Northfield NOW Spring 2020

Northfield

SPRING 2020 • ISSUE 2

now L I V E / W O R K / P L AY

Amanda Gruber Pathways household coordinator earns state award Cannon Valley Makers Bring makers under one roof

Doing it all NHS Triple AAA awards winners

Staff-client relationships bcome like family for those at Laura Baker Page 8

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contents 6 A natural fit: Pathways household coordinator earns state award.

8 ‘The most rewarding job you’ll ever have:’

At Laura Baker, staff-client relationships become like family.

12 Cannon Valley Makers – Bring makers under one roof.

17 Doing it all – NHS Triple AAA award winners contributing academically, athletically 20 Photo Gallery:

Northfield native finds her thrill photographing weddings, fashion.

26 Maggie helps soften up town for beautification of Cannon River

on the cover:

Laura Baker clients spend much of their time out in the community, whether it’s at a workplace, a day program like Epic Enterprise or other outings like library trips, grocery shopping and movie nights.

(Photo courtesy of Laura Baker Services Association)

(Photo courtesy of Jenna Mahr-Senich)

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It’s never too late to make new friends.

Add a piece to the puzzle, experience an outing, or join in a card game; we’re ready to deal you in! Life at Benedictine Community of Northfield means enjoying your lifestyle in the company of friends.

Call Kernal today to learn more about our Wellness Coordinator and the fun events going on at the newest senior living community in Northfield!

(507) 216-0449 | kernal.buhler@bhshealth.org

2030 North Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057 | www.BLCNorthfield.org

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Cannon Valley Makers will have work on display for people to purchase.

(Nick Gerhardt/ Northfield News) STORY ON PAGE 12

Northfield

northfield now calendar Imagination Celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 4, The Guild This is an annual free day of art and performance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family-friendly event features the All-School Show in the Main Gallery, mini performances and hands-on activities in the Art Studio, Clay Studio and Dance Studio.

Home & Garden Show 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 4, Heated Northfield Ice Arena, 1280 Bollenbacher Drive The annual show is seen as a great opportunity for local businesses and organizations to promote their home, garden, lifestyle, health and leisure-related products and services to the community. The show is considered the only one of its type in the Northfield area.

Northfield Wedding Fair 2020

now L I V E / W O R K / P L AY

publisher: CHAD HJELLMING managing editor: Sam wilmes

4 to 7 p.m. May 14, The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield

Regional Director of Sales: mark nelson

The fourth-annual free event is for those who are getting engaged, already engaged or just months away from wedding day. Those interested in being able for a cash prize drawing must register via Eventbrite.

designer: Kate Townsend-Noet

St. Olaf Handbell Choir spring concert 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. April 26, Urness Recital Hall The St. Olaf Handbell Choir, Chapel Ringers and the Manitou Handbell Choir will present the concert under the direction of Jill Mahr.

The event is free and open to the public.

advertising manager: JAY PETSCHE Send story ideas to: Sam Wilmes at Northfield NOW swilmes@northfieldnews.com Volume 3, Issue 2

Northfield NOW Published Spring 2020 by: Northfield News 115 W Fifth Street, Northfield, MN 55057 northfieldnews.com Š

All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers.

This publication is copyrighted by the Northfield News and no content can be reproduced without permission.

This issue of Northfield NOW is delivered to all subscribers of Northfield News for the low cost of $1.00 per issue, deducted upon delivery from your account balance. If you decide it’s not for you, you can opt out of future issues by contacting customer service at 507-645-5615 or kmorrison@ northfieldnews.com. Non-subscribers can purchase copies of Northfield News for $2.00 each.

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“Amanda not only cares for her residents and their families but also for her co-workers. She is at the heart and soul of the Pathways neighborhood.”

- Gov. Tim Walz

A natural fit Pathways household coordinator earns state award Story By SAM WILMES editor@northfieldnews.com

B

eing a caregiver is a natural fit for Three Links Pathways Household Coordinator Amanda Gruber.

Her passion, fostered by her mother’s decades-long career in the field and a continuing interest in bettering the lives of dementia patients, has resulted in statewide recognition.

In February, Gov. Tim Walz awarded Gruber as the Caregiver of the Year at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo, the state’s largest aging services conference.

A Faribault native, Gruber joined Three Links as a nursing assistant in 2007 and has since been promoted to household coordinator for Pathways, a 24-bed secure memory care area. She leads caregiver support groups, and her drive and com-

mitment to her profession has been consistently shown throughout her career. She completed the Health Support Specialist Apprenticeship program and serves as the site coordinator at Three Links.

She smiles when recounting how happy residents are when she walks through the door.

“They say they might not remember who you are but they remember how you made them feel,” she said.

“If you’re not here, they miss you. They might not be able to say it in words, but they’ll say a smile, or they’ll hold their hands out and want to give you a hug. They’re just the best.”

She sometimes meets with residents and families and shares Google Maps trips of their home neighborhoods, during which she maps out the trips via an iPad while drawing memories of favorite places and times. She is also known to sing to residents.

Gruber’s caregiver involvement does not end when she leaves the facility. She is a family

Three Links Pathways Household Coordinator Amanda Gruber said she views her performance as a success if patients feel like she benefitted their quality of life while in the care of the facility. (Sam Wilmes/Northfield News) 6

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Pathways Household Coordinator Amanda Gruber comforts a resident in February. Gruber was named the Caregiver of the Year at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo, the state’s largest aging services conference.

(Photo courtesy of Pam Tidona)

caregiver to her 85-year-old father and is involved in special projects throughout the Greater community, including participating in the Alzheimer’s Association and Age-Friendly Northfield.

Her initial goals did not include being a caregiver, however.

Gruber’s career realization came after winding path After graduating from Bethlehem Academy in Faribault, Gruber attended the College of St. Mary and then Northwest Missouri State University where she studied computer graphics. The cost of college, however, was weighing her down, and caregiving had been forged into Gruber’s life since she was a child.

