festivals.

Winter Solstice The celebration of the Winter Solstice is one of the oldest celebrations in the world. The Winter Solstice usually occurs on December 21, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Long ago, people celebrated by lighting bonfires and candles to coax the sun, a tradition still done today. In old Northern Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse Jul, meaning wheel. Some people burn an oak log, commonly called a Yule log, in an indoor fireplace or outdoor fire circle. Some celebrate by staying up all night to welcome the start of the new solar year as the sun rises in the morning.

Hanukkah

Christmas

Hanukkah (Chanukah) is the Jewish festival of light celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting (a special candle holder), prayers, and foods cooked in oil. For eight days at sundown, Jews light one candle each night to remember an ancient miracle in which one day’s worth of oil burned for eight days in the temple. Traditionally, families eat special potato pancakes (latkes), sing songs, and spin a top (dreidel) to win chocolate coins, nuts, or raisins. Sometimes small gifts or small sums of money are given to children during each of the eight days. Hanukkah typically falls in December, but the exact dates depend on the Hebrew calendar.

Christmas festivities in Ireland last from Christmas Eve (December 24) until January 6 (Epiphany). On December 26, known as St. Stephen’s Day, an Irish tradition known as the Wren Boys Procession takes place. Children go door to door singing, holding a stick topped by a holly bush and a wren. They ask for money for the “starving wren.” In ancient times, a real wren was killed and fastened to the stick, but today artificial wrens are used. In some parts of Europe, “star singers” go caroling while walking behind a huge star on a pole.

Christmas Eve festivities in the Ukraine are known as Sviata Vechera, meaning “Holy Supper.” The celebration begins when the first evening star is sighted in the night sky. In farming communities, the household head brings in a sheaf of wheat, which symbolizes the wheat crops of Ukraine. It is called “didukh,” which translates to “grandfather spirit.” Stalks of wheat are used to decorate the table.

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Three Kings Day At the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (January 6) comes a day called Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. This holiday, widely celebrated in Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean, is celebrated as the day the three wise men first saw baby Jesus and brought him gifts. On this day in Spain, children get their Christmas presents.

People in Mexico exchange gifts and in the morning, shoes are filled with toys and gifts. In Puerto Rico, before children go to sleep on January 5, they leave a box with hay under their beds so the Kings will leave presents. In Mexico and France, a delicious “king cake” is baked with a coin, jewel, or other trinket hidden inside.

Kwanzaa Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, is based on ancient African harvest “first fruit” festivals and celebrates ideals such as family life and unity. Many African Americans dress in traditional African clothing, decorate their homes with fruits and vegetables, and light a special candle holder (kinara). There are seven symbols and seven

principles of the holiday. Each day the family lights a candle in the kinara and discusses the principle for the day. On December 31, families join in a community feast (karamu). Although Kwanzaa is primarily an African American holiday, it is also celebrated in other countries with large numbers of African descendants.

New Year In Ecuador, on December 31, families dress a straw man in old clothes to represent the old year. The family members make a will for the straw man that lists all of their faults. At midnight, they burn the straw man, in hopes that their faults will disappear with him.

In Japan, Omisoka (New Year’s Eve) is the second most important holiday of the year, following New Year’s Day, the start of a new beginning. Japanese families gather for a late dinner around 11 p.m., and at midnight, many make visits to a shrine or temple. In many homes, a bell is struck 108 times, symbolizing desires believed to cause human suffering.

Those in Hong Kong pray to the gods and ghosts of their ancestors, asking them to fulfill wishes for the next year. Priests read aloud the names of every living person at the celebration and attach a list of the names to a paper horse and set it on fire. The smoke carries the names up to the gods so the living will be remembered.

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, children dress in new clothes, people carry lanterns and join in a huge parade led by a silk dragon, the Chinese symbol of strength. According to legend, the dragon hibernates most of the year, so people throw firecrackers to keep the dragon awake.

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Please join us for our

The Way of Wellness

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & Customer Appreciation

acupuncture • herbal medicine

Jenny Gamer has been helping people become balanced, heathy and happy using Chinese herbs, acupuncture, bodywork and lifestyle coaching since 2003.

She holds a Master of Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Science University.

pivotal point oriental medicine Jenny Gamer 414 heritage place, faribault

LAc, • M.OM, Dipl. CH

pivotalpointom.com • 507-209-2002

Thursday, November 15th 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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Say to Wallpaper

I Megan Rolloff Megan is a designer at The Design Element in the Mankato Design Center. She can help you with all your design needs from planning to product selection.

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know, I know. Eighty percent of you are shaking your heads right now saying “Never!”, but just hear me out. Wallpapers of today are not what they used to be. My guess is that most of you object to wallpaper because of the horrible SPONSORED BY prospect The Design Element of one day 1711 Premier Drive having to remove Mankato, MN it. But the 507.345.8708 days of picking off microscopic pieces of paper until your hands cramp into a claw are over. Today’s papers are made to be removable.

There are a couple of different ways the industry has accomplished this. One is by making the face of the paper (the patterned portion) strippable. Get one corner loose and give it a good pull. The face of the paper will separate from the backing and peel off in one big piece.

The backing that remains on the wall can be wetted with a sprayer and easily scraped away, also in large satisfying pieces. The other option is to go totally temporary with self-stick papers. These are often marketed to apartment dwellers. It is basically a giant sticker that can be put anywhere

nt e

and removed at will.

Wallpaper is historically so much a part of our homes that it is almost futile to try and fight it. It is said that the earliest surviving piece of wallpaper dates all the way back to 1509. And that is if you only go back as far as patterned or scenic prints. Textural pieces are said to have been used centuries before that.

