Girlfriends Nov_Dec 2019

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Girlfriends Southern Minn

HOLIDAY 2019

Holidays &

Heroes Barb Muellerleile waves before she rappels down the side of the VINE building to raise money for “Over the Edge.� Story page 32

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Hygge - In both Danish and Norwegian, hygge

refers to a pleasant and highly valued everyday experience of safety, equality, personal wholeness and a spontaneous social flow.

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20 holiday 19 NOV/DEC

about us editor: Beth Forkner Moe

contributing writers: Kari Berit Grace Brandt Lisa Cownie Carlienne A. Frisch Julie Buchwald Haley Rian Dicke-Michels Sarah Osterbauer Marianne Radtke Terri Schlichenmeyer Isabelle Wattenberg Sam Wilmes

multimedia consultants: Amber Casterton CariAnna Chaney Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Allison Davis Debbie Ensley Jennifer Flowers Crystal Hobart Mark Nelson Jay Petsche Gayle Stelten

graphic designer: Kate Townsend-Noet Volume 11, Issue 6

Copyright© Girlfriends 2019 Published Nov/Dec 2019 by: Southern Minn Media 514 Central Avenue Faribault, MN 55021

southernminngirlfriends.com Send releases and story ideas to:

Beth Forkner Moe at Girlfriends magazine bfmoe@southernminn.com

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contents

features

6 Mankato Area Foundation MAF creates a culture of giving.

10 Breaking Bread Together

Meet the Gournet Dinner Club of Northfiled.

14 It Takes a Village -

Ruth’s House of Hope

A shelter for homeless women and children in Faribault.

20 Landon’s Legacy

A family hopes to turn tragedy into “Landon’s Law.”

24 Climbing the Ranks

NHS grad promoted to Navy Lt. Cmdr.

32 VINE Faith in Action

Keeps branching out – just like a vine.

38 Running and Gunning

Marine Gunnery Sergeant Emily Levy’s Story.

44 Make the Most of the Holidays

We’ve got fun for the whole family.

48 ‘Friendsgiving’ Holidays Have Deep Meaning

Celebrating friends that are like family.

accessories

18 a man’s perspective 49 book review 50 gf directory 5 editor’s note

47 unexpected caregiver 36 wellness on the cover:

Barb Muellerleile goes over the edge.

See Story on PAGE 32.

Correction:

In our Fall issue, we misidentified one photo and inadvertently did not include an additional photo in our story on women’s groups.

The photo of many women on a deck was of Faith and Books. We did not include the photo of the women’s bridge group (inset). Winnie Drentlaw, in yellow, was featured in the story as belonging to a bridge group that has met for almost 60 years.

Editor’s Note

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

Find Southern Minn Girlfriends on Facebook

’m writing this shortly before Halloween – the unofficial start of the months-long holiday season.

Between now and February (Valentine’s Day!), there are numerous holidays – almost too many to list. Some are fun, some are somber, some are sacred. No one observes them all; some observe none of them. We all have those that are traditional and important to us, and we fill them with the meaning we and our families have brought to them over the years.

No matter what days you celebrate, or the traditions you bring to them, we hope they are days that are meaningful for you. To keep you sane during this incredible busy time of year, we bring you some articles to let you know you don’t have to be happy or busy. Sometimes, it’s ok to just breathe, or to figure out different ways to make the holidays lovely (or at least a little less stressful) for you and your loved ones.

This issue, we also celebrate the heroes among us. Some of them serve our country in uniform; some turn unspeakable tragedy into good that will touch hundreds (if not thousands) of others; some work every day in the non-profit field, making a difference for the people that come to them and making our communities better places to live.

We also share stories of women who have a lot of fun being together and making life-long and indelible memories.

And there’s more. We hope you enjoy this issue; we certainly enjoyed putting it together for you. Kick back and take a few minutes to relax during this busy season. Don’t forget that not every single minute of every single holiday needs to be perfect; what matters is being with people you love and cherish. And – if that’s not possible – what matters even more is that you can make memories of your own.

Happy holidays, friends and neighbors!

Warmly,

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Creating a Culture of Giving

Mankato Area Foundation

W

By Sarah Osterbauer

hen Nancy Zelleck sat down with a man who had recently lost his wife and was looking to honor her memory, she asked him about her hobbies, what schools she went to, what places and people in the community moved her the most. It was during that discussion that he remembered his wife was always quite disappointed, angry really, to never attend college. In her day only boys went to college girls were expected to get married and marry well. That was

Mankato Area Foundation Shared Spaces – A center for nonprofit collaboration.

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ABOVE: One of 26 sculptures in City Center Mankato and North Mankato.

Minnesota River flood wall mural near Riverfront Drive in Mankato.

the lightbulb moment. They would create a scholarship fund in her name specifically for local young women.

The Mankato Area Foundation (MAF), of which Zelleck is President and CEO, specializes in this kind of charitable giving conundrum. For those in the Mankato area looking to give back to the community, MAF is a great resource. At their core they are an organization focused on connecting donors with meaningful causes, or as Zelleck likes to put it, quite simply, “I help people give their money away.”

The Foundation was started in 1974 when a group of community leaders decided to raise money for a civic center. While they raised quite a bit of money, it fell short of the amount needed and they were forced to return the funds to the donors. It became apparent an entity was needed to hold future funds for the purpose of community needs. For the first 25 years in operation, they would identify a project, raise the money and then give it away. This is referred to as the “community chest model” of operation.

In the early 2000’s, they were given a $500,000 endowment, and their model changed. Now they provide grants from the income.

Most community funds operate using this model. After that original half-million-dollar gift, they received a million-dollar gift that became their first donor-advised fund (corporate-advised in this case, technically). All that time they were still 100% volunteer-run.

Zelleck was hired In 2009, when MAF was overseeing $2 million in assets and granting $50,000 a year. Since then, they have grown to just under $20 million in assets and provide $1 million in grants each year. The majority of the growth has come from donor-

Sibley Park “Giving Barn” in Mankato is where vistors can walk through redbarn-style buidings to view farm animals.

advised funds. In 2001, they had one such fund; now they have more than 80. To Zelleck, this is a testament to the generosity of the Mankato-area community and speaks to the commitment it has to ensure the area thrives for years to come.

Zelleck has a unique insight on the subject. Her connection with MAF is a long-standing one. Her mother was the first board chair CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

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North Mankato Kiwainis Club along with community memebers came together to make the Fallenstein Playground.

CONTINUED FROM page 7

of MAF, and Zelleck grew up hearing about it daily in her household. After working for ten years in the nonprofit sector, when the job with MAF came up, she went for it.

In her tenure, MAF has seen some major changes.

In addition to growing their dollars, they also led the creation of a collaborative nonprofit center in downtown Mankato. For years, decades really, nonprofits in the area dreamed of a place where they could work alongside and with each other in shared office space, conducive to big hearts and big ideas. For a long time it was just chatter.

In 2013, the MAF board initiated taking the lead on the project. They came up with a wish list for the ideal space. In 2014, a space that checked most of their must-have boxes became available, but where

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would they get the funds? Would the community embrace this idea? Nine of 11 potential donors they contacted said yes, and MAF was able to buy the building that is now Shared Spaces, A Center For Nonprofit Collaboration. MAF shares the space with the YWCA and the Greater Mankato United Way, among others. The space is one of Zelleck’s favorite accomplishments. In this space they’re able to work at the intersection of the public and private sectors, close to community leaders and visible to those who can help or may need their help.

Another notable example of the foundation’s work that Zelleck loves to share is when a 92-year-old woman came to MAF to find a way to memorialize her husband who had recently passed away. An active member of Kiwanis, her husband volunteered often at the Kiwanis’ summer camp. Upon hearing this, MAF contacted the camp and inquired what their needs might be. It turned out, their pontoon boat was plagued with a broken motor, an expense they could not afford. The donor was more than happy to remedy this. The camp, in turn, named the boat “The George” after her husband. The inaugural boat ride with the new motor was one Zelleck was sure the donor would not forget. Her reaction to the boat was pure joy.

It’s those moments that Zelleck and her staff love.

While they have made a marked footprint on the community by being an integral part of the Children’s Museum, Senior Center, Sculpture Walk, playground and ball fields for special needs children, it’s often the smaller projects that mean the most to their recipients. Being able to give a student a scholarship or a new nonprofit some start-up cash can change the trajectory for those people and organizations. MAF’s grants can be the game changer a person or a group needs to succeed.

Kiwanis Holiday lights at Sibley Park in Mankato.

Zelleck sees no limit to MAF’s growth. “It’s not growth for growth’s sake,” she said. “It’s growth for granting’s sake!” The more growth they see, the more grants they can give out, thus the more they can help the community grow and improve.

To Zelleck, the Mankato region is rich in good-hearted folks who understand the value of community. She predicts that attitude will persist for years to come.

Sarah Osterbauer is a freelance writer based in St. Paul.

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I’ve long believed that good

“

food, good eating, is all about risk. Whether we’re

talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime ‘associates,’ food, for me, has always been an adventure.

I

”

– Anthony Bourdain

By Marianne Radtke

f you’ve never thought of food as adventurous, meet the Gourmet Dinner Club of Northfield! This unique club of eight friends gather together four times a year to try “all things gourmet” as a means of socializing, cooking, eating, and educating each other on new and different cuisines from all over the world – but, most of all, to have fun.

Shortly after Tracy Giza, a former hotel and country club event planner, moved to Northfield, she and her new friend Claire Larson – along with their husbands Gregg and John - spent an evening together over a gourmet French dinner. They enjoyed the flavors so much, they decided to start a gourmet dinner club with two other couples for a fun and unique, creative way to connect with other people. The additional couples

PREVIOUS PAGE: TOP: (L to R): Sue Rod, Tracy Giza, Lisa Ash, Claire Larson.

BOTTOM: (L to R): Gregg Giza, Chris Ash, Dave Rod, John Larson.

were chosen with careful consideration - people they didn’t know very well yet - but knew were interesting and likeable - and wanted to get to know them better. Chris and Lisa Ash and Sue and Dave Rod accepted the invitation, and the Gourmet Dinner Club was born.

The club’s only stipulations have been to create a theme for the evening, to dress in theme if possible, and always keep the food upscale “gourmet,” which was THE idea behind the club.

Since the club gathers four times a year, each couple hosts once a year. The host couple chooses the theme, creates the invitations, and prepares the (always four-course!) meal. The other couples bring the wine and the fun. From the very first theme night of Chinese in January 2006, the themes have ranged from comfort food to Cajun.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 12 u u u

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CONTINUED FROM page 11

Each theme dictates the evening’s menu: “Cape Cod” was seafood and clams; “Mardi Gras” included shrimp creole and jambalaya; “Hell’s Kitchen” featured Devil’s Food cake; “Popeye and Olive Oyl” was spinach and - you guessed it olive oil.

“Really, the options are endless,” Giza said, so they never run out of clever, interesting, and tasty ideas.

Just a few examples: With beekeeping running in the family, the Larsons hosted a cooking-withhoney night; Gizas hosted Egyptian night; Ashes, a “brinner” night: (breakfast for dinner and wear your pj’s); Rods created Wolfgang Puck night.