“I just saw what (my mother) was always doing and just the way she did it, and we kind of grew up there volunteering, so I was just kind of used to nursing homes and the elderly,” she said.

“I always loved the elderly. With graphic design and computer graphics, you are able to use your really creative mind. Yes, I am not working with a computer anymore, but I’m really being able to be creative.”

ABOVE: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz presents Gruber with the Caregiver of the Year award in February at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo. (Photo courtesy of Pam Tidona)

After realizing she wanted to be a caregiver, she worked at a couple nursing homes before she was hired at Three Links as a nursing assistant.

She now mentors nursing assistants, helping them become acclimated to the job.

Three Links sent her to a school specializing in dementia care aging, and she was trained as an Alzheimer’s facilitator through the Alzheimer’s Association.

Through her experience, Gruber knows that no dementia patient has exactly the same symptoms.

“A lot of families don’t have that education or maybe that experience with end-of-life, so just being there to support the families as well,” she said. “Sometimes when people start passing away, their body kind of naturally takes the lead, and they do need a little help here and there for those kinds of things, but a lot of times the families need a lot of support because they are not understanding the process, or maybe they don’t understand what is going on with their loved one at that time.”

When patients pass away, their impact on Gruber often remains. They sometimes don’t have family who can share their last moments on Earth.

“Each person really kind of takes a place in your heart for each person, and it is really difficult to be able to lose them, because they are part of your family,” she said.

“Sometimes we spend more time here than we do at home.”

To Gruber, success in her job can be measured by the impact she makes on those she serves. Putting residents first is her top priority.

“I just want them to feel peaceful,” she said.

“They don’t even have to say anything, but if they were able to speak, I would just want them to be as peaceful and content as possible.”

“I don’t like to see them distressed, but if they’re distressed and I can change their distress to more of a peace or calm, I think that’s what brings me a lot of joy.”

Gruber earns praise from colleagues, officials During the presentation ceremony, Gov. Tim Walz introduced Gruber and spoke highly of her attributes.

“Amanda not only cares for her residents and their families but also for her co-workers,” he said. “She is at the heart and soul of the Pathways neighborhood.”

“Amanda Gruber is an exceptional caregiver who embraces the joys and challenges of caregiving,” said Gayle Kvenvold, LeadingAge Minnesota president and CEO. “Amanda’s excellence as a caregiver, devotion to her co-workers, and commitment to the residents and families she serves is unparalleled among her peers in the field of aging services.”

Perhaps the most important trait Gruber brings to her position is the belief that perfect care can’t be achieved, a belief that motivates her to continue to improve.

“Amanda is never satisfied, and that is an awesome quality and that’s how she’s such a great leader, too, because she pushes everyone around her, including administration, to be better,” said Three Links Director of Marketing Pam Tidona.

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‘The most rewarding job you’ll ever have:’

At Laura Baker, staff-client relationships become like family

I

Story By ANNE KOPAS Northfield News

f you’re lucky, coming to work is like coming home.

It’s certainly the case for many employees of Laura Baker Services Association in Northfield, who care for some of the community’s most vulnerable members — people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, especially those who cannot live independently. Laura Baker serves about 30 clients in its on-campus housing, plus more in half a dozen apartments and houses around town.

Caring for these clients takes a small army: 180 full- or part-time staff members (the equivalent of 105 full-time employees) along with anywhere from 200 to 250 volunteers helping out, according to Executive Director Sandra Gerdes. Since Laura Baker provides round-the-clock support to clients every day of the year, it takes a significant number of workers to keep things running smoothly.

The job is by no means easy — yet many employees embrace the challenges of hard work and limited pay to enrich the lives of clients and their families.

Amanda Fox, who has served as a registered nurse at Laura Baker the past two years, originally took a job as a direct care worker with the organization while in high school. Fox has since left, worked about 10 years elsewhere, and has now come back. Her return is a testament to the depth of the connections she makes with clients.

“This is the most rewarding job you will ever have. Your job is to make sure your clients have a life,” Fox said.

Day-to-day, her work revolves around making sure clients stay healthy. This takes place in the form of quarterly physicals, responding to minor injuries and illnesses reported by direct care staff and handling medical paperwork. Training is also a huge part of her job, either through

ABOVE: A client participates in art therapy. Laura Baker volunteers and staff provide multiple art and music opportunities for clients—a weekly choir is one of the most popular activities. (Photo courtesy of Laura Baker Services Association)

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FAR LEFT: As Laura Baker’s registered nurse, it’s Amanda Fox’s job to keep all clients healthy and safe. It’s busy, she said, but in her view, it’s also one of the most rewarding jobs out there. (Anne Kopas/ Northfield Now) LEFT: Lisa Schmidt serves as a house director for Laura Baker, a role she’s held for about two years (in addition to a previous role held a decade earlier).

Schmidt’s job revolves around managing homes where clients live semiindependently, with some staff supervision. (Anne Kopas/Northfield Now)

BELOW: Laura Baker clients spend much of their time out in the community, whether it’s at a workplace, a day program like Epic Enterprise or other outings like library trips, grocery shopping and movie nights. (Photo courtesy of Laura Baker Services Association)

training staff in medical procedures and equipment or through catching up on developments in care and nursing.

She’s also in charge of ensuring clients get to medical appointments on time. It’s a process sometimes fraught with frustrations, as medical professionals tend to communicate with Fox or other staff rather than the client themselves, even with clients capable of communicating their own concerns. Just because a client is nonverbal, said Fox, doesn’t mean they can’t communicate with a doctor.

But in these appointments, clients also have an opportunity to find moments of independence — for example, when they realize they’re capable of checking themselves in at a clinic without help.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

A sense of belonging It’s these moments of independence and autonomy that Laura Baker employees strive to enable with all clients, across a variety of situations, whether it’s ordering their own popcorn at the Laura Baker Services movie theater or counting out Association frequently seeks their own payment at Tarout volunteers to help with both get. Inside client group day-to-day activities and special homes, staff work events. To sign up, visit laurabaker. with clients to plan org/get-involved/volunteer or and prepare meals, contact Jayne Overstreet at letting clients do as jayne.overstreet@laurabaker.org.