In the early days, wallpaper was often used to replace tapestries. Only the extremely wealthy were able to afford tapestries, so papers were a way to get the same visual effect into slightly less opulent homes. As advances were made in the printing industry, wallpapers became more and more affordable the more efficiently they could be printed. This was made very evident during the Victorian era. Those people loved their wallpaper! Many times there would be 3, 4, or 5 different papers used in a single room. Some might say it was the most important interior finish at that time. In fact, one of the companies responsible for providing wallpapers to the Victorians is still active today: Thibaut Wallpaper & Fabrics. Thibaut is the oldest continuously operating wallpaper printer in the nation. They began in 1886.

Thibaut is known in the interior design industry for high quality bold papers. Many of their current designs stay closely connected to the traditional patterns they started out producing, but with a more updated color palette.

As interior designers at The Design Element, Thibaut is one of our go-to lines when looking for that perfect paper. If you would like to see these pretty papers in person, feel free to visit

us anytime and see for yourself how irresistible wallpaper can be.

These large-scale, bold patterns are what we are seeing both being produced by manufacturers and used in residences. Instead of using the muted mini-print of the 80’s on every wall of every room, today we are seeing one prominent wall of a larger space covered in a bold print with high impact. Or, sometimes, covering all the walls in the smallest room in your

on Pinterest, or that sparkly starburst powder room on Houzz, don’t think “Oh my goodness, I could never”; think “That is fabulous! I must have it!” Take a risk and don’t take your home’s interior so seriously. You will be surprised what walking into a room that captures your eye and imagina-

house from floor to ceiling in a bright floral is the way to go; think powder room or walk-in closet.

So, go ahead. Give into temptation. When you see that bright pink floral laundry room

tion can do for your mood. If your home is supposed to be a reflection of you, don’t we all want to be seen as a little fun, a little bold, and a little unexpected sometimes?

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Reduce the Effects of this

Dawn & Morgan

Dawn Ritter, APRN is a family nurse practitioner and Dr. Morgan Woods, DC is a family and pregnancy chiropractor and certified lactation counselor at Erickson Chiropractic within the Two Rivers Health Center.

SPONSORED BY:

507.334.1823

507.334.9400 1819 2nd Ave NW, Faribault www.tworivershealthcenter.com 40

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I

magine you are hosting Thanksgiving, the kids are coming home from college with the new partner, and your mother-in-law will be staying as well. Your to-do list is a mile long and you are behind by three weeks. Needless to say, you are at your wits’ end, frazzled and you have just bent over to tie your shoe, to run to the grocery store again, and are unable to stand upright. What do you do?

Did you just have a panic attack? I did, too.

Holiday stress is real and with it comes physical challenges and manifestations. In many cases, stress manifests as anxiety, poor sleep, aches and pains in the neck, middle and lower back, bloating, muscle cramps, headaches, and alternating constipation and diarrhea. It is important to know how our bodies communicate and these signs indicate the need for rest, support and a new approach to our lifestyles.

In order to have a pleasant and enjoyable holiday season, and to balance and counteract the additional challenges so common this time of year, start by reviewing what you value, or need most during this time and focus in that direction.

Keep plans simple, accept or ask for help when needed to reduce your energy expenditure. Outsourcing tasks to others allows everyone to enjoy more time catching up and enjoying family time.

If you have a “list,� keep in mind it can and will change. It may work well to remind you of your agreements and responsibilities, but it often grows with last minute projects and become overwhelming and exhausting.

Communicating with your loved ones about the

Holiday Season

holiday and what plans would best serve the group allows for shared responsibility and more reasonable expectations.

Remember to take time for yourself and plan for your daily activity, mental health, and healthy diet. It is incredibly easy to drop a fitness routine or general exercise when you become busy, the weather gets cold, and sweets are within reach every moment of every day. During the holidays it is not uncommon to go overboard with sugary treats and alcohol, and to lose sleep because of holiday get-togethers. Gentle stretching, yoga or pilates are great ways to help improve muscular strength and flexibility. Adding chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy are great ways to reduce stress and improve general mood and outlook. Knowing you are in charge or your health and wellness and redirecting your energy to care for yourself goes a long way during times of unease.

It is not uncommon for acute illness to increase during holiday time. Stress and increased sugar consumption, lead to increased inflammation, which in turn leads to increased pain and poor immune system function. Consider adding whole foods, good fats and/or substituting ingredients to decrease sugar intake.

In the end the holidays are about coming together with family, friends, and loved ones to celebrate and enjoy community. Staying the course with communication, delegation, self-care, grace and patience will help keep the holidays a happy time for all involved. It is our sincere hope that these strategies will allow for the happy and healthy holidays you dream about.

Women News! in the

Jenny Gamer Jenny Gamer is celebrating her 15th year practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy. She opened the doors of Pivotal Point Oriental Medicine in November of 2003 after graduating from Northwestern Health Sciences University with a Master of Oriental Medicine (M.Om) degree.

After practicing in Northfield for 12 years, I moved my practice to Faribault 3 years ago to work close to home. She has been working in the holistic health field since 1994 when she first became a massage therapist.

After all this time she still loves what she does and looks forward to the next 15 years.

pivotal point oriental medicine

Do you want to share a small press release about a female staff member and their achievements/awards? This could be an award, anniversary, a joining announcement, retirement, etc.

507-333-3117 pdemorett@faribault.com

Crystal Hobart Crystal Hobart is a recent addition to APG Media of Southern Minnesota as a Media Sales Consultant.

