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CONTENT Features:

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OCTOBER 2019 / VOLUME 7 / ISSUE 9

5 Spook-tacular Screaming

Vist some SoMinn haunted houses this Halloween.

9 Days grow cooler, colors get warmer Grab your camera and take-in the Minnesota autumn air.

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4 Mollywood BLVD

ABOUT

Halloween Spooktacular: Television

12 Through a SoMinn Lens

Have a story idea?

Embracing Autumn in Southern Minnesota.

20 Oktoberfests

33 Album Review

Editor Philip Weyhe - 507-931-8567 editor@southernminnSCENE.com

22 Lime e-scooters

30 Photographing SoMInn

HAVE A CALENDAR EVENT?

24 Scare Up that Perfect Halloween Costume

32 SoMInn FOOD & DINING Review

What your costume says about you.

The Willows Restaurant & Lounge.

26 Davori Productions

33 The Bookworm Sez:

Some of the SoMinn’s best fests.

Rochester has climbed aboard e-scooters.

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Mollywood Blvd

M

Molly Penny is a local radio personality and MSU Mankato alum. It was her love of pop culture that got her interested in doing a morning show gig for KOWZ 100.9. She is now Music and Promotions Director at KOWZ & KRUE Radio in Owatonna and can be heard on various airwaves in Southern Minnesota, including Hot 96.7 in Mankato. She resides in Mankato with her movie buff husband and YouTube obsessed children. Need to contact her?

Shoot her an e-mail mollyp@kowzonline.com or catch her on Twitter at @mollyhoodUSA.

Television

y favorite time of year is officially here! As the smell of pumpkin spice and bonfires waft through the crisp fall air, memories of childhood from haunted hayrides, carving pumpkins and of course my favorite fall television pastimes come to mind. As a child of the 80’s and 90’s my wheelhouse of Halloween programming is centered in that era. Like my parents, however, there was one program that spanned generations: the annual airing of It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

While the rest of the Peanuts gang are costume partying and trick-or-treating , Linus dedicated Halloween to what he saw as the true spirit of the Eve, the arrival of the Great Pumpkin in their pumpkin patch.

The classic will air on ABC Oct. 26th at 7 pm Central.

Another film I used to see on TV all the time as a kid was the 1979 special, The Halloween that Almost Wasn’t. That special epitomized the weirdness of the 70’s.

Judd Hirsch starred as Dracula with Mariette Hartley as a witch. The show which had low budget effects and very era specific kitsch watchingthewasteland.com depicted Dracula as the leader of the monsters of the world on the eve of Halloween which was about to be cancelled. The monsters met to discover reasons for the holiday’s cancellation. Turns out the witch must fly over the moon once a year for Halloween to begin but this year she refuses because she has long become the brunt of Dracula’s jokes. It is up to Dracula to redeem himself in her eyes so the holiday can go on and many hijinks ensue including a bizarre disco number where Dracula dons a Saturday Night Fever disco get up.

We didn’t have HBO growing up, but whenever I found myself at a friend’s house who did, I watched Tales from the Crypt. The show aired from 1989-1986. The show was originally based on the EC Comics series of the same name. I actually have a toy of the show’s host, the Crypt Keeper that I picked up at a garage sale in Waseca a few years back. The first time my kids saw an episode of the show they were like, “Hey! We have a toy of that guy! I love that their first exposure was of the toy, not the show. Tales from the Crypt was more campy than scary and many episodes featured well -known actors such as Dan Aykroyd, Malcom McDowell, Michael J Fox and even Tom Hanks. This time of the year you can typically find seasons of it for sale on Halloween end caps at places like Walmart.

In the fall of 1993, when I was about the age of the main character, the movie Hocus Pocus debuted in theatres. The

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comedy, starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker as a coven of witches casting spells on kids, has become a modern cult classic while still a family friendly flick. You can actually catch it 27 times during Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween marathon, so if you don’t own it on DVD like I do, that’s a great way to watch. It is such a cultural hit you can enjoy at Union Roof top in Minneapolis and on October 6th they will be showing the movie outdoors at Como Regional Park in St. Paul and a Hocus Pocus themed Drag Brunch at Union Rooftop in Minneapolis on October 19t.h Other great standbys include Monstober, the Halloween episode marathon that runs on Disney throughout the month of October and of course similar programming on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. As a sort of Twilight Zone for younger audiences and foreshadowing the popularity of the R.L Stein Goosebumps series, Are You Afraid of the Dark was a SNICK classic airing on Saturday nights on Nickelodeon from 1990-2000. I loved having sleepover with my friends during the early seasons of the show.

When the Midnight Society gathered around that campfire to start telling their scary stories and tales, simpsons.fandom. mom better be staying away with those snacks or com have them ready beforehand- No interruptions please, and most importantly, no lights! You had from to watch it in the dark. Stars Hayden Christensen and Ryan Gosfilm, TV and literature. One of my ling appeared on the series far before they became Hollywood favorites came in season 6 where they parodied The Shining heartthrobs. with the segment titled: The Shinning where the Simpson family ABC made a sitcom hit out of the Archie’s comic series Sabriare caretakers for Mr. Burns’ mansion. Burns cuts the cable TV na the Teenage Witch from 1996-2003 starring Melissa Joan Hart chord and confiscates all the beer causing Homer to go insane. from Nickelodeon’s Clarissa Explains it All. We subconsciously When ghost bartender Moe tells Homer he must kill his family named our cat Salem after Sabrina’s cat in the show. It took a in order get a beer he does end up going after them with an bit of a departure from the original comics where Sabrina has axe but the most memorable part of Treehouse of Horror V for always known of her magic powers and sets it up to have her me is the parody of Jack Torrence’s famous typewriter line, “All discovering them as a teen. She lives with her 500-year old work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” which is replaced with, aunts Hilda and Zelda. The final 3 seasons actually ended up “No TV and no beer make Homer something something…” Go airing on the WB. Good news for those of you who consider crazy? Don’t mind if I do! Rumor has it this year’s Treehouse of this show a guilty pleasure that you want to revisit, it is now Horror will be episode 666 of The Simpsons and they are doing streaming on Hulu! a Stranger Things parody! Treehouse of Horror XXX airs Oct. I always look forward to The Simpson’s Treehouse of Horror.

20th on Fox. SMS It started in the 2nd season of the show back in 1990 and became a regular Halloween special for the series. It consists of three segments and parodies popular sci fi and horror stories

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alloween season is full of mischief, mystery, screams, frights and everything in between.

For millions of folks, October 31 would not be complete without a visit to a haunted house, or a dark theatre, or an eerie maze. So, if you’re a Halloween fanatic, add these scintillating scares to your spook-tacular agenda. Here’s witching you a Happy Halloween!

FARMINGTON FRIGHT NIGHT (www. supportourtroopshh. com) The dates for the 2019 Haunted House are Friday and Saturday evenings, October 4, 5, 11, 12, at the 4-H Building on the Dakota County Fairgrounds, Farmington, MN. Germaine Beyl is the president of the Support Our Troops Haunted House Organization, now in its 17th year. This year’s event is “Fright Night, Cell Block 13”, and it is set in a haunted prison. Welcome to “Cell Block 13”. Our facility was in operation from 1888 – the early 1900s. It was the site of biological experiments and other crimes involving the people incarcerated here. No one is quite sure what exactly happened, but there was some kind of disturbance. When the authorities stormed the building it

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was strewn with bodies. Because of the horrifying acts committed here, this building is believed to be haunted by victims of those crimes and those who committed them. Over the years there have been several ghostly sightings and unexplained activities reported in the building. “Cell Block 13” is open to the public, and it is for those who are brave enough to enter its halls. Once you leave this room, there are no guarantees. Keep your hands to yourself, and hope that the spirits residing here will do the same.