Other ideas and themes have included traditional Moroccan and Indian, Spanish tapas, Italian, Greek, Danish, and classic French gourmet (that word itself originating in France, the gourmet food capital of the world). More formal “Winter White” and “Winter

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Blues” themed recipes have graced their tables along with more whimsical themes like “Totally Tubular ‘80’s Murder Mystery,” “‘60’s Groovy Fondue,” “Cooking with Ginger” (while dressing as your favorite Gilligan’s Island character), and the guys’ favorite, “Cooking with Beer” (craft beer, of course), with beer batter bread and beer cheese soup on the menu and lessons by Chris Ash, an avid home brewer, on the proper glassware for the different varieties of beer (i.e,. pilsner, stout, etc.). Another memorable night was a wedding theme, complete with tuxes, flower girls (the Gizas’ daughters), and gourmet wedding cake for dessert.

The club has been known to have friendly competitions among themselves about the best meals. In my opinion, the cleverest was the “Red Sparrow” book theme. Event details were printed on handmade bookmarks inserted in the book and delivered to each guest. The menu? Russianinspired cuisine with recipes from the book.

The theme? Espionage, with a spy quiz to incite provocative discourse and raucous fun.

Giza’s personal favorites have been the lobster/ seafood and traditional Indian nights. Her least favorite? “Definitely Egyptian night, which was mine, particularly the cold Egyptian soup. Not

too many of us were fans of the spices and combination of flavors, but taking risks and being open to try new things is the whole premise of our club,” she said. “It can be hit or miss, but mostly everything’s a hit. We are very mindful about our food selections, always making sure we are educating ourselves and each other in the process about the region our meal is from.”

One particular theme, “Eat Local,” did just that. Everything served was locally grown and sourced, with information sheets provided about where to buy local food and the numerous benefits of eating local produce, meat, cheese, and dairy - even beer and wine.

With food and drink being a universal connector for people, the rewards have far outweighed any risk of trying something new and forming the gourmet dinner club.

Now in its 14th year, those early tentative friendships are now cemented for life, where food and lively, meaningful (or spirited “nothing’s off limits!”) conversation infused with laughter, fun, and the love of trying new things has brought this group of girlfriends and their husbands together.

As their children are getting older and schedules are more forgiving, they have started traveling together. One such trip centered around a sailing weekend on Larsons’ sailboat in Bayfield, Wisconsin. “Gourmet Club On the Road” celebrated the regional cuisine of the Apostle Islands.

The women have also had a girlfriends-only weekend get-away to a friend’s Wisconsin cabin. They hope to continue traveling together more as family responsibilities lessen. Their sights are set next on exploring the Napa Valley and Sonoma wine countries (via a limo!) while sampling the local wines and cheeses to inspire future gourmet adventures around the world right in the comfort of their very own dining rooms. Which - not so coincidentally -

comfortably seat eight.

For more information on eating local visit: www.eatlocalchallenge.com 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.

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It Takes A Village:

Ruth’s House of

I

By Julie Buchwald Haley t takes a village, not just to raise a child, but for each of to rise, survive, and thrive in life. Life has so few guarantees and it can be hard. Our villages are most important in times of darkness. Ruth’s House, a shelter for homeless women and children in Faribault, is a place of light, help, hope, and – well - a village.

Ruth’s House has served more than 1,700 of Rice County’s most vulnerable since opening its doors in 2004. Residents stay an average of three and a half months at the House, with extensions of up to two years possible.

Residents are “most often referred by social services and area hospitals,” Program Manager Meghan Sawicki said, “but some simply ring the doorbell.”

Sawicki, a tall, dark-haired woman with kind eyes and smile, also says that the program is designed to provide immediate assistance and set the Meghan Sawicki, Program course for continued Manager; Ruth Hickey, Executive Director; Suzzanne independence and Fox, Outreach Coordinator. success. Residents are encouraged to CONTINUES ON PAGE 16 u u u

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Founding Mothers - (L-R) Georganne Danielson, Kate Monson, Jan Sinna, Elgie Cloutier, Patti Fritz, Ruth Hickey, Yvette Marthaler, not shown Jenny Gamer.

fill the basement and garage of Ruth’s House and continue to be managed by dedicated volunteers. The house itself is a Classical Revival-style mansion with shell motifs in frieze, Ionic columns, dentils, and a porte cochere on the south side. It was built in 1895 by banker and state senator Cassius Buck. This stately manor sits high on a hill in a quiet, supportive neighborhood on S.W. First Ave. The house was leased with the help of Catholic Charities and lovingly decorated by volunteer Patty Loper.

For Outreach Coordinator Suzzanne Fox, a Tennessee transplant with a soft southern accent and bright smile, working for shelters that help women and children is a calling. She was a shelter manager in her home state before moving here with her own family and volunteering with Ruth’s House through the Northfield YMCA. Not long after starting her volunteer work,

CONTINUED FROM page 15

find steady jobs and affordable housing and are required to follow rules to make living together in stressful times easier. She smiles warmly when a single resident walks by with a fresh box of sidewalk chalk for the children of her new village. She knows the resident is making lifelong connections here among those taking their journeys next to one another. And for her, “the mission is why I’m here. I want to come to work where I’m surrounded by super supportive people.”

This village is exactly what founder Ruth Hickey was inspired to put together. In 2003, Hickey began writing a list of things she just couldn’t seem to ignore. The 12-item list, still on her desk in her office, became a sort of “to do” list for a small group of women that she gathered at All Savior’s Lutheran Church. The list included St. Olaf, transitional housing, and women’s safe center. Within a year, several Founding Mothers, along with St. Olaf student Kate Monson and dozens of volunteers, created Ruth’s House, named not for Hickey, but for the Biblical Ruth who faced homelessness and poverty yet rose above her struggles through faith, hard work, and dedication to those who helped her along the way.

The founders were given $25,000 seed money from the Carlander Family, $3,000 from the United Way, and untold donations of household goods, clothing, diapers, furniture and much more from many in the community. Donations like these

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Board of Directors - left to right Sandi Gerdes, Chuck Budde, Pat Johnson, Joyce Elsen, Kathy Tonolli, Pastor Jeff Sandgren, Ruth Hickey (Executive Director), and Heather Robins. Not shown: Krista Bahnsen, Charlie Sheridan, Susan Slater.

Hickey invited her to join the staff. Fox said she loves to see the residents grow so much in just the short time they are at the House. And having former residents return to volunteer their time to support new residents is inspiring.

One of those residents is “Jane,” who came to Ruth’s House with two children. She worked hard at her job, even two for a while. Now her oldest is in college. Jane comes back to Ruth’s House to work part-time as a manager of residence relations,

River Valley Church volunteers.

along with working full-time with United Way. Another resident who stands out for staff came to Ruth’s House when she was homeless and nine months pregnant. She delivered shortly after arriving and brought her baby back to Ruth’s House, where she was able to take care of her baby and receive the support and guidance she needed from staff and fellow residents. She, too, is a volunteer and giving back to a place that means so much to her.

Ruth’s House also works with folks like Kurt Halvorson of Hometown Credit Union, who helps residents improve their credit scores and gain budgeting skills, River Valley Church with John Streiff, who recently rebuilt

the House’s fire escape, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, which recently decorated and filled healthy snack bags for all the kids in the shelter. According to Hickey, they’ve worked with roughly 10,000 volunteers and donors and received more than $350,000 in grants and donations.

Hickey is grateful for friends, acquaintances, and strangers who came together to make her inspiration into this village called Ruth’s House, a safe space to be while gaining new skills, finding work and a new place to live, to find new friends taking a similar journey, and for gathering strength and hope.

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

For more information What: Ruth’s House Where: 124 1st Ave SW, Faribault Phone number: 507-332-2236 Website: www.ruthshousemn.org

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A man ’s perspective

be each

holiday

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.

L

ast year at this time, I wrote a column questioning the future of how holidays are celebrated in my world.

I asked myself, “Is this the last time that I’ll celebrate the holidays in the same way that I have for a couple decades

now?”

The reason I questioned this was because, since I was divorced in 2012, my Ex has continued to invite me to her home to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with her, my kids, her family and occasionally, even my brother and his wife. I have accepted every time because we get along well and, honestly, there is nowhere else I’d rather be for the holidays.

Over time, I kept expecting that something would change. But, for almost 20 years, things remained pretty status quo, holiday-wise.

Last year, however, the holidays took on a different tenor for me. It was my son’s senior year of high school, and at the time my former parents-in-law were both in their 80’s. It felt like things could change abruptly, and at any time.

So this past holiday season, everything felt a little more… precious? Like I needed to be sure to notice all the details, take mental snapshots,

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and remember the important moments.

For better or worse, I was right. Since I wrote that column, my kids lost their uncle, their grandfather—who was the only grandfather they’d ever really known since my Dad died just after my oldest child turned two—and our almost-23-year-old cat, which was the only pet they’d ever known.

My son graduated from high school and now attends college in Chicago, and my daughter is doing her senior year at a community college. My kids and my Ex have experienced tremendous loss and change and upheaval in the past year.

What I’m hoping for this year, then, is the closest thing to a semblance of normalcy that we can muster. Hopefully, those who remain will get together—and I’ll be fortunate enough to get an invitation—and will all forge ahead with whatever “the holidays” now look like.

Certainly, there will be sadness this holiday season, but hopefully, we’ll continue to find some joy and to savor the sweetness of such moments. I know I’m grateful for last holiday season, and I imagine my gratitude will be even greater this year.

Whatever holidays you celebrate, hold your loved ones close and be thankful for all that you have. Peace.

Marine

D to Winery &

Vineyard Owner How Service & Honor Prepared a Marine to Go After a Dream

an Reller, now owner of Vintage Escapes Winery, can still recall the sounds of the sirens that served as the warning call that the United States had just been under a terrorist attack. It was September 11, 2001. Dan was training with his unit in the woods of North Carolina on Camp Lejeune. It wasn’t long after that he was deployed with his unit to Iraq and Afghanistan.

In moments as these, a Marine does not question their purpose or strength. They act with selflessness and perseverance to do what is right with honor and integrity to protect and serve their country.

As Dan served in the United States Marine Corps, he never even imagined 15 years later he would be operating a winery and vineyard. However, it’s the experiences he had through serving that further built upon his strength and perseverance to make a dream into a reality. In the Marine Corps they teach the men and women to “Adapt, Improvise and Overcome.” Starting a business has more roadblocks and upward battles than can ever be planned for. When you think you’ve solved one problem, at least ten more present themselves. Anyone that has started or owned a business knows that it requires the ability to “adapt, improvise and overcome” each and every day.

The Marine Corps also says, “Honor, courage and commitment are the core values that drive the actions of every Marine, but it is the fighting spirit within that ensures victory.” What better preparation to own and operate a business than the experience gained through serving in the Armed Forces. But, the Marine Corps is right in saying, “it is the fighting spirit within that ensures victory.” Dan along with his wife, Ashley, have that “fighting spirit” brought on by love, family and all those that support them.

As our country’s veterans are honored this Veteran’s Day, all are encouraged to take a moment to reflect upon what our servicemen and servicewomen have endured and experienced to ensure all Americans at least have the freedom and choice to go after their own dreams.

Dan and Ashley Reller opened SPONSORED BY Vintage Escapes Winery this past Vintage Escapes Winery May 2019. It was the birth of their 8950 Dodd Rd. son, and the aspirations they wish Kilkenny, MN to pass on to him, that inspired 507.334.1936 Dan and Ashley to make what was vintageescapeswinery.com once a far-fetched dream into a reality. Contrary to what many may think of winery owners, the couple did not grow up in the winegrowing industry. However, their background and life experiences are what provided them with the courage and dedication to bring the winery to life. Dan and Ashley’s true purpose of running the winery is to offer people an escape from life’s day-to-day stresses and worries and to provide beautifully crafted wines guests can enjoy during their escape.

