Progress

Progress 2015

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Healthcare options have expanded in Northfield

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115 W. 5th Street, Northfield, MN 55057 507-645-5615

Publisher & Editor Sam Gett

Managing Editor Jerry Smith

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Editorial

Jerry Smith Kevin Krein Nick Gerhardt Brad Phenow Brittney Neset Christopher Houck The Progress/Portraits 2015 special section is distributed to subscribers of the Northfield News at no additional charge. All rights reserved. Copyright 2015. All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. Please patronize and thank the advertisers for helping make this special section possible.

INSIDE COLUMNS

Todd Bornhauser .......... C3 Chris Richardson .......... C4 Virginia Kaczmarek .......C6 Elizabeth Child ............. C6 Scot Covey .................... C7 Teresa Jensen ............... C7 Joel Erickson ................ C7

ANNIVERSARIES

Aquatic Pets Basil’s Pizza Champion Sports Heartwork Studio Heritage Dental Northfield Historical Society Studio Elements

EXPANDING OPTIONS

New surgery center expands Northfield Hospital & Clinics’ possibilities

‘Little guy’ Northfield Urgent Care holding its own in healthcarerich city

By JERRY SMITH

By JERRY SMITH

jcsmith@northfieldnews.com

jcsmith@northfieldnews.com

“W

e’re the little guy in the land of giants.”

That’s how Kevin Bardwell, M.D., describes Northfield Urgent Care.

But that hasn’t stopped Bardwell from carving out a niche in this city of 20,000 people. In fact, the owner of Northfield Urgent Care relishes the fact that his small clinic can offer patients the same great care the other healthcare facilities in Northfield can but without the longer wait times seen at Allina Health Clinic and Northfield Hospital & Clinics.

“We have a niche here,” Bardwell said. “We’re the only urgent care in Rice County. It definitely fills a need and people have told us they appreciate us being here, especially for the convenience we offer.”

But it hasn’t been easy for Bardwell and Northfield Urgent Care since opening in April 2009.

Urgent care alone hasn’t sustained Bardwell’s business. He’s had to diversify to keep his business open and growing. The Northfield doctor looks back on his clinic’s beginnings and sometimes wonders how it has come this far.

O

ne of the missions of Northfield Hospital & Clinics is to keep up with the continuing changes in healthcare.

Hospital officials believe the addition of its new Surgery Center addresses some of those changes.

Work began on the $6.3 million Surgery Center in late December with the goal of opening its doors in August. Jerry Ehn, vice president and chief operating officer for Northfield Hospital & Clinics, says construction is on pace to do just that.

“Our first patient is scheduled for Aug. 24,” Ehn said.

“Construction will wrap up the second week of August. There’s been the recognition for a while that we needed more surgical space. We had to reconfigure that somehow to be more efficient and add some capacity.”

Ehn said the addition of the 9,000-square-foot Surgery Center will give the hospital the ability to perform more procedures. With the ever-changing advances in technology, Ehn said the current space was getting tight.

Dr. Kevin Bardwell, owner of Northfield Urgent Care, examines Michelle Loring, who visited the clinic with sinus issues. Loring, who has been to the clinic a number of times with her sons, says she is happy with the medical expertise and the friendly atmosphere. (Jerry Smith/Northfield News)

settings, each one different from the other. It’s that experience that led him to think about opening an urgent care operation of his own.

“If I could take the best from the six models, what would that look like?” he said. “That would be a real nice model and make for a fabulous urgent care.”

While he was gung ho about the possibilities of opening his own urgent care clinic using pieces of the six models he’s been a part of, his biggest concern was how to make it a reality.

That answer came a short time An open door later. While attending a medical As a doctor, Bardwell always conference in 2007, he met someenjoyed urgent care. In his career, one who worked for a company he has worked in six urgent care that started urgent care clinics. He

IF YOU GO What: Northfield Urgent Care Where: 2014 Jefferson Rd., Suite C Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Services: As an urgent care walk-in clinic, Northfield Urgent Care takes care of medical conditions that are not life-threatening. Services include: • Treating common conditions • Flu vaccinations • Occupational health • Cosmetic care More information: Visit the website at www. northfieldurgentcare.com or call 507-664-9999

spent a lot of time with that person during the course of conference, and by the time he left, he was convinced this was something he wanted to do.

“I decided to do it and haven’t looked back,” Bardwell said. “Having Allina and Northfield Hospital in the same city did concern me, because Northfield isn’t that large and there are a lot of doctors in town. I knew that would cut into my growth for sure.”

Bardwell found out the hard way that it’s a make-or-break proposition in the first year or two after opening. He and his staff had a little more idle time than they

In the new center, the procedure rooms will be much larger, allowing the hospital in the future to do even more and different surgeries as needed, Ehn said.

“This expansion takes care of a number of issues,” he said.

“We are addressing a campus that is 13 years old and are currently tight in the surgical space, which makes us limited in what procedures our doctors can perform. We’re trying to provide as much service locally. People want to be close to home.”

Tammy Hayes, chief nurse executive and hospital & long term care administrator for NH&C, says the new Surgery Center will not only provide patients with more services, it also will help make the process from start to finish much easier.

“It will change our patient flow,” she said. “Patients will check into the Surgery Center and be able to wait in a shared waiting room. The new center will provide a better, more concise flow.”

Hayes said the biggest driver of the new Surgery Center was the need to schedule more

See OPTIONS on 3C

See CLINIC on 4C

DR. KEVIN BARDWELL About the doctor ...

The Bardwells have been residents of Northfield since 1994.

Dr. Kevin Bardwell attended Bethel College in St. Paul, then did his medical training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Bardwell completed his residency training in Family Practice in Sioux Falls.

Construction of the new Northfield Hospital & Clinics Surgery Center is on pace to welcome its first patient at the end of August. (Jerry Smith/Northfield News)

Join us the first weekend after Labor Day.

September 9-13, 2015

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A special section of the Northfield News

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

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Progress/ Portraits 2015

NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

Living History! • Fast Action!

Great Entertainment!

Fun for the Whole Family!

© photo courtesy of Northfield News

PAGE 2C

Events subject to change without notification

Soap Box Derby • Raid Re-Enactments • Music & Entertainment Center (Great Bands) • PRCA Rodeo • Sunday’s Grand Parade • DJJD Bike Tour • Classic Car Show • Exciting Arts & Crafts Fairs • Kiddie Parade • BINGO on the Square • Great Food • Antique Tractor Pull • Pedal Tractor Pull • Western Steak Fry • Carnival • Northfield Historical Society Bank Site and Museum • 5K Run & Non-competitive Walk • Information Booth on Bridge Square

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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

PAGE 3C

Northfield Chamber committed to moving community forward F

or over 95 years, the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has been working to improve the economic climate, business environment and community image of the Northfield Area.

Started in 1920 as the Northfield Commercial Club, the Chamber today is “THE” business community resource, serving as the voice of Northfield area businesses.

So what does the Chamber do? It serves as an advocate for business growth and development.

The Chamber is a business and tourism resource center and civic clearing house for information about the Northfield area. It is an association of business and professional leaders working together to enhance and improve the economic and civic vitality of our community.

The Northfield Area Chamber is a versatile and powerful business tool that provides a variety of benefits to businesses and generates a return on investment.

The Chamber is an action organization that concentrates its efforts in the areas of business development, business promotion, workforce educations, public relations, tourism, membership programs and services, economic development and government affairs.

New in 2015, the Chamber has established the following

Another View Todd Bornhauser

values – member focus, respectability, collaboration, leadership, volunteerism and fun. It is these values that guide the operation of this organization.

Our objective is to serve as a leader and catalyst in providing a favorable business climate and cultivating the uniqueness to our community.

We achieve this thru the implementation of our action plan, utilizing strategies and performing tasks around our six main goals: growing membership, strengthening economic development, passionate advocacy promoting tourism, delivering programming and in all we do, always having fun.

Chamber members are dedicated individuals committed to providing excellent products and services, while giving back to their local community with their time and resources.

Look for the 2015 Chamber sticker on the door or window of your Northfield Area businesses.

It is your sign of their commitment to the business and local community.

Todd Bornhauser is the president of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARIES: HEARTWORK STUDIO Name of company: HeartWork Studio Address: 101 W. Fifth St., Northfield Owner: Amy Machacek Opened: 2000 More information: Visit www.heartworkyoga.com Tell us about your business and how you remained a vital part of the Northfield area business community for so long: We are a thriving yoga and barre studio that offers over 35 classes each week, seven days a week.

We have remained vital by adding a yoga-teacher training school that is highly

regarded in the Midwest.

We have graduated over 200 people from our 200-hour yoga school.

Additionally, we offer a six-week, life-changing program called LIFE REVAMP that brings a small group of people through an intense combination of nutrition, fitness, goalsetting and life coaching.

An artist rendering of the new Northfield Hospital & Clinics Surgery Center from the north side of the property. (Courtesy of Mohagen Hansen)

Options: New NH&C Surgery Center expands possibilities From Page 2C

sooner,” he said. “Our goal is to see more people and offer our patients the services they desire. The new Surgery Center will be more convenient for people in general.”

Ehn said planning for the new Surgery Center has been ongoing for more than a year.

Therefore, he said, dollars have been put aside for the time when the new addition became a reality. The hospital COO said that much of the cost is covered by those reserves, but that some of the cost might have to be financed so the hospital can continue to have a reserve moving forward.

“In the short term, we’re in a very good position to pay for this project,” he said.

While the new Surgery Center will occupy the top level of the two-level addition and be used right away, hospital officials say the use for the bottom level hasn’t been decided.

Ehn said that over the next six to nine months, that planning will be complete.

“We’re space planning for that,” he said. “We’re talking about other services that will benefit the community.”

surgical procedures. She said that the hospital has seen an increase in its surgical volume.

“Some days, we just ran out of room,” she said.

One of the fastest growing procedures at NH&C has been and continues to be endoscopy screenings. Hayes said that the hospital couldn’t expand that area until a new Surgery Center was built. She said the hospital currently has a backlog, but in the future, patients will not have to wait.

Hospital officials and doctors believe endoscopy screenings are important because they can catch trouble areas early on and potentially save lives. That was a driving force in proceeding with the addition of the new Surgery Center and expansion of the endoscopy center.