If you do, by some unfortunate chance, encounter any of the tortured souls left behind, do not make eye contact!

No matter how desperate they appear, do not follow them.

They are not asking for help, but rather they are looking to make anyone pay for what happened to them. Enjoy your visit. “We are a military family. All proceeds from the haunted house go to support the military in one way or another. The haunted house is free to all service men and women and their immediate families. This includes veterans and all those who served (proof of service required). The Haunted House is geared toward ages 12 and over; at a cost of $5.00 per person.

SCREAM TOWN, CHASKA (www. screamtown.com) Voted one of America’s must visit haunts and a Minnesota “must do”, Scream Town in Chaska is back for its 12th year of fear! If you want scary, go to the other place, if you want absolute terror of nightmare proportion, come to Scream Town. Can you handle the Convent? It’s six intense rooms of multiple terrifying experiences; plus thousands of dollars of new sets, scenes, and special effects.

Scream Town has

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Y PAT GARR Story by ter ri W g n ti u Contrib

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CONTINUED from page 5 over 400,000 square feet of haunts, making up 7 incredible attractions. Join them again for the fabulous food, terrifying fun, entertainment, and amazing new additions! And be sure to check out the Ultimate VIP ticket to Scream Town, which includes the all new Abandoned Hayride event, right next to Scream Town. The Abandoned Hayride is the newest and most exciting haunted attraction in the metro area. Nowhere in Minnesota or in the nation will you experience a hayride and haunted house combination like this. You’ll be surprised and terrified, within moments, at a hayride that is actually scary…fire, magic, and so much more! Four separate attractions are included in the price, one which leaves you abandoned in the woods. Upon your exit, if you make it, various vendors, tarot, and an oddities shop await. Prices start at just $20.

NORTHERN FRIGHTS (www.northernfrightsmn.com) Northern Frights is back for another season! Opening night is Sat., Oct. 5. It runs Fri. and Sat. nights through Nov. 2; and is also open on Thur., Oct. 17, for MEA week.

Northern Frights, Southern Minnesota’s largest haunted attraction, is owned

by Eric Weiss and his parents, Bob and Becky Weiss. “We are in our 4th year and have expanded yet again. Each year we employ 80 actors and staff, retaining almost all of them from season to season,” explained General Manager/ Set Designer Jen Nielsen. Located at the Blue Earth County Fair Grounds, just 10 miles south of Mankato, the 150-year-old acreage is set under gnarly, old-growth oak trees at the bend of the Watonwan River. Several of the original buildings are utilized to set the scene for the amazing haunt and attractions. The Weiss staff serves

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an array of food and refreshments, from hot chocolate and soda, to walking tacos, chili, and caramel apples.

Vendors include a local favorite, AJ’s Onion Rings and Mini Doughnuts.

This year’s attractions include: MN Legends, Killer Clown’s 3D, Phobia’s, Bloody Backwoods, Gauntlet, and Terror Tunnel, and Zombie Paintball, as an addition. “We sell wristbands for $22, which allow you unlimited access to all the attractions. Everything is indoors except the Bloody Backwoods, that runs along a trail by the river. We have covered outdoor Que lines in case it rains,” Nielsen said.

MN Legends is the largest attraction, set in a 5,000 sq. ft building, filled with original haunted MN-themed rooms.

“I love to stand at the back of that building and watch people run out, screaming. Killer Clown’s in 3D is something I am proud of. That building has been painted on the floors and walls in a special paint that works with 3D glasses to create a rainbow depth effect; then throw in a dozen high-energy Killer Clowns and it is hard to beat!” exclaimed Jen. Phobias is as it sounds. It is basically an ever-changing list of phobias that the rooms are themed after; with dark halls in between and always a surprise at the end. New this year are the Gauntlet and the Bloody Backwoods, and they are awesome. Northern Frights attraction is unique in that it is set at the fair grounds, which means it must be torn down and rebuilt every year. “While it is a ton of work, it allows for a new guest experience year after year, and no two builds are ever the same,” Nielsen commented.

UNRAVELED ESCAPE ROOM (www.unraveledescape.com) Ryan and Jackie Steiner are the owners of UNRAVELED Escape Room – an entertainment facility where groups of 4-10 people get locked in

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a themed room of their choice and have 60 minutes to find all the hidden clues and solve all the puzzles in order to escape! “All three of our themes have thrilling, eerie, and intense situations that your group will experience,” said Ryan. Escape From Alcatraz – you get blindfolded, handcuffed, tossed in jail, and have 60 minutes to bust out of prison before the warden gets back; fast-paced and thrilling.

Spirits of the Asylum – based on a true story of a murder that happened to a psychiatric patient at the old Rochester State Hospital over 100 years ago. The man was killed by a few of the hospital staff themselves. Unravel the mystery as you enter the Asylum with nothing but battery-operated candles; very eerie surroundings and a compelling story. CSI: Rochester – you and your team of newly graduated forensic scientists must enter the apartment of a deranged serial killer in order to figure out WHO will be the victim; before YOU become the next victim; intense movie soundtrack and situations will get your heart racing (located in the basement of the old Wonderbread factory; 300 11th Ave NE, Rochester). “We are the busiest from Oct.-Jan., when families are planning their holiday activities and most corporate groups are doing their team-building events. So make sure to book far enough in advance to reserve your group’s day and time! Check the calendar at www.UnraveledEscape. com,” Ryan explained.

SINISTER FOREST IN WASECA (www.facebook.com/Waseca56093) Steve Bakken is executive director of Lost In The Dark, which is the name of the non-profit organization that puts on Waseca’s Sinister Forest Haunted Trail event. Just in its third year as a “premier scare”, the Sinister Forest was spawned from a haunted corn maze. “We secured a new location at the historic (but spooky) Maplewood Park. No longer under the umbrella of Farmamerica, we re-structured, and Lost In The Dark, LLC, was born,” Bakken explained. This year’s haunt is Oct. 18, 19, 25, and 26; the last two weekends in October. The “fates that await” are the feeling of being utterly alone and lost, as you walk through the dark, and down the nearly mile-long trail; which winds through the ancient Maplewood Forest. But you are not alone. Sinister creatures lurk around every turn and wait in the darkness to prey on and exploit your deepest fears. Some of the spookiest encounters include the run-down old buildings you must walk past, never knowing what

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beast will come crawling out after you; or perhaps the spine-chilling sound of a chainsaw, echoing through the trees, and never clearly revealing the creature behind the buzz; and don’t forget Abigail, who is always present, waiting, looking for someone new to play with her. The event is outdoors, however there is a lodge at the end of the trail, complete with food vendors and a roaring fireplace.

It’s wheelchair accessible, but is a natural terrain trail.

More information can be obtained at www.lostinthedarkwaseca.com, or on Facebook, under Sinister Forest in Waseca.