Crystal was born and raised in Iowa, but has been a resident of Owatonna for the last ten years. Always an avid reader and life-long learner, she graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Elementary Education in 2002. After years of teaching preschool, and working in elementary schools, her love of print has recently led her to start a new career in the press. Crystal is hoping that her STEAM certification and education background will be an asset in the newest Owatonna publication, Kids Konnect. You can reach her at chobart@ owatonna.com

sm mlm

southern minn media

MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL CONTINUED FROM page 29

Senior Molly Stevens likes being on the MYC. She joined to “have a voice and make a difference,” she said. MYC isn’t her only volunteer work; she also volunteers with National Honor Society, Clothes Closet, and is an academic student advisor. Molly comes from a family of volunteers; her mom gives her time to charities through Northfield Hospital and Clinics, and her dad is a coach at the high school. As a family, they donate to Feed My Starving Children. She sees it (volunteering) as a lifelong way to give back.

Junior Angie Orrego was inspired by her older sister, who encouraged her to volunteer to get to know her new community and to make new friends. Orrego, also a member of National Honor Society, volunteers at the Northfield Retirement Community and is a mentor/ tutor to kids at Greenvale Elementary School. She particularly felt the importance of volunteering the more she learned about Northfield’s new Municipal ID and how it can benefit those in the immigrant com-

Jessica A. Hafemeyer Attorney Jessica A. Hafemeyer joined the law office of J. Scott Braden, P.A. in October 2018.

Hafemeyer has more than fourteen years of experience representing clients in family law and bankruptcy cases. Hafemeyer started her legal practice with Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services and opened her own practice in Faribault in June 2010. She is active in the Faribault and Northfield communities, and is currently on the Northfield Volleyball Club board of directors and serves as a team coach.

J. Scott Braden, P.A. is a local law firm with over 30 years’ experience focusing on the needs of families, including child custody, adoptions, divorce, juvenile protection, probate and trust litigation, estate planning, guardianships and conservatorships, family businesses, and real estate. With the addition of Hafemeyer, Bankruptcy services are now be offered.

munity who don’t have another government-issued photo ID. The MYC has also been working on Marnita’s Table, a Minneapolisbased initiative that brings people together for “international social interaction.” Marnita’s Table Northfield events bring together youth from Northfield High School, Area Learning Center, and Arcadia Charter School for a meal and structured conversation with a goal of breaking down social barriers that exist among the students attending the varied schools. It is a way to build communities by learning constructive ways to communicate with one another.

Members of the Mayor’s Youth Council are enthusiastic volunteers with a wide range of organizations that benefit from their time, including the Boy Scouts, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Community Resource Bank Junior Board (focused on community service), YouthBank, and Students Supporting Students.

Julie Buchwald Haley is a freelance writer and PTSD survivor who works full-time, volunteers part-time, and is a pet parent to five. She recently returned to Minnesota after a 30+year absence to make new memories with her parents.

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THE COACH’S CORNER

Volunesia

The moment when you forget you are volunteering to help transform lives, because it (volunteering) is transforming yours.

MaoryFUCHS Mallory Fuchs is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and a life coach for women. She helps women gain the confidence they deserve so that they can design the life they love.

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southernminngirlfriends.com

t was a hot summer day and I was out walking. I saw this old beat-up dresser on the curb and for whatever reason this piece of furniture tugged at my heart.

So I went back and carried it home.

This piece of furniture had scratches, missing pieces, and broken parts. But that is what made it unique - it told a story. I spent countless hours giving this furniture love, nurturing, and TLC. There were hours of sanding and painting and the fun part of adding accessories.

As I worked persistently on this dresser and appreciated its flaws, I also worked with compassion and pouring life back into something that was thrown out on the curb. It made me realize that the same is true for humans and animals. We don’t throw lives away when they are broken and scratched up. We take them in and nurture them, and we give them the tools and confidence to go back out into the world and live the life that they deserve. I started to ask myself, “Are we restoring others and our community?”

My take on volunteering might be a little different than views or thoughts that some might have. It has been shaped by my own life experiences and I wanted to share them with you. Get creative with how you give back y’all!

I grew up in a household that believed in volunteering and helping your neighbor. My parents taught us to always leave things in a better condition than when we found it, even if that meant going out of your way and spending time and money out of your own pocket without the expectation of anything in return.

It’s no surprise that I went into the helping field.

I became a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and wanted to work in the prison system. Often this population is the kind that most deem the “worst of the worst” or “broken.” But I believe that people can be restored. Even though I chose this as a career, it opened many opportunities for me to volunteer my time and expertise. I always wanted to shine my light into the darkest of places. Prisons and jails are certainly that.

Therapists teach our clients that part of recovery and restoring our lives means giving back, helping restore our community. I was part of the restorative justice committee in the prison. The work some of these offenders did to restore the hurt they caused their victims was some of the most amazing work to witness. When restoration and volunteering happens because it is coming from the heart and is genuine when it is done without expecting anything back in return - that is magical. I believe we are all in recovery of something in life; we are human and are fooling ourselves if we don’t believe that.

I practice what I preach to my clients, so I volunteer my time to many different things. I do this by providing free services to help get people back on track. I volunteered at a local county jail and taught a domestic violence class helping offenders understand their violent patterns so that they could have healthier relationships and no longer create victims. I also volunteered as a sober coach helping people in recovery

get to meetings or sober events.

My all-time favorite is when my husband and I volunteered and opened our home and heart to a German Shepherd puppy who was on her way to the pound. We already had two dogs and were two broke college kids, but when we saw her picture we knew we had to have her. There were many sleepless nights, ripped-up pink high heels, and destroyed couches…. but this beautiful girl made my heart grow in ways I didn’t know it could. She taught me patience, compassion, love, and consistency. Her name is Jayden. (Note - volunteering is not always glamorous, but that is often when it’s the most meaningful!)

Volunteering can take shape in many ways. It can be through your time, money, support, service, influence, or talent. Maybe you donate to your favorite charity or maybe you volunteer your time helping teach a class to underprivileged youth. Maybe you use your voice and influence in the community to help gain awareness for an important charity or organization. Maybe you pick up trash when you see it on the side of the road or foster animals.