Hospital records show that 750 endoscopy procedures were done in 2014. Ehn believes that even starting in August, NH&C will see an increase of about 250 endoscopies in 2015. One of the biggest reasons for that is the fact that the current facility has just one room in which to perform the procedures. An additional room is being added in Reach Managing Editor Jerry the expansion.

Smith at 645-1136, or follow “We’ll be able to see more him on Twitter.com @Newspatients in a day and see them Northfield

ENDOSCOPY Digestive diseases and endoscopy Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to examine a person’s digestive tract. Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, your doctor can view pictures of your digestive tract on a color TV monitor.

During an upper endoscopy, an endoscope is easily passed through the mouth and throat and into the esophagus allowing the doctor to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.

Similarly, endoscopes can be passed into the large intestine (colon) through the rectum to examine this area of the intestine. This procedure is called sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy depending on how far up the colon is examined.

A special form of endoscopy called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography, or ERCP, allows pictures of the pancreas, gallbladder, and related structures to be taken.

Why do I need an endoscopy?

Doctors will often recommend endoscopy to evaluate: • tomach pain • lcers gastritis or di cult s allo ing • igestive tract leeding • Changes in o el ha its chronic constipation or diarrhea) • ol ps or gro ths in the colon • n addition our doctor ma use an endoscope to ta e a biopsy (removal of tissue) to look for the presence of disease.

• ndoscop ma also e used to treat a digestive tract problem. For example, the endoscope might not only detect active bleeding from an ulcer, but devices can be passed through the endoscope that can stop the bleeding.

In the colon, polyps can be removed through the scope to prevent the development of colon cancer. − Source: Web MD

What is the best thing about operating a business in the Northfield area?

The amazing people who come here to take classes and the high quality of people available to be on our team.

LEFT: Work on the Northfield Hospital & Clinics new Surgery Center is on schedule as the first patient will have a procedure on Aug. 24. RIGHT: A construction worker prepares concrete for the entrance of the new center. (Jerry Smith/Northfield News)

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PAGE 4C

NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Clinic: Northfield Urgent Care surviving in ‘land of giants’ Northfield School District committed to educational excellence From Page 2C

N

orthfield Public Schools is committed to helping all students reach their full potential.

Highlights during the past 12 months • Professional Learning Communities supported increased student achievement through strengthened teaching, while flexible grouping allowed students to learn at their instructional level.

• The District implemented Response to Intervention and Postive Behavior Intervention Systems in all buildings supporting students having difficulty learning or struggling with behavior.

• The District continued implementation of Phase II of a Transformational Technology Initiative providing a 1:1 student iPad tablet initiative for all secondary students, a pod of 4-6 iPads in every elementary classroom and expanded staff training.

• Elementary and secondary students continued to outperform the state and nation in MAP, MCA, ACT, PLAN and EXPLORE tests.

• 89 percent of our high school students taking the Advanced Placement (AP) tests earned college credit for AP high school classes.

• The 9th grade Academy and the TORCH program supported increased high school graduation rates and college entrance.

Adapting to economic and security challenges

Another View Chris Richardson

Levies, the District’s continued financial stewardship and selfinsured healthcare allowed us to maintain all programs and staff for the 2015-16 school year.

• Increased security measures were implemented in all buildings.

Future plans and progress

• With additional State funding, the District will expand Response to Intervention (RtI) in all our schools to support both academic interventions as well as Postive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) for students who need positive behavior support.

• The District will continue Phase II of the Transformational Technology Initiative supporting all staff and students, expanding iPad access for all 4th and 5th graders, and moving beyond augmentation to modification to support learning.

Optimism for the future

wanted those first couple of years.

“I remember having three patients a day for the longest time when we first started out,” Bardwell said. “Eventually, things began to pick up and we see 25-30 patients a day now.”

Diversification

Bardwell knew his clinic couldn’t thrive on urgent care alone. So after those first couple of years in business, he hired a consulting firm with hopes of taking the business to the next level. Working on his marketing and public relations and even surveying what folks wanted in an urgent care clinic, the firm helped Bardwell see that his operation could grow if he offered other services.

Bardwell looked at the clinic’s focus and decided with the industry Northfield supported, he would add occupational health services, which include drug tests, breathalyzers, pre-employment physicals, DOT physicals and wellness services, among many

others.

“If we did urgent care alone, we wouldn’t have made it,” Bardwell said. “Trucking firms have helped us stay in business.

With occupational health, there is regular business you can count on. This was very intentional. We knew we would need this and that it would be a big part of our business.”

Bardwell says that patient satisfaction has soared because of the new services, the shorter wait times, and even since he started outsourcing the clinic’s billing. But the real reason the Northfield doctor believes he has been able to compete against the healthcare big boys in Northfield is the customer service that comes with the medical services offered at the clinic.

“Personal customer service is big at the clinic,” Bardwell said.

“We’re like a family here and we treat you like one of our own. You won’t feel like you are being run through the mill.”

Bardwell noted that as part of that personal customer service, it isn’t uncommon for him to call three to four patients a day to see

how they are doing. He’s heard patients say time and again that they have never received a call from an actual doctor.

“It’s combining the personal care with the medical knowledge,” Bardwell said. “People want to be treated right and know their doctor cares about their well-being.”

Michelle Loring agrees. She visited Northfield Urgent Care recently with sinus issues and couldn’t be happier with her care.

“I have brought my kids here on a number of occasions and have been here myself,” Loring said. “It’s nice to know you can get in when you actually need to see a doctor. I’ve had nothing but good care here. They take good care of me and my family.”

That sort of feedback isn’t lost on Clinic Manager Christine Juvland, who has been at the clinic for more than a year. She said she hears it all the time.

“We hear they are pleased with the number of services we offer and how they are extremely happy with the interaction with staff members,” she said. “Two of the biggest compliments we receive

are for the quality of care we offer and the time it takes to be seen.”

Front Office Manager Shannon St. Germain says wait time is important to most, if not all, of Northfield Urgent Care’s patients. She said that, coupled with the medical expertise, is why they choose to go there.

“Wait time is huge,” she said.

“Our repeat customers say that is very important.”

Bardwell is cognizant of the positive feedback by his patients and is proud of the way his staff helps make every visit go as well as it can. He believes those positive encounters will help keep Northfield Urgent Care thriving and growing, even in a city that two larger healthcare providers call home.

“I’m definitely proud of our medical expertise here,” he said.

“It’s been quite a ride and I’m glad I did it. We’re still here and we aren’t going away. It’s service that people need and want.”

Reach Managing Editor Jerry Smith at 645-1136, or follow him on Twitter.com @NewsNorthfield

Northfield Urgent Care opened its doors in October 2009.

(Jerry Smith/ Northfield News)

• District staff deeply appreciates our supportive community and remains committed to delivering educational excellence empowering all learners to participate in our dynamic world.

Chris Richardson, Ph.D, is • Community support of the the superintendent of Northfield Operating and Capital Projects Schools

Clinic Manager Christine Juvland (left) and Front Office Manager Shannon St. Germain have helped make Northfield Urgent Care a viable healthcare option in Northfield. (Jerry Smith/Northfield News)

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NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

PAGE 5C

City staff, council approve various projects in 2015

By BRAD PHENOW

bphenow@northfieldnews.com

I

t’s been a busy year for the city of Northfield as different departments finish up the ongoing projects and look to both the near and far future with planning and approving upcoming projects.

Throughout the year, the city has made progress while looking to make decisions on a number of larger future projects, but also reaching a consensus on projects that have been a long time coming. Here’s a brief description of some of the larger projects that are currently within the city’s crosshairs: 1. LIBRARY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT It’s not the first improvement made to the Northfield Public Library, but it’s one that will shut down the building for some time.

The council approved the project in mid-June, and the soon-to-

be renovated library will feature more gathering and programming space, enhance employee workplaces and will be more easily accessible. Also included in the improvements are mandatory safety upgrades. During the project, an interim library will be open at city hall.

Cost: $2.83 million Completion date: Spring 2016 2. NORTHFIELD SKATE PARK It’s been a long time coming.

For more than 10 years, the city of Northfield, dedicated community members and members of the Northfield Skateboard Coalition have been pushing for a skateboard park in city limits. In early June, Northfield council members, along with area residents, broke ground on the skate park.

Cost: $154,000 Completion date: August 2015

See PROJECTS on 8C

After July 2, the Northfield Library’s doors will be closed to the public until its renovations are complete next spring. (News file photo)

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARIES: HERITAGE DENTAL CARE Name of company: Heritage Dental Care Address: e erson Rd., Northfield Current owners: David Buck, David Brust and Bo Stanley Opened: 1970

remain vital you must engage in the community.

Volunteering, coaching, eing on various oards and committees are all a ig part o ma ing this community a great place to live and work.

Tell us about your business and how you remained a vital part of the Northfield area business community for so long: We are a small town dental practice and to

What is the best thing about operating a business in the Northfield area?: The wide range of people ou uild relationships ith is the est thing a out working in Northfield.

For 30 years, the Carlson Capital Management team has continued to grow. In 2015, there are 35 employees in four locations, including Northfield, Hastings, Rochester and Bloomington. (Photo courtesy of Carlson Capital Management)

CAPITAL INVESTMENT CNBC national honor is affirmation that Northfield’s Carlson Capital Management is serving its clients well

By JERRY SMITH

jcsmith@northfieldnews.com

G

reg Carlson believes coming to work each day knowing that you and your colleagues are helping clients achieve successful financial outcomes is affirmation enough of a job well done.

But sometimes, he says it’s nice to hear it from those on the outside looking in.

Carlson and the other 34 people employed at Carlson Capital Management in Northfield, Hastings, Bloomington and Rochester received some pretty lofty praise recently when CNBC ranked the integrated wealth management firm No. 2 in its annual list of Top 100 Fee-Only Management Firms.

The only other Minnesota firm to make the list was Cahill Financial Advisors, Inc. out of Edina, which finished 69th.

“It was a very pleasant surprise,” said Carlson, who is a principal in the company that has been around for 30 years. He noted that the firm was ranked 17th on CNBC’s inaugural list in 2014. “We know a lot of great firms and to be recognized as No. 2 in the country is very affirming that what we are doing, we are do-

ing well.”