THE ESCAPE CHALLENGE (theescapechallenge.com) Nathan Schroeder is owner and Chief Puzzler at The Escape Challenge in Rochester. Escape rooms are themed adventures that require you to use observation, teamwork, and problem solving to complete a mission and escape a locked room. All of the rooms have a specific theme and mission. Some of the themes are more adrenaline based, like disarming a bomb or creating an antibody to save a doctor’s life. “We currently have two scary themed

challenges: Creature Room and Dr. Frank N Stein’s Laboratory,” Schroeder explained.

Creature Room: Your car broke down while on a detour in the middle of nowhere. You went to the closest house to use the phone. When you knocked on the door, it slowly opened in front of you. You stepped in to get out of the rain and make a call for help. The door slammed shut behind you. Up on the wall it says “Supper” with a timer counting back 60 minutes. You don’t know

what you are locked in here with, but you know you don’t want to be here at supper time. Dr. Frank N Stein’s Laboratory: You have just finished your residency, and have been invited to a dinner party at Dr. Frank N Stein’s home, with the promise of being part of his newest experiment. You clink your glasses to toast, and that’s the last thing you remember. When you wake, you find yourselves locked in his study. While looking for clues as to how you got here, you find a clock counting down from an hour, and a nasty note of warning from Igor, “You don’t want to be any “part” of this study…be gone before he returns in an hour”. The two events are scary themed, but neither is a full-out haunted house.

Escape Rooms are intended for adults, but they also work very well for families (ages 10 and up suggested). Creature Room is a little less scary, so that is the room we generally recommend for families that include kids. Dr. Frank N Stein’s Lab has a little more gore to it, but still isn’t as scary as a traditional haunted house.

Nathan’s Escapes are more about the problem solving and puzzles, with some scare thrown in to keep folks on their toes. Fates that await: at the end of the hour: You’ll be supper for the creature, or you’ll get hacked into pieces to be part of a new experiment in Dr. Frank’s Lab. That is, of course, unless you figure out how to escape before time runs out. Each mission is set for one hour. Groups can range anywhere from 4-12 people completing a challenge together. You have a game master monitoring your room at all times. He or she can provide you additional hints and clues within the room as needed. If you complete the challenge with three hints or less, you make the monthly leader “boasting” board.

NIGHTMARE IN FOUNTAIN (www.nightmareonfirststreet.com) Horror awaits at Nightmare in Fountain! The time is nearly ripe for the re-emergence of Fountain, Minnesota’s Nightmare on First Street (Field of Screams & Haunted Barn); known by many as “The Best Haunted Event Ever!” This scary and spooky non-profit fundraiser (benefitting Good Earth Village), is again set to chill and thrill patrons for its ninth year. Each year Nightmare is different from the past. Routes are changed, walls are moved, and spooky scenarios abound. Attendees can expect creepy scenes, hand-carved pumpkins, a labyrinth, screams and moans, surprises and scares, live actors, and maybe even an apparition of DEATH. This year’s theme is Haunted Holidays; where you may discover rabid groundhogs, blood-dripping hearts, evil leprechauns, vicious man-eating rabbits, a zombie Uncle Sam, witchy pilgrims, Christmas ghosts, and so

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CONTINUED from page 7 much more! Expanding to eight nights this year, Nightmare is created and hosted by the Little family of Fountain and spear-headed by Paul and Regan Little. Depending on how quickly you negotiate your way and manage to escape, expect Nightmare to be an approximate 20-to30-minute scary endeavor. The gory glory runs Oct. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 31, Nov. 1; from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. each night. Nightmare on First Street: Field of Screams & Haunted Barn, lurks around and behind 609 First Street, the Dead End in Fountain (minimum donation requested is $8 per person; more info at nightmareonfirststreet. com and Facebook).

FRIGHT AT THE FARM, HAUNTED OLDE PINE THEATRE, & HEMP MAZE MINNESOTA, Zumbrota, Pine Island (www.rochesterhorror.com) Ted Galaty, aka “DRACO” – along with his wife, Tricia, operate and supervise activities at Willow’s Keep Farm, Zumbrota,

and the Olde Pine Theatre, in Pine Island. Rochester Horror Presents: FRIGHT at the FARM enters its 12th historic and glorious season; haunting for just the 5th season at Willow’s Keep Farm on Hwy. 52. The cast haunted the History Center of Olmsted County for four years, prior to moving it to the new, permanent location. With circa 10,000 square feet of indoor haunts and haunted outdoor paths, this eerie attraction is truly designed to frighten and amuse. One entry fee allows access to all of the attractions/mazes. Dare to brave all of them; and don’t be left for dead! Check out the Haunted Cannabis

Maze; The Canna-Bus; The Butcher Shop; The Barn of Nightmares; The Swamp; GMO/The Clown’s Fun House; and Alley of the Dead. Come experience the Blackout Event, every Friday from 10-11 p.m.

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All the lights will be extinguished in the mazes, so try to find your way out, if you dare. The actors will startle and disorient you along the way. “We also have three Lights On Presentations for those who do not want to be scared. They are on October 12, 19, and 26, from 5-6 p.m.” said DRACO. The Haunted Olde Pine Theatre began last year. “We purchased and reopened the Theatre in the summer of 2016, as a performing arts venue. The Haunted Olde Pine Theatre was born after our children played a game of hide-and-seek in the dark theatre,” explained DRACO. The stage lights go out after the performance and then the paranormal activity begins. Come explore the Olde Pine Theatre in the dark. This is a fully immersive haunted attraction with live actors that will startle and scare you as you navigate your way through an authentic 1950’s theatre. Be prepared to be terrified! Hemp Maze Minnesota (rooted CBD, the farm store) is open Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. “We sell drinks and prepackaged snacks, as well as CBD products derived from the industrial hemp plant. We also have clothing, jewelry, and other hemp-derived products available,” suggested DRACO. (Hemp Maze Minnesota was established to educate and inform the public about the benefits of a vibrant hemp industry in Minnesota. The maze is located at Willow’s Keep Farm just south of Zumbrota, on Hwy. 52. The hemp maze is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. thru October 27. Hemp Maze Minnesota is fully licensed. It is unlawful to remove any hemp from the pilot field. This includes seeds, leaves, or any other parts of the plants).

THE SCARE FACTOR is a worldwide haunted house review site and directory, with a plethora of haunts listed in Minnesota. These include haunted houses, haunted trails, corn mazes, haunted hayrides, and more.

Some haunts will also stay open past Halloween, into the first weekend of November. This resource is a great tool for anyone seeking a super scare during the Halloween season. Scares are an awesome and unique way to spend time with friends or significant others because they are extremely exciting! Haunted houses are best experienced in groups and lots of studies show that experiencing fear in a safe environment can actually be therapeutic (www.thescarefactor.com/haunted-house-directory/ minnesota). SMS My experience spans 19-years, and I will apply my skills to help beef-up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. - patgarry@charter.net

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DAYS GROW COOLER, COLORS GET WARMER

Story by PAT GARRY Contributing Writer

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all is the perfect time to travel; the traffic is lighter, the weather is cooler, and the scenery is unbeatable.

Between the fiery reds, vigorous golds and the blissful, blustering breezes, it is the ultimate season.

Whether you prefer to hike, bike, walk, run, drive, take a cruise, or hop a horse-drawn wagon, don’t miss out on unforgettable tours through a rainbow of colorful fall foliage in Minnesota this year. Here are some places to capture the colors, so take-out your camera, and take-in the crisp, Minnesota autumn air.