You may even be the one to pay it forward and buy the lady behind you her coffee or maybe you open the door for someone at the store.

Whatever it is, big or small, we need more of this. Trust me, it is contagious.

Here is an example that most might not look at as “volunteering,” but I believe it to be powerful. Remember how I said that the offenders I worked with would work on restoring their community or victims?

One powerful way of volunteering is to apologize and give back for our wrong-doings, whether that is to an individual or a cause.

I never thought I would learn so much about myself from working in a prison. Working and volunteering with this population opened my heart and my eyes and it changed my heart. It helped me be more compassionate, understanding, patient, and humble. That is exactly

what Volunesia means. Volunesia, the moment when you forget you’re volunteering to help change lives, because it’s changing yours….

We often go into volunteering thinking that we are going to change lives, but if we aren’t changed ourselves, we’re doing it all wrong. Go out and serve others and watch it restore your heart and make you an even better person than you were before- I dare you!

Check to see where your local community needs volunteers. Here is a list of different ways to jump-start and get out there: 1. Pick up trash at your local parks and schools.

2. Donate to an animal rescue or foster an animal.

3. Bring flowers to an assisted living or nursing home.

4. Teach a free class in your area of expertise.

5. Say hello to a stranger.

6. Shovel your neighbor’s sidewalk or driveway.

7. Get on a committee for a non-profit in your community.

8. Advocate for a specific cause in your community or that you are passionate about.

9. Fix and serve meals.

Last but not least - A HUGE shout out to the Faribault community and true volunteering in wake of the storms that hit our town and surrounding areas in September - it was beautiful to see the true meaning of a community and compassion.

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WELLNESS

Yoga & philanthropy

H

By Rian Dicke-Michels

aving been raised in Minnesota for the majority of my life, I have a lot of Minnesota pride. Our state has a lot to offer, being the second-best state to live in across the nation, according to CNBC earlier this year.

We have great access to health care, public pre-K through 12th grade education, solid employment opportunities, energy awareness, public transportation, and good social economics. Despite all of this, there are still those among us who rely on some form of assistance and need all the help they can get. From a yogic mindset, philanthropy is a built-in concept and follows the golden rule. But what happens when treating others as you wish to be treated only goes so far?

Being kind and pleasant to strangers is a beautiful thing that can be taken a step further by being present for those who may be dealing with more than just a crappy day at work. I went ahead and teamed up with a couple of my social worker friends who gave me some suggestions on how we, as Minnesotans, can donate our time or money to causes that directly affect the people who may be standing right behind us in line at the gas station, or sitting at the desk next to our kids at school.

1. Beds for Kids: First of all, I had never thought about the luxury of having a bed until I read about this program. For this one, you may donate your time to assembling beds that will be delivered to children who currently sleep on the floor or in other inadequate sleeping arrangements. If you are not able to volunteer, the organization also accepts gently used chairs, lamps, and other furnishings to families who are unable to purchase these things for themselves.

Your excess becomes their comfort. For Steele and Waseca counties, call 507-213-6312 to see what you can do.

2. The Crisis Resource Center: We can repost the phone number for domestic violence and abuse victims on social media all we want, but the CRC is always in need of volunteers who can actually answer those phone calls. Once trained and given a phone for the sole purpose of taking calls, you donate your time to listening, supporting, providing information and giving referrals. You can also donate old cell phones and ink cartridges. Just search the Crisis Resource Center and your county to find out how you can be of service.

3. Big Brothers Big Sisters: What I learned through speaking to a friend about this program is that there is always a list of kids that are waiting for someone to be partnered with. Some children and

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teens are at a disadvantage at home and can benefit from oneon-one time with an adult who can build a healthy, positive relationship that may define the future for Image from blog.ahamyoga.com. that one child. If you feel that you cannot provide your time, you can also donate money to the organization. Call your local office and see what you can do for a child’s future, today.

4. SEMCAC Meals on Wheels: You’ve probably heard of it before, but the Meals on Wheels program offers plenty of opportunities for you to help with folks in your very own community. I personally have three people in my life who deliver free hot meals to seniors who may not be able to leave their homes or cook for themselves. One of them occasionally brings her young child along in order to expose him to volunteerism and diversity. SEMCAC provides this and other services to Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Steele, and Winona counties. The SEMCAC number for senior services is 1-507-864-8231, if you’re interested.

No matter where we are at in our lives, if we are physically or financially able, we can always involve ourselves with programs that deal in the betterment of our communities and with those at a disadvantage. There are a handful of non-profits that operate in the Southern Minnesota area, not just those listed above. Usually, charitable donations can also be written off at tax season; just keep the receipt. But by simply thinking of others as we go throughout life, we can employ the golden rule on a grander scale and always remain open to ways in which we can give of ourselves. When these opportunities present themselves and we have the capability to do something about it, it isn’t necessarily an obligation, but doing good within the community means providing others with the things we may take for granted every day, and that can make all the difference in the world. *If you work with a nonprofit, and are interested in hosting a yoga class at an event, please, check out Rian’s Yoga Revolution on Facebook. I would be happy to assist you.

Rian Dicke-Michels is a highly independent, Minnesota State University Mankato graduate and the proud mother of an earthy 5-year-old. Although a 10-year yoga practitioner, she earned her 200RYT in 2015 from The Green Lotus Yoga and Healing center, and is continuing her education toward 500 hours. “My life is a continuous journey toward healing and self-love,” she says, “I’m honored to share it with you.”

By Sara David

Y

ou’ve heard about the benefits of energy healing…you may have even jumped into buying yourself a diffuser and some essential oils…

Congratulations! But, “Where do I go from here?” is probably rolling around in your head. While you’re committed to creating a healthier you, determining the next steps can be a bit overwhelming.