Vintage Escapes is closed on Mondays but will be offering a free tasting to all veteran’s (from all branches of the military) on November 10. November 10 is the Marine Corps’ 244th birthday and one day prior to Veteran’s Day. holiday 2019

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Landon’s Legacy

“

If somebody, a neighbor or friend, had gotten in the same accident, Landon would have been advocating for change, and now I’ve got to do it for him. It’s my mission. It’ll help with the

grieving, knowing that, maybe we’re going to save

”

lives from this, and his death won’t be in vain.

– Michele Gran

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A senator’s perspective State Senator Rich Draheim said he is happy to carry a bill advocating for safer farming conditions into Minnesota’s next legislative session, calling it something Minnesotans “need to look at.”

“I just look back, and I know there’s been some suggestions before, from other groups, on grain bin safety,” he said, pointing out that other safety measures, such as roll-over bars, have been addressed in recent years. “The next progression in farm safety should be grain bins.”

Draheim said he is still looking into the best and safest way to move forward, adding that he hopes to spur discussion into the topic so that more ideas can come up.

ABOVE: Michele and David Gran along with their two sons Landon (right) and James (left).

PREVIOUS PAGE: Landon Gran loved restoring his 1978 Ford pickup.

By Grace Brandt

O

(This is an excerpt from a story that ran in the Belle Plaine Herald on September 18.)

n August 14, 18-year-old Landon Gran left his family hog farm to help a neighbor clear out his grain bin. It was so routine for this farming family that his mother, Michele Gran, didn’t even think about it.

But that day, tragedy struck. Landon was hit by a sweep auger while working in the bin. He had been left alone in the bin, and he died before emergency personnel could rescue him.

“I miss him so badly,” Michele Gran said. “This is so crazy that this happened… so senseless. This hurts like hell. No family should ever have to go through this.”

Now, Gran is advocating for new farm safety

legislation called “Landon’s Law,” which she hopes will prevent similar accidents in the future.

“If somebody, a neighbor or friend, had gotten in the same accident, Landon would have been advocating for change, and now I’ve got to do it for him,” she said. “It’s my mission. It’ll help with the grieving, knowing that, maybe, we’re going to save some lives from this, and his death won’t be in vain.”

A beloved son A rising senior at St. Peter High School, Landon Gran was an active member of the school’s FFA and a member of the school trapshooting team, qualifying for a national tournament. His best friend was his little brother, James. One of his favorite hobbies was restoring his 1978 Ford pickup—though he barely had a chance to drive it

“I’m going to keep an open mind,” he said. “By bringing the bill forward, hopefully we’ll bring the conversation to the forefront. I don’t know what’ll fly and what won’t, but I’m happy to bring [these ideas] forward, and hopefully have a robust discussion and bring some awareness to it, and hopefully have something passed. I just can’t imagine losing my 18-yearold son to a tragedy like this.”

While Draheim said he hopes to bring the bill to the next legislative session, he stressed that education is the most important aspect of all.

“We can pass all the laws in the world, but you’ve got to get the people who work on these farms, the farmers, to do it,” he said. “We have to educate the population on the hazards of grain bins. I think [this bill] could go on next session, and I’m going to make it a priority, but to make real change, you have to change the minds of people.”

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CONTINUED FROM page 21

before the fatal accident.

According to Michele Gran, her son was always the first to stand up for people who needed help.

“Landon was a red, white and blue guy,” she said. “He had a rough exterior, but when you came down to somebody in trouble, I got many messages from mothers who said he saved their child from bullies. In the playground [and] the locker room, he was the one who stood up for the underdog. He was a good, good kid.”

Landon planned to go to South Central College to study agribusiness and agriculture equipment maintenance, with a future goal of helping his father run the family farm.

“He made a difference in this world, and he would’ve made a difference,” Gran said.

Pushing forward

TOP: Landon Gran loved to hunt.

ABOVE: Landon with his parents David and Michele and brother James.

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According to Gran, something needs to be done to improve agricultural safety for Minnesota farmers. And since no one else has stepped up, she’s doing it herself.

“It just makes me angry that with all the deaths that have happened that nobody else has done anything else to do this, because then maybe Landon would have had a chance,” she said.

“Landon’s Law” includes the push for more safety measures on farm equipment, such as a whole basket over sweep augers so that farmers can’t fall into the machinery. In addition, Gran is advocating for interior ladders and wearable remote auger shutoff devices.

Gran said she is hoping for federal or state funding to be made available to farmers so that they can implement these safety measures. She also suggested that insurance providers raise farmers’ rates if they don’t comply with new safety standards.

“It’s also [about] getting the older generation to comply, [since] they’re so stuck in their ways,” she said. “They haven’t gotten hurt so far, [so] a lot of them say they’ll take their chances. But we can’t do that. There’s older farmers, younger farmers, mothers, kids… Everybody is susceptible to those injuries.

Every one of them is a dagger to my heart again, and I’ve got to do something as a mother.”

Working together Gran spoke in front of the Nicollet County Farm Bureau during its annual meeting on September 14, and she said the plan is to bring it forward as one of the topics at the Minnesota Farm Bureau’s yearly meeting in November. She has also begun talking with local lawmakers such as state senator Rich Draheim.

“They’re very receptive,” Gran said. “Especially with four deaths in a month, and one that just narrowly got out alive, it’s just something that needs to be done.

I don’t understand why it hasn’t been done. Why is farming the number-one most dangerous occupation to be in? Why wouldn’t we do whatever we could to ensure [our families’] safety?”

In addition to working with local lawmakers, Gran met with an engineer to learn more about the possibility to creating wearable remote shut-off devices. She said that the engineer said the device is doable and just needs enough funding.

Gran said she is committed to seeing this process through and firm about standing up for her son’s legacy.

“They said something about how I might have to change Landon’s Law [to a different name], but I’m not willing to do that,” she said. “There were so many other deaths before Landon. Why didn’t somebody take the bull by the horns and do something about it? It took

his death for it to be recognized, and I think it should be something he should be recognized for.”

But for her, the biggest concern is simply keeping people safe.

“I’m doing this not only for Landon’s memory; I’m doing this for all the farmers out there so we don’t have to have these senseless deaths,” she said. “This is crazy. The amount of heartache that is involved with something like this that could have been prohibited. We’ve just got to do something.”

Grace Brandt is a wandering reporter whose home base is Mankato.

Landon Gran on the left with his best friend and brother James Gran.

Give them the greatest gift of all,

good health!

Child and TTeen een Checkups

Child and Teen Checkups are available to children from birth through age 20 who are covered by Minnesota Health Care programs

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Call if you need help with transportation, interpreters or making an appointment.

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Climbing the ranks

NHS grad promoted to Navy Lt. Cmdr.

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By Sam Wilmes swilmes@northfieldnews.com (This story previously ran in the 2019 Fall issue of Northfield NOW.)

A

section of the Northfield VFW was packed on Sept. 7 during the Defeat of Jesse James Days for the promotion ceremony of a Northfield High School alumnus who has achieved Lieutenant Commander status in the U.S. Navy.

The person being recognized at this event filled with friends and family is 2004 Northfield High School graduate Shannon McKown-Evans, a woman who has worked herself up the military ranks as a nurse.

“It was amazing,” she said. “It just meant a lot to me. … I keep a part of their lives still. It was a great turnout, and I was so happy that everyone came.”

McKown-Evans, 33, a Maryland native, moved to Northfield when she was in second grade. A 2004 NHS graduate, she attended college at Bethel University, where she earned her nursing degree. It was during that time she said she felt called to join the military. Between her junior and senior years she lived with her sister and brotherin-law in Hawaii and fell in love with the culture. When she returned stateside, she found a recruiter and expressed her desire to join the military.

She then entered officer development school in fall 2009 and spent five weeks in Rhode Island.

“You just learn how to be an officer in the Navy,” McKown-Evans said of her time in development school.

McKown-Evans attended officer school for five weeks in Rhode Island, and her first duty station was in Bethesda, Maryland, at the National Naval Medical Center, where she was stationed for three years.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 26 u u u

Northfield native Shannon McKownEvans receives her shoulder blades for her promotion to lieutenant commander from her cousin and grandparent, Cary Larson, Sept. 7 during a ceremony at the Northfield VFW. (Sam Wilmes/Northfield News)

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Larson is seen in this picture explaining the importance of serving the U.S. and McKownEvans’s military career. (Sam Wilmes/Northfield News)

CONTINUED FROM page 25

promoted to the next rank.”

The Rev. Cary Larson, a retired Navy Commander who spent five years in active service and 15 in reserves, placed the shoulder boards on McKown-Evans’s shoulder during early September.

“I’m very proud of her,” he said.

“It’s a great honor. I really appreciated Shannon bringing this event home.”

McKown-Evans’s mother is a retired nurse, and her daughter decided she wanted to use that same interest to benefit her country.

“Other than being proud, it’s just really neat that she has taken her interest in nursing and put it to her service of the country,” Larson said.

McKown-Evans’s promotion comes in a competitive atmosphere that only becomes more so the higher you rise in the ranks.

“For her to be promoted to Lieutenant Commander, it’s not just automatic,” Larson said. “She earned it.”

McKown-Evans plans to achieve Commander status before she retires from the military.

Her Northfield upbringing provided McKown-Evans with roots and the morals of where she stands today. She also credits Larson with helping her make her career choice.

Her next station was at a small clinic in Cherry Point, North Carolina, before she went to Yokosuka, Japan, where she was a pediatric clinic nurse for three years. She has been in Millington, Tennessee, for the last year and works at a Navy recruiting command on-base a few times a month. She manages students who want to apply for medical, nursing and dental school.

Military service runs in McKown-Evans’s family. Both of her brothers-in-law are in the military, and a few of her uncles have served in the Army and Navy. She met her husband, Devin Evans, at her first duty station. Devin was deployed to Afghanistan for nine months during the couple’s first year of marriage in 2010. Devin has since adjusted to being a civilian nurse.

“He definitely shares my passion for the military, but he’s also my greatest supporter,” she said.

The couple have two children together: Eli, 5, and Esther, 7.

“I get to go travel the world,” Shannon said. “I have a husband and two kids who love traveling with me, who’ve had great experiences as well. I have nothing but amazing things to say about joining the military, raising a family, being a mother in the military.”

“It just shows that I have been very successful in the military, I Larson completes the ceremonial process by placing the marking on McKown-Evans’s shirt. (Sam Wilmes/ Northfield News) have done great things, and I was

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“

I get to go travel the world. I have a husband and two kids who love traveling

with me, who’ve had great experiences as well. I have nothing but amazing things to say about joining the military, raising a family, being a mother in the military.

”

–Shannon McKown-Evans

ABOVE: McKown-Evans and her husband, Devin, pose in their military uniforms. The couple met while they were serving in the U.S. Navy. (Photo courtesy of Shannon McKown) LEFT: McKown-Evans is seen in this picture receiving a Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal from a fellow military nurse. (Photo courtesy of Shannon McKown)

“He would always set a great example for me,” she said.

McKown-Evans is a part of the ever-increasing representation of women in the U.S. Military. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, when the draft ended in 1973, women represented an estimated 2 percent of the enlisted forces and 8 percent of the officer corps. Today, those numbers are 16 percent and 18 percent respectively.

According to the Council, the Air Force has traditionally had the highest percentage of female enlisted and officer personnel, but by 2016, the Navy had nearly caught up. In both services, approximately one in five enlisted members and officers are women. The Defense Department lifted all restrictions on the roles women can perform in the military in 2016.

Nurses in the Navy have many responsibilities and places where they practice. Nursing unit members practice at military treatment facilities around the world, during deployments and humanitarian aid missions, which could include taking part in humanitarian relief efforts like administering infant vaccinations in developing countries, or providing emergency care to natural disaster victims.

McKown-Evans lives her life with a Christian belief and is raising her two children with morals she says come from the faith.

Her father, Thomas McKown, is well-known in Northfield for putting together the Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival and has since moved to Florida.

McKown-Evans’ brother, Patrick, spoke highly of his sister’s career.

“I’m extremely proud of her … Shannon has worked very hard in the Navy and she’s worked herself up very quickly,” he said. “So we are extremely proud of her. We are really, we’re all spread out now throughout the United States, so we’re really happy to come home and do this event here in Northfield.”

McKown-Evans has incorporated her passion for helping people with a desire to serve the country.

“Everyone has a different calling in life, and my definite calling was to join the military,” she said. “So if they feel a strong calling to join the military, I definitely think that doing so is an amazing experience.”

Reach Northfield News Associate Editor Sam Wilmes at 507-645-1115.

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Think of us for your holiday plans!

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Sponsored by the Le Sueur Chamber Of Commerce

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29

Please join us for Hollydaze in Le Center

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Building

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390 W. Derrynane St., Le Center, MN 56057 woelfel@frontiernet.net

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507-387-1171 1-800-879-1938 www.c&ssupply.com

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Presents with purpose:

Gift ideas that make an impact

T From Brandpoint

his holiday season, what if you could give loved ones a present that makes a meaningful impact on the world? Nothing evokes the holiday spirit more than giving gifts that help others in a direct, effective way. Both you and the gift recipient will know you’re making a difference in the lives of people who really need it.

Here are a few ways you can give a gift this year that truly makes someone’s life better:

Feed a family — and nourish a community Several global charities have developed unique opportunities for Americans to make a dramatic impact on the lives of families throughout developing countries through year-end gift giving. For example, donors can direct contributions that pay for a farm animal to support a family or a clean water well installation to benefit an entire community.

In World Vision’s Annual Holiday Gift Catalog, a gift of a goat and two chickens provides a steady supply of eggs, milk and protein that can feed two or more struggling families. Your loved one will receive a card to tell them you’re making this life-changing donation on their behalf.

A single dairy goat can provide up to 16 cups of milk per day, providing calcium, protein and other essential nutrients for growing children. Goats are well-suited for harsh climates, and produce valuable fertilizer

for crops and vegetable gardens. Chickens are easy to raise, and they naturally multiply to help feed generations of children. Each family who receives chickens gives back some hatched chicks to help other families in their community. This productivity can create a viable small-business opportunity for a single mother or struggling family to help add to their income.

Provide vital medical supplies Numerous organizations also help struggling families in developing countries gain access to life-saving medicine, vitamins and nutritional support. Donating these types of gifts on behalf of a loved one who has struggled with his or her own health concerns can be an especially meaningful way to show you care at the holidays.

A monthly or yearly donation to World Vision in the name of your loved one is a great way to provide access to vital pharmaceuticals and medical supplies such as antibiotics, anti-fungals, anti-parasitic drugs, deworming medications, disposable syringes, gastrointestinal drugs, painkillers or surgical supplies to communities that desperately need them. Your gift will multiply five times in terms of its impact to help ship and distribute necessary medicine and supplies.

Support community artisans If your loved one is passionate about artistic and beautiful things from around the world,

you can support local artisans and craftspeople as well. Your support enables artisans to access “microloans” that help them fund their businesses. You can also directly purchase their hand-crafted items, which supports their business and enables you or your gift recipient to enjoy unique and beautiful works of art. Look for organizations that partner with fair trade organizations when you shop for international goods to maximize the impact of your gift.

Browse through World Vision’s 2019 Gift Catalog to see a wide variety of unique handcrafted gifts ranging from jewelry and housewares to decorative items. A portion of your purchase will be used to support specific, urgent needs for children, families or communities around the world, benefiting local artisans, along with the individual for whom you selected a gift.

A $75 or greater donation enables you to select a gift from the Opportunity Collection of home decor items, the Grace Collection of jewelry and accessories or the Hope Bracelet.

These items were exclusively designed by Emmy-Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton.

They were created by fair trade artisans in India in partnership with Gifts with a Cause, a fairtrade organization that provides a sustainable income to artists in developing countries. This business opportunity helps empower people to thrive, improving the lives of their families and communities. To celebrate this year’s season of giving and make a real difference, consider making a donation that expresses how much you care. Your gift will truly have an impact on making the lives of others better — long after the holidays are over.

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Keeps B

T

By Carlienne A. Frisch

he people involved in VINE Faith in Action are heroines--from VINE’s director Pam Determan (who was recently recognized by AARP as one of 50 Minnesotans over age 50 who make a difference), to Barb Muellerleile, who twice rappelled down the side of a building for VINE. In addition to Muellerleile, there are 475 other volunteers, like the multi-faceted Mary Mertesdorf, who make the adult community center a destination in Mankato. In addition to Determan, VINE employs 48 people.

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Two years ago, Muellerleile accepted a fund-raising challenge to go “Over the Edge” by rappelling down the side of the VINE building. Then 66 years old, she didn’t do it for the thrill--well, not entirely. She was raising funds for VINE, which serves about 3,500 older adults each year in programs that range from providing transportation and seasonal yard care to helping immigrants learn English, from visiting lonely people to providing respite care for caregivers. There’s also a fitness center, a warm water pool, a walking track and activities such as memoir writing, art sessions and line dancing. There are educational presentations on topics ranging from muskie fishing to information on the opioid crisis.

Muellerleile said, “I went Over the Edge because it’s a good cause

Barb Muellerleile waves before she rappels down the side of the VINE building to raise money for “Over the Edge.”

s Branching Out and it was fun,” admitting that she has a history of enjoying exciting activities. “I’ve done zip lining, hang gliding and whitewater rafting. Next year I plan to help abused elephants in a rescue camp in Cambodia.”

In 2017, Muellerleile going Over the Edge raised $1,070, surpassing that in 2018 with $2,000. Getting sponsors was not difficult. She explained, “My family members spread the word. They said, ‘Grandma’s going to do this.’”

Raising funds and adapting to circumstances is nothing new for Determan.

Since its founding in 1995, VINE has occupied a variety of locations, including the basement of a convent, a 3,600-square-foot

metal building and a building shared with an historical society. Today, VINE offers a wide variety of activities and programs in 60,000 square feet on five levels of a former university building that most recently housed county offices. It’s a dream come true for Determan, who has a knack for convincing others to help make her vision a reality.

Determan, who has an undergraduate degree in psychology, focused on gerontology for her graduate degree. She grew up in a family and community where neighbors helped neighbors. An internship with Blue Earth County Human Services during her gerontology studies made the Mankato area’s needs even more clear.

“I’m a visionary,” she said. “I was always looking for another CONTINUES ON PAGE 34 u u u holiday 2019

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CONTINUED FROM page 33

space for VINE. When Blue Earth County decided to sell this building, it needed many repairs and updates, but it had really good bones. The county board wanted $350,000, which included two acres, now mainly our parking lot. I told them my vision. We had done a lot of research in what made a successful community center, such as eliminating the word ’senior.’ We needed ongoing educational opportunities, from health to travel. We needed a fitness focus - a warm water pool, a walking track and fitness machines. The county board asked questions about asbestos removal, paving a parking lot (and more). They told us that if we could raise $1.7 million, we could buy the building for one dollar.”

What followed was a combination of time, energy and stress. “There was lots of grant writing, and two businesses committed to donate in-kind major contributions - windows and an elevator,” Determan said.

“We raised the required money and got the building. We did Over the Edge as a fundraiser to expand and to finish off the pool and the fifth floor. We now pay mortgage debt with memberships, contributions, earned income, profits from the VINE thrift store and rental of the fourth floor to other nonprofit organizations.”

Volunteers are as important as the budget, perhaps more so. Mary Mertesdorf became involved nearly

three years ago. “After my husband passed away, I first came to VINE for exercise.

Then I looked through the quarterly newsletter, ‘The View from VINE,’ and saw so many opportunities,” she said. “I joined the DeVine Singers; I sing soprano. We perform in elder care facilities. I also took training and now deliver meals on wheels to about 10 people twice a month. It takes a little over an hour (each time).”

Mertesdorf also volunteers at VINE’S Literacy Center. “I work as a learning partner with two women who want to improve their English communication skills,” she said. “I’m also a Caring Connection friend.

I visit a woman who does not drive, so we go to lunch about once a week and do a variety of activities, including shopping.

We’ve developed a very nice friendship.”

One of VINE’s most recent projects was the establishment of a three-county bus system that provides low-cost transportation for people who live in small communities and want to travel anywhere within the three counties.

Although VINE Faith in Action is the center’s official name, it began as Volunteer Interfaith Network Effort. As Determan said, “It’s all a labor of love, and it’s been a huge experience in trusting God.” Carlienne A. Frisch is a Mankato-based writer and volunteer.

TOP: Pam Determan is VINE’s director.

ABOVE: Mary Mertesdorf volunteers at VINE’s Literacy Center.

“

It’s all a labor of love, and it’s been a huge

experience in trusting God.

”

–Pam Determan

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7 Budget-Friendly Tips For Smart Holiday Gift Giving

T From Brandpoint

he holiday season is full of celebration, social activities and spreading good cheer by exchanging gifts. The problem is gift giving can get expensive if you’re not making a plan and monitoring your spending. A happy holiday doesn’t have to mean stressing about finances or going into debt. You can enjoy the holidays and save money with some smart strategies for gift giving on a budget.

Create a gift list: Are you feeling pressure to get gifts for everyone? Thoughtfully consider who’s on your list this year. While a gift may be appropriate for some people, others might simply prefer to spend some time together rather than exchanging gifts.

Perhaps invite someone over for lunch or plan a cookie exchange with friends.

Make a budget early: Deciding on budget limits for your holiday gifts will help guide your spending. You might have an overall holiday budget and then a specific budget to target for each person on your list. Then, with your gift list in hand and budget in mind, you can shop for appropriate and affordable gifts. What’s more, by starting early, you can take advantage of sales and other promotions that can help you save even more.

Stop worrying about perfect presents: Worried about finding the ideal gift? Coinstar’s recent holiday survey found about one-third of people don’t recall what gift they received last year, so stop feeling pressure to get the perfect present. Ultimately, it’s the thought that counts. Whether it’s a card or small, reasonably priced gift, the recipient will be glad you took the time to show you care.

Use change to stretch your budget: You probably don’t think much about coins, but the holiday survey found that people

believe they have about $71 in spare change in and around their home! Collect and cash in that spare change at a supermarket Coinstar kiosk to boost your holiday budget. This can also be a fun activity for kids who can gather coins or dip into the family coin jar for spending money and then buy gifts for family members. Visit www.coinstar.com/findakiosk to find a location near you.

Create a group gift exchange: If you have a large, extended family or a group of friends that you typically buy for, consider a gift exchange. It’s fun and budget-friendly because you’re not buying a separate gift for each person. Smart tip: Set a price limit per gift to keep everyone in the same ballpark for presents and prevent any competition of one person outdoing another.

Opt for services as gifts: Rather than giving a physical present, is there something you could do that the recipient would appreciate? Consider an act of kindness like cleaning a family member’s home or watching their children. If you have a particular talent, consider how that can be incorporated into your gift.