Fall Foliage, Harmony Becky Hoff, Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce Director, invites everyone to visit this beautiful area during a most gorgeous season. “Fall colors in southeast Minnesota are simply beautiful. We have all of these gorgeous russet and gold tones from oak trees and farmland. The bluffs and valleys surrounding Harmony offer spectacular views, and the small towns offer friendly hospitality. Our fall foliage weekend takes advantage of the natural beauty in the area of that time of year,” explained Hoff. Some of the fall highlights include Fall Foliage weekend – Oct 4-6; a low-key

weekend featuring fall color splashes and city-wide garage sales. The Visitor Center offers fall color driving maps, and guests can book Amish tours for tree-viewing or discovering all about Niagara Cave. “Fall in Love with our Bourbon”- October 12 at Harmony Spirits; Harmony’s new micro distillery will be releasing their bourbon. Monster Bash Haunted House - Oct 17-20, 24-27 & 31; Voted “Top Overall Attraction” for 2017 & 2018 by MinnesotaHauntedHouses.com. Haunted Harmony

and Bridgeman’s (Minnesota-made) Ice Cream.

Harmony House is an old-style café that serves breakfast and lunch; and On The Crunchy Side can’t be beat, as a fun, evening meal venue.

R o c h e s t e r

H a r m p o n y - October 19; celebrate Monster Bash and all things Halloween with a parade through a Halloweendecorated downtown. There is always plenty of awesome food in and around town. Estelle’s Eatery offers farm-to-table, all from scratch cooking; the Falcon’s Nest features pizzas, wraps, burgers and more; and BReaKeRs boasts sandwiches, deli salads

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Fall Fest, Rochester Katie Adelman is the Rochester Downtown Alliance director of content and communications. The RDA was formed in 2005, and Fall Fest has been a core RDA event since 2016. This year’s Fall Fest, presented by Altra Federal Credit Union, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., October 5 (rain date October 6) in Peace Plaza, downtown Rochester. The pick your own pumpkin patch within Peace Plaza, is a favorite among attendees. It’s an unexpected yet inviting sight to see pumpkins in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown. Families with kids of all ages enjoy searching for their just-right pumpkin to take home and to proudly display for the

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season. “Fall Fest is the perfect chance for families to take in the beauty of one of Minnesota’s vivid seasons.

Autumn-themed crafts like making leaf people, are among Fall Fest family-friendly activities, though the crafts change every year, just like the fall leaves,” explained Adelman. Attendees can expect the best (and most delicious) seasonal treats fall has to offer. In the past, attendees have delighted in cozy warm lattes, spiced apple cider, freshly-baked pumpkin treats, and everything in between. Be sure to stay up-to-date on Fall Fest and other events happening downtown Rochester, by paying a visit to: downtownrochestermn. com or following Downtown Rochester, MN on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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F o r e s t v i l l e CONTINUED from page 9 Fall in Historic Forestville Matt Eidem is the Site Manager for Historic Forestville, founded in 1853. The experience at Forestville now is a guided tour where folks are taken through the Meighen residence (the general store that still has the original merchandise from when it closed in 1910); and the wagon barn that still contains the old tools that were used on the farm. Throughout the tour, stories are told of the people who lived in Forestville, and when it was one of the most important towns in SE Minnesota. Fall at Historic Forestville, when the leaves are changing and the air is crisp, is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit. Along with a guided tour, visitors can participate in a different hands-on demonstration.

October 12 - see people make apple pie on the wood stove in the kitchen. October 19 - see how to make apple cider using 19th century methods.

October 26 - see how people made apple butter in the 19th century. All of the demonstrations are included with admission to the regular tour, which is $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and kids. Minne-

sota Historical Society members are free. “The highlight of our demonstration days is being able to see how things used to be done before the introduction of technology, and industry made things easier.

It just used to take a little more elbow grease to accomplish tasks!” Eidem exclaimed. This fall, after Labor Day through October, Forestville will just be open on Saturdays from 10-5.

Mankato River Ramble The 9th annual Mankato River Ramble is October 6. This ride was established in 2010 as a fundraiser for the Greater

Mankato Bike and Walk Advocates (GMBWA) and the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN). Tom Engstrom is Mankato River Ramble Ride Director; Jo Olson is communications director, and Lee Ganske is a board member and volunteer coordinator.

“Nearly 2,000 people ride each year. The Ramble helps get more people bicycling year-round. To date, over $100,000 has been generated to fund

local bicycle programs, events, and infrastructure improvements,” Olson explained. The Ramble has endured highly variable weather over the years.

More often than not, however, the pattern seems to be a crisp morning, where a hot cup of coffee really hits the spot; followed by a warm, early fall afternoon. Event highlights include excellent live music at the start/finish and at all rest stops; an opportunity to watch the beautiful fall harvest in progress; pleasant biking conditions - trails and relatively quiet roads/streets; panoramic views of rivers and waterfalls. “It’s not called the River Ramble for nothing! exclaimed Ganske. Of course, lots of great food is available at the start/finish areas, and all rest stops; featuring Dam Store Pie, apple cider donuts, and pork chops. Perhaps the best way to see fall colors is by bike! Fall colors in the Minnesota River Valley are typically 40-60% at peak during the Ramble. “We also encourage folks who are riding and are not from Mankato - to make it a weekend. Lots of people camp at Land of Memories and participate in other happenings in Mankato and St. Peter over the weekend,” Olson said. A fan favorite are the home-made pies

by Jenny and staff at the Rapidan Dam store. They serve up their many flavors of pies at the Rapidan Rest Stop. “People also love the live music at each of the five rest stops, and we’ve got seven bands on premise this year,” added Olson. This is one great ride…and three scenic routes. Riders choose from routes (12, 26, or 44 miles) and go at their own pace. It’s not a race! All routes pass through beautiful Sibley Park, where the Blue Earth River joins the Minnesota River. In October, harvest is in full swing, which is always a highlight for riders as they cruise past the many fields in this beautiful part of the state!

Scenic St. Croix River Cruises Kathy Jarvis, with her husband Gordy, and sons Dave and Dan, own the historic Afton House Inn and St. Croix River Cruises on the Scenic St. Croix River. Historic Afton House Inn was founded in 1876 and St. Croix River Cruises started up in 1988. Visit www.AftonHouseInn.com or www.

StCroixRiverCruises.com for more information.

Fall Color Cruises go through October 20. Ticket prices are $22 for adults and children are priced at $13 (Saturdays 12-1:45 and Sundays 3:15-5).

Food is available for sale on the Fall Color Cruises along with a cash bar. Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruises (12-2 p.m. – adults $32.95 – children 10 & under $22 and tots $12. “The cruises are a beautiful way to see the start of the fall season on the beautiful and scenic St. Croix River. It is a great family or couples’ event,” Kathy Jarvis said. The cruises have cash bars on board, along with beer, wine, cocktails, bottled water, and soft drink beverages. Whether taking a cruise or driving to the St. Croix River Valley, you will be sure to enjoy the fall color and beautiful scenic area. Afton House Inn has dining and lodging. “Enjoy our fall menu

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St.Croix

Thank you for voting!

and drink specials at the Historic Afton House Inn,” added Kathy.

Bluff Country Tours Enjoy beautiful Bluff Country tours this fall. Call to make an appointment with Duane Sveen, 507-272-2149, and he’ll give you a tour of the beautiful bluffs surrounding the Root River Valley, via Jeep ride or horse-drawn wagon (year-round, weather permitting). Duane offers one-hour jeep tours up and down the bluffs of Whalan. Take a journey through the 100 acres of private woodlands, around and overlooking the river, with a horse-drawn wagon (accommodates up to a dozen people). And those looking for a bit more adventure, try a Jeep tour, up the bluff along switchback trails to a towering overlook.

Enjoy a thrilling, scenic jeep tour through beautiful hills and valleys near Whalan. On top of the bluffs enjoy scenic overlooks, including a view of the river and bike trail. Look for wildlife such as deer, bald eagles, turkeys, a variety of birds, and more, along with a great assortment of flowers, trees, bushes and leaves. When: any time of day - 7 days/ week - April through October (weather permitting); Jeep Tour Rates: $30/ride (up to 3 people) minimum $60/ride, maximum 3 people per hour; Where: start from: Gator Greens Mini Golf, 439 Half Street, Whalan; Directions: Four miles east of Lanesboro on Hwy 16. Cross bridge into Whalan. Turn left at first intersection, then an-

other left at next intersection, follow oak street to Half street. Once you cross the bridge into Whalan, it is 3 blocks total to Gator Greens; follow street signs. For reservations, call Duane Sveen, 507-2722149. Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway, State Hwy. 16, links together some of the most scenic, historic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources in the area. Traveling through the small towns and quaint communities along the byway, visitors find attractions that include restaurants, art galleries, theaters, antique shops, historic homes and sites, state parks, and lodging opportuni-

Check out our daily and Happy Hour Specials!

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ties from B&Bs to motels, to camping. Visitors also encounter a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including canoeing, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and trout fishing. SMS

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4455 W Frontage Rd • Owatonna (507)

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Through a SoMinn Lens:

Photos and text by Audrey Kletscher Helbling www.mnprairieroots.com audrey@mnprairieroots.com

N

o other season delights me as much as autumn.

I embrace these days when the air smells of earth, of drying leaves,

of harvest.

Combines roar across fields. Dust rises. Grain flows. Wagons and semis brim with corn and soybeans.

Across the landscape, trees transition into shades of brown, orange, yellow and red. Flaming hillsides. Blazing and beautiful. Leaves drop, crunch beneath feet. But stout oak stands stubbornly hold onto brittle leaves under cloudless skies that give way to crisp evenings.

I pull out my flannel shirts and fleece throws and maybe even bump on the furnace for a bit. Or slide a butternut squash or apple crisp into the oven to

warm the house, to scent the kitchen with hints of cinnamon and brown sugar. The tastes of fall.

Heaps of garden produce draw me to roadside stands, apple orchards, farmers’ markets—visual feasts of autumn. Plump pumpkins, ribbed squash, jars of golden honey. Inside a Lutheran church basement, I sample the goodness of the land in an annual October harvest dinner of ham, squash, mashed potatoes and gravy, and more heaped upon a plate.

Daylight grows shorter. The moon hangs larger and bolder, spotlighting the night sky. Autumn settles in for awhile. I grow comfortable, savoring these days before winter arrives. SMS Freelancer Audrey Kletscher Helbling writes and photographs with an appreciation for small towns and the land, rooted in her upbringing on a dairy and crop farm in southwestern Minnesota. A former newspaper reporter, she holds a journalism degree and continues to pursue her creative passions through blogging at https://mnprairieroots.com/, penning poetry, photography and more.

Barn and cornfield.

Milkweed pod.

Indian corn

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RIP sunflower head.

BELOW: Kelly Lake shoreline.

Pumpkin on fence.

Monarch on flowers.

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Fall decor, rural Lamberton.

Cow in pature.

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LEFT: Farmer atop combine.

Trinity North Morristown harvest dinner plate.

Pie.

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Farm site, Harvest, rural New Ulm. Pickup on gravel road, rural MN in autumn.

Treeline Roberds Lake area by Faribault.

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THANKS FOR VOTING

204 2nd Street SW, Waseca, MN 507.833.8756

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Call for information & Reservations: 507.835.1146 After 4pm: 507.837.9848

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204 2nd Street South West, Waseca, MN 507.833.4700

206 2nd Ave. SW For Reservations: 507.461.1387

204 2nd Street South West, Waseca, MN 507.833.7540

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Call for information & Reservations: 507.835.1146 After 4pm: 507.837.9848

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TH Calendar Compiled

By Anne Kopas editor@southernminnscene.com

Ballet Hispánico

Chicago: Live in Concert

7:30 p.m. October 4 Page Theatre, Winona

8 p.m. October 1 Mankato Civic Center, Mankato

Rochester Craft Beer Expo 2-5 p.m. September 28 Olmstead County Fairgrounds, Rochester

Legendary rock band Chicago makes a stop in Mankato this fall for a celebration of its decades of chart-topping hits like “If You Leave Me Now,” “You’re the Inspiration,” “Look Away” and more. The band came in at number four on Billboard Magazine’s recent Top Bands and Duos list and was the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades. Since the band’s formation in 1967, the group has made its name as one of the best-selling artists of all time within the rock genre.

The Page Theatre at Saint Mary’s University is bringing Ballet Hispánico, America’s premier Latino dance group, to southern Minnesota this fall for an evening of exploring Latino cultures through dance and music, breaking stereotypes and giving voice to the Hispanic experience. The New York City-based organization has sought to share and teach these cultures’ rich traditions for over 50 years, touring the country and the world to spread its vision of social equity, cultural identity and a dedication to quality arts education for all. pagetheatre.org/project/ballet-hispanico

mankatociviccenter.com/events-and-tickets/events/chicago

Spend an afternoon sampling the best brews of 25 breweries across Minnesota and the nation, including both sour beer and traditional styles. The brewers themselves will be on hand to answer questions and make suggestions, so it’s a chance to learn more while enjoying the area’s best beer. After you’ve tried them all (or at least a few), cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, announced at the end of the event. Between tastings, enjoy ample opportunities to attend seminars, listen to live music and grab a bite from a variety of food vendors. rochestercraftbeerexpo.com

Rustic Mamas Market 9 a.m.-4 p.m. September 28 Steele County Fairgrounds, Owatonna This market embraces the idea of upcycling, selling arts, crafts and other treasures made from repurposed materials. Sixty talented artists will come together to share their creations made from a little bit of everything — farmhouse chic décor, flipped furniture, junk jewelry, Minnesota-themed works and a variety of other rustic pieces. This year, the market has also expanded to include wagon rides, additional food vendors, local businesses and more. Spend a day supporting local makers and discovering how someone’s junk can be repurposed into someone else’s treasure. therusticmamasmarket.com

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Uncorking History

Miss Holmes

7 p.m. October 3 Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro Albert Lea

October 4-5, 10-12, 17-20 Rochester Repertory Theatre, Rochester

Presented by the Freeborn County Historical Museum, this event is geared toward those interested in spending an evening pretending they’re a part of “Criminal Minds.” The Uncorking History series encourages guests to open a bottle (or two) and solve a real-life mystery. With the guidance of a judge and attorney, explore the mystery of an actual crime committed in Freeborn County in the late 1800s. Each participant must analyze all the facts, then turn to their tablemates to form a jury: is the accused truly guilty? This evening has something for fans of history and true crime alike. freeborncountyhistory.org