But Carlson said the real accolade should be about the company’s retention rate. While Carlson Capital Management has seen steady growth, more importantly, it has retained more than 99 percent of its clients and has seen the assets it manages double in the past six years.

“That says to me that what we offer is what the client needs,” said Carslon, whose firm manages assets totaling $1.3 billion.

“You can’t manage that without the right systems in place.”

Carlson says one of the keys to the great relationships with the firm’s clients is the decision to not work on commission, but use a fiduciary model. That, he says, has been from the company’s beginning.

According to the Carlson Capital Management website, a fiduciary relationship represents the highest standard of care imposed by either equity or law. A fiduciary owes a duty of loyalty to whomever services are provided and is expected to be above reproach in carrying out their duties. They must not put their personal interests before that of their

ABOUT CARLSON CAPITAL MANAGEMENT Main office: 11 Bridge Square, Northfield Years in business: Over 30 Principals: Greg Carlson, e re Carlson ustin Stets Assets under management: illion Clients: 700

Number of sates CCM serving clients: 38 Percentage of clients in Minnesota: 80 percent Client retention: 99 percent Employees: 35 Office locations: 4 − Source: CCM, CNBC

METHODOLOGY FOR CNBC AWARD CNBC partnered with Meridian-IQ to create its Top 100 Wealth Management Firm listing.

Firms were scored on a variety of categories and each category’s score was weighted according to a proprietary formula to reach a final rank.

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PAGE 6C

NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Northfield Area Family YMCA: Northfield Area United Way Exceeding expectations daily launches ‘Superhero Campaign’ O

ur new YMCA opened last fall. Before the doors opened, participation goals surpassed expectations. People signed up to be members as early as six weeks in advance of the Sept. 3 opening.

By February 5,400+ people were Y members with an added 100-150 daily guest pass visits per week.

Everyone is welcomed at the Y. We surpassed expectation by providing over 800 individuals with financial scholarships.

Easily, our largest demographic is families with children.

The Y provides a community center where the entire family is welcome.

With a mission to build strong kids, strong families and a stronger community, we strive to focus on three core areas.

First, we recognize that effective youth development focuses on the achievement of social-

Another View Virginia Kaczmarek

people of different backgrounds.

Third, we understand that the desire to belong and help others is human nature; everyone has something of value to contribute.

Whether providing volunteer opportunities or working with businesses and organizations, we strive to work together to make a difference in our community.

Our early success affirms that we built a needed community asset but there are still dollars needed to complete the project.

The Y raised over $8.4 million on a project goal of $9.3 million.

Continued fundraising is needed to meet our goal to “Cross the Finish Line” and retire debt. This will ensure the Y remain focused on our three core areas.

Thank you to the Northfield community for all the support!

emotional, cognitive and physical milestones.

Summer camp, youth-ingovernment and youth recreation opportunities give kids a chance to stretch their muscles, gain confidence and have fun with friends.

Second, we support the transformation of health care from a system focused on treatment of illness to a collaborative community approach that emphasizes well-being, prevention and health maintenance.

We work hard to provide opportunities to not only address the growing high rates of chronic Virginia Kaczmarek is CEO/ disease and obesity, but also ad- Executive Director of the Northdress health inequities among field Area Family YMCA

Capital: CNBC honor affirmation for Northfield wealth management firm From Page 5C clients, and they may not profit from their position as a fiduciary without the consent of the person to whom they have pledged their fiduciary duties.

“You always have to act with the best outcome of the client in mind,” Carlson said. “You are always putting their interests first.”

According to Kelly Irvine, director of marketing and communications, Carlson Capital Management uses the fiduciary status because it answers the question about “how we are different.”

“We are an RIA (Registered Investment Advisory) firm and so we are independent,” she said.

“That differentiates us from larger organizations like Edward Jones, Ameriprise, etc. Not that we don’t respect what they do, [because] we sure do, but we are held to a fiduciary standard and we celebrate that. It means we aren’t beholden to certain products or offerings and we commit to always doing what is in the best interest of a client. To help ensure that we have the best practices in place in that regard, we are CEFEX certified.”

The people

While Carlson is honored that Carlson Capital Management was recognized by CNBC in the first two years of its listing, he’d rather the spotlight shine on his employees, who he says share the vision of the principals who first took a chance in opening the firm.

“This doesn’t come without a strong team,” he said. “When you get to the level we are now, it takes incredible colleagues who care about the mission of

the company, and more than anything, the outcomes of the clients.

“When you are told you are doing a good job, you only want to get better. The next day, you wake up and want to earn [that recognition] today.”

With that in mind, Carlson said he and the others have built up a list of more than 700 clients.

He firmly believes that the 99 percent retention rate Carlson Capital Management has been able to sustain is because of the dedicated people who work every day for their clients.

With the right systems in place, Carlson said it is easy to bring in the right people − those who care about the firm’s mission and its clients.

“You can’t just say what you do, you have to show it,” he said.

“Our colleagues add value. Over 30 years, you add the experience.

Yes, we have the right offerings for our clients to have successful financial outcomes, but in the end, you have to care about the client. When you care, it turns into a lifelong relationship. Our colleagues are making these relationships a reality every day.”

Adam Hoffmann buys into that philosophy each and every day. As Director of Investments & Research at Carlson Capital management, it is his role to lead the firm’s investment team in the area of trading, investment research, portfolio design and technology support investment applications. He oversees analysis and execution of investment strategies for new and existing client portfolios.

Hoffmann said the jump from No. 17 to No. 2 on CNBC’s Top

100 Wealth Manager list surprised some, but was an affirmation to many others.

“We know the strength of the firm and the offering,” said Hoffmann, who has been with Carlson Capital Management since 2005. “A huge part of it is we are working together for our clients.

We are really one large team. The founders and principals have instilled that community feel.”

Hoffmann said his firm’s growth isn’t really surprising given the mission. But he admitted it is amazing.

“It’s wonderful to see us grow at such a great rate but keeping the same feel as in 2005,” he said.

“We just keep hiring good people, people with a cultural fit. It has served us well.”

Carlson agrees and looks forward to the future, not with the goal of making CNBC’s Top 100 list or even its Top 10 list.

He and the other founders and principals have been intentional in the people the firm hires and the products offered. But at the end of the day, it comes down to the relationship with the client.

“The driving force of this company and its people is to help one client at a time,” said Carlson, who noted that Carlson Capital Management currently serves clients in 38 states. “We just focus on doing that well. Ten years from now if we get another honor like this, it will be even more gratifying because we know we have gone forward and that we are still helping our clients be successful.”

Reach Managing Editor Jerry Smith at 645-1136, or follow him on Twitter.com @NewsNorthfield

“When you get to the level we are now, it takes incredible colleagues who care about the mission of the company, and more than anything, the outcomes of the clients.

When you are told you are doing a good job, you only want to get better. The next day, you wake up and want to earn [that recognition] today.”

Greg Carlson, founder and principal in Carlson Capital Management

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARIES: STUDIO ELEMENTS Name of company: Studio Elements Address: 16 Bridge Square, Northfield Owner: Jill Enestvedt Opened: 2010 More information: Call 507-786-9393 or visit studioelements.net Tell us about your

business and how you remained a vital part of the Northfield area business community for so long: Studio Elements is an artbased gift shop featuring books, journals, cards, jewelry, local art, and supply elements for arts and crafts.

Our customers have come

to appreciate a unique and creative selection of merchandise for kids and adults alike.

As a business owner I am grateful for wonderful regular customers, the influx of visitors discovering Northfield, and the support of other businesses and collegues downtown.

Put in your 2¢ worth .

Submit a column or letter to the opinion page.

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Maybe we can’t all leap buildings in a single bound, but we each have the potential to unleash our “inner hero,” bolstering our community through giving.

Did you know that one in three Northfield area residents is helped by United Way agencies?

With this year’s “Superhero Campaign,” which officially launches in September, the Northfield Area United Way hopes to inspire us all to be every day heroes by joining together to change lives and improve our community.

The Northfield Area United Way is a trusted resource for the community, founded more than 40 years ago. It funds 21 programs in education, health and financial stability/basic needs.

Last year these programs accomplished the following – and

Another View

Elizabeth Child

a lot more: • adults were trained to identify and respond to mental health concerns • referrals were made to help-resources in the Northfield Area through United Way’s 2-11 operator service • 99 percent of Latino seniors graduated from high school • o one was turned away from the food shelf

Recognize Your Local Hero

you or the community at work or home. Fill out a local hero recognition form (coming soon) at www.NorthfieldUnitedWay. org and we will be in touch with you.

Bring your little superhero to our family-friendly campaign kick-off, Sept. 19 at the YMCA. All community members are invited to the Y that morning for free workouts and tours, games, music and a chance to meet United Way partner agencies.

In addition, for the third year we are highlighting “giving local” by hosting the third annual 100% Local Music Festival, Friday, October 23, from 5 to 11:30 p.m. at The Grand Event Center.

You can purchase tickets now at EventBrite.com.

During this year’s campaign, Elizabeth Child is executive you can recognize someone who director of the Northfield Area went out of his or her way for United Way.

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARIES: AQUATIC PETS Name of company: Aquatic Pets Address: 414 Division St. S., Northfield Owner: Liz (Steve) Messner Opened: 1990

business community for so long: We are a pet shop with tropical fish and supplies for all pets. We offer friendly service and advice for a hobby that can last a

lifetime.

What is the best thing about operating a business in the Northfield area?

Having customers that appreciate you being there.

studio element elements studio eleme studio elements studio

Tell us about your business and how you remained a vital part of the Northfield area

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HEALING HAPPENS HERE “Our lives have been made easier because of the cancer care resources in Northfield.”

Marilyn & Lloyd Berglund

“It’s been a long journey, but I would be more than happy to do it again.”

Lloyd Berglund shared that sentiment with his wife of 55 years, Marilyn. Together they had fun snowmobiling and curling, owned a motel and a hardware store and raised three children.

And they both have cancer. Marilyn, has stage IV lung cancer. Lloyd, has colon cancer.