You don’t have to be spiritual to benefit from energy healing. Just like you don’t need to understand the law of gravity before you can fall down, you SPONSORED BY don’t need to completely grasp the Zen Wellness concept of energy healing before 785-787-5104 trying it. But the best piece of www.zensational.biz/ advice is to go in with an open zen-wellness mind.

There are many, many things that you can do to at home to begin the process. Journaling is one way to begin your path to positive thinking. Take 10 minutes every day to reflect on the good things that you experienced. It may be awkward at first so start

Miki Orr, Zensational www.zensational.biz 403 1st Ave. NW

with simple things. As you continue, you will soon notice how much GOOD energy you feel throughout your day.

Prioritize self-help. You no longer have to suspiciously stash that self-help book you’re holding behind your jacket when you bump into someone you know. Once considered woo-woo, self-help is now considered proactive self-care. So stock up that shelf with everything you need to fuel your soul. Self-help and energy healing are part of the same family.

Meditate. Ellen DeGeneres is doing it. Oprah, Hugh Jackman, Katy Perry and even Clint Eastwood are doing it. Meditation is an easy way to rest, reset and recharge your mind, body and soul, even at 20 minutes at a time. You don’t need to commit hours to this. YouTube has some great guided meditations to help you start out.

If you’re reading this, I bet you have a crystal in your home whether you know it or not. Crystal jewelry and gemstone décor are making a comeback, and they are great ways to help focus your intentions. Send those positive energetic intentions into a favorite piece of jewelry and see what happens.

Too extreme?

Drink hot tea. Tea not only helps calm the mind, but contains antioxidants, may help reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks, soothes the digestion system and boosts your natural immunity.

Take a hot bath. Hot water, lite candles, helps people drop into their bodies and breathe more deeply, calming the senses.

Use aromatherapy. As any self-respecting person should, you probably like to smell good. Scents such as lavender, thyme, citrus and rose smell amazing and have holistic benefits that can help lift your energy to help heal. An easy way to incorporate aromatherapy is to apply small drops on your pulse points… similar to how you would use perfume. At night, consider adding a few drops of lavender to your pillowcase.

If you’ve dabbled with any (or all) of the above and are ready to dig deeper, consider reaching out to the team at ZenWellness.

We offer Reiki, VST (Vibrational Sound Therapy), spiritual life coaching, QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique), Yoga and many other modalities that will raise your vibrational energy and help you to discover a pathway to a healthier self.

Brenda Fletcher, Beautiful Day Hypnosis www.beautifuldayhypnosis.com 403 1st Ave. NW

Cynthia Prange, Zenful Life Coach www.zensational.biz/zenful-life-coach 403 1st Ave. NW

Tracy Patterson, Yoga Reset www.yogareset.com 412 Central Ave. NW b

Sara David, Animal Communication 507-330-3459 lldavid8755@gmail.com 403 1st Ave. NW

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Unexpected CaregiveR

Let it go &

Let It Out

Berit Kari Berit, author of The Unexpected Caregiver, is a keynote speaker who will help everyone better take care while caring for another. Follow me at www.KariBerit.net

I

’ve been hands-on with two families struggling to find their way in giving care to their loved ones. Both situations are husbands caring for wives. I’m sharing three scenarios with you, in the hope these stories will help you prepare for your holiday visits to family members. When we don’t see our loved ones on a regular basis, it can be shocking to see how they live. You may kick into panic mode, call your siblings and start arranging outside care. It’s so hard; I know.

I’ve worked in this field for nearly 30 years.

May I suggest that before you give into your worst fears, take a deep breath and observe, listen and digest? Sometimes, the solution is about understanding and letting go on your part.

Situation One: A gallon of milk My friend with Parkinson’s disease is too weak to lift and pour from a gallon jug of milk.

Seems like a relatively simple solution would be to buy a smaller size container. But it’s not that easy. There are numerous ways to solve this, but what one needs to take into account is the relationship of the couple. For many of you, we’re talking about your parents. They’ve lived together and operated as a unit for however-many years. Their long-standing habit of buying milk in a gallon-sized container is too difficult to break. You may suggest a whole slew of alternatives on one visit, and then return for a second visit only to find another gallon-sized container of milk. So the milk gets spilled all over the counter; it’s only milk. Don’t exhaust yourself trying to convince your dad that it makes more sense to buy in smaller containers.

Heck, it may even be your mother who is making the buying decision and your dad simply wants to allow her that choice. Let it go.

Situation Two: Two right feet Your mom comes out of her room and is 46

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shuffling a bit. You notice her shoes and see that she’s wearing two shoes that look similar, but are actually two different sandals. And she’s wearing the right shoe on her left foot. This is not a big deal in and of itself, but you may feel embarrassed for her. You’re going out and this once well-dressed woman is wearing one flat shoe and one with a heel. Your dad doesn’t notice the difference. But this one isn’t just about vanity; there is a safety issue to address.

If one shoe has a heel and the other is a rubber sole, she could risk a fall. Can you get rid of one of the pairs of shoes? Can you talk with your dad and suggest he help her pick out a matching pair? Have the conversation, but when Mom comes out with two mis-matched shoes the next day, let it go.

Situation Three: Dementia and decision-making “It’s up to her,” said my friend. He was referring to whether or not his wife should have a three-step eye surgery that would return her eyesight to one eye. She is mixing up the details of the eye surgery with her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), saying, “There’s no cure, you know.” She’s right, but we’re not talking about AD, we’re talking about an eye procedure that would enable her to read again.