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This engaging, mysterious drama by Christopher M. Walsh reimagines Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic character as Miss Sherlock Holmes, alongside her trusted colleague and friend Dr. Dorothy Watson. This feminine twist on the beloved stories follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate an anonymous note sent to a newlywed wife, leading them to a corrupt policeman whose wives keep turning up dead. At the same time, the drama confronts the struggles faced

by Holmes and Watson, who battle not only the corrupt inspector but also the restraints imposed upon them by men and society at large. rochesterrep.org/show/miss-holmes

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Big Island Rendezvous New Ulm Oktoberfest October 4-5, 11-12 New Ulm What’s October without an Oktoberfest or three? This year’s celebration is scheduled for two full weekends at various locations around the city. Things begin the first weekend with a GermanicAmerican Day Parade, leading visitors into a festival of music and dance (traditional, polka, country, contemporary), an array of German food, local beer and wine, and more. Come for the beer, stay for the activities, like games, horse-drawn trolley rides, a stein-holding contest, competitive grape stomping and general lederhosen-inspired revelry to honor the season.

Flavors of the Falls

October 5-6 Bancroft Bay Park, Albert Lea Spend a weekend traveling back in time to the Voyageur era. The whole family can explore a piece of history, wandering through a fur trader encampment, Native American tipi village, Scottish encampment and more. With over 300 tents spread over 12 acres, it’s easy to forget that you’re still in 2019. See demonstrations of classic American crafts like woodworking, blacksmithing and candle-making, as well as entertainment from period musicians. Stick to the era with mid 1800s-style foods like stew and wild rice (or grab some minidonuts; we won’t judge). bigislandfestivalandbbq.org

October 5-6 Cannon Falls Each year, Flavors of the Falls sets up shop alongside the Sogn Valley Art Fair. When you need a break from wandering the art fair, stop over at various locations throughout Cannon Falls to grab a bite (or several bites) from the many food and drink vendors also taking over the town for the weekend. Enjoy fresh orchard apples from Ferndale Market, a pancake breakfast served by local firefighters, music and wine from both Tilion Brewery and the Cannon River Winery. Other activities include hay rides, giveaways and a historic Cannon Falls trolley ride. cannonfalls.org/event/flavors-of-the-falls

newulm.com

New & Emerging Minnesota Music Showcase 7 p.m. October 12 Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault

Deep Valley Book Festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m. October 5 Loose Moose Saloon & Conference Center, Mankato Celebrate all things books this fall at Mankato’s annual area literary festival. This year’s headliners are bestselling authors and/or illustrators Jacqueline West (“The Books of Elsewhere,” “The Collectors”), Derek Anderson (“Little Quack,” “Croc and Ally”) and Allen Esekns (“The Life We Bury,” “The Guise of Another”). Meet authors, illustrators and publishers, buy your fill of books and enjoy a variety of speakers throughout the day. For young writers and artists, there’s also kids’ activities and awards. deepvalleybookfestival.com

Want to say, “I knew that band before they were popular”? Here’s your chance to help new artists gain an audience, with the Paradise Center for the Arts’ evening of music by up-and-coming Minnesota musicians. Get to know this year’s headliners, like punk-rockers Triple Stitch and alt-rockers Coyote Kid, along with others in the midst of breaking into the scene and launching their careers.

Sogn Valley Art Fair October 5-6 ArtOrg, Cannon Falls

paradisecenterforthearts.org/music-performing-arts

This year marks the 47th annual Sogn Valley Art Fair, when artists and vendors gather in Cannon Falls overlooking the river. More than 35 artists and artisanal food vendors are already signed up to display their wares this year. Featured artists include local and regional painters, ceramicists, fiber-workers and more. Musicians will perform live throughout the weekend, making this an immersive artistic experience in a location with easy access to biking trails and a scenic park. cannonab.com/events/sogn-valley-art-fair

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time October 18-27 Northfield Arts Guild, Northfield This award-winning play is adapted from Mark Haddon’s also award-winning novel “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime,” following a 15-year-old boy investigating the death of his neighbor’s dog. Presented as a play within a play, the performance uses unique staging and visual effects to bring to life the inner work-

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the dark, mysterious history of a girl said to haunt the area where she went missing nearly two centuries ago. Are you brave enough to make your way through the shadowy forest, full of who-knows-what lurking between the trees? (This haunted adventure isn’t recommended for children under 10.) lostinthedarkwaseca.com

Americana genre alive and well. The band performs a range of tunes from the past century of American music, combining blues, soul and even gospel. Reviewers have compared the sound to Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Etta James and more. Sowers’ first all-original album, “Black Cloud,” was named among the Star Tribune’s best albums of the year at its release in 2011. Since then, the group has hit as high as number 13 on the Billboard Blues Chart, among other high-profile performances and accolades. sheldontheatre.org/event/davina-and-the-vagabonds

ings of the main character’s mind as he searches for answers and encounters resistance from his neighbors. The play also kicks off the theater’s 60 Carat Theater Season, celebrating the organization’s 60th anniversary through performances of plays from each of its six decades.

Red Wing Arts Fall Festival

northfieldartsguild.org

October 12-13 Red Wing For one weekend each fall, downtown Red Wing comes alive with autumn colors and artwork, as it has each year for the past halfcentury. Enjoy the scenic leaves along the river while you browse the streets, bustling with more than 100 fine arts and crafts vendors, along with food trucks and various live entertainment. Spend the weekend taking in works of art from across the media spectrum, with both a professional, juried art show and a youth arts gallery. Check the website closer to the event date for a detailed event schedule.

On the Verge

redwingarts.org

Various dates through November 10 Commonweal Theatre, Lanesboro Take your theater-going adventures through uncharted territories with the Commonweal Theatre’s fall comedy play, “On the Verge (or The Geography of Yearning).” Journey along with “proper” Victorian ladies Mary, Fanny and Alexandra as they bushwhack through Terra Incognita, the world’s final unexplored lands, during the year 1888. Our fearless explorers will have their friendships and Victorian sensibilities tested as they face this land’s worst, from psychics to yetis to trolls to Cool Whip. Performances continue into November; check the website for exact dates and times. commonwealtheatre.org/our-season/on-the-verge

Halloween Trail at the Pioneer Village October 26 Pioneer Village, Worthington

Sinister Forest October 18-19, 25-26 Maplewood Park, Waseca If you’re looking for a true scare this Halloween season, here’s your chance to brave Waseca’s annual Sinister Forest. On the hill overlooking Clear Lake is a dark forest with the ruins of old buildings hiding

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Davina and the Vagabonds 7:30 p.m. October 12 Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing Davina and the Vagabonds are known worldwide for high-energy live shows and singer Davina Sowers’ stage presence, keeping the

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Step back in time to Worthington’s Pioneer Village to walk the Halloween Trail of kid-friendly spooks and scares, along with treats and other fun. Explore Minnesota’s largest historical village in an all-new way, with more than 30 buildings representing the area’s industry and history (including a saloon, blacksmith shop, rail depot, farm site and extensive collection of artifacts). Kids of all ages are encouraged to come in costume — period clothing would fit the historical theme, though little princesses and superheroes are welcome, too. noblescountyhistory.org

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Seasonal Procession:

The Tour Of Homes

October 12th & 13th 11AM - 5PM – Mankato, MN

Ian Laird Ian is a Lighting Specialist and designer at The Design Element, located in the Mankato Design Center. He can help you with all your lighting and design needs from planning to product selection.