For the past 11 months, their lives have been consumed by medical appointments. She has needed both chemotherapy and radiation and Lloyd is currently receiving chemotherapy.

The good news is that their lives have been made easier because of the healthcare resources in Northfield. Their chemotherapy has been provided by Northfield Hospital’s Cancer Care & Infusion Center; Marilyn’s radiation treatments by Mayo Clinic Radiation

Therapy across the road.

They haven’t had to travel the extra miles to Rochester or spend money to stay over night for their treatments. They drive 20 minutes from their home in Cannon Falls to Northfield, have consultations with their medical oncologist Robert Dalton, MD, or their radiation oncologist Tim McKone, MD, both of Mayo Clinic, have treatments or tests and then drive 20-minutes home. It couldn’t be more convenient.

The value added is the staff, the couple says.

They combine professional competence with emotional sensitivity. They share their patients’ journeys.

The Berglunds continue to look forward not back. Every day is a gift and time with family is good medicine.

WITH YOU IN YOUR HAPPIEST AND HARDEST MOMENTS Convenient Locations

The Specialties You Need

Freedom of Choice - Premier Partners Mayo Clinic, Abbott, HCMC, U of M

Same Day Appointments New Family Medicine Doctor - Sara Hernberg

New Surgery Center opening fall of 2015 - 3 new surgery/procedure suites, expansion of endosocopy services, new surgeon Katya Ericson New state-of-the-art MRI provides greater detail

New OB/GYN Doctors Nicole Dohm Palmer and Kaye C. Mickelson

2000 North Avenue, Northfield 507-646-1000

www.northfieldhospital.org

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARIES: NORTHFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY Name of company: Northfield Historical Society Address: 408 Division St., Northfield Director: Hayes Scriven Opened: 1975 More information: Call 507-645-9268 or visit northfieldhistory.org The founding of NHS: The Northfield Historical Society (NHS) grew out of the activities of the committee formed to celebrate America’s bicentennial in 1975.

One of the goals of the committee was to establish a museum and to find a home for it. The committee first looked at Joseph Lee Heywood’s house. The group agreed although the house had great historical relevance, it would be hard to adapt it for use as a museum.

A few months later, the Scriver Building came up for sale. The group made an offer of $125,000, and the owner agreed.

The committed then began the lengthy process of developing a non-profit organization run by volunteers.

The new society had no money. So with a great deal of help with publicity from the Northfield News and KYMN Radio, NHS immediately started asking for contributions.

The first substantial gift the society received was from the Northfield Lions Club. This was followed by donations from FUTURE (Friends United to Undertake Restoration Efforts) and from many businesses, organizations, and individuals. Finally, NHS had enough money to feel that the building was secure.

On July 4th, 1976, the Northfield Historical Society celebrated its formation and dedicated the Scriver Building to public service as a museum.

We have remained vital because our membership and the great support we receive from the community of Northfield. Northfield is very proud of its history and it shows. Because of this amazing support we are able to have great programs that serve the community.

What is the best thing about operating a business in the Northfield area?: The people, Northfield is a very engaging community and it shows. That engagement, passion, and appreciation for history is what keeps us in business.

NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

Northfield library undergoing changes O

ver the past year the library has seen many changes as we prepare for our building renovation project.

Currently the construction documents are out for bid and will be opened this week. We hope to break ground sometime in August, depending on the winning General Contractor’s schedule.

Our interim library will be in the second floor training room at City Hall, 801 Washington Street during the 6-8 months of renovation; check online for our hours and other library news at http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/ library.

While we are in our smaller space, most of the collection will be in storage and inaccessible to us and our patrons, but we will continue to have access to the larger — 60+ library – SELCO collection.

Available at the City Hall library will be Internet computers, our full range of magazines and newspapers, library databases including ZINIO, the online magazine resource, many DVDs, new book releases, and a range of popular fiction and non-fiction. Come and check us out!

In the meantime, join us for summer family fun and entertainment on Wednesday nights at Northfield city parks

Another View Teresa Jensen

for Books and Stars. In partnership with the Northfield Hospital we will be hosting a special “Heart Healthy” July 22 Books & Stars event which will include a bike ride to the hospital and many heart-healthy interactive booths, plus performer Rachael Kroog, who will surely get you up and moving!

Brazilian Jazz performers Xibaba will be at the Memorial Park pool on July 29, swing band 1st Things 1st will be at Way Park on Aug. 5, the Eelpout Stringers will perform their classic old-time music at Central Park on Aug.12, and folkgypsy jazz musicians Patchouli will be at Way Park on Aug.19.

All performances are free and begin at 7 p.m.

Books and Stars is a partnership of the Northfield Public Library, Northfield Public Schools, Community Services Division, the Northfield Hospital and Clinics, SEMAC and SELCO/SELS Legacy Grants.

Tersa Jensen is directory of Library and IT Services for the city of Northfield.

NDDC spending time on business development D

owntown is the heart of Northfield, the place where we show people what’s great about this town, the place where we’re a community.

At a time when so many cities struggle to find a sense of place, Downtown Northfield is a real home, and the envy of small towns across the Upper Midwest.

But there are many ways we can make our downtown—and our community — even stronger. This year, the NDDC is spending much of its energy on business development, business diversity and improving the Downtown Northfield experience for both locals and visitors.

We’re actively recruiting groundbreaking restaurateurs.

We’re helping local retailers enhance their businesses. We have been working closely with the CVB, the Enterprise Center, the Chamber and many other groups to make sure we’re making real progress.

We have recently completed a major part of our 2015 contract with the City, the first-ever comprehensive searchable database of all downtown space — retail, office, and residential — to help individuals, the City, and developers get a more complete picture of how Downtown

Another View

ith the middle of summer upon us, it has been a very busy summer so far in Lonsdale.

It is great to see families using the parks and trails.

The City received $149,000 in grant funding to complete the “Linking Lonsdale” trail project, which made trail connections between DRS Park and Main St. N. and also a connection and crossing of Highway 19 at 8th Ave NE. A grand opening is scheduled for later this summer.

The community has really come together and has been extremely generous to make the construction of a Veteran’s Memorial a reality. It is located at the intersection of Main St. N. and Railway St. NW. The Memorial and Main St. Plaza have really improved the aesthetics of Main St.

Another View Joel Erickson

Welcome to the Weitz Center for Creativity:

Scot Covey

can serve various needs.

Through the database project, we have also discovered a deficiency: vacant space. Downtown Northfield is virtually full.

While this might seem ideal, the reality is that no vacancies means no opportunities for new businesses who want to locate here, no place for a business to grow. Experts recommend we have four or five times the empty space we currently have.

So, the NDDC is working to increase interest in building, expansion, and redevelopment in the core of downtown.

We welcome the involvement of anyone interested in the health of downtown. Downtown Northfield is a place that we all can be proud of and the NDDC is here to make sure it thrives and remains the center of our community.

Scot Covey is the executive director of the Northfield Downtown Development Development corporation.

Lonsdale sees continued growth W

PAGE 7C

The Area No. 5 Street and Utility improvement project is in full swing. The project includes several sanitary sewer repairs, new water main and services, drain tile, subgrade improvements, new curb and gutter and black top.

There have been 15 new homes constructed in Lonsdale so far this year and more are expected.

Dollar General has broken ground on their new 9,100 square foot store, which is located at Highway 19 and 15th Ave SE. The City also sold a parcel of land in the Lonsdale Business Park to Technical Methods, Inc. and construction of a building is expected later this summer.

The dedication of the Memorial will be held at 6 p.m. on July 31.

The keynote speaker will be Major General Richard C. Nash of the Minnesota National Guard.

The City has received grant funding to help finance a fish pier that will be constructed in Rezac Nature Preserve later this summer. The plan is to work with the DNR on an annual fish stocking program.

The City’s water tower received an interior and exterior cleaning, some structural repairs Joel Erickson is city adminand a new paint job. istrator for the city of Lonsdale.

Carleton’s Weitz Center for Creativity hosts many free and public events throughout the academic year, including theater and dance performances, film screenings, and gallery tours. Learn more at go.carleton.edu/weitzevents.

Hold your next event at the Weitz Center. Various spaces are available to rent during Carleton’s holiday and summer breaks. E-mail Noel Ponder at nponder@carleton.edu or call 507-222-7185.

PAGE 8C

NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARIES: CHAMPION SPORTS Name of company: Chanpion Sports Inc. Address: 407 Division St., Northfield Owners: Bill Brodin and Tom Mazanec Opened: 1980 Tell us about your business and how you remained a vital part of the Northfield area business community for so long: Loyal customers (and they know who they are) who understand that each dollar spent in town for the same products they can order off the evil internet or in metropolitan area will be spent back in the community.

Having the right products and listening to our customers needs and wants. Retail is not a 9-5 job, long hours at the store and home is a must to keep downtown businesses doors open.

It really comes down to friends and customers who become friends that keep us going. Can’t forget about the two colleges in town and the support the students, families and alum give to Northfield.

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARIES: BASIL’S PIZZA

Artist rendering of the Northfield Public Library east entrance. (Photo courtesy of the Northfield Public Library.)

In an effort to give Northfield pedestrians a safer path across one of the city’s major corridors, the council approved plans to construct safety measures at the intersection of Third Street and Hwy. 3. (City of Northfield graphic)

Projects: City of Northfield has a lot going, planned shared parking and bike lanes.

Cost: $4.8 million Page 5C Construction dates: May3. WOODLEY STREET RENovember 2016 CONSTRUCTION In 2015, the newly hired public works director exhaust- 4. HWY. 3 AND THIRD ed much of his time to getting STREET SAFETY IMPROVEinput from the community re- MENTS In an effort to give Northgarding the plan construction of Woodley Street, between Prairie field pedestrians an additional Avenue and Division Street. In safe path across Hwy. 3, the city addition to the city’s work, the approved plans to construct state and the county will assist a number of safety measure at in the project. However, the city the intersection of Hwy. 3 and wanted input from the commu- Third Street. The construction nity and the immediate neigh- will include a median on Hwy. borhood. The council decided 3, to provide a stopping point on sidewalks on both sides of the for pedestrians and to prevent street, in addition to four 11-foot left turns and straight through lanes: two driving lanes and two traffic, along with two islands on

From

Third Street to channelize traffic. The intersection will also see a pedestrian-activated crossing sign, pedestrian level lighting and an overhead cross arms.

Cost: $500,000 Completion date: Fall 2015

rent site, but an exact timeline as to when it could be completed has not been set.

Cost: $2.675 million Construction date: TBD 6. ONGOING DISCUSSIONS The city is also discussing a number of future projects including Meadows Park, as it works to complete the master plan, the Northfield Municipal Liquor Store, as another study will be completed, and developing a plan for a new ice arena.

5. NORTHFIELD FIRE HALL In the last 10 plus years, there have been four different studies conducted on the Northfield Fire Hall to determine the best option for a new or remodeled facility.

In 2015, yet another study was completed, after the recentlyformed Northfield Area Fire Brad Phenow covers governand Rescue Service joint powers ment and economic developboard received a grant. The study ment in Northfield. Reach him focused on a remodel of its cur- at 645-1122 .

What is the best thing about operating a business in the Northfield area?: Personally, the one minute commute to work and back is great. When someone thanks you for being in town and compliments you on having a nice store is great. Giving back what we can to the sports associations and departments that supports us is rewarding.

Name of company: Basil’s Pizza Address: 301 S. Water St., Northfield Owner: Theologia and Dimitri Pitsavis Opened: 1960 About Basi’s Pizza: Vasili “Bill” Pitsavas arrived at Ellis Island from Greece in 1956.

After learning the pizzamaking trade and perfecting his own combination of spices for the all-important sauce, Pitsavas was ready to launch his own business.

He opened Basil’s Pizza in its current location in Northfield in December of 1960.

Originally titled “Bill’s Pizza,” the name was changed in 1984 and continued to be owned and operated by the Pitsavas family.

Through the rest of the 80s, 90s and 2000s, Bill’s original recipe has remained Northfield’s favorite. Basil’s Pizza was voted one of the top 5 pizza joints in the state of Minnesota via the February 2009 issue of Twin Cities Metro Magazine.

Today, the Pitsavas family still operates Basil’s Pizza and carries on the tradition of quality food and friendly service.

From the owners: We at Basil’s Pizza are proud to serve the Northfield community, including St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges. Thank you for over 50 years of business!

A section of Woodley Street that will be reconstructed that currently has a sidewalk on the south side. (Brad Phenow/ Daily News)

Pictured is the Northfield fire hall, which may receive a renovation in the near future to remedy some overdue maintenance updates and allow for more space to store vehicles.

(News File photo)

Traditional Values.

Progressive Spirit.

A Christian community of senior housing that has it all.

Northfield Retirement Community provides exceptional housing, care facilities and services for seniors looking for everything they need, all in one place.

Northfield Retirement Community offers: • Several recently completed renovations and expansions, including new spaces for resident physical therapy, the Main Street Café and our on-campus store, Emelda’s Marketplace.

• A 30-acre, beautifully landscaped campus complete with gardens, quiet spaces and the new Pathways of Faith Park.

• Multiple varied senior living facilities and a wide range of services – round-the-clock care, memory services, home care assistance, assisted living apartments and townhomes, and more.

Choose innovation, choice and tradition … choose Northfield Retirement Community.

North Ave

Woodland Tr

Dresden Ave

Lupine Dr

Lockwood Dr

Independence Dr

Zanmiller St

For more information or to set up a tour, call 507-664-3466 or visit northfieldretirement.org.

Quie Ln Cannon Valley Dr

Cannon Valley Place

Viking Terrace

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Photos, videos and more at 3 facebook.com/northfieldretirement

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5th St W

Spring St N

Linden St N

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900 Cannon Valley Drive • Northfield, MN 55057 59 • 507-664-3466 • www.northfieldretirement.org Northfield Retirement Community is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

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St. Olaf Ave Madison St

ST. OLAF COLLEGE

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• Full-time spiritual care with a community chaplain and pastoral care.

• The Fountain Fitness Center, a full-time certified fitness trainer, Life Trails® exercise stations, and miles of indoor and outdoor walking paths.

Portraits 2015

A spotlight on some of the colorful folks who make Northfield what it is today

Northfield News Wednesday, July 22, 2015

The Chamber is the voice of the Northfield area business community, advocating for business growth and development, promoting our community and encouraging civic vitality.

We are an association of business people and individuals working together to enhance and improve the economic strength and uniqueness of our community.

•

Refocused

•

Refreshed

Renewed

•

•

OUR MISSION The mission of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce is to lead in the creation, promotion, and enhancement of a healthy business environment for the Northfield area.

Lindsay Reddy

Director of Member Services lindsay@northfieldchamber.com

VALUES • Member Focus • Respectability • Collaboration • Leadership • Volunteerism

GOALS • Membership • Economic Development • Advocacy • Tourism • Programming

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! Phone Email Fax (507) 645-5604 | info@northfieldchamber.com | (507) 663-7782 205 3rd Street West, Suite A | Northfield, MN 55057

Todd Bornhauser President

todd@northfieldchamber.com

PAGE 2D

NORTHFIED NEWS PORTRAITS

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

MAKINGADIFFERENCE

EMS manager focuses ‘lifestyle’ on the success of others

By BRAD PHENOW

bphenow@northfieldnews.com

B

rian Edwards is a man who enjoys challenges.

In the emergency medical service area, there are roughly 42,000 people. In addition to the people that reside within the area, there is another 50,000 to 100,000 people at any given time coming through the area.

Making sure his paramedics have everything they need is certainly no easy task. But for Edwards, it’s a “lifestyle.”

“If you’re lucky in life, the job finds you,” he said. And that is very much true for his current position as the emergency management services manager.

The passion was found while working as a volunteer firefighter.

That passion continued to evolve, Then in 1993, Edwards became a paramedic and it’s a position he loves to this day.

Now, as he manages the paramedics, whom cover parts of four counties, he has many more patients. He has watched the service grow in his time, from 1,100 calls a year to more than 3,000 this year, while interacting with 2,500 patients and their family members and friends. The transition from a paramedic to managing them was one that took time, he admits.

“The big change for me was going from being responsible for one patient in a moment of crisis to being responsible for the 40,000 plus people in the area and preparing for the crisis,” he said. “My mindset has gone from caring for the immediate need to having surrogates that do that very well.”

But, it was a position his colleagues knew he would be good at.

Before he took the position, EMS medical director Dr. Jennifer Fischer said “Tex,” as Edwards is

known to most, had an interest in crisis management. It’s those types of challenges that he still enjoys and what makes him so good at effectively managing his crew.

Another thing he enjoys is watching people succeed under his watch.

“Seeing them become satisfied with their work, seeing them really enjoy the vocation to their career that I have gotten a lot of [satisfaction] out of,” he said.

But for Edwards, though his current position is certainly challenging, he has continued looking for more.

He spent 15 years as the paramedic for the Rice County SWAT teams. That position eventually evolved into becoming a negotiator, a position he has held onto for the past 2 1/2 years.

“Strange enough, I enjoy it,” he said of the position. “It’s challenging. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy it. It’s very much a game

For Brian Edwards, solving problems has become a part of his “lifestyle,” he said, and the more complex they are, the more enjoyable. (Brad Phenow/Northfield News)

of chess.”

It was no surprise to Fischer, who commended his ability to see through both the eyes of law enforcement and the perpetrator’s.

“It’s pretty amazing,” she said.

“He can empathize and appropriately cares for them.”

Solving problems has always

been a part of that “lifestyle,” he said, and the more complex, the more enjoyable.

Though there are thousands of memories from his time as a paramedic, one incident he’ll never forget is also a constant reminder of the difference he and his crew can make every day.

After receiving a call involving a significant head injury, he responded to the scene. A head injury requires a paramedic to put a lot of things in motion, he said, making several different agencies and people aware of the severity

See EDWARDS on 4D

Just call Swanny: Swanson’s work behind the scenes keeps Knights going

By NICK GERHARDT

ngerhardt@northfieldnews.com

W

Still laughing at the idea that she is being profiled, Shari Setchell leans against the barre in the upstairs dance studio at the Northfield Arts Guild. (Kevin Krein/Northfield News)

Shari Setchell serves her community through her love of the arts

By KEVIN KREIN

kkrein@northfieldnews.com

A

fter wandering from here to there and points in between, Shari Setchell has found her “community.”

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Setchell’s first taste of Minnesota came in the form of her college years in St. Paul, at Macalester College.

From there, she and her husband Michael Kirby relocated to

the West Coast — Los Angeles, specifically, in an attempt to get out of the Midwest.

She said while Kirby was getting his masters in library science, she had taken a job in web development.

Following his masters, Kirby took a temporary appointment at the Carleton College library and the couple relocated to Northfield on Sept. 1, 2001.

At that point, the two also were starting to think about hav-

ing a child.

“L.A. is no place for a baby,” she said.

Her husband’s appointment at Carleton ended and he went on to the head librarian at Dakota County Technical College. The couple have one child, Sophie, born in 2004.

After settling in Northfield, Setchell found herself being told she was overqualified for the jobs

See SETCHELL on 5D

hen in doubt, call Swanny.

It’s a familiar refrain for Northfield Knights players whenever they have a question about anything related to the amateur baseball team. Swanny is Dan Swanson, who has played a role with the team on and off since the team began playing again in 1988.

Swanson calls himself a general manager/owner/operator of the Knights because there isn’t exactly one title that aptly describes all that he does for the team.

Swanson is in charge of the scheduling of games, fundraising for the team and finding players.

He also takes care of the advertising on the outfield fence at Sechler Park’s First National Bank Field, as well as helping set the team’s annual golf tournament fundraiser.

“He pretty much does everything for the Knights outside of playing,” said Scott Paulson, who has been with the team since 1997.

Swanson works mostly behind the scenes for the Knights since handing over managerial duties to Paulson after the 2003 season. In the past, he’s even served as the team’s public address announcer on Sunday’s at Sechler Park for Classic Cannon Valley League matchups.

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“I va lue the uniqueness of amateur baseball in Minnesota,” Swanson said. “I just don’t think it’s Dan Swanson at a level and the organization of the Minnesota Baseball Association.”