If something similar is happening with your mother (confusing one thing with another), you can try to talk with her. Maybe in the past it would’ve been a beneficial conversation, but no longer. When a brain disease, such as Alzheimer’s, clouds thinking there is no rationalizing. What makes this situation even more difficult is often your dad. He is clinging to the past: Mom has always made her own decisions. Except now she can’t. She is unable.

Her brain is not working in a way that allows her to digest facts and make rational decisions.

At some point, you have to let go of convincing either of your parents to change. It’s not easy, but necessary for your health. Find a trusted friend or a caregiver support group and vent, rant, scream, and cry. Let it out and then let it go.

In the Neighborhood?

Let’s Get to Know One Another New to the area? Unfamiliar with the Edward Jones way of doing business?

Take an hour or so to learn how we work with millions of individual investors.

Together, we can create and implement an investment strategy designed to help you achieve your long-term financial goals. We tailor our recommendations based on you: your current situation, objectives and risk tolerance.

Time to Think About Year-End Investment Moves Call or visit today to schedule your personal financial review.

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Make Your Financial Future a Priority

Full Page Program(5.5”x8.5”)

Call or visitSPONSORED today to schedule your personal financial review. similar employer-sponsored BY:

Financial Advisor .

404 Heritage Place Faribault, MN 55021 507-334-1666

cate.grinney@edwardjones.com

W MKD-8821-A-AD

e’ve still got a couple of months left in 2018, but it’s not too soon to start thinking about some year-end investment moves that might benefit you. Here are a few possibilities (although not all will apply to your situation): • Add to your IRA. For the 2018 tax year, you can put up to $5,500 into your traditional or Roth IRA (assuming you are eligible), or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older. If you haven’t reached this limit, consider adding some money. You have until April 15, 2019, to contribute to your IRA for 2018, but why wait until the last minute?

• Increase your 401(k) contributions. You already may be investing in your 401(k) or

retirement plan, but you might be able to bump up your contributionswww.edwardjones.com for the rest of the year, if it’s allowed.

Member SIPC Of course, you should always put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered.

• Take your RMDs. If you are 70½ or older, you must start taking withdrawals – called required minimum distributions, or RMDs – from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar retirement plan. Generally, you must take these RMDs by December 31 every year.

But if you turned 70½ in 2018, you can wait until April 1, 2019, until you take your first RMD. However, you will then have to take a second RMD (the one for age 71) by December 31, 2019. Taking two RMDs in one year could give you an unexpectedly large taxable income for the year, possibly bumping you into a higher tax bracket and affecting the amount of your Social Security benefits subject to taxes.

So, if you are considering delaying your first RMD, consult with your tax advisor.

• Make changes in response to life events. In 2018, did you experience a major life event, such as a marriage, divorce or addition of a child? Or did you change jobs or retire? Any of these events could lead you to adjust your investment plans, so now may be the time to do so, possibly with the help of a financial IRT-1848D-A

Cate Grinney, CFP®

professional.

• Review your investment mix. At least once a year, it’s a good idea to review your investment mix to ensure s still Ideal suitable for your Dreaming Upit’the goals and risk tolerance.

Sometimes, Retirement Is Your Job. even without yourYou takingGet any action, your Helping There Isportfolio Ours. might change in ways you hadn’t expected. For To learn more about why Edward Jones makes sense for to example, suppose you wanted your portfolio you, call or visit a financial advisor today. contain 60% stocks and 40% bonds and other investments. After a period of rising prices, though, the value of your stocks may have increased so much that they now occupy 65% of your portfolio – which means you may be taking on more risk than you had originally intended. Consequently, you may need to rebalance your portfolio to get back to your original 60% to 40% ratios. (Keep in mind that these figures are just for illustration; everyone’s ideal portfolio mix will depend on their individual situations.)

These aren’t the only year-end moves you may want to consider, but they can help you close out 2018 on a positive note. Plus, they can serve as a reminder that you need to be vigilant as you keep working toward your financial goals.

Cate Grinney, CFP® This article was written

by Edward Jones Financial for use byAdvisor your local Edward 404 Heritage Place Jones Financial Advisor.

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

.

Faribault, MN 55021 507-334-1666

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Let’s get SHOW & EXPO

M

By Beth Forkner Moe Photos By Terri Washburn, Editor, The Kenyon Leader ore than 200 people filed into Faribault High School on a chilly October evening, first to visit vendors and learn what new and fun items are available for purchase, then moved into the auditorium to have an enjoyable two hours with Chef Guy Klinzing, for the “Let’s Get Cooking!” Show and Expo.

They were entertained by the Chef as he shared his trademark humor (and a lot of pirate jokes), educated by various video clips on food safety, food facts and more, and had watering mouths as they watched the Chef make eight different recipes.

Many audience members were able to sample the recipes, and there was no one who didn’t absolutely love the food! (Editor’s Note: I made the Scoutmaster Ed’s Chicken recipe – page 36 in the Fall edition of Girlfriends Magazine – and would highly recommend it. It’s easy, and tasty, and I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t like it.)

We are grateful for the audience members, the vendors and the sponsors of this show – Fareway Meat and Grocery (Gourmet Sponsor), Quality Appliance (Appliance Sponsor), and Ruf Acres (Ticket Sponsor).

Watch for more information in the summer of 2019 about Chef Guy’s next appearance in Faribault. He promised to come back and teach us about cast iron cooking. He’s already developing and practicing new recipes for it.

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10th Annual IRIS

Turkey

TROT NovEMBER 22nd Thanksgiving morning Faribault Middle School - Rain, SNOW, OR Shine!

Presented by

704 17th ST SW · Faribault, mn

5K Walk • Chip Timed 5K & 10K Runs • Gobble Wobble • Tot Trot

Early Check-In & REGISTRATION:

November 21st Faribault Middle School Gymnasium 4:00 - 6:30PM OR Day of Check-In & On-Site Registration: 7:00 - 8:00AM

Event Times:

8:00AM Gobble Wobble / 8:10AM Tot Trot 8:30AM 10K Run / 8:35AM 5K Run / 8:40AM 5K Walk

Prizes for all kids and top male/female runners in each age category!