E

very Spring and Fall builders of all types put their most recent achievements up for the Tour of Homes. New construction homes, remodel projects, and commercial undertakings alike are on display for public perusal – mostly in the hopes of sparking interest for future projects. Everyone has their own reasons for partaking in the event from either side, whether you’re showcasing an innovative design through a custom-built house or you’re browsing for a potential designer to work on your upcoming bathroom remodel. I know I have my own incentives to participate, too, and here are a few things to look for you may not have considered: Refreshing takes on tile design: If there’s one product that changes subtly through time it’s ceramic tile. Sometimes it’s the type of tile, sometimes it’s the use of a particular pattern, sometimes it’s simply the way the tile is laid – each of these differences, although subtle, can artfully integrate with the overall design of a home and create contemporary ideals of cohesiveness.

Custom features not seen elsewhere: It’s always fun to see which features are repeated in each of the homes as you visit each new location.

Interior design is communication, the same as all art forms, and the Tour gives everyone an oppor-

tunity to see how each artisan communicates and interprets current concepts of space and living.

But, also make sure to pay attention to the unique voices – look for the niches with pops of color and playful patterns. Or maybe look for that inventive floor plan with dramatic features.

Contemporary fireplace layout: A fireplace surround and built-ins is a striking feature in any home, but what makes a contemporary fireplace come alive? How is new technology in televisions shaping the main focal point of the room and how are home builders incorporating them? Look for stone, brick, tile, wood and other materials – sometimes more than just one of these – in the next surround you see.

Smartly used new products: Developments in flooring, countertops, and lighting are always present in the trade industry and it’s no different this year. Luxury vinyl floors have really taken off with better looking product and durable construction. Hybrid wood/vinyl floors have also surfaced, giving you real wood floors but with a waterproof core and more durable topcoat for low maintenance resilience. For countertops, quartz offers fresh patterns in new finishes and is now more readily available than ever from numerous manufacturers – ask your local countertop place

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what else they can show you in quartz. And, with further revolution in LEDs comes an ever-changing landscape of lighting now bridging the gap between farmhouse and modern that you may see in the local tour.

Integrity of the exterior design: Don’t forget to look for the modern-day exterior. With the changes of interior layouts comes an altered exterior. Changes in exterior products and innovations in the use of existing products gives way to new silhouettes. Make sure to spy the mix of textures and interesting uses of minimal color as exteriors in our area shift from a primarily craftsman aesthetic to a more modern, simplified exterior with fewer stone details.

Communication of trending ideas leads to a brainstorm of exciting style combinations. Plan for vintage details accenting mainly modern notions to inhabit the Fall homes in 2019. And make sure to see all four of the homes that The Design Element designed in collaboration with R. Henry Construction in 2018 and 2019 to bring you these features. We work closely with the contractor on all our homes to bring longtime planning into real time designs, providing a luxury to the customer not utilized by every builder. Striving to make our homes distinctive with unexpected characteristics

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and poignant dramatic elements is our day to SPONSORED BY day motivation. We The Design Element welcome these oppor1711 Premier Drive tunities to present our Mankato, MN 507.345.8708 efforts every year and we hope you find time to indulge in the home tour experience on October 12th and 13th from 11 AM to 5 PM in Mankato, MN.

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Story by PAT GARRY Contributing Writer

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ktoberfest may have its roots in Munich, but one need not fly to Germany to enjoy this fun-infused annual celebration.

Fall means it’s time to break out that new wardrobe: sweaters, hats, scarves, and ... lederhosen? Yes, autumn brings many splendid things like apple picking, Halloween, and pumpkin spice everything, but the leader of the pack is Oktoberfest, the German fall festival that celebrates everyone’s favorite things: food, beer, and merrymaking. If drinking beer and eating schnitzel alongside six million people is not very appealing, here are some of the places to celebrate at a slightly smaller scale in SoMinn.

NEW ULM OKTOBERFEST New Ulm Chamber & CVB Marketing Specialist Sarah Warmka welcomes all to one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the entire nation. This traditional festival is modeled after one of the world’s largest celebrations, held each year for several centuries in Munich, Germany. New Ulm’s version, which commenced in 1981, takes place on Fri., Oct. 4, Sat., Oct. 5, Fri., Oct. 11, and Sat., Oct. 12, with festivities happening all over town. The main locations for Oktoberfest in 2019 are Historic Downtown, Best Western Plus, Morgan Creek Vineyards and Schell’s Brewery. Join the masses in historic downtown New Ulm for an Oktoberfest celebration in the streets. The first weekend features the Germanic-American Day Parade, which kicks off the downtown festival at 11 a.m., on Oct. 5. Organized by the New Ulm German-Bohemian Society, anyone who is proud of his or her

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Germanic heritage, is invited to march in the parade. The end of the parade route flows right into the Downtown Oktoberfest celebration, with music; a mix of traditional, polka, country, contemporary; German (and American) food, local beer (Schell’s/Grain Belt) and wine (Morgan Creek Vineyards/Doppeleichen Vineyards), and much more. “Games, horsedrawn trolley rides, a stein-holding contest and more, occur both Saturdays of Oktoberfest. Break out your dirndls and lederhosen and come join us!” urged Warmka. Music, food and dancing, are highlighted at all of the festival locations. There grape stomps and other events and activities all over town both weekends. Festivities abound at the Best Western Plus (see below). Head to Morgan Creek Vineyards on October 5, for STOMP New Ulm! (Morgan Creek Vineyards’ Oktoberfest Annual Grape Stomp); voted BEST Fall Event in Southern Minnesota, by Explore Southern Minnesota. It is the Harvest Festival with competitive grape-stomping - an honorable salute to the harvest season. Take off your shoes and get ready to

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dance.

Traditional Morris Dancers and the Satori Belly Dancers perform on the winery grounds… dancing, stomping, and revelry throughout the afternoon. Schell’s Brewery knows how to throw a party, and their Schell’s Oktoberfest celebration, held on Saturday, October 12 this year, is no exception. Schell’s is a German Craft Beer company that was started

by German settlers from New Ulm in 1860, so they know what they are doing when it comes to German festivals! Music, beer, and lederhosen abound! New this year: Schell’s is throwing an Oktoberfest Pre-Party on Friday, October 11, from 4:30-9:30 p.m. The New Ulm Oktoberfest celebration is a nationally-recognized affair. It was voted the best Oktoberfest in MN, by WCCO, and has been ranked among the best in the nation by USA TODAY, The Travel Channel, Midwest Living, and more. https://www.newulm.com/oktoberfest; 888-463-9856.