Swanson started playing with the Knights after his senior season at Northfield High School and said he doesn’t think he’ll give up his continued role with the team because he doesn’t want to see it fold or fade.

“I don’t think he wants the team to fold,” Paulson said. “If he hasn’t been doing it for all these years, I don’t know if there would be a team.”

Swanson makes things easier on managers Troy Deden and Jackson Meland. Both can focus their attention on the team without having to worry about field issues or umpire issues or having to attend league meetings.

Whenever there is an issue the team calls Swanson to straighten it out.

“All we have to do is show up, write a lineup and play,” Deden said.

Swanson even takes care of player contracts and makes sure that players don’t have to pay to play with the Knights.

“If wasn’t for Swanny the

Knights would be nothing,” Deden said. “We would’ve folded.”

In the beginning

The Knights re-emerged back in 1988 after a group of Northfield players decided to start a team. Dundas always had the Dukes and some Northfield players had played in Cannon Falls, which had two teams at the time, Swanson said.

Since the Knights returned, the team has provided an opportunity for former Northfield High School players and college players from St. Olaf and Carleton colleges. But mostly, the roster has been filled with former NHS players.

Swanson pitched for Northfield High School before heading to the University of New Mexico.

He tore his labrum while in New Mexico and never got the chance to pitch in college. Swanson eventually made his way back to Minnesota and started playing with the Knights again in 1996.

Swanson credited Jeff Silkey, Mike Allen, Curt Callister, Clark Johnson and Pete Maus for help along the way with his playing career and with the Knights. Swanson also credited Jeff Heckroth for help with the Knights through the years.

Nick Gerhardt is the Northfield News’ sports editor. You can reach him at 645-1111. Follow him on Twitter @NorthfieldNick.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

PAGE 3D

Mary Dee Kuklok lends her ear to deaf and hard of hearing students

By BRITTNEY NESET

bneset@northfieldnews.com

A

fter 36 years of helping deaf and hard of hearing students, Mary Dee Kuklok is leaving her teaching ties behind and looking for other ways to help the deaf community.

Kuklok started teaching in 1979 and moved to the Northfield School District for the 1999-2000 school year.

As a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing, Kuklok spent most of her day traveling between schools and various students’ homes in order to work with them on a one-on-one basis or in a small group. Kuklok worked with early childhood students all the way through students in high school.

For Kuklok, there is no typical day in the life of a deaf and hard of hearing teacher. She says that each day is different based on the students she meets with and

the variety of needs each student needs help with.

First and foremost, Kuklok focuses on language development with all of her students.

“A lot of people don’t understand hearing loss,” she said.

“They may have heard your voice, but that doesn’t mean they understand.”

By focusing on language development, Kuklok hopes to bridge the gap between students with hearing loss and those that are fully-hearing.

“No matter how long you’re in the field, I don’t think you ever do it all,” she said.

When working with students, Kuklok works on a variety of different topics. She takes elements from things they are learning in class and then helps build vocabulary, while using repetition and practicing major recurring concepts.

On average, Kuklok works with a small number of students

each year so she can give them as much individualized attention as need be. But that wasn’t always the case.

When she first came to the Northfield School District, the district had just started a program to host deaf and hard of hearing students and Kuklok was the one person to work with these students. When she started in Northfield, she worked with about 20 kids throughout the year, a number that is vastly larger than what she worked with in recent years.

“I’m really lucky I had such good training and a strong background in the field before coming to Northfield,” she explained.

Before working in Northfield, Kuklok worked with a special education cooperative in the south Metro and then in ISD 917 in Apple Valley and the surrounding areas.

The work Kuklok does with students not only helps them learn, but she also forms incred-

Mary Dee Kuklok has been working with deaf and hard of hearing students for the past 36 years. (Brittney Neset/Northfield News)

ible bonds with the kids she works with.

“I tend to have students for more than one year, which can be a good or bad thing,” said Kuklok.

“But it’s been mostly a good thing in this case. That’s what I really enjoy about the job. I get to get really close with the kids.”

Austin Malecha, an incoming senior, has been working with

Kuklok since early childhood. She began visiting him at his home and as the years progressed, they worked together in the school setting. Malecha said that Kuklok helped him learn to speak as well as interpreted for him when he had trouble understanding.

“She’s changed a lot of peoples’ lives,” said Malecha. “Mary Dee did such an excellent job teach-

ing me.”

Before her retirement at the end of the 2014-2015 school year, Kuklok transitioned to Northfield Middle School with a few of her students to continue to offer support at their new school.

“She cares so much for her students and took the time to get to

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PAGE 4D

NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Edwards: Northfield Hospital & Clinics EMS manager helps others achieve at high levels From Page 2D of the situation, to allow quick and effective care upon arrival.

Not only was the patient cared for during the incident, a year later the patient made a remarkable full recovery. It was at an event held to recognize those who helped save the patient’s life that put things into perspective.

“The patient was sitting right next to me and they’re telling the story and they get to the part of the story that involved the EMS,” an emotional Edwards explained. “[The patient] and I made [eye] contact and she mouthed the words ‘thank you’

to me. It was just between [the patient] and I. That made it all worthwhile.”

And that’s true for almost every paramedic, Edwards said, including his own. Knowing that they made a difference in someone’s life makes every day worth it.

Raising awareness

Because when you’re a paramedic for long enough, it takes a toll on you, he acknowledged, as not every incident has a happy ending.

It’s a message Edwards, along with other area emergency personnel, try to instill in

high school students every two years with a mock crash, to raise awareness on drunk driving.

Although there is no empirical evidence to prove the crash’s effectiveness, Edwards hopes the power of the event makes students think twice, as he has seen the impact of making poor decisions. He views this as a way to teach the students about the potential results of those poor decisions, he said.

“Unfortunately there is a lot of media attention given to the ones who didn’t get anything out of it,” he said. “You never know about the one who did get something because of the [event].”

And those students who did get something out of it make the event worth all of the planning.

Because one effective message can results in one life saved.

Though he enjoys the complexity, whether it’s simple or not, making a difference is truly it’s all about.

“It means everything,” he said.

Brad Phenow covers government and economic development in Northfield, and public safety in Faribault. Reach him in Faribault at 333-3135 and in Northfield at 645-1122 or follow him on Twitter @BradPhenow.

“If you’re lucky in life, the job finds you.”

Every two years, Edwards plays a role in planning and implementing the high school mock crash, to raise awareness about drunk driving. (Kevin Krein/Northfield News)

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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

PAGE 5D

‘OLDWARHORSES’

Northfield Fire Department’s Kruse, Machacek continue to make a difference 42 years later

By BRAD PHENOW

bphenow@northfieldnews.com

For the past 42 years, Mike Kruse and Jeff Machacek have done all they know: fight fires.

And for the second year in a row, the two old-timers − Kruse, 63, and Machacek, 64 − have the highest call percentage of the entire Northfield Fire Department.

Following their fathers’ footsteps, the two long-time firefighters were voted in on the same night in 1973. They had to spend the next five years as “sleepers,” where they reside in the upper floor of the fire department.

For one of them, that five-year contract has been renewed time after time again.

Machacek moved in that night, he said, to claim the “good” room.

Kruse followed the next morning.

There were no pagers, there were no cell phones. There was a “fire phone” and the city siren.

“You didn’t know what it was, fire or rescue,” said Machacek, who is the first assistant chief now, of the city siren going off. “You just bailed to the damn fire hall.”

That year, there were six total sleepers, and per their contract, they were responsible for all of the rural calls. For city calls, the remaining volunteers would head to the fire hall.

For the next 13 years, Mach-

acek called the fire department home. But, Kruse, well, he never left. Still to this day, Kruse calls the upper level of the fire department home. He’s the first one down the fire pole, first one in his gear, first one in the truck and the first one out the door in the fire rig. Though he has a retirement home in northern Minnesota, it’s his only residence locally. It’s all he has known.

But with 42 years behind them, retirement is within reach, Stepping away, however, is a topic that isn’t well received within the department, because they’re known as the foundation.

“I can see the sunset,” Machacek said.

But when the time comes, they have a plan to make sure their names are remembered by those who follow.

“I’ll get out the day before you,” Kruse said to Machacek, while sitting in the conference room of the Northfield Fire Department recently.

They have a plan. The two long-time friends currently hold two records and they’d don’t expect anyone to beat them. Kruse wants to remain the longest “sleeper” in Northfield’s history, and he wants Machacek to hold the longest tenure.

Kruse, who’s the main pump operator, said he has been telling

the guys he’s getting out for nearly 10 years, but they all reply with, “Mike, you enjoy it too much to get out.”

Both of them do, actually.

That’s the hardest part, they admit.

Stepping away cold turkey could leave them both in shock.

After all, it’s all they know.

Helping others

In 1973, they joined the department for the same reasons that make stepping away so difficult: the love of helping others.

And they made it clear, back then, there were no horses, despite the grief they get from the rest of the department.

Then the calls paid $6 each, no matter how long, or short, they spent at the scene. But it’s never been about the pay for the volunteer paid on-call firefighters.

It’s about making a difference.

Though the equipment has changed, the fire calls have doubled and new faces have arrived.

But the memories and stories from the last 42 years are alive and well in their minds.

Looking back, the two continue to reminisce about the time they’ve spent with the department. One distant memory the two remember, that many may

Jeff Machacek (left) and Mike Kruse (right) have spent the last 42 years working for the Northfield Fire Department. (Brad Phenow/Northfield News)

Mike Kruse and Jeff Machacek, the two long-time friends, look over the truck bay while discuss-

See FIRE on 7D ing old fire stories. (Brad Phenow/Northfield News)

Kuklok: Teacher continues to give Setchell: Producer, director, dancer does it all for community From Page 2D back to deaf and hard of hearing From Page 3D know each and every one of them personally,” said Bridgewater Elementary School principal Nancy Antoine. “It was not uncommon to see her laughing with them and crying with and for them.

She always wanted the best for her students.”

This summer, Kuklok is taking time out to work with a few of her former students in a book club. The group began reading the book series “A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket earlier in the year. The students loved the books so much, they wanted to continue reading as a group over the summer. Kuklok invites the students into her home to work with them during the summer book club. She was so excited the kids were excited about reading, that she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to further their learning even if her teacher duties are finished.