Know how to play the piano? Offer to give children lessons. Do you have a snowblower? Offer to help clear a neighbor’s driveway after a snowstorm.

Consider charitable donations: Giving to charity on behalf of someone else can be a nice holiday gesture. Whether it’s animal welfare, disaster relief, a children’s charity or something else, think about what the person is passionate about and select an appropriate charity.

The Coinstar holiday survey revealed that if there were no obligations or expectations around gift giving, about 10% of people would give to charity. Keep in mind, Coinstar kiosks in supermarkets allow you to donate your change to certain charities, making it easy to put your change to good use and give a meaningful gift.

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Wellness

Reducing holiday

S

by being intentional

By Carlienne A. Frisch

ome of us may look forward to spending the upcoming holidays preparing food, cleaning and decorating the interior and exterior of the house (perhaps the yard, as well) and hosting at least one sumptuous multi-generational meal.

As soon as the leftover food from Thanksgiving has been eaten or frozen, it’s time to find just the perfect gifts for family members, make sure that the family’s holiday gatherings do not have conflicting dates--and then, perhaps, host another sumptuous meal.

This likely will be followed by the opening of gifts. Perhaps there’s even a New Year’s Eve party to host--or at

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least to attend. (Costumes, anyone?) But there also may be feelings of guilt for not being the perfect hostess, cook and baker, as well as not having a home that meets the standards of a photo essay in a decorating magazine.

Stop right there! It’s likely we don’t feel enthusiastic and light-hearted about these

holiday activities because it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, panicked or even just tired from thinking about them. But it doesn’t have to remain that way. We can change those feelings by using the concept of intentionality, according to Amanda Floy, a pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna.

“Intentionality is the planning and looking ahead to what you truly value about each holiday,” she said. “If the items on your ‘to do’ list (a term that already sounds stressful) don’t speak to what you value, re-evaluate the ‘to do’ items that don’t serve what you value. For example, if it’s really important to be with family on holidays, don’t spend all day in the kitchen--unless food is your value.”

Pastor Floy advised, “It’s helpful to lower your expectations. We put a lot of unnecessary expectations on ourselves and on other people--and they let us down. First, they may

not even have known our expectations, and secondly, they may not be capable of meeting our expectations. Ask ‘What are your hopes for the day?’ not ‘What do you want to do?’

That changes the answer. Ask ‘What do you expect from me as a hostess?’ so people can be on the same page.”

She also suggested evaluating traditions.

“Don’t do something just because you’ve always done it--such as eating lutefisk. Perhaps no one even likes it. But keep the value of traditions that people enjoy,” she said. “Be flexible and allow room for holiday surprises.

If we have everything done the same way we’ve always done it, we leave no room for unexpected joy.”

She offered this perspective: “I think we just do too much--eat too much, spend too much money, have calendars with too much on them--and people are tired before the holidays begin, leaving little room for true holiday joy. Remember, less is more.”

Making two lists is one way of being intentional in our holiday activities, according to Daniel J. Vance, a licensed professional clinical counselor who works from a Vernon Center office and serves clients in a sevencounty area.

“If I were somebody who always has problems with managing holiday stress, I would right now begin planning certain activities for the fall and winter holidays. I would make two lists. The first list would be the top 10 activities that you find the most relaxing,” he said. “On the other side, I’d list the 10 most stressful activities. I would make a point, every day between now and January 1st, of doing one thing from the first list, and I would try every day to change or eliminate one thing from the stressful list. For the most

part, these activities or things are in your control.”

Vance explained, “For instance, if you find that listening to Christmas music is relaxing, then make a point of doing that often.

If you find shopping stressful, you could do more of your shopping online or get it all done in one day rather than over four or five days. You’ve eliminated three or four days of stress that way.”

Another tactic, similar to intentionality, is mindfulness. Tips from the Johns Hopkins Mindfulness Program (www.hopkinsmedicine.org), developed by clinical psychologist Neda Gould, Ph.D., at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, include noticing when you get caught up in thoughts about the past or future and then intentionally returning your attention to the present - which is the only reality.

The mindfulness prog ram offers four ways of ma king holidays brighter:

1. Accept imperfection . Acknowledge in advance that thing s may not go exactly as planned, and that it’s okay for things not to be perfect.

2. Don’t lose sight of wh at’s really important. Ask you rself, “Where does this activity (su ch as waiting in a long line ) fit into the grand scheme of thi ngs?”

3. Respond with kindn ess. Keep in mind that the dif ficult person is suffering and, the refore, is being unpleasant.

4. Take a few deep bre aths. That short pause can off er a new perspective.

Carlienne A. Frisch, who writes from Mankato, hopes to be more intentional in her holiday activities this year.

Advice from the pastor, the counselor and the clinical d psychologist can be summe s: up thu to 1. decide what’s important it; on us foc you and n 2. keep communication ope ; with family members 3. keep your eyes open for nce opportunities to experie joy. d cte xpe une

We pride ourselves on having the best value in the midwest, We with a quality that is guaranteed to shine through.

Serving all of Southern Minnesota endreswc.com • 507-WE-CLEAN • 507-932-5326 holiday 2019

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Running and Gunning A Marine Gunnery Sergeant’s story GySgt. Emily Levy

W

GYSGT. Emily Levy.

TOP: Levy during one of her deployments in the Philippines.

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By Grace Brandt

Choosing the Corps

hen Emily Levy joined the Marine Corps in 2005, her biggest goal was to see the world. She didn’t want to be like classmates from high school who stayed in their hometown their whole lives. Now, after 14 years in the Corps, Levy has three deployments under her belt and has traveled around the world to places as far-flung as Kuwait, Japan and Korea.

There was one place, though, where she never imagined she’d be stationed: Mankato, Minn.

Levy grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming and came from a military background; both grandfathers fought in World War II, while her mother had been in the National Guard and her brother enlisted in the Army. She said growing up, she always wanted to follow that legacy.

“Growing up, I’d always imagined I’d be in the military,” she said. “As a kid, I’d see movies like ‘G.I. Jane,’ or see the show ‘JAG’ with the Marine lawyers. I was like, ‘Those women are so badass and strong.’”

But Levy was also a smart student in high school and assumed she would take the regular college track after graduating. She was accepted into prestigious universities along the West Coast, but her parents weren’t able to help fund her tuition. She didn’t want to take out college loans for tens of thousands of dollars, so she decided to attend a nearby community college

Levy’s thoughts on her Marine Corps career

Levy at boot camp with her father.

instead—but she quickly realized that she hated it.

“I was there for a month, and I was like, ‘I hate this,’” she recalled. “I was not challenged. I was bored in class. I felt like [the classes] were useless. I just stopped going to class. I thought, ‘I have to do something with my life.’”

Levy decided to talk to her local Marine recruiter, whom she had actually first visited in high school.

“I’d talked to [him] in my junior year, and I actually stood him up,” she admitted ruefully.

“I feel really bad about now that I’m a recruiter; I think, ‘Gosh, I was a brat.’ So I walked into the recruiter’s office and was like, ‘I want to be a Marine.’ My circumstances were what drove me to serve, but when I think about it, I wanted to follow in the tradition of my grandfathers and my family and serve my country too. So it’s a lot of things that really drove me to decide.”

Levy said her parents had mixed feelings when she announced her decision to enlist. Her mother was “all for it,” but her father was more hesitant—at first.

“He was really hesitant about it, because I’m his baby girl,” she said. “But he came around to it, and now they couldn’t be more proud.

They’re my biggest supporters, my dad especially. He wears the Marine Corps shirts and stuff all over the place. I have to buy him new shirts all of the time.”

Becoming a Marine Levy enlisted in October 2004, shipping out to boot camp in April 2005. Boot camp was 13 weeks long and located in Parris Island, S.C..

It included physical training exercises, learning

how to drill together, weapons training, classroom work and more.

Overall, Levy said it wasn’t nearly as difficult as people fear, mostly because she was too busy to worry about things.

“When I got on the bus at the airport to go to recruit training, I was like, ‘This is it… I’m finally here,’” she recalled, “but at the same time, I thought, ‘I hope this bus ride lasts forever. I just wanted to stay on the bus for as long as possible.’ But once you got off the bus, and you step on those yellow foot prints for the first time, it does hit you—‘I’m finally here’—but at the same time it’s so chaotic, and you’re tired and you’re moving so fast, you don’t stop to process things. And that’s how the majority of the training goes. It didn’t really strike me, the transformation I’d gone through, until the end, when I saw my parents again and they were like, ‘Holy cow, look at you. You’re a woman; you’re no longer our 18-year-old girl.’”

In order to complete boot camp, recruits are required to complete the Crucible, a brutal 54-hour field event that includes food and sleep deprivation and more than 45 miles of marching. Levy explained that once she made her way through that, she earned her Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin that signified she had earned the title of United States Marine.

“I had a drill instructor who used to call me stupid,” she recalled. “She’d always be like, ‘Levy, are you stupid?’ And I’d reply, ‘Yes, ma’am.’ And she’d kind of laugh about it. When she gave me my Eagle, Globe and Anchor, she set it in my hand and said, ‘I knew you weren’t so stupid,’ and she smiled and walked away. It sticks with me.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE 40 u u u

“I’m very glad that I did join the Marine Corps. The experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve met, the things I’ve been able to do… Seeing people give up so easily on their dreams because they don’t have the opportunity to achieve them is so frustrating. I have a lot of friends who always said they were going to do this or do that, but they’re stuck back in Wyoming doing the same job they were in college … I’m glad that that’s not me. I feel fortunate that I’ve had the opportunities that I’ve had to be able to grow as a person and as a Marine, and also see the world, do my job, and now be able to do this job where I can help others achieve their goals and dreams. [I’m grateful I can] help these young men and women who’ve always loved the idea of serving their country be able to actually fulfill that dream.”

Getting to know GySgt. Emily Levy From: Cheyenne, WY Lives in: Owatonna MOS: Korean intelligence analysist Education: Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership from Colorado State University Years of service: 14 Family: Four dogs—Boozer, Brutus, Walter and Maggie Hobbies: Running half-marathons, reading fiction books, spending time with family Bucket list goal: Run a full marathon Plans after the Marines: Levy isn’t sure yet, but possibly opening a doggy daycare, becoming a school counselor or working in her same field as a government contractor

Enlisted rankS E1 - Private E2 - Private 1st Class E3 - Lance Corporal E4 - Corporal E5 - Sergeant E6 - Staff Sergeant E7 - Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt. Levy) E8 - Master Sergeant/First Sergeant E9 - Master Gunnery Sergeant/ Sergeant Major E9 - Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (the highest noncommissioned officer in the Marine Corps)

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CONTINUED FROM page 39

Serving overseas

TOP: Levy on deployment in the Indian Ocean.

MIDDLE: Levy (on the right) receives an award.

ABOVE: Levy on deployment in the Philippines.

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After graduating as a Private, Levy went through about a month of Marine Combat Training before heading to school for her military specialty: Cryptologic Linguist. She said she scored well enough on her ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test) test that she qualified for the job, and she took it because they offered her a $1,000 sign-on bonus.

Levy didn’t know what language she would receive until she arrived at school in California. When she arrived, she was given Korean. After about a year and a half of training in California and Texas, she graduated and was sent to Hawaii in 2008.

Levy was stationed in Hawaii for three years, but didn’t end up staying there very long. When she was checking into her new station, she met a Sergeant with her same MOS (military occupational specialty), who shared a troubling perspective with her.

“She laughed and went, ‘Good luck, you’re going to be stuck in someone’s office making coffee for the rest of your career,’” Levy recalled. “And I was like,

‘No. I don’t want that.’ So I went immediately to my supervisor, and I said, ‘I want to deploy. I want to get on the first deployment. I want to go.’ And he replied, ‘I’ve got a spot for you.’”

Levy ended up deployed three times, twice to the Philippines and once to Kuwait. Her first deployment, which left out of Japan, lasted about six months.

She and her fellow Marines floated around the Pacific coast, traveling to different Asian countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Korea and Japan—but not Burma.

“A big typhoon hit Burma, and we were stationed off the coast to go in and provide aid, but they wouldn’t allow us in,” Levy remembered. “We just stayed for 46 days, cutting squares in the ocean, waiting… and they refused to let us come help, so we sailed back away. That was not fun. That was the longest period we went without getting off the ship. Everyone was going stir crazy in the end.”

When Levy returned to Hawaii, she volunteered for the next available deployment and was sent on Operation Enduring Freedom: Philippines. She was there for 10 months, and at one point was the only U.S. female military member on an entire island.

More thoughts on boot camp Is boot camp as challenging as everyone thinks?

“I don’t think it was as challenging as what everyone expects it to be, because we build it up in our minds.

When we actually experience it, it’s not as bad as we thought it was going to be. There were some fun experiences, and there were some experiences that I remember going, ‘Why am I here?’

But those experiences don’t last. They don’t drag on the worst things forever.

You continue to go from chow to chow from day to day.”

What was the worst part of boot camp?

Levy with her fellow recruiters in Mankato.

It was around the time of her second deployment to the Philippines that Levy had to decide whether to reenlist after her initial four-year contract was fulfilled. She said it was a tough decision.

“I actually had someone tell me not to let the first four years of the Marine Corps make up my mind about the rest of my career, and to give it another shot before I decided if I was going to get in or stay out,” she said. “I sat on that advice for a long time. I ended up reenlisting at the last minute, and I’m glad I did. I would not have changed it for the world. I don’t know where I would be if I had gotten out. But I don’t think I’d be as successful as I am now.”

Once she reenlisted, Levy became an instructor in her former intelligence school in Texas for three years, and then she received orders to Korea. It was a one-year tour from January 2014 to the beginning of 2015. She had barely returned to California when she volunteered and was selected

for her third deployment, this time to Kuwait, where she was stationed for about six months.

“All your deployments are pretty much the same: you work your shift and then you go to the gym and then you sleep,” she said. “Kuwait is generally pretty calm and safe. There was never any point where I felt in danger. The worst part was when the power went out and we didn’t have AC in the summer for two days. That was awful.”

Recruiting orders While Levy was in Kuwait, she was given orders for a special duty assignment—recruiting.

She admitted that she wasn’t thrilled with the idea.

“You can deny orders or take them,” she said.

“If you deny, you’ll not be allowed to reenlist. I was close to not taking it. I really liked my job, and my job is such that if you’re out of it for three CONTINUES ON PAGE 42 u u u

Why the Marines?

Levy said when it came to picking which branch to join, a few factors influenced her decision. She knew right away that she didn’t want to join the Air Force, after growing up next to an Air Force base.

“I grew up knowing a lot of guys who worked on the base, and they never really struck me as someone I wanted to hang out with,” she explained. “They were really immature for what I imagined military guys to be. Plus, I didn’t want to end up back home. I didn’t want to enlist and be like, ‘Yeah! I’m going to travel the world,’ and be stationed back in Cheyenne.”

Levy’s brother, who had served in four back-to-back deployments in four years in the Army, convinced her not to join the same branch because of how difficult Army life was. She tried to talk to a Navy recruiter, but she had trouble getting through.

“The thing I hated the most was drill, because I’m bad at it. We had to practice all the time. I especially hated it because you had to ask for permission to use the restroom, and then run all the way across the parade deck to go to the porta-potties, which were always hot and stinky. I absolutely hated drill. And I just remember going, ‘Well, when it’s over, we get chow. As long as I can make it to that chow, I’ll be all right.’”

What was the best part of boot camp?

“My favorite part was getting to know the other females that I ended up graduating with. I’m still friends with a lot of them on Facebook.

My roommate, Martina, was from Brooklyn. I remember thinking, ‘I’m this girl from small town Wyoming. No way would we be friends in any other life.’ But she and I had this unbreakable bond by the end. We could complete each other’s sentences.”

“You’re always running around trying to open up your locks and foot locker and get everything ready in the morning, and [the drill instructors] are counting you down. We had it down tight so that we could both get each other ready and help each other out with different things without even having to say anything to each other. I knew that she could never get her rifle combination lock unlocked for some reason. We knew each other’s codes, and I could get her weapon unlocked and she could get my foot locker stuff settled. We knew exactly what we needed to do. We didn’t even have to say anything to each other about it.”

“I walked into the Navy office, and the guy was like, ‘I’m kind of busy. Can you come back later?’” she recalled. “[But when] I walked into the Marine office, the recruiter stood up, shook my hand, introduced himself… He listened to me. He was professional. He was what I expected out of someone in the military.” holiday 2019

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years, you lose a lot. Also, the idea of going back to high school and dealing with high school students was not on the top of my list

Levy having a bit of fun in the Philippines.

for career goals.”

Levy was sent to Mankato in July 2017, eventually becoming the supervisor of both the Mankato and Owatonna offices. She works with dozens of Marine recruits at both offices, helping prepare them for boot camp before they leave. That can mean creating enlistment packages to send to MEPS (the Military Entrance Processing Station),

organizing monthly training events, overseeing weekly physical training, visiting high schools and providing other guidance.

According to Levy, her time as a recruiter has helped her hone intangible skills such as critical thinking and communication.

“I did not want to be a recruiter, but now that I’m out here and doing it, I absolutely love what it’s done for me,” she said.

Levy said that she’ll be here another 10 months before moving on to her next station, and she isn’t sure what that will be yet. She’s thinking of applying for a master’s degree program in strategic intelligence studies but is also interested in working at the Pentagon.

No matter where she goes next, Levy said she’s grateful for her time in Mankato.

“As much as I was hesitant and didn’t want to come out for recruiting, I would take recruiting [all over] just to be able to experience seeing people [achieve] what they want to,” she said. “It’s very fulfilling, because you get to work with a lot of young men and young women, and they have dreams and goals, and you get to help them achieve those goals. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

Grace Brandt is a wandering reporter whose home base is Mankato.

Continued success The Marine Corps recruiting office in Mankato has a reputation as one of the most successful stations in the Midwest, consistently sending more recruits to boot camp than almost any other office. Of those recruits, Levy said about 90 percent become Marines.

Levy said a big reason for her station’s success is how invested her Marines are with their recruits, not just during one talk but through the recruits’ whole year or even whole high school career.

“A lot of the newer guys think that what we do is we go in and find someone, we meet them for the first time, we make them sign paperwork, and they enlist,” she said.

“Recruiting is a long game. We can talk to a student when they’re a sophomore or junior or even a senior, and they’ll take what they learned from us into consideration, as well as how we treat them, like adults. With respect.

Not just hounding them and harassing them, actually having a conversation about what it is they want out of life and showing them how they can get it. It’s something for them to sit and chew on for a couple months or a year… I’ve had someone I met the first month I was recruiting walk in two years later and say, ‘Hey, remember when we met? I’ve been thinking about this, and I’m ready to do it.’ So I think that’s a huge secret to our success… making that introduction and getting the information out there and maintaining a good relationship with a perspective applicant. We have a positive impact all year round.”

Gender issues The Marine Corps is made up of 92 percent men on the enlisted side. Have you faced much discrimination as a woman in such a male-dominated field?

“On an individual basis, there’s always [people] who are jerks to you because you’re a female, [but] I’ve never really faced any huge discriminatory issues.

There’s always someone who’s going to say something like, ‘Did you get promoted just because you’re a woman?’ No, they look at the same standards for me as they do for you to promote us.

I just happen to be better at my job than you. That’s why I got promoted. But those are very few and far between.”

the female mentorship, because there aren’t as many strong females who can mentor you, depending on where you go or where you’re stationed. I’m fortunate that in the intelligence field, there’s a higher amount of females than in other fields.

I’ve always thought it’s because we’re smarter, and that’s why we end up in intel. [But] it’s competitive. We’re competing against everyone else, and that means females, so it’s harder to be friends at work with a girl that you’re also competing with when it comes to promotions and spots on a deployment. So you’re kind of walled off a little bit from the other females.”

Are you able to form close friendships with other female Marines, or is it difficult because there aren’t many around?

What about romantic relationships? Is it difficult dating in the Corps?

“Sometimes, you miss out on 42

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“When you meet a guy out in town, eventually you have to tell him you’re a Marine. And

then he’s either intimidated or he doesn’t want to deal with that because you work with 99 percent guys. We can have relationships, but all of them really revolve around the Marine Corps, or the military. Up until I moved to Minnesota, I didn’t date anyone outside of the Marine Corps. That takes a toll on your relationships because it’s cool because that Marine you’re dating understands that you’re a Marine, but also at the same time, they don’t get what you go through. [Plus], you have to leave, they have to leave…

You know you’re never going to be together. I dated a guy who expected me to get out so that we could get married and I could follow him around.

And I was like, ‘Why don’t you get out and follow me around?’

And it was like, ‘Well, that’s not how it works.’ Well, that’s how it should work, because I have a career. I’m not going to sacrifice

my career for you. If you won’t sacrifice your career for me, why would I for you?”

Are you seeing someone now?

“I have a very great boyfriend.

I met him in Minnesota. He works for the Department of Corrections. Our relationship faces that same problem—I’m going to leave here, I’m going to go somewhere else, and he can either come with me or that’s kind of it… But he can’t give up his career to follow me around.

He works for the state, and he’d end up giving up his pension.

He’s been there for 12 years. I could not ask him to walk away from a career he’s built over 12 years just to follow me around, because I would not do that for anyone else. So we’ll see if it plays out long distance, if we can make it work… and if not, that’s the nature of the beast.”

Consciously Aware?

T

southernliving.com (Photo by Becky Luigart Stayner)

By Rian Dicke-Michels

he holidays bring with them a very special atmosphere; families set aside time to be together, food is abundant, and gift giving has become a major part of the whole experience. While there is much joy and good tidings to be shared in all of this, there is a darker side our society is accustomed to ignoring: leftovers tossed out, unwanted gifts that end up in the bin, used gift wrappings, outdated items replaced, and much more. We’re in the midst of a climate crisis and it’s important to consider the source, and final destination, of each well-intentioned purchase.

Four years ago, I was introduced to the 8 Limbs Path of yoga and decided that living a life of Ahimsa (non-harming) should apply to the environment as well. Only recently has this become less of a lifestyle choice and more of a necessity. As scientists disclose the gravity of their findings with the world, much of my free time has been spent descending the ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ rabbit hole.

Shop local! There are many reasons to use our buying power to put money into small businesses. It helps the economy by creating jobs and circulating money back into the community, supports community members who sell their own goods, and is overall better for the planet by cutting down on travel emissions.

Instead of using a credit card online, you could find thrifty items that made you think of someone, tie a lovely bow

or handmade card on a jar of local honey, keep your eyes open for antique rings or necklaces with semi-precious stones, stop into the little boutiques and shops that line the downtown areas, and even frequent farmers markets! Each of these options are both thoughtful and eco-friendly.

Instead of fancy boxes and wrapping papers, get creative! Reuse cereal and snack boxes, stop into retail stores and ask for boxes from their freight, or perhaps use an empty tampon box for gifting to someone with a good sense of humor. In my personal experience, old newspapers make a wonderful wrapping alternative. It can be used to replace tissue paper as well when dressed up with a nice length of ribbon or a bow. I also like to save every gift bag that is given to me and I’ve never been without thus far.

For those who like to get out of the house, experiences make a wonderful and waste-reducing idea. Ideas like giving tickets is a nearly never-ending list: concerts, movie theatre, live plays, comedians, museums, exhibits, and sports games! A friend of mine was given tickets to Sea Life for her whole family and her boys didn’t stop talking about it for a month. The point is that material things can break, fall apart, but memories stay forever. My best friend gave me tickets to see Regina Spektor live around thirteen years ago; it was something I will never forget! Gifting experiences cut down on the effect of shipping, packaging materials, and other waste potentially created by your purchases.

Shop small! If you do choose to shop online, Etsy is a treasure trove. You can find so many things - hand-crafted items such as lip balms that are packaged in

paper tubes and aluminum tins, bar soaps created with love in kitchens, mugs and spoons whittled by hand, jewelry, clothing sewn in home offices, monogrammed wallets, watches, and bags. Gifts likes these help to put food on the table for those with the courage to make their living this way. Whether you’re shopping for a man or a woman, you’ll find that there is something for everyone on this site (or you can download the app).

This year, revolutionize the holidays!

The way we shop can make a huge difference in our future and we have the power to decide where our money goes.

Admittedly, I used to be somewhat of a Grinch about the holidays and how wasteful they can be. It wasn’t until I began to make changes like these in my own life that I could truly enjoy them again. I share these thoughts with you because the topic means a lot to me, because the way we give has its effects. According to the National Environmental Education Foundation, trash between Thanksgiving and New Years increases by an estimated 25%. This includes 15 million used Christmas trees!

In total, this amounts to an extra 1 million tons of garbage each week. You can be a holiday hero simply by reducing your personal waste, and remember what they’re really about. Deck the halls with boughs of holly, jingle bells, and more.

Happy Holidays to you and all your loved ones.

Rian Dicke-Michels is a highly independent, Minnesota State University Mankato graduate and the proud mother of a daughter and an infant son. 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.”

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C

By Isabelle Wattenberg

Artsycrafty

Outdoorsy northfieldchamber.com facebook/pg/oacarts/photo.com

How to make the most of the holidays

r u o y r e v e What n u f f o e l y st

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hances are, you plan your holidays around the traditions they hold for your family. Whether it’s bundling up for a walk to commemorate the first snow or can’t-miss community caroling night, we tend to construct our winter schedules around these time-honored activities and events. There is deep satisfaction and reward that comes from renewing and reliving traditions--but there’s always room for new experiences to liven up and make the most of the holiday season. So we’ve drummed up a few new ideas and excursions to explore, categorized by the type of activity your family gravitates toward. And who knows--you might just end up with a new tradition for next year.

The Outdoorsy Fam Does your family embrace the cold? Think a thick blanket of snow is nothing more than an invitation for outdoor winter fun? Check out these activities: Northfield: Northfield’s Winter Walk invites a bundled-up stroll through the town’s historic downtown, brightened by candlelight. Check out horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, and lots and lots of window shopping. December 12, 5-9 PM. www.northfieldchamber.com Winona: Visit Winona’s Lake Lodge for showshoeing, ice skating, and the chance to watch ice climbers traverse the hundreds of feed of etched, cascading ice at the Winona Ice Park. www.cityofwinona.com Albert Lea: Sure, your family has longtime traditions--but are they centuries old? Get a glimpse of 19th-century customs with a visit to the Freeborn County Museum, where you can learn about notable Albert Lea residents, discover long-told stories wandering through the library aisles, and immerse yourself in the mid- to late-1800’s Albert Lea with a tour of the historical village: an 18-building campus that includes a blacksmith shop, train depot, and mill house. www.freeborncountyhistory.org/ museum

The Foodie Fam Your fam hangs out in the kitchen more than anywhere else year-round, but the holidays always bring extra-special treats (Santa’s leftover cookies for breakfast, why not?) and the excuse to spend a little extra time in the kitchen. Here are some ideas to add new recipes and traditions into the mix.

Faribault: Every year, Faribault’s Winter Farmers’ Market gathers together local artisans and specialty food connoisseurs, creating a wonderland of goodies and gift ideas. From freshly-baked pas-

tries to cheeses, canned goods, and hand-crafted soaps and accessories, the farmers’ market is equal parts winter escape, family escapade, gift superstore, and local-maker mecca. facebook.com/faribaultwinterfarmersmarket Nerstrand: CSAs tend to take a break in winter, but you can find some with yearlong goodies to provide weekly or biweekly inspiration in the kitchen. We like Shepherd’s Way Farm’s cheese CSA, which includes a monthly assortment of cheese-including exclusive editions whipped up only for members. Just the type of treat you can’t have enough of during the holidays. www.shepherdshepswayfarms.com Northfield: Find trinkets for budding and veteran chefs alike at the Measuring Cup in downtown Northfield: from local preserves and sauces to inspiring cookbooks and ahead-of-the-curve cooking gadgets, the store is a foodie’s haven. www.measuringcupofnorthfield.com

The Artsy-Crafty Fam For the family that prefers hand-on creativity, here are ideas and inspiration to tap into that maker mindset and celebrate the season through art.

Mankato: Mankato Makerspace is a mecca for artists and gift-seekers, offering gallery space, classes, and a seasonal makers’ market that invites the public to find hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind treasures. Whether it’s 3-D Printing, ring making, or woodworking, every family member will find a craft to try. www.mankatomakerspace.org Owatonna: Visit Owatonna’s Arts Center, where you’ll find classes for kids and adults alike teaching the craft of everything from bracelets to pottery. Get inspiration from the art gallery--which features work from local artists on a monthly rotation--and the building itself, with stained glass windows salvaged and restored from a local church. www.oacarts.org Manchester: Head to Manchester’s Bend in the Road for award-winning pizza and a night of stellar music.

The local eatery and music venue has been around since the 1970’s, but current owners Gina and Jeff have elevated the cuisine and worked to bring in more national acts, which

take to the stage at least twice a week.

With eclectic decor from the owners’ travels across the country and nearly endless pizza topping options, it’s a welcome spot for the full family.

Facebook: The-Bend-In-The-Road

Fam that Gives Back For families who bond over giving back and helping brighten the day for others, find new activities for volunteering together.

Rochester: Rochester’s Ronald McDonald House is always seeking volunteers to make the holidays a little more comfortable for families facing difficult times. Those 16 and older can take a HouseWarmer shift, helping keep the House tidy and welcome visiting families. Groups with members 13 and up can sign up to make and serve a weeknight dinner, and anyone with younger family members can contribute by putting together bundles of much-needed items. www.rmhmn.org Northfield: The Northfield Arts Guild produces plays and musicals year round, and that always includes a holiday classic. Volunteers get complimentary play tickets, with opportunities that span from set building to ushering. Facebook: northfieldartsguild St. Peter: The Kind Veterinary Clinic, in addition to healing the area’s beloved four-legged family members, runs a pound, providing care and temporary shelter to rescue dogs and cats. Apply to be a Pound Pal and help walk the pups and play with the animals while they await their next home. www.kindvetclinic.com

Foodie

Giving back

Isabelle Wattenberg is a social media and data analytics specialist for MSP Communications. She spends her spare moments listening to opera, reading Alice in Wonderland, and writing about Minnesota happenings.

southernminn.com

southernminn.com facebook/KindVeterinaryClinic/photos.com

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Your Body is Your

Hero

Dawn

Dawn Ritter, APRN, CNP, HWC is a family nurse practitioner and integrative health and wellbeing coach at Begin Again: Health and Wellbeing within the Two Rivers Health Center.

SPONSORED BY:

507.334.1823 1819 2nd Ave NW, Faribault www.tworivershealthcenter.com

Begin Again: Health & Wellbeing 507.676.7308

507.334.9400

W

e all have an inner hero; call on its superpowers!

A hero is a person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as ideal. I would like you to visualize along with me these essential qualities that your body, your hero, invariably possess.

This quality is what makes the hero special.

Even if you encounter failure on your way, believe you can achieve success. Your hero does not give up simply, rather it stays focused to withstand all the obstacles in your path.

Courage: “I will always be by your side” – Eeyore The first and foremost quality of the hero in your body is courage. A healthy immune system marches out without fear to defeat and confronts any invader head on. Fear of defeat doesn’t impair your inner guardian.

Loyalty: “To infinity and beyond!”

– Buzz-Lightyear Your hero is considered to possess fierce loyalties in the sense that you are faithful to whatever tasks you take on. Your commitment to a particular cause leads your way beyond others. Your direction cites an example for others to follow.

Sacrifice: “A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, and must empty ourselves.” – Mother Teresa Physical and mental sacrifice is a quality that stands unique from all the other hero virtues.

You can choose to complete that which makes your body noble in its deeds. Your body is willing to cast off your personal comforts when they are dispensable for a higher cause or for the welfare of what you value.

Focus: “Life doesn’t give us purpose. We give life purpose.” –The Flash Being focused is also one of the most prominent qualities of a hero. Its job is to keep you safe but allow opportunity to grow and expand.

Finding purpose in your life brings your gifts to the world.

Compassion: “A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the size of his heart.” – Zeus A true hero is always empathetic, benevolent and shows a great deal of compassion and tenderness to when you are ailing or in distress.

Your hero is oriented to the self care and embraces an attitude that serves you.

Perseverance: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think” – Winnie the Pooh

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Honesty: “It’s what I do that defines me.” – Batman Of all the endeavors that your body maintains, it will be honesty and will express your needs with great conviction. This honesty earns your hero the courtesy to be heard. Be true to yourself in your actions.

Conviction: “Fervid expectations are essential to improving one’s life.”

– Napoleon Hill Your inner hero may have a strong conviction or strong belief, ideas and a chosen path regarding what is important to you. It is a set of unshakable thoughts or values, which cannot be altered by any chance. Seek to know your values, create action and you will improve your life.

Responsibility:“With great power, comes great responsibility.” – Spiderman Accept the responsibility entailed to you. Only you can hold what you have been given with sincere accountability and complete it to your best ability.

Wisdom: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” – Reinhold Niebuhr Wisdom is the hero’s most desired quality that we possess. A wise and astute person knows their abilities, gifts and vulnerability.

Your body’s wisdom is reflected when you listen, nurture and fuel well. As Superman knows to turn away from kryptonite, be wise to protect the hero born in you. Strive to achieve more of who you are; full of endless possibilities!

unexpected caregiver

Holiday Heroics

Berit Kari Berit, author of The Unexpected Caregiver, is a keynote speaker who helps us all embrace the caregiving journey.

Follow her at www.KariBerit.net

I

Caring for Yourself in the Family Zoo

f being heroic means having the qualities of a hero, I suggest more caregivers learn how to be brave when it comes to carving out time for themselves during the holidays. But if you’re like me and come from a dysfunctional family, you’ve learned some pretty deep-seated ways of behaving within your family.

As a girl, my grandma shamed me into taking seconds and thirds at dinner while surrounded by loud conversations about uncomfortable topics. Over the years I grew accustomed to menfolk sleeping in Lazy Boy chairs while the womenfolk did the dishes.