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NEW ULM BEST WESTERN PLUS The New Ulm Best Western Plus Hotel & Green Mill Restaurant is anchored by General Manager Erin Lafferty; and Chad Cooreman, Director of Sales & Catering. Oktoberfest started back at the Holiday Inn in 1981, when they opened the doors to this location, and this long-standing tradition has been a staple in New Ulm every year since then. The festival began as a small concert, poolside, but a bigger and better space was fashioned for guests attending the Rocktoberfest (born in 2016). The venue features a 200-foot heated tent in the parking lot, with fire pits, and live music every weekend. Inside, there is still a full lineup of polka/German music. “We are typically

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booked a year in advance for guest rooms, as the popularity of the Festival has grown each year,” Cooreman said. This year’s fun covers Friday, Oct. 4, Saturday, Oct. 5, Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12. The Best Western staff boasts a Fest Kegopening on each Friday evening of the Oktoberfest celebration, and it takes place in the Grand Ballroom. They also serve extensive German concessions, including Land jaegers, sauerkraut, sauerbraten, sauerkraut soup, Bavarian pretzels, Rueben balls, spaetzle, bratwurst, and apple strudel. Beverages offered are a full Bier Garten, outside; with tap lines of Schell’s Oktoberfest, Schell’s Deer Brand, Schell’s Firebrick, Fort Road Helles, Grain Belt originals and Nordeast Beer. “We also offer 1919 root beer, specialty drinks inside the Green Mill Restaurant, and a full liquor bar outside in the tent,” said Cooreman. Festivities at the Best Western Plus include a complete schedule of “oom-pah!”- with performances by New Ulm’s famous Concord Singers, The Wendinger Band, Alpensterne, Dale Dahmen and the Polka Beats, and others. Best Western Plus has expanded its celebration and added an outdoor music event, spotlighting many popular bands. The celebration kicks off with the official

spotlighted weekends is October 18/19. In addition to the activities that take place every weekend, like carriage rides, kids’ activities, clowns, and more, there are special programs at the National Eagle Center and other fun events with various businesses around town. It’s the perfect weekend to bring the family to Wabasha and enjoy the festivities and fall colors. The decorations and displays set up during SeptOberfest are always a highlight for residents and visitors alike. Drive around town, or rent one of Wabasha’s public bikes, to take in the fall colors, including the phenomenal, multicolored trees, and creative displays. Visit all five of Wabasha’s seasonal boutiques for shopping during

artists, and farmers, use over 3,000 pumpkins, 5,000 corn stalks, scarecrows, straw bales, gourds, giant pumpkins, and squash; to build some of the most amazing topiaries and displays. “SeptOberfest is a great festival for visitors and

residents alike, and it would not be possible without the generous support of all our sponsors and the dedication of our volunteers,” explained Dawson.

WACONIA OKTOBERFEST

keg opening on Friday evening, a tradition that is still practiced today in Germany’s Oktoberfest’s. The food and music continue late into the night on both Fridays and both Saturdays of Oktoberfest. For more information, visit: https://www.newulm.com/visitors-community/ things-to-do/festivals/oktoberfest-3/

WABASHA SEPTOBERFEST This annual event (in its 12th year) is headedup by Wabasha-Kellogg Chamber & CVB Executive Director Chrissy Dawson; and the SeptOberfest Committee, including Lorie Strombeck and Carolynn Klees.

The festivities run from Sep. 6 to Oct. 26.

One of the

SeptOberfest. Shop for gifts, décor, antiques, and more at Grandpa’s Barn Boutique, 5th Grant Boutique, Barton’s Brickhouse Boutique, the Anderson House, and Stonegate Studio & Gallery. Relax and meander through this small, mid-western river town, that showcases the fall season like no other. Imagine numerous, artistic displays of pumpkins, cornstalks, flowers, bales, and gourds, among the natural beauty of the winding river, vibrant trees and majestic bluffs.

It is an explosion of color that you will remember for a lifetime. Crafters,

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Waconia’s Oktoberfest Celebration is October 5. It is slated to be a big day, filled with lots of events like, 5K, car show, vendors, beer, liquor, German food, hammerschlagen, beer pong, tippy cup, brat toss, stein hoist, sauerkraut eating contest, pull tabs and Polka bands—ALL DAY (no break in the action).

This is a real Oktoberfest, set in a 30,000 square foot pavilion, with fun all day long.

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“I think these days, people with a polka playlist and an Oktoberfest beer on tap, think they have an “Oktoberfest” and that is not the case. If you want to see the real deal, come to the Carver County fairgrounds on Sat. Oct. 5, and enjoy the action!” exclaimed spokesman Dan Precht.

The fun lasts all day, at Carver County Fairgrounds in Waconia; from 10:30 a.m.

– midnight; root beer run starts at 10:30 and dankeschoen dash starts at 11:00 a.m.

Roll-in event starts at noon (classic car or motorcycle gets the driver in free). Oktoberfest tickets available at Hoppers in Waconia and Longhorns in Lester Prairie. Polka band plays continuous throughout the day, featuring “Live Wire”; plenty of German food, beer, vendors, cocktails, pull tabs, hammerschlagen, and much more (kid-friendly until 6:00 p.m.).

ST. PETER OKTOBERFEST The St. Peter Ambassadors host the annual Oktoberfest during the last weekend in September at the festgrounds near Minnesota Avenue and Grace Street in downtown St. Peter. Do crisp fall evenings cause you to glance wistfully at the lederhosen hanging in your closet? Does the thought of polka music prompt involuntary toetapping? Do you compulsively blurt out “dankeschön” whenever a friend passes the sauerkraut?

If any of the preceding inspired a sense of deja vu then you are in luck. Oktoberfest is coming to St. Peter on Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28. The 2019 musical lineup includes Wendinger Band at 4 p.m. and the Blue Ringers at 8 p.m. on Friday. Then on Saturday, the Concord singers kick things off at 1 p.m., followed by the Bachfest BOYS at 3 p.m. and then IV Play at 8 p.m. SMS

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My experience spans 19-years, and I will apply my skills to help beef-up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. patgarry@charter.net

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Lime e-scooters squeeze into downtown Rochester

Story by JAY FURST Contributing Writer

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nly city planners would call electric scooters a type of “micromobility.”

Users call them fast, functional fun.

Rochester is at the halfway mark of a four-month test period for a vendor of rentable, motorized scooters, called Lime , and with any luck, the limegreen e-scooters will pass the test and return next summer. They’re cheap, a novelty, and an entertaining way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Lime is one of at least a dozen companies trying to get a foothold in cities around the U.S. and internationally, most of them larger than Rochester. This past summer, Chicago allowed a trial period for 10 scooter vendors to show what they can do. Lime has been on the streets in four other Minnesota cities this year: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Golden Valley and Edina.

By all accounts, Rochester has climbed aboard e-scooters.

“While the specific numbers are proprietary, there has been tremendous demand for Lime in Rochester, with residents and visitors clearly excited about a new affordable and convenient

Bus Rapid Transit project. At the other end of the transit spectrum, you have scooters. But they work.

They’re convenient and they have a constituency, especially for those who embrace anything with an e- in front of the name.

“I think they’re great,” said a scooter user who was trucking along East Center Street last month, wearing a suit and tie.

He didn’t have time to stop for an interview -- he was on his way home for a quick lunch before a business meeting. “I highly recommend them. They’re easy to use.”

They are, that is, if you have a smartphone and a credit card.

You have to download the Lime app, put in a credit card number and scan the QR code on the

Growing public transit options in Rochester and Olmsted County are a key feature of the $5.6 billion Destination Medical Center initiative. Patrick Seeb, economic development and placemaking director for DMC’s Economic Development Agency, says e-scooters, bike share and car share programs can all help make downtown less congested and more attractive.

Faster than commuting by longboard For people like Tristin Crain, they’re a way to get to work.

Crain, 23, often takes a Lime scooter from his apartment near the city-county Government Center to Broadway Pizza