Now that she has retired from teaching, Kuklok plans to spend her summer off in town and en-

joying the weather. Once summer is over, she will be going on a road trip out West to visit family members in South Dakota, New Mexico and Washington.

But even though she has finished teaching, Kuklok wants to continue working with the deaf and hard of hearing. She hopes to continue helping those in the deaf community and is thinking about volunteering for a hearing foundation or working for a hearing aid company.

“I fall short on words to say how grateful my daughter Jenny and I are for Mary Dee’s time and dedication to teaching,” said Lori Koester, mother to one of Kuklok’s former students. “Mary Dee made sure her students understood what she was teaching them and was able to make learning fun.”

Brittney covers education and youth-related issues in Rice County. Reach her in Northfield at 507-645-1115, in Faribault at 333-3132, or follow her on Twitter @BrittneyNeset.

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she was applying for. So for a time, she was a housewife.

A call to the arts

Upon arriving in Northfield, Setchell almost immediately inserted herself into the arts community following a conversation with Patsy Dew at the Northfield Arts Guild over the Defeat of Jesse James Days weekend in 2001.

It started initially with the dance program at the Guild; then in 2002, she was in her first production — Tennessee Williams’ “Night of The Iguana,” a show that Setchell looks back on fondly.

“They made it rain on stage,” she said. “I played a 16-year-old girl, which was awesome for a 25-year-old woman.”

She followed that with teaching the Young Person’s Theater Workshop in the summers, as well as creative dance. Setchell said she also worked part time with the program that is now known as KidVentures.

Following that came the start of her work at the Northfield High School as a choreographer for both the biannual musical revue, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival,” as well as the yearly musical production.

It was through her work there that she met Bob Gregory-Bjorklund and the two have worked in some capacity together since 2003.

Greogory-Bjorklund said that with whatever Setchell does, her work is deep.

“She’s not just running all over the place doing pretty good work here and there,” he said.

“She’s doing really good work wherever she is.”

He said that in his experience with her, she excels at making connections and building relationships, which is why she continues to be so heavily involved in the arts community.

“When I see her work with young people, she makes really deep and interesting connections,” he said. “If you don’t like who you are working with, or

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love who you are working with in terms of providing acceptance and pushing them to strive for more, it’s not going to work out.

And is how Shari works. She accepts, but she pushes for more.”

Gregory-Bjorklund wonders how she continues to work in so many avenues. Setchell still spreads herself thin between dance classes at the Arts Guild, shows she is cast in — currently she is the Merlin Players production of “Nine,” − spring productions she directs at the high school and an upcoming dance survey she will be teaching this fall at Arcadia Charter School.

On top of all of that, two days a week, Setchell maintains appointments with her massage practice, Bona Dea Bodyworks, a business she has maintained for six years.

Setchell said that now, when instructing a class, choreographing a dance or taking a role, she said she looks at it as a service.

“How can I serve the community,” she said. “Or how can I serve the kiddos in the class, or

my cast mates on stage.”

Setchell said that she knows a career in the arts isn’t always the most financially secure, though.

“We’re in a place where we are financially comfortable and I can share my love and passion and skills with people,” she said.

“Whether they want it or not.”

Setchell has come a long way in terms of what she is doing and where she has landed. she has a lot of fires in the iron, but that’s OK with her.

“I’m fortunate that I am doing what I want to do,” she said.

“And I’m lucky that people still want to work with me. I used to be a producer, so I just produce my life.”

Kevin Krein covers arts and entertainment, non-profits, community events and people, and matters relating to Rice County and the surrounding townships for the Northfield News and the Faribault Daily News. You can reach him at 507-645-1106, or follow him on Twitter: @NfldNewsKevin.

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PAGE 6D

NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Todd Bornhauser steers Northfield Chamber to optimistic future

By KEVIN KREIN

kkrein@northfieldnews.com

A

t this time last year, Todd Bornhauser was looking for something completely different.

Having spent nearly 14 years as the executive director of Lakeville Chamber of Commerce, he said that he had grown tired of the daily grind.

“I was tired of having to answer to 400 bosses, and tired of trying to get people engaged and excited,” he said.

Originally from Iowa and raised in Wheaton, Illinois, Bornhauser went to Florida State University, where he received a degree in hotel and restaurant administration.

Having spent a number of years working in the hospitality industry before arriving at the chamber in Lakeville, Bornhauser said that working for a chamber of commerce was very similar to managing a hotel.

“You have a smile on your face all of the time,” he said.

Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Todd Bornhauser takes a moment outside of a Chamber social function on a summer morning. (Kevin Krein/Northfield News)

That got tiresome.

“I wanted to go put four screws in the back of a refrigerator,” he said. “I didn’t care where that refrigerator came from, or where it was going. I just wanted to do a job and go home at the end of my shift.”

On Monday (Dec. 8), anchor Steve Patterson from “Twin Cities Live” came to Northfield to learn about Winter Walk. One of his stops included Paper Petalum. (Kevin Krein/Northfield News)

So how did someone with one foot out the door end up with both feet firmly planted as the president of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau?

“When I came in, this organization was on life support,” Born-

hauser said. “I felt like we had one more chance to get it right, or this was going to go away.”

Bornahuser had actually applied for the job at the Northfield Chamber when the former executive director, Kathy Feldbrugge, was retiring. However, after be-

ginning the interview process, he changed his mind after realizing that there were still things that the wanted to accomplish in Lakeville.

He said following the departure of both Mary Schmelzer and Brent Burns, a number of North-

field Chamber members suggested that he take another look at the position.

Since stepping into the role last fall, Bornhauser said that one of his focuses has been to revive interest and excitement in the Chamber.

“How do I get the Chamber to be a higher priority for people in the community,” he said.

“How do we make it easier for Chamber members to build and expand their businesses? How do we engage with everyone — both downtown and on Highway 3?

And how are we going to change along with the times?”

It’s questions like those that Bornhauser and the Chamber’s board looked to find answers for with a recent retreat where they focused on “the three Rs”: relevancy, respect and return on investment.

Heading into 2016, Bornhauser said that he wants to ensure the Chamber has an impact and a voice on local issues.

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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

PAGE 7D

Passion for the community is the driving force for YMCA director

T

he number of hats and the demand they bring to Northfield Area Family YMCA Director Virginia Kaczmarek may wear down most people. But despite that, she has found that her infectious passion has kept her a prominent figure in the Northfield community.

Kaczmarek, on top of being the director of the Northfield YMCA, serves on the Northfield Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Steering Committee and also holds a seat on the Northfield Hospital Board, to name a few.

While the positions she holds aren’t directly related to one another, Kaczmarek said it was an easy decision to become involved with those organizations, given what brought her to Northfield in the first place.

Kaczmarek grew up in St. Cloud and joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school in the late 80s.

She then went to St. Cloud State University to major in economics, and eventually entered the Ph.D. program in economics at the University of Kansas while being a divorced single mother of two.

“I decided I didn’t want to teach,” said Kaczmarek, saying that the vast majority of economic doctorates end up teaching. “What I liked about it is how economics and communities worked together to get big projects done, not necessarily inflation and GMP (gross metropolitan product) and statistical side of things.”

After opting out of the doc-

toral program and graduating with a master’s degree in economics, Kaczmarek did research for an advertisement agency for six months, upon her return to Minnesota.

She then applied to work at the YMCA organization in the Twin Cities area in early 2000, which she said had about 23 locations. She served in leadership positions for nine locations.

Kaczmarek heard about a position open in Northfield in 2007 and made the trip to meet with volunteers who were looking for a CEO. Her intent was to see if she could connect them with someone from the Twin Cities area.

“After five hours (of meetings), I remember driving home going, ‘I want that job. I want to live in Northfield,’” she said. “I liked the [Cannon] river, I liked the downtown area, I liked what I was hearing from volunteers about the involvement and activeness in the community and the number of nonprofits. But with the vitality of the community, I thought it would be a cool community to be in.”

Kaczmarek suddenly found herself with the daunting task of helping the community construct a YMCA, upon accepting the position.

“When I accepted the position, my peers and mentors said I will never have a more fulfilling and professional opportunity than helping the community build a YMCA and I’ll never do it again,” said Kaczmarek. “And I remember thinking, ‘well why never do it again if it is the most fulfilling experience?’”

Kaczmarek described the

Virginia Kaczmarek stands at the front of the Northfield YMCA building, of which she was a driving force to bring to the community. (Chris Houck/Daily News)

seven-year process to bring a YMCA as having the highest highs and lowest lows in her professional career, saying that when things seemed to be going well, the economy took a dive, forcing her and the volunteers to obtain funds to keep the project alive until the economy recovered.

“For seven years, I didn’t say or do anything that wasn’t YMCA related; every word I said had a y in it,” laughed Kaczmarek.

As things began to settle down after the opening of the Northfield YMCA, Kaczmarek found herself with more time on

Fire: Kruse, Machacek are the ‘old warhorses’ of the Northfield Fire Department From Page 5D not, was that the Northfield department was the first volunteer department in the state to have all of its firefighters become emergency medical technicians. It’s an aspect both Kruse and Machacek are proud of.

Since then, the medical calls have dropped, due to the rise in the number of paramedics. In the early 70s, very few departments were equipped with heavy rescue equipment. It resulted in a much larger area to cover, as the closest department with similar equipment was White Bear Lake.

It’s just one of many memories the two can talk about like it happened yesterday.

Spectrum of emotions

In their 42 years, the two have experienced every emotion possible while fighting fires.

From a 250 gallon gas barrel explosion missing Kruse’s head by a single foot, leaving him fully engulfed, to Machacek falling through a second level floor, putting him on his back staring at the hole he just fell through, the two look back on their time with gratitude.

“There have been times where we’ve been watched over

her hands, while still having a drive to assist the community where she could.

In the past year, she became a member of the Northfield Hospital Board, saying a personal passion of hers is health for youth and family.

As a supporter of health, and having a military background, Kaczmarek said it was an easy decision to join the Northfield Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee to assist local veteran families with needs they may require.