We had most of our big holiday meals at my dad’s parents. His mother, aka, “Sarge,” had her favorite grandchildren. I was not one of them, but I learned that doing dishes with her was the one way I could carve out much-desired one-to-one time with her.

After I got married, I brought my then-husband into the family zoo. Unfortunately, he had the ability to disappear into himself, leaving me on my own. I hated holidays, but felt obligated to attend. I was extra-cranky leading up to the holidays, and depressed after they were over. Why was I placing myself into the family drama when I knew it wouldn’t change? Because I didn’t dare do anything different, lest I be accused of being selfish. Ugh! Confusing self-care with being selfish is far too common and quite damaging. After all these decades, I’m still learning how to take care of myself when I’m with family. Such ingrained survival habits are hard to shake when one has grown up in a dysfunctional family. Now, throw caregiving into the mix, and healthy behaviors often go right out the window. As we enter the holiday season, consider being a hero for yourself and use my S.A.N.E. Method™—Supported, Appreciated, Not Guilty and Energized.

Supported: Have someone who grounds you close by, even if it means on Skype standby or just a phone call away.

Appreciated: Be extra kind and gentle to yourself, especially when you revert to bad habits.

Not Guilty: Put away your electronic toys and tune in to the people around you. If you feel you need to “do more,” remind yourself that you took these steps to be more connected.

Energized: Schedule time outdoors and play in the snow or at walk on the beach. Take in as much fresh air as possible.

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hile the history behind “holiday” guidelines to follow. Friendsgiving can be different things the Thanksgiving holito different people. Friendsgiving is a totally customizable modern day is well-documented tradition with no strict enduring set of guidelines. and widely known, the “We don’t really have any rules,” explained Nick Cacharias, who origins of its spin-off, - along with his girlfriend Ashley Hagen - started planning their known as Friendsgiving, own Friendsgiving three years ago. “Everything just sort of falls into are sometimes highly place,” he said. disputed.

Cacharias’ and Hagen’s version of Friendsgiving began out of A mashup of necessity to bring a lot of people together in a short amount of time. “friends” and “Thanks “We had a good friend who was a missionary in the Czech Repubgiving,” Friendsgiving at its most fundamental is simply a gathering lic,” Cacharias explained. “He was coming back for a visit and there of friends to celebrate with a feast, falling near or on Thanksgiving just didn’t seem to be enough time for him to be able to get around Day, in contrast to the traditional celebrations that typically involve to everyone, so we decided to bring everyone to one place!” family.

After the first gathering, Cacharias realized it was something that “Our friends are like felt so good and meanfamily,” said Renata ingful, it would be a Pohlman. Just a couple new tradition. of years out of college, “Through that she uses Friendsgiving first one, we realized as a way to stay conthat while celebranected to friends she tions with family are has made over the years. of course a meaningful Friendsgiving is a growpart of the holidays, ing trend among Millenwe also enjoy getting nials and recent grads together with friends who live too far away who are like family. from their homes to go Friends are such a big back for the Thursday part of our life. So we feast, or friend groups make time even durBy Lisa Cownie that want to celebrate ing the busy season to the holidays with the come together, and just bless each other and people they are closest to that are not in the family. build community,” he said.

There is no official origin story for Friendsgiving, but it has Building community and making memories is a big part of what grown in popularity over the past decade. Some say the hit TV show the holidays are about and memories are what’s behind each and “Friends” is responsible. The iconic show is included in several every Friendsgiving. Good memories, that is, as Friendsgiving explanations of this informal U.S. holiday, and the concept can be celebrations are meant to be less stressful than their traditional dated back to November 1994, when the first season’s ThanksgivCONTINUES ON PAGE 51 u u u ing episode aired. The characters all had different reasons for avoiding going home for the holidays, and even though there were some hiccups, the group of friends celebrated just being together.

It’s a sentiment that has moved from the small screen in to real life in recent years. Making it appealing is that there are no rules, no official

Celebrating Friends That Are Like Family ‘Friendsgiving’ Holidays Have Deep Meaning

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Book Review Doctor Dogs: How Our Best Friends are Becoming Our Best Medicine

by Maria Goodavage c.2019, Dutton $28.00 / $37.00 Canada 353 pages

Dogs also offer comfort, once the seizure is over.

Research on cancer-scent dogs is ongoing, as is work with cardiac canines. Dogs offer mobility assistance for the handicapped, they can suss out deadly bacteria, and they help PTSD sufferers,

Review by Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm

Doctor Dogs: How Our Best Friends are Becoming Our Best Medicine

N

obody smiles like your dog does.

It’s the best thing: you run out for nine hours or for just a second; it’s all the same to him.

He’s happy to see you come back whenever, he wiggles, he brings you toys, he chortles, and then there’s that smile. No matter what happened to your day, your dog is the best part of it and in “Doctor Dogs” by Maria Goodavage, you’ll see that she may be best for your health, too.

Your Rover is a champion sniffer.

Everything he sees gets inspected, smelled, and smelled again. It’s all interesting to him because his little nose has “up to three hundred million” olfactory receptors, as compared to your puny six million receptors. You might smell a swimming pool, says Goodavage, but a dog could “sniff out a teaspoon of a chemical in a million gallons of water…”

For centuries, humans have known about those warm, wet noses and we’ve put them to work in hunting prey, contraband, and missing people. Relatively recently, science has also expanded a dog’s nose job into something that can enhance a life, or save one.

Diabetic-alert dogs, for example, can smell when their owners’ glucose levels are either too high or too low, with a minimum 80 percent accuracy. Dogs are taught to signal the problem to the patient, thus avoiding illness, coma, or even death; some have figured out by themselves to rouse parents or caregivers if the diabetic doesn’t respond.

Knowing that their owners are about to face crisis, seizure-alert dogs are trained to warn for what’s coming. This gives sufferers a chance to find a safe place to sit or lie down and ride out the seizure or fainting spell – sometimes, with the dog on their legs or lap.

Author Maria Goodavage. Photo Laura Altair Hanson

the mentally ill, and autistic children.

The only problem?

It’s one that’s all too familiar to dog lovers: “Dogs never live long enough.”

The memes say it best: We don’t deserve dogs.

And if you’ve ever doubted that, then read “Doctor Dogs.”

Partly because of ancillary information gotten while writing other canine-based books, and partly due to a possible health issue of her own, author Maria Goodavage takes a good look here at a bunch of good boys (and girls), and it’s delightful – not only for the science behind what we’re only now learning, but because, well, dogs and dog tales and dog facts and the occasional cat. Reading it’s like sitting on a bench in a busy dog park: oh, the stories you’ll hear!

By the way, don’t discount your own pooch; Goodavage says that family pets have been known to spontaneously alert for illness, so give Puppers a skritch and pay attention. She might be a muttly M.D. but even if not, read on. “Doctor Dogs” will leave you smiling.

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 a mysterious man, two dogs, and 14,000 books. For more information, visit bookwormsez@gmail.com.

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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.

Northfield Retirement Community

Situated on a 30-acre, beautifully landscaped campus, NRC was established in 1969 to provide housing and services specifically designed to meet the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of older adults. Housing options include apartments with a minimal level of services, as well as other home settings that make increasing levels of service readily available. Options include rental and owner-occupied living spaces. Units are available for both income-sensitive and market-rate income levels. NRC also provides a fully-staffed care center for those who desire a more traditional nursing home setting. 900 Cannon Valley Drive, Northfield, 507-645-9511, northfieldretirement.org.

Home & Garden Judy’s Floral Design

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.

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.

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.

Don’t miss our next issue, out in mid-JANUARY.

MEDIA APG Southern Minnesota Print | Digital | Events

Our content reaches a larger audience than ever before. From newspaper, web design, digital advertising, special products and services we are here to help you reach your maximum audience. Contact Regional Director of Adverting Mark Nelson at mnelson@faribault.com or 507-333-3109 to set up your meeting to see what best fits your needs.

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.

Southern Minn

The Motivate!

issue will include:

• Unexpected Caregiver • Wellness • Man’s Perspective • Book review • Resolutions • Positive ways to approach end-of-life issues • Personal safety in the age of technology • Galentine’s Day • Changing faces of our community.....

And more 50

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Girlfriends

JAN/FEB ISSUE DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 13TH Have an idea or suggestion?

Contact Beth Forkner Moe at bfmoe@southernminn.com

Plemel Insurance Agency 920 Hoffman Drive Ste 1 Owatonna, MN 507-451-4619 417 Highway Ave S Blooming Prairie 507-583-7747

www.plemelagency.com

Vintage Escapes Winery

CONTINUED FROM page 48

counterparts.

Those who take part in the day say the common theme that should run through this new holiday is the giving of thanks and taking the time to appreciate the friends in your life. It is a “potluck’” version of Thanksgiving, with less of the tradition and ceremony, but with more focus on the value of friendship.

That certainly rings true for Cacharias and Hagen.

“There is not a lot of planning. We just pick a date and a location and the rest just sort of falls into place,” he said. “One person brings the main dish and the rest of us bring a side dish or dessert...(we never) really (plan) who brings what...but it is always perfect. There is not stress of having to do this or do that.

We eat and just hang out. Sometimes we haven’t seen each other in a while, so we just catch up. Whereas traditional Thanksgiving is focused on food, Friendsgiving is focused on fellowship.”

While Cacharias and his group try to have their gathering right before Thanksgiving, so they can spend the bulk of the holidays at family events, others embrace Friendsgiving a couple of times during the year.

Originally from North Mankato, Renata Pohlman lives in Minneapolis now. She uses Friendsgiving celebrations not only at Thanksgiving but at other times of the year, to keep their friend group connected as they all continue to grow up and spread out.

“We have to plan in advance for one or two weekends a year that will work for all of us and then we agree that nothing can get in the way,” Pohlman explained. “And as we have gotten older and to different stages of life, our group has expanded.

Now we have spouses and children as part of the mix.”

She agrees there are very few things that beat a table of great food surrounded by your closest friends. It’s that sentiment that has propelled Friendsgiving to such a popular, modern-day tradition.

Lisa Cownie writes from North Mankato. Her work can be found at lisacownie.com.

www.VintageEscapesWinery.com

Veteran Owned

Family Operated

Now opeN oN Thursdays!

4pm-9pm Fridays 3-9pm, saturdays 12-9pm sundays 12-5pm. sunday Football at the winery Game board - Free To pLay! (sunday noon games only) win great prizes each quarter

upcoming live music and events:

8950 Dodd Rd Kilkenny, MN 56052

- 11/10 - Live Music - Joyann parker 2-5pm - 11/10 - Marine Corp Bday/Veteran’s day Free Tasting for Veterans - 11/14 - paint & sip 6-8pm - 11/16 - Live Music - Jake Ilika 2-5pm Check website for the latest on upcoming music and events

It’s The Cows.

Remember KEMPS when looking for employment!

Apply online at www.dfamilk.com/careers

t l u a b i r a F MINNES

NOVEMBER

O TA

Experiencing American Stories

December 5-7

Live Music, Ice Carving and Wagon Rides

Winterfest Saturday, December 7 Downtown Faribault

21 27 27 30 30

Holly Days at Paradise Center for the Arts

Parade of Lights, Fireworks and Street dance

PopRocks at Grampa Al’s Old Country Boys at Boxers Relativity at Corks and Pints Shop Small Saturday!

DECEMBER

6-15

Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Would Not Grow Up at Paradise Center for the Arts

20

Joseph Hall - Elvis N’ Remember Christmas Show at Paradise Center for the Arts

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