Learn more about Laura Baker much of the decisionServices Association making and actual cooking at laurabaker.org. as possible. Some household chores, like laundry, are entirely the client’s responsibility.

“We just try to make it as much of a family situation as we can,” said Lisa Schmidt, a house director at Laura Baker.

Schmidt spends part of each day at client group homes, helping with tasks like getting breakfast together before housemates go off to their daily routine, which might mean work or attending day programs with local organizations like Epic Enterprise in Dundas. Throughout the day, Schmidt might help clients with household tasks or hang out with clients who work later shifts. The rest of Schmidt’s work includes administrative tasks like budgeting and hiring.

Schmidt has served in her current role for about two years — in addi-

To volunteer:

For Laura Baker staff and volunteers alike, clients become like family members, forming bonds with the children of employees and even heading to helpers’ homes for holiday dinners. (Photo courtesy of Laura Baker Services Association)

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tion to the two and a half years she worked at Laura Baker before taking a decade off while her kids were growing up.

“It was my favorite job,” said Schmidt, who has also worked as a teacher and retail entrepreneur.

It’s a unique type of career, said Schmidt and Fox, that gets staff out in the community with clients. A client’s day (and by extension, a staff member’s day) can get busy with a regular schedule of activities that might include a trip to the YMCA, eating at local restaurants, music and art therapy, and shopping outings.

“There’s a lot of places in town that are very accomodating to our clients,” Schmidt said.

Positive interactions with non-staff community members have a huge impact on clients. Little things, like someone complimenting a client’s hat at the grocery store, become treasured moments that clients will talk about throughout the rest of the day. For a population that too often can feel isolated, even a smile from a welcoming stranger can help a client feel like they belong in the community.

Part of the family Along with staff members, Laura Baker relies on a network of volunteers to provide activities and companionship for clients. Schmidt regularly recruits high school and college students to be “buddies” for clients, a one-on-one connection that often results in deep friendships.

Volunteers help with everything from day-to-day client care to special events. Some help organize and serve fancy dinner nights throughout the year at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Others coach Special Olympics, work out with clients at the YMCA or accompany them to communitywide festivities like the Defeat of Jesse James Days.

“In general, our volunteers augment the services and supports that we’re able to provide, and to do things we wouldn’t be able to do if we were just relying on staff members,” said Gerdes, who has served as

executive director since 1997 and worked with Laura Baker since 1983.

These volunteer-client relationships are especially important, as they show clients that people beyond staff members are choosing to spend parts of their day at Laura Baker without asking anything in return.

Some staff members make clients a part of their own families by inviting them home for Thanksgiving dinner. Others pick up clients on Saturdays to spend the day with their family,, or get their kids involved in volunteering with Laura Baker. It’s especially heartwarming for staff when clients remember someone’s kids or dog even years later.

“It’s really fun because the clients know who our families are; they know the staff’s kids, and most have been to everybody’s houses,” Schmidt said. “We’re part of their family, and they’re part of ours.”

Above all else, the goal of all staff members is to facilitate an environment where clients feel valued, with a sense of agency and purpose, while receiving the support they need. By working with clients every day, staff members get to know each person’s interests, likes and dislikes, quirks and sense of humor.

Though they have disabilities, each client is someone’s child, uncle, sister, cousin in the same way as anyone without a disability.

“That’s all they want: to be acknowledged,” Fox said.

Kopas is a freelance writer for Northfield NOW magazine.

Lisa Schmidt, left, and Amanda Fox are pictured along with a portrait of Laura Baker. In 1897, Baker founded The School for Nervous and Backward Children in Minneapolis, relocating to Northfield a year later and eventually renaming the school the Laura Baker School. In 2016, the organization partnered with the Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative and became Laura Baker Services Association. (Anne Kopas/Northfield Now)

We’re bringing the power of possibility to people with special needs.

JOIN IN OUR WORK! L to R: Dr. David Brust, Dr. David Buck, Dr.. Michael Thompson

Part-time and full-time positions | Flexible scheduling Potential for fast promotion and pay increases APPLY ONLINE NOW: laurabaker.org/careers

Accepting new patients.

Call us today.

2011 Jefferson Road • 507-645-9543 www.heritagedentalcare.net

211 Oak Street • Northfield, MN 55057 • (507) 645-8866 Laura Baker Services Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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bring makers under one roof

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Story & Photos By NICK GERHARDT ngerhardt@wasecacountynews.com

or years tinkerers and craftspeople have labored in their home workshops, but now many are emerging in makerspaces across the country.

The latest makerspace to spring up in Minnesota is the Cannon Valley Makers, who have found a home in Dundas where people can drop in to use an assortment of tools to build nearly anything their mind conceives.

From woodworking tools to metalworking tools to CNC equipment and even a plasma cutter, the Cannon Valley Makers have assembled a deep reservoir of tools to use.

ABOVE: Fred Heim explains to Ann Ijima how his wood burner works during an open house at Cannon Valley Makers in Dundas. The group expects to have several classes to offer.

LEFT: Fred Heim points to his wood burner as Juliane Shibata looks on during an open house for the Cannon Valley Makers. The group has opened a makers space in Dundas.

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The Cannon Valley Makers is a collective of people in Rice County who have banded together to share their tools and knowledge for those who already create and for those who wish to learn. The doors to the building at 300 Railway St. in Dundas are open for classes, workshops, meetups and those just looking for workshop space.

David Peterson moved to the Northfield area nine years ago and had a background in metalworking. He also enjoyed wood turning as a hobby but didn’t begin dabbling in wood turning with more frequency until he came to Northfield. By then he’d assembled a number of machines for wood turning and met Loren Larson, who had equipment of his own he wanted to move somewhere to continue to use. Peterson had space for Larson’s equipment and soon the idea of creating a makerspace made sense to Peterson.