Kaczmarek also recently became an adjutant of the Northfield American Legion and

became involved in Northfield Promise, a Northfield Healthy Community Initiative-supported group that gathers community leaders to help local kids gain skills, such as reading, for later in life.

“All of it does is point me in one direction,” said Kaczmarek.

“I’m interested in people having healthy opportunities or being supported for what sets them best up in life.”

The YMCA has had great success in its first year of operation, far surpassing the initial projections for memberships, with the possibility of expanding the structure sometime in

the future.

“I am not detail oriented, but I am good about getting passionate and excited and getting others excited and passionate for something as well,” said Kaczmarek. “My role was to shepherd the process. I’m good at economic collaboration partnerships to get the end result for an impact on the health and wellness of the community.”

Chris Houck is a general assignment reporter for the Northfield News and Faribault Daily News. Contact him at chouck@NorthfieldNews.com and chouck@faribault.com.

))

By CHRIS HOUCK

chouck@NorthfieldNews.com

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Mike Kruse points at an award hanging in his room in the upper level of the Northfield Fire Department. Kruse has lived at the the fire hall for 42 years. (Brad Phenow/Northfield News)

from up above,” said Kruse.

But with the many scary incidents, joyful ones come, too.

“I delivered a baby,” said Kruse, grinning ear to ear.

The list of joyful stories could run a printer cartridge out of ink, but one that continues to carry on is seeing people around town, people whose lives they have saved.

It’s just one of the many reasons the two have stuck around so long.

“It’s been real rewarding [and] I enjoy it yet,” said Kruse.

“It’s the people around that help make the department.”

And although the department has seen many new faces,

despite the youth motivation, the two have remained at the top of the list for call percentages.

Because to them, when the pager goes off, it’s not a ‘should I go or should I stay moment.’

“It’s what we’ve done, we’re old war horses, I guess,” said Machacek. “When the pager goes off, we just go.”

After all, age is just a number.

And retirement is just a word.

In 1873, our deposits arrived on horseback!

Brad Phenow covers government and economic development in Northfield, and public safety in Faribault. Reach him in Faribault at 333-3135 and in Northfield at 645-1122 or follow him on Twitter @BradPhenow.

Chamber: Bornhauser takes Northfield organization into the future with optimism From Page 6D “We want people to see us, and hear from us,” he said.

Bornhauser also said that short-term goals include growing the membership numbers, reviving committees and look to expand the events the Chamber organizes.

Krin Finger, owner of The Rare Pair and a member of the chamber since 1991, said that Bornhauser is living up to the mission statement of the organization.

“The mission is to lead in the creation, promotion and enhancement of a healthy business environment for the Northfield area,” she said.

Finger said that Bornhauser

is an excellent leader because of his willingness to jump in and work side by side with chamber members and other businesses in the community.

“He enthusiastically pitched in to promote Winter Walk last year when ‘Twin Cities Live’ came to town,” she said. “And he also volunteered to play Santa Claus on Bridge Square one freezing cold Saturday last year.”

Finger believes that most businesses feel they need to see a tangible value for their investments. The Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce, especially with Bornhauser at the helm, is working hard to provide that value and it is obvious to her that he wants to “earn your membership.”

On the eve of his first year as the executive director, Bornhauser is optimistic about the health and outlook of the organization.

“The year 2020 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Northfield Chamber,” he said. “If we make it to then and we aren’t thinking about what has happened in the past, then we’ve done it.”

Kevin Krein covers arts and entertainment, non-profits, community events and people, and matters relating to Rice County and the surrounding townships for the Northfield News and the Faribault Daily News. You can reach him at 507-645-1106, or follow him on Twitter: @NfldNewsKevin.

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NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Kyle Eastman expands upon Northfield High School’s musical traditions

By BRITTNEY NESET

bneset@northfieldnews.com

K Northfield residents Charles Gray (left) and Andy Kornkven entered the world of soccer refereeing. Both have enjoyed the health benefits and addition time with their daughters, who also referee. (Nick Gerhardt/Northfield News)

Soccer refereeing a tough job with benefits

By NICK GERHARDT

ngerhardt@northfieldnews.com

A

Different soccer clubs in the state have referee assigners and finding multiple assigners helps with securing games. Gray has six assigners he gets games through, he said.

Kornkven waited three weeks before he got his first game this season, but he also didn’t realize that he’d have to find assigners to work games.

The state has suffered a shortage in referees in recent years, Gray said. Some days there are 20 games where refs are needed, he said. The shortage has a lot to do with referees getting yelled at by coaches and parents, Gray said. Not all referees can handle the abuse that comes from parents and coaches. Gray’s daughter wanted to quit after an especially bad experience, he said.

“You get confident by doing it,” Gray said. “It’s like learning how to swim.”

yle Eastman is no stranger to music.

For the past four years, he was been working with the Northfield High School choir students to keep up the incredibly high standards the group has among the community.

During the school day, Eastman works with four different choirs: a beginning women’s choir, a men’s choir, an advanced women’s choir and an advanced mixed-gender choir.

Besides those four curricular choirs, there are three more cocurricular choirs students in the high school have an opportunity in which to participate.

Before coming to Northfield, Eastman had his fair share of musical experience. He has been teaching for the last 12 years, four of which were at Northfield High School.

Eastman used to be the choir director of a sixth- through 12th-grade choir in Lawrence, Minnesota. He was also the artistic director for an youth choir called the Singing Boys of Sioux Falls for two years.

This year, Eastman had a heavy weight on his shoulders as the conductor for the first ever district-wide choir concert. With the help of other music and choir teachers from around the district and after a lot of planning, the district held the concert at the end of May. Eastman conducted all of the student groups that performed.

“Doing the district-wide concert really gave the opportunity for elementary and middle school students to get a sense of what the bigger experience is going to look like,” said Superintendent Chris Richardson. “It really supports the ongoing growth and quality of the vocal programs in our

Kyle Eastman has been working as the choir director at the

Now that it’s summer, Eastman is still knee-deep in his teaching roots.

“Teachers don’t really have summers off,” he said. “It’s more like summers off from having kids.”

During the summer months, Eastman is teaching singing lessons, working on paperwork from the school year to keep the department organized and attempting to narrow down hundreds of pieces to just a few for the choir students to sing at concerts throughout the year.

“We’re basically changing a textbook every concert cycle,” Eastman said.

Because of the nine week concert cycles, Eastman is constantly busy researching and looking for new music for the kids to perform.

On top of his extensive research, Eastman also is working with former students and interested current students on bettering their voices with lessons.

As for his plans for the future, he wants to keep things under wraps. He said that he does have something planned, but he wants to keep it a secret from the students so they are surprised when it does happen. Although he wouldn’t say what exactly he was planning, Eastman said that he hopes to continue to create strong continuity between all the of the district’s programs.

“The school district has been so fortunate to have really high quality instrumental and vocal teachers. Kyle is no exception to this,” said Richardson.

high school for the past four years. (Brittney Neset/Northfield variety of reasons attracted News) Northfield residents Andy Kornkven and Charles district. By having teachers like vanced high school groups.”

Gray to the world of soccer referEven with the district-wide Kyle to step up and support the eeing and after getting involved it program, it helps to ensure that choir concert under his belt, has only grown on them. we have a high quality vocal Eastman still has many goals Kornkven started refereeing program far into the future.” and plans for his students. this year and Gray entered his Two years ago, Cathy Pen- Since he started at NHS, Eastthird year this spring. ning and Eastman had planned man wanted to build more of “If you’re into soccer and too to do a concert with sixth- a community among the choir old to play, refereeing is sort of the through 12th-graders, but groups in the school. next best thing,” Kornkven said.

“It’s easy at the high school finding a schedule that would “You’re out there running and you work for everyone and other level to feel compartmentalalmost feel like you’re playing the logistics eventually got in the ized, especially since we have game.” four different choirs,” said way.

Gray agrees.

Although the first district- Eastman.

“One of the big attractions to Eastman has been stressing wide choir concert may have this right now for me is kind of a been a little difficult to plan at to his students the importance reason to get out and run,” Gray times, Eastman looks forward of a community group as well Brittney covers education said. “I don’t like to just go out and as striving to be the best on- and youth-related issues in to doing it again next year. run on the street. Some games I’m “I got to hear about how stage and in rehearsal. East- Rice County. Reach her in running six miles.” cool it is to have all those stu- man said that it is rare you see Northfield at 507-645-1115, Becoming a referee means takdents singing in one room,” a person who is great at what in Faribault at 333-3132, Nick Gerhardt is the Northfield ing an eight-hour online test, an said Eastman. “You really get they do as well as being a great or follow her on Twitter @ eight-hour clinic and concussion News’ sports editor. You can reach to see the progression from person. This is something he BrittneyNeset. testing. The test and clinic cost $60 him at 645-1111. Follow him on beginning players to the ad- hopes his students strive for. and after passing the test and going Twitter @NorthfieldNick. through the clinic, a new referee can begin work after purchasing a referee kit. A referee kit includes shorts, shirt, socks, whistle, cards and flags, which runs about $100, Kornkven said.

Both Gray and Kornkven work with their daughters on the soccer pitch as referees. It’s given them an opportunity to spend more time with them. Both will travel with their daughters to work games.

“I think she (Brynne) enjoys watching me get yelled at and running all over,” Gray said. “I enjoy being on the side and having her be on the center. I would look forward to that more. At least we get time in the car together.”

For Kornkven’s daughter, Darcy, refereeing represented a way to earn some money as a 13-year-old.

It’s also presented some interesting situations when she’s had to referee games in Northfield with players she knows and players older than her.

“I had to do a game for the U14 boys, which is a year older than “Art makes me, so I was really, really nervous the whole time,” Darcy said. “It the world go ended up being not hard.” round!”

Darcy ended up taking the online test with a group of friends and attended a clinic in Northfield prior to becoming a referee. Referees who work Minnesota Youth Soccer Association games can typically earn around $30 to $45 a game depending on whether a referee serves as a center official or an assistant referee on the sidelines.

The pay increases for high school contests. Any game with the Minnesota State High School League a referee, regardless of poHours: By appointment. sition, will earn $65 a game, Gray www.countryside M-F 8 a.m. to Noon & 1-5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m to Noon. said.

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