Register @

Register before Nov. 8th to get a t-shirt!

www.irisRemembers.org 5k & 10K IRIS

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All proceeds benefit Infants Remembered in Silence, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

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BOOK REVIEW Book Review – “The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations”

by John McCain and Mark Salter c.2018, Simon & Schuster $30.00 / $39.99 Canada 403 pages

Review by Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm

The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations

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S

ometimes, it’s good to take account.

You’ll know where you stand when you do. You’ll see achievements clearly, and re-hash disappointments.

You can settle affairs by taking stock of the past and, in the case of John McCain in his final book “The Restless Wave” (with Mark Salter), you’ll know yours was a life well-lived.

In the twilight of his life, the late John McCain had many “accumulated memories.”

He began with a list of loss: fellow politicians, adversaries, admired men, family, and some who served with him in Vietnam. On that latter subject as a whole, McCain was relatively mute; his war years were left for a different book.

Mostly, in fact, the major focuses of “The Restless Wave” are the 2008 campaign, issues of human rights and, in a bit of a whirlwind narrative, McCain’s diplomatic visits to the Middle East.

On the campaign, there are a lot of couldashoulda-woulda moments: in his decision to run in the first place, in his campaign’s finances, in some of the things said off-the-cuff, and in McCain’s stances on issues he knew to be unpopular. He regarded Sarah Palin with warmth and no regrets, but he said that when Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, he saw where things were heading and he tried “to live completely in the moment, not thinking ahead to when [the campaign] will be over.”

Readers will understand why McCain held the opinions on torture that he did, and why he was outspoken against the possibility that the U.S. would use torture against captured enemies.

He admitted to knowing that his positions were occasionally controversial and that he sometimes ignored others’ political ideologies but “… I don’t need any more approval than a quiet conscience.”

Author MArk Salter. (Photo from Politco. com)

Toward the end of his book, he wrote of “shocking allegations” of Russian interference in the 2016 election, and of his “minor role” in the dossier controversy; to say that McCain was no fan of Putin is an understatement. He wrote of his deep friendship and “fights” with adversary Ted Kennedy; about his role in the healthcare debate; and of his consternation with President Trump.

Like nearly every political biography ever released, there is a lot of chest-thumping and assertions of correctness inside “The Restless Wave,” and astute readers will note more than just a little repetition. Moreover, though, it fairly rings with a sense of leave-taking that, since McCain’s death, imparts an oddly-faint feeling of surprised disbelief not unlike losing a distant relative you barely knew. In his final chapter, author McCain (with Mark Salter) summed this memoir up in the most bittersweet of ways, acknowledging that (brain cancer) which ultimately took his life, the same as it took that of Kennedy, and he begs readers to “return to regular order” for the America he loved.

There have been many political books released this calendar year but this one is different, in that there’s a lot here you haven’t heard. Overall, and despite that it’s sometimes not the smoothest read on the shelves, “The Restless Wave” is a good account.

-The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 12,000 books. For more information, visit bookwormsez@gmail.com.

BOOK REVIEW Book Review – “If You Love Me”

by Maureen Cavanagh c.2018, Henry Holt & Co. $26.00 U.S. and Canada 224 pages

Review by Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm

If You Love Me:

A mother’s journey through her daughter’s opioid addiction

F

irst tooth, first step.

Every milestone your baby passed was reason for celebration. First day of school, first home run, you were there, cheerleading. First crush, first job. Big hopes, even if, as in the new book “If You Love Me” by Maureen Cavanagh, your baby doesn’t want them.

Maureen Cavanagh isn’t the violent sort.

A mother, sweetheart, and manager of a nonprofit company, Cavanagh is not the kind of person to kill anyone, but that’s exactly what she was on her way to do last winter.

It all started three years ago, when Cavanagh noticed that jewelry was missing from her home, gone from a secret location about which just one other person knew. She quickly confronted her daughter, Katie, who tearfully admitted that she’d stolen the jewelry to buy drugs.

It wasn’t the first time Katie had troubles – but this was definitely the worst. When she was a teenager, she dealt with anorexia and depression.

Later, she left college because of alcohol and drugs. Once again, Cavanagh was beside herself.

Leaping into action, she and her ex-husband, Mike, worked to get Katie into detox but Katie bolted – just as she would 38 other times. There would be days, weeks, when she would be sober, seemingly happy, and safe in an expensive hospital, and then she’d suddenly relapse. Glimpses of the old Katie would surface and disappear behind a haze of substance abuse. Cavanagh learned to tell when Katie was high and when it was time to back off from talking about it.

Most of all, though, Cavanagh learned to get the help she needed, in addition to what she needed for Katie. Finding strength in knowing that she wasn’t alone spurred her to make changes in her own life, and to create the perfect job: today, Cavanagh helps substance-abusing

Author Maureen Cavanagh.

young adults find the intervention they need, and she guides their worried, terrified parents through the storm.

Needless to say, author Maureen Cavanagh didn’t murder anyone, but a disturbing end to that part of the story is inside “If You Love Me.” There’s more, too, of course, and it’s harrowing – especially when you note that nearly the entirety of Cavanagh’s tale – from discovery to a leave-us-hanging resolution – takes place in a short three-year period. That can result in a story-pace that may leave a reader wrung out although, because it’s a lot of in-and-out-of-rehab rehashing, it can also seem repetitive.