Peterson continued to kick the idea around even though finding an ideal space proved difficult. He later met Anne Ijima, who also had an idea of creating a makerspace. Soon more people jumped on board and

the group incorporated in October 2017 at a 501 (c) (3) non-profit with a board of six people. The board includes Peterson, Martin, Ijima, Chris Whillock, Amy Boxrud and Ezra Plemons.

They found the building in Dundas, which used to house Judy’s Floral and started moving equipment in as they improved the facility to be able to hold the machinery and tools.

The makerspace business model typically follows a membership plan where people can join for an annual fee and have access to the tools.

The Cannon Valley Makers use that format with the additional bonus that members can get first dibs on upcoming classes and discounts on class fees. The Cannon Valley Makers will charge $25 per person for a membership or $35 for a family membership.

Interest is strong in the community so far. Peterson said the group has 400 people on an email list and they held an open house this month that drew several curious people.

Inside there are three areas for makers. In the front there are three 3D printers and a space for CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

ABOVE: Michelle Martin speaks to Juliane Shibata about Cannon Valley Makers during a recent open house.

LEFT: Butch Armstrong looks on as Jen Wolcott creates an image on a computer to be printed on a Cricut machine at Cannon Valley Makers.

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David Peterson, right, speaks with Gary Wicks, left, during an open house for Cannon Valley Makers. Peterson and five others have started a makers space in Dundas.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

The Cannon Valley Makers have assembled an assortment of tools, including these sanders in their space in Dundas.

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crafts. In the second room there are woodcarving tools, scroll saws, chisels, drill presses and other tools.

In the back you’ll find sanders, a plasma cutter, along with other tools that require a dust collection system.

The Cannon Valley Makers will also make the work created there available for people to buy. Additionally, the group plans to build a tool library where people can borrow tools for home projects or for other uses.

The Cannon Valley Makers mission statement, in part, reads: “We know that members will enrich their lives through their experiences and successes as makers. We believe that the Cannon Valley Makers is embedded in the tradition of making things using our hands and our minds in unison, thereby deepening our relation to the world we inhabit.”

Woodcarving will be taught at Cannon Valley Makers along with wood turning and wood burning.

Makerspace movement Makerspaces have caught on in the last 15 years as people have sought ways to do things themselves. Whether inspired to master woodworking or learn 3D printing, makerspaces encompass a realm of creativity that mixes in traditional workshop tasks and the frontier of modern workshops that feature 3D printers.

“It was clear there is a really dynamic and supportive community in this area of artists and artisans and highly skilled craftspeople,” Peterson said. “It’s a real continuum of skills and ages and interests and capabilities. The more I saw these people and became part of the commu-

nity it just seemed to me obvious that it seemed like a perfect place to have a makerspace because there are people who want to teach, there are people who want to learn, there are families that want to be involved. It was a very thriving and dynamic element in the community at large.

Our mission is to build a community within this community. Give people who have these interests and needs to have a place to come. They can belong on any terms they want.”

Minnesota has seen a crop of makerspaces take root. There’s the Twin Cities Makers and Nordeast Makers in Minneapolis, a makerspace in Mankato, Duluth and several libraries that have started to CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

TOP RIGHT: The Cannon Valley Makers have several 3D printers that members can try out in Dundas.

MIDDLE RIGHT: A 3D printer works to create an item at the Cannon Valley Makers in Dundas.

LOWER RIGHT: The Cannon Valley Makers have tools like this wood burner available to use. Those interested in joining will pay a monthly fee to use the different tools.

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The Cannon Valley Makers display examples of woodworking projects people can create in the makerspace.

offer makerspace activities.

It’s hard to pinpoint an exact moment when the makerspace movement took off but many point to the creation of Make Magazine in 2005 as the demarcation where makerspaces gained traction. But in a way, people have always had a desire to learn how things work and how to create things on their own.

“It seems to be rooted in two things,” Peterson said. “One of them is to have a real connection to your physical environment in a way that’s not easy to maintain, especially in this day and age where technology is so complex and sophisticated. The other is that it meets a need for community and connection. People doing things yourself with your hands is very satisfying. Doing it with other people who may be teaching you or mentoring you or who you are teaching, adds a real community What: Cannon Valley Makers element dimension Where: 300 Railway Street, Dundas to it. That’s what makes it work and Membership fees: $25 for individuals, $35 that’s what we’re for families determined to do.”

Website: https://pages.stolaf.edu/ Michelle Marcannonvalleymakers/ tin, a teacher at Contact info: info@cannonvalleymakers.

Prairie Creek Elorg or via Facebook https://www. ementary School, facebook.com/CannonValleyMakers/ got involved with

More Information

the Cannon Valley Makers after Ijima spoke to her about it. Martin has run a makers club at Prairie Creek and a robotics club the past several years. She noticed that in addition to the students making things, the parents joined in with equal interest.

Martin researched the makerspace movement as the Cannon Valley Makers started forming in earnest.

“There’s always been this interest in what’s in the box,” she said.

Reach Sports Editor Nick Gerhardt at 507-835-5447 or follow him on Twitter @WCNSports. ©Copyright 2020 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

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DOING IT ALL Pagel in her varsity hockey jersey. Pagel was one of two Raiders awarded for their excellence in the classroom, athletics and fine arts. (Photo courtesy of Pagel)

NHS Triple AAA award winners contributing academically, athletically

Northfield AAA awardee Jose Gonzalez Ramirez participates in a track competition. The award recognizes high school seniors for excelling in arts, athletics and academics. (Photo courtesy of Gonzalez Ramirez)

F

Story RENATA ERICKSON & IAIN CARLOS

rom leading their teams as captains to volunteering their time to impact the Northfield community, Audrey Pagel and José Gonzalez Ramirez know the pressures and rewards of being student athletes.

For their herculean efforts, Gonzalez Ramirez and Pagel received Northfield High School’s nominations for the Triple A award, a prize for students accomplished in academics, athletics and the fine arts. They will now be considered for the award along with other nominees in the nation.

“It really starts with joining one club,” Gonzalez Ramirez said, “because I know I didn’t put myself out there to join swimming. One of my friends asked me to join swimming and I was hesitant at first, but once I joined it, it opened my horizons to join other things. I thought, ‘Wow,

there are so many cool people in swimming, I wonder how many cool people are in Science Olympiad or other clubs.’”

Gonzalez Ramirez ended up being the captain of Northfield High School’s Science Olympiad, as well as a participant in Life of an Athlete (LOA), Raider Activity Leaders Inspiring Enthusiasm (RALIE), Link Crew, Tackling Obstacles and Raising College Hopes (TORCH), Concert Band, Jazz Band, National Honor Society, Racial Equity Team, soccer, and is captain of the swimming and track teams.

As with many student athletes, Pagel also has a mountain of commitments to balance.

“I’m captain of the hockey team,” she said. “Last year, I was captain of the golf team. I played soccer, and then this fall I took on bowling, and then this spring I’m joining ultimate frisbee.”

Pagel also takes part in the one act-plays, LOA, RALIE, Young CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 NorthIeld

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Audrey Pagel

“Be an advocate for yourself and let people know that you want to get involved and try things. Most times, people have things for you to do.

Be dedicated and definitely find the things you are passionate about.”

- Audrey Pagel CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

José Gonzalez-Ramirez

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Sculptors’ Project, is an honors art student, chairwoman of the Mayor’s Youth Council, president of the Youth Mental Health Board, an ambassador of Defeat of Jesse James Days, volunteers at the Arts Guild and performs her original songs at concerts around Northfield.

With all of their commitments to balance, Pagel and Gonzalez Ramirez have learned to keep an organized schedule.

“For Science Olympiad, we usually meet during flex, an hour in the day between fourth and fifth hour,” Gonzalez-Ramirez said. “We usually meet then because a lot of people are involved with other activities and are busy with sports and stuff. It helps a lot. I also have sticky notes and put down

what I have to prioritize to get done for the next day or the week. It helps me a lot to remember all the meetings.”

“I think just scheduling is a big part of it,” Pagel said. “Most of the time you just have to prioritize things — decide what is most important to you. I definitely thrive off being busy; I find happiness in being able to see different people throughout the day and work with different people.”

But being surrounded by different people wasn’t Pagel’s initial reason for becoming a student athlete.

“I had always had people tell me to be involved in things for college applications,” she said, “but then I found myself wanting to be involved in things because I loved doing it, and so obviously that has been able to build up a resume, but it’s mostly just what

Pagel participates in the Defeat of Jesse James Days activities last year as a DJJD ambassador.

(Photo courtesy of Pagel)

I love to do. I find the groups that I’m in that are more meeting oriented — like Mayor’s Youth Council or the Mental Health Board — I learn a little bit more from those because I learn how to speak and communicate with other people as well as schedule with people, and then my team-oriented ones are how I create bonds with people and motivate people.”

Gonzalez Ramirez has also found personal growth since getting involved.

“I would not be anywhere I am without my friends,” he said.

“I wasn’t always an outgoing person. I think it started in eighth grade when I joined the swim team. I was relatively shy. Joining the swim team with a bunch of high schoolers and bigger guys — and I was just a smaller, little guy — just joining those guys and seeing how hard they cheered for me, it made me want to cheer for other people too and support other people as well and it grew and grew from that and I found my personality and became a supportive and loud person sometimes at sporting events.”

Gonzalez Ramirez’s natural work ethic and leadership have taken him a long way.

“Not only is he great at being a role model for younger athletes on how to carry yourself day in and day out as a member of our team but also vocally he’s a great leader when it comes to teaching younger athletes, encouraging them,” said Gonzalez Ramirez’s track coach, Tyler Balow.

Those same traits have been evident in Pagel’s work, especially in her tenure as a hockey CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Gonzalez Ramirez during a swimming competition. He was recently recognized as a AAA winner for his work with the Science Olympiad, Life of an Athlete, Raider Activity Leaders Inspiring Enthusiasm, Link Crew, Tackling Obstacles and Raising College Hopes, Concert Band, Jazz Band, National Honor Society, Racial Equity Team, soccer and swimming and track. (Photo courtesy of Gonzalez Ramirez)

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(Photo courtesy of Jenna Mahr-Senich)

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Northfield native

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By MISTY SCHWAB

photographing weddings, fashion

orthfield native Jenna Mahr-Senich picked up a camera for the first time in fourth grade. After that, she said, “I never really put it down.”

Since moving away from her hometown about nine years ago, Mahr-Senich has photographed weddings and fashion locally, nationally and internationally.

Now based in St. Paul, she runs her own photography studio.

Mahr-Senich has a unique eye for her subjects, taking angles not always typical of wedding scenes. She’s established a signature style that veers on the side of modern while preserving an earthy and simplistic nature.

“Stylewise, I’d say my photos have an editorial look to them on the fashion and wedding side,” Mahr-Senich said. “I like muted colors on the moody, darker side — not the typical bright, airy, vibrant colors.”

In her earliest memories of taking photos, Mahr-Senich used her mom’s film camera to capture nature scenes before she recognized her knack for photographing people. In particular, she had a talent for bringing out her subjects’ emotions. Without actual models or a studio to work with, she set up backdrops in her parents’ bedroom and photographed her sister, Hannah.

A 2011 Northfield High School graduate, Mahr-Senich initially majored in art at St. Olaf College but soon realized the classroom wasn’t her scene.

Not only that, but she felt too close to home and wanted to move “as far away as possible.” By that, she didn’t mean across the state or even across the country but to New Zealand.

With her parents, Tim and Jill Mahr, both working in the St. Olaf music department, Mahr-Senich was nervous to share her plans to drop out of school and move abroad. But to her relief, they couldn’t have been more supportive.

For six months, Mahr-Senich worked as an au pair for a family who also invited her to assist with their successful photography business. During this period, Mahr-Senich said she learned nearly everything she knows about shooting weddings. It was in New Zealand where Mahr-Senich realized she truly wanted to continue her own photography.

Back in the U.S., Mahr-Senich said shooting weddings grew on her. She also enjoys fashion shoots and works with agencies in the Twin Cities to find work in that area. But in Minnesota, she said the demand for fashion

(Photo courtesy of Jenna Mahr-Senich)

photography isn’t high enough to do full time. Still, if she notices someone on the street she’d like to photograph, Mahr-Senich hands them her card CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 NorthIeld

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and offers to do a fashion shoot. About a handful of people have responded, she said.

“It’s especially fun when people don’t recognize their beauty,” she said.

Since moving to the Twin Cities, Mahr-Senich also met her husband, Michael Senich, through her photography. Her former roommate introduced them, since Mahr-Senich worked as a photographer and Senich did modeling work.

Mahr-Senich built her photography platform without advertisements.

Instead, she estimates 90% of her clients found her on Instagram or another social media outlet while about 10% hear about her by word of mouth.

“In the world today, if you know how to work in social media, you can make it in a month,” Mahr-Senich said.

While she feels fortunate to live and work in the age of social media, having cracked the code that pushed her to succeed, she said it scares her to think these platforms may not exist someday.

But losing clients in today’s internet age shouldn’t be a problem for MahrSenich, who maintains an Instagram page of over 10,000 followers.

As for owning her own photography business, Mahr-Senich admitted, “It’s the hardest thing ever.” She said she’s learned from mistakes as well as the processes that come with owning a business. One of the best parts of being a photographer, she said, is the connections she’s established with clients, some who have become more like friends.

In terms of the photography process itself, Mahr-Senich said, “The satisfaction of a good shoot where it didn’t go as planned is the best feeling in the world.”

Reporter Misty Schwab can be reached at 507333-3135. Follow her on Twitter @APGmisty. ©Copyright 2020 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

(Photo courtesy of Jenna Mahr-Senich)

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(Photos courtesy of Jenna Mahr-Senich)

MORE OF MAHR Jenna Mahr-Senich has her own website filled with wedding photography and portrait shots, as well as a blog detailing the weddings she’s photographed. Visit jennamahr. com and follow her on Instagram @ jennamahr.

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Jenna Mahr-Senich has known for a long time that one of her talents is capturing (Photos courtesy of Jenna Mahr-Senich) her subjects’ expressions. (Photo courtesy of Jenna Mahr-Senich)

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Long Division

helps soften up town for beautification of Cannon River 26

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I

Editor’s note: This was the third in a series of columns Maggie Lee wrote about her experiences with the Northfield News. Lee retired in 2012 after 68 years with the newspaper, the longest in state history.

mentioned in last week’s column that I’d had a great interest in the Cannon River through the years.

That probably dates back to childhood when my dad used to take me fishing, sometimes from the Northfield tourist park along the river between Second Street and St. Olaf Avenue.

That was a beautiful little place on the west bank of the Cannon between Second St. and St. Olaf Ave., primarily designed to help those traveling by auto in the 1920s and 1930s.

Dr. Babcock, a medical doctor, took great interest in the little park, seeing to it that there were always attractive plantings of flowers.

I caught my very first fish in the Cannon River, although it was at Waterford rather than the tourist park. I can still see the little fish, a beautiful multi-colored sunny, only about two inches long. I was heart broken when Dad told me I had to throw it back.

Well, when I had been a member of the News staff for 13 years, I attended a convention of the National Federation of Press Women in San Antonio, Texas in 1957. That city has a river that flows through its business district and it has truly capitalized on its beauty.

I didn’t know that at the time, but during the Great Depression, San Antonio used some federal funds -- money to stimulate employment -- to beautify its river. A walkway was built, many little ornamental bridges established.

Outdoor restaurants cropped up along the stream and stores developed river entrances. In due time those entrances were busier than the street

entrances.

I came home all fired up to get our Cannon beautified.

My column carried descriptions of the San Antonio river. But, what is the old Chinese saying -- a picture is worth a thousand words?

I didn’t have a picture. A few people expressed interest in my idea, but very few.

It was 10 years later that I read in a daily newspaper that San Antonio was adding a canal to its river system. At the very same time, Ralph Carpenter -- then publisher of the News -- named me editor of the paper and urged me to have a project. It would be the river, I told him. But I also told him that I had so far been unable to get enough Northfielders to share my vision. Although river beautification had been rated high in a study by civic leaders of what should be done in Northfield.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

He quickly decided that I should visit San Antonio again and bring back pictures and much more information. How were they able to beautify their river? He provided me with a round trip flight, hotel reservations and a whole week of time.

Luck was with me. When I arrived at the office of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and told them of my mission, I was immediately introduced to their “river man,” the staff person who took particular interest in development along their river.

He steered me to a vacant desk and brought to me a group of scrapbooks that had just days before been loaned to him by the widow of the architect who had planned much of the river project back in the 1930s. She had faithfully saved all the articles that had appeared in the press about the development of the river.

The “river man” also gave me a ream of 8-1/2 by 11 paper and told me I could come in at any time the office was open and work at the desk as long as I wished. He also furnished me with great photographs of the river. I shot a lot of pictures as well.

Of course I soon realized that San Antonio’s river project had taken place during an unusual time economically in the nation and that funds had been made available because of those times.

But I learned as much about the project as I could, nevertheless.

The “river man” also made it possible for me to see one of the early architects who was still 28

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alive and I spent an afternoon visiting with him.

He had met with so much opposition during those days of development that he was hesitant to visit with me. But as he sensed my interest and enthusiasm, he opened up and we had a most enjoyable visit.

It was Holy Week when I was there and I saw a related production in the river theater -stage on one side and seating across the water.

On Good Friday, I attended a service in the cathedral. In the pew ahead of me there was an adorable little Mexican boy who kept peeking at a little white box that he hugged against his hip, a box with tiny air holes. He saw how interested I was and let me look into the box. There were two very tiny baby chicks.

On my last day in San Antonio, Easter Sunday, I decided to attend a mass at the cathedral. But when I got there, the place was crawling with secret servicemen and I soon realized that President Johnson and Lady Bird were attending the service. The cathedral filled up; I was unable to get in.

I quickly returned to my hotel to get my camera, but I was out of film. Hurrying back to the cathedral and leaning on a barricade, I at least got to see the “first couple” from about 20 feet away.

Back in Northfield, I immediately inquired what kind of picture I could use as an opening salvo. At that time, in order to run a colored

picture in the news columns, there had to be an ad with color. Someone was running an ad with green lettering in the front section of the paper. So I could have a green, black and white duotone on page one. I blew up the picture so it filled most of the top half of the page.

I chose a picture of a sidewalk cafe at the edge of the river and with oak branches extending out over the water. Across the river was a white brick Victorian style building. It hadn’t dawned on me that the building resembled the back of the Stuart Hotel (now the Archer House). The similarity was not lost on my read-

ers, however. I heard that several said, “What is this? When did this happen?”

Indeed that picture was worth a thousand words. There was great excitement as I wrote about my observations and ran pictures of the San Antonio river week after week.

Because they were so excited about river beautification, some groups planted flowers along our river that spring.

Our Chamber of Commerce had some money left over from another project and hired a planner to design a beautification project for the Cannon. What he designed was, to my tastes, too

Maggie Lee poses along the Riverwalk she envisioned (News file photo)

elaborate. But I felt I had to support it. And that may have been the wrong thing to do.

At any rate, the plan met with lots of resistance even though many did support it. The plan got nowhere. Other folks, I think particularly of Stu Hunter, tried hard to win support for the project. But the plan still got nowhere. And finally, after a few years, we let it die.

Suddenly, a new member of city staff -- Dave Maroney, city planner from 1980 to 1988 and assistant city administrator during most of that time -- took up beautification of the Cannon. His plan was simpler, ideal, and he just went ahead and did what had to be done. And we all enjoy it! Especially during Defeat of Jesse James Days when the Arts Fair takes place down there.

There’s yet another chapter. We were trying to get business places to open up to the new river walk. Of course, progressive Perman’s Store was the first to do so. The firm established a nice river entrance and attractive displays right inside. But Labor Day weekend when all was quiet along the river, someone broke into that entrance and, out of sight of the public, unloaded a substantial amount of merchandise from the store. So that was the end of that river entrance and no store has tried one since.

Even though the river walk is not the result of my efforts, a good number of old timers have told me that they think Maroney had as easy a time as he did because I had “softened you up!”

I have hopes that some day the walkway will extend to Seventh or Eighth St., especially now that senior housing and, we hope, the Byzantine Restaurant, are slated for the former Petricka site.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

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captain.

“She has a way of making every player on the team, regardless of their playing time status, how old they are, or how long they’ve been playing hockey,” Girls Hockey Coach Paige Haley said. “She makes them feel included and a part of the group. She’s really bridged the gap between JV and varsity, and has helped make the teams feel connected.”

But they couldn’t have done this on their own. It has been with the support of friends, parents, teachers and coaches that Gonzalez Ramirez and Pagel have thrived with their busy schedules while preparing for life after graduation.

“Having supportive parents really helps a lot,” Gonzalez Ramirez said. “Also, two of my coaches — Doug Davis, the swim coach, he always puts it into our brains that if you want something you actually have to work hard for it, and I understand every part of that. I work hard in my school and my sports and really it does take a lot of effort to reach your goal. Doug Davis is definitely one of my role models, and I’d also say my track coach, Tyler Balow, is as well. He’s a really supportive guy; he always knows what to say.”

“My art teacher, Mrs. [Katherine] Norrie,” Audrey said, “she’s the sweetest person ever, she’s the light of my day all the time. I spend three hours with her during the day for art classes. She’s always been a really good supporter of everything I do.”

After graduation, Pagel will take part in

a rotary exchange in Denmark where she will attend one year of high school before attending Concordia College Moorhead and study to become an art therapist.

“I want to help people who can’t express themselves, express themselves through art,” Pagel said. “If I become an art therapist, I want to come back to Northfield or Secure Base it from somewhere else to serve Northfield more. I think because Northfield gave me so much when I was growing up and has helped support me so I can do all of these things, I want to do everything I can to help Northfield and give back to it.”

Gonzalez Ramirez is waiting to hear back from a few more colleges before making his final decision on where to begin his studies in neuroscience.

“Be an advocate for yourself and let people know that you want to get involved and try things,” Pagel said of her advice for students and community members who want to become more involved. “Most times, people have things for you to do. Be dedicated and definitely find the things you are passionate about.”

“When you realize how much you’ve done, it’s nice to be able to feel honored like that. I would still feel proud of everything I would do without the award as well but it’s just really special to be able to say that you were involved enough for people to recognize it.”

Erickson is a freelance writer for the News. Carlos is an intern.

“When you realize how much you’ve done, it’s nice to be able to feel honored like that.

I would still feel proud of everything I would do without the award as well but it’s just really special to be able to say that you were involved enough for people to recognize it.”

- Audrey Pagel

We know you’re busy.

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Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Bridgewater Twp. OKs new annexation agreement with city, steps away from incorporation

By SAM WILMES

swilmes@northfieldnews.com

have good community support here. We have a strong superintendent who is very supportive.”

The fulfillment Terry gets on the job comes from seeing his students develop, grow and achieve through the school’s FFA program. Throughout his more than 40 years at the district he has taught town leaders and major players in the ag sector.

The evolution of the farming industry during Terry’s teaching career is hard to fathom. In 1968, items like GPS systems and GMOs were not on the radar. Those changes to the industry have forced Terry to adapt. Despite the changes to the industry, including the decrease in the number of small farms, Terry said teaching ag courses at the high school level remains important.

Bridgewater Township on Wednesday approved a three-year annexation agreement with Northfield.

The agreement, which was expected to be approved by the Northfield City Council Tuesday, means the township cannot seek incorporation until the agreement expires or one of the two entities withdraws from the agreement. A six-month notice must be give before withdrawal.

The agreement includes quarterly meetings between the two boards to discuss a possible new an- Castore nexation agreement for joint planning and zoning, which could include a provision that Bridgewater can use the city’s zoning authority in the township.

“That’s what we are going to investigate,” Bridgewater Supervisor Glen Castore said Thursday.

The city would agree not to initiate litigation against the township during the agreement.

Castore said the township has been seeking additional control of zoning and is willing to work with Ness the city to address the issue so it can avoid the cost posed by petitioning for incorporation.

“We had some objectives that we were trying to reach,” he said.

“Incorporation was one of the means.”

The township is grappling with the projected loss of the county landfill within the next 20 to 25 years. Castore said 25 percent of the township’s monthly revenue is generated through the landfill. The county pays a fee to the township as that’s where the landfill is located.

“We’re looking to replace revenue we know we’re going to lose.

That’s what got this all started,” Castore said. He noted the township uses the funding to buy gravel, and he believes the township would do a worse job of maintaining roads and mitigating flooding if that is lost.

“One option for replacing that revenue is to have some agriculturerelated businesses locate in the township,” he said. “In order to do that, we probably need to control the zoning, which is currently controlled by the county.”

Castore also sees board action has a preventative step.

“The city does not want us to incorporate, plain and simple,” he said. “If we don’t incorporate and have any annexation agreement, we don’t have any protection at all against annexation.”

Northfield City Councilor Brad Ness said the agreement is “kind of a starting point in our negotiations.” He supports extending the agreement and expects it to one day take on a longer term.

“Hopefully we’ll get an agreement that’s acceptable to both parties,” he said.

Ness said although zoning decisions are controlled by the county, the city would likely support zoning measures Bridgewater takes as long as they do not infringe on a Northfield development.

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Randolph High School ag teacher Edward Terry places his hand on a tractor in the school shop Thursday. The nearly 50-year educator was recently recognized with the Minnesota Outstanding Agriculture Teacher of the Year. (Sam Wilmes/Northfield News)

Randolph educator named Outstanding Ag Teacher of the Year

By SAM WILMES

swilmes@northfieldnews.com

Randolph agriculture teacher Edward Terry has been a teacher for nearly 50 years.

Terry, who now teaches on a part-time basis while remaining a full-time farmer, received recognition for his instruction by being named the Minnesota Outstanding Agriculture Teacher of the Year in July in Brainerd. The award covers ag teachers at the high school and college level along with farm management instructors. He was the first part-time ag instructor to be selected for the honor.

“It’s very much a peer process,” he said.

A 1964 Northfield High School graduate, Terry’s first ag teaching job was from 1968-74 in Farmington.

“I had a good experience with my ag teachers in Northfield, and so I went to col-

lege and got a degree in teaching high school agriculture,” he said.

Following his father’s retirement from farming in 1974, Terry and his brother, Dave, assumed control over the operation. Terry then took a three-year break before he was contacted about the Randolph ag teaching position for the 1977-78 school year.

“They finally wore me down, and I sat down with my wife and my brother, and we decided we’d find a way to make it work, to give these kids opportunities,” he said.

Today, Terry is the school’s FFA advisor and instructs a core curriculum that includes a introductory course, and classes on forestry and conservation, animal science, plant and soil science, and farm power, and mechanics.

Terry, who will be 74 by the time this school year ends, says he still enjoys both of his jobs.

“I feel good,” he said. “Kids are good. We

Bill requiring new state sex ed guidelines drives conservative opponents’ rally

By ANDREW DEZIEL

adeziel@faribault.com

Sex education curriculum in Minnesota could soon be operating under new guidelines if a piece of legislation sponsored by Rep. Todd Lippert, DFL-Northfield, is approved. And that concerns some conservatives.

Lippert’s bill, HF 1414, would require sex education to be medically accurate and age-appropriate. In addition, curriculum would be expected to cover a wide variety of topics, including genderbased violence, affirmative consent and contraceptives, and would be required to be inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community.

Among the largest groups in support of the new legislation are Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA). Adrianna Perez, Prevention Program Coordinator for MNCASA, said that in many school districts, current sex education is falling short, failing to provide students needed information about healthy relationships.

“Districts don’t spend a consistent amount of Northfield student Grace Muth testifies March 1 before the House Education Policy Committee time talking about certain topics,” Perez noted. on a bill, sponsored by Rep. Todd Lippert, right, which would, in part, require the Education “We want folks to be well informed so they can Department to identify one or more model sexual health education programs. While the bill faltered in the Senate, opponents plan a rally Sunday at the capitol to oppose the bill. (Photo by make healthy decisions for themselves. Part of it is healthy relationship consent piece, and oftentimes Paul Battaglia)

Northfield news com

Northfield news com

that is not adequately taught in school.”

Under the law, Minnesota school districts would be allowed to propose their own sex education curriculums and would submit them to the state Department of Education for approval. Currently, Minnesota lets districts put together their own sex education curriculum and is one of 37 states which currently does not require sex education curriculum to be medically accurate.

Lippert’s bill passed in the House last session, but stalled in the Senate. Conservative opponents of the measure reacted with outrage, arguing the measure would pre-empt local and parental control of sex education.

The Child Protection League, a socially conservative Mankato-based nonprofit, holds a rally at the state Capitol Sunday in opposition to the measure. Child Protection League Board Chair Julie Quist, of St. Peter, said that ultimately, the decision of what to teach children in sex ed needs to be left up to local school boards and parents. “(Supporters of the bill) say that what’s taught is inconsistent, that some places teach some things that other places teach others,” Quist said. “That’s what local control is.”

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