Kindred spirits, however, will fully appreciate Cavanagh’s stellar job in reassuring parents via her narrative that there is no shame in reaching out for help or support. She advocates Facebook pages for venting, also offering subtle, in-story advice and rueful observations that make this book valuable for (grand)parents, friends, and politicians.

This book deserves its spot on a growing list of books on addiction, just as it deserves to be on your bookshelf if you have a loved one with substance abuse problems. In that case, and if you need the comfort, you may want to reach for “If You Love Me” first.

-The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 12,000 books. For more information, visit bookwormsez@gmail.com.

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WINTER HOLIDAY TRADITIONS CONTINUED FROM page 37

Mardi Gras Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a solemn time of reflection, penance and abstinence for Christians before Easter. The Tuesday before Lent begins (known as Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday”) is a time of merry-making and indulgence for many people around the world (also known as Shrove Tuesday). In New Orleans, people wear costumes and attend huge parades for the festival of Mardi Gras. Brazil’s Carnival also features parades, costumes, and music.

In England, some towns have contests in which women run a race while flipping pancakes. Mardi Gras occurs in February or March, forty-seven days prior to Easter.

Hope you enjoyed this magical wintertime holiday tour around the world. Now go throw another log on the fire.

(Sources: learningliftoff.com, brittanica.com, chabad.org, wikihow.com, timeanddate.com/holidays/wikipedia)

Marianne Radtke enjoys writing, photography, music, art, theater, travel, food, fashion, football, Fall, mountains, oceans, boating, biking, skiing and golf. She hates to cook and has a horrible green thumb. She has written a children’s book about overcoming fears. She lives in Northfield with her husband and their four children.

WATCH FOR OUR NEW BEGINNINGS ISSUE

Coming out in mid-January, it will focus on health, wellness, weddings, and more.

Articles will include: • Unexpected Caregiver • Man’s Viewpoint • Coach’s Corner • Wellness • Food Sense • Book review • “Those Three Words” - what happened when a local woman found out she was unexpectedly pregnant early in college, and the journey she and her family have traveled since • Next Critical Step - organizing your life during late-life transitions • Students sharing their art projects with local seniors • Planning your wedding on a tight budget - a personal story • Female faith leaders • Setting goals for the year – finding gratitude and connecting with your family (without using electronics) • The “minimalism” lifestyle – how to do it on your own terms • Making cooking, meal planning, and chores easier • Keeping up your spirits in the cold weather • Great wedding stories from planners and our readers • Waseca Sleigh and Cutter Fest (late January – early March) • Fit for Life 52

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Southern Minn

NEW BEGINNINGS JAN/FEB 2018 Have an idea or suggestion?

Girlfriends

Contact Beth Forkner Moe at bfmoe@southernminn.com

To ADVERTISE:

Contact Pam DeMorett by email at pdemorett@faribault.com or call 507-333-3117

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DIRECTORY

Financial Resources 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, 507-645-7751 www.castlerockbank.net.

EVENT RENTAL SPACE PILLSBURY COLLEGE PREP

Hold your next event at the historical campus of Camp Pillsbury. Large auditorium, dining hall, conference rooms, ample meeting space and dormitory sleeping quarters that hold up to 750 overnight guests. Perfect for corporate events, weddings, concerts, leadership retreats, youth development retreats and more. 507-214-2200.

Health & Wellness 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.

Supporting Women Saving Lives Strengthening Families

ere We are uh.! o y r fo

No agenda • No judgement • Confidential • Free • Real Help • No pressure

18 2nd Street NW, Faribault, MN 55021 • 507-332-7644 Monday: 9:00am-6:30pm - Tuesday thur Turs. 9:00am-4:30pm Fri.: Closed - Sat.: by Appointment - www.pregnancyoptionsfbo.org

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Northfield Urgent Care

Simon Bros Cement Co.

Northfield Retirement Community

Shopping

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.

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” 507-645-0008, 1951 Division St. S., Northfield, judysfloraldesign.com.

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 612-328-4591.

The Paper Petalum

The Paper Petalum in the historic Archer House at 212 Division St., Northfield. 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.

507-663-0565.

SUMMER CAMP CAMP PILLSBURY

Camp Pillsbury is a unique day and sleepaway summer camp, offering over 100 activities! Flying trapeze, circus arts, musical theater, sports, magic, horseback, gymnastics, dance, technology, musical instruments and waterski– all in the same day. So many activities to choose from!

Camppillsbury.com 507-214-2200.

Transportation Northfield Lines, Inc.

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.

WANT TO BE LISTED ON THE GF DIRECTORY?

507-333-3117 pdemorett@faribault.com

t l u a b i r a F A T O S E MINN

Saturday November 24

W

N TO

W N FA R IB AU

LT

DO

Making American Stories

Winterfest

Thursday, November 29

Window Decorating Contest and horse drawn wagon rides

1st Weekend of December

Downtown Faribault

Saturday, December 1 Parade of Lights, Fireworks and Street dance

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/FaribaultTourism/

visitfaribault.com Faribault [fair-uh-boh] French n 1852 translates; great people, incredible fun.

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Tax-free Income Is the Best Gift You Can Give Yourself at Retirement

With an Edward Jones Roth IRA, any earnings are tax-free and distributions can be taken free of penalties or taxes.* You may even benefit fom converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. At Edward Jones, we spend time getting to know your goals so we can help you reach them.

To learn more about why an Edward Jones Roth IRA may make sense for you, call or visit to

Cate Grinney, CFP® Financial Advisor 404 Heritage Place Faribault, MN 55021 507-334-1666 cate.grinney@edwardjones.com *Earnings distributed from a Roth IRA may be subject to taxes and a 10% penalty if the account is less than five years old and the owner is under age 59½.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

IRT-1196E-A EXP 31 JUL 2019 © 2017 Edward D. Jones & CO., L.P. All rights reserved.

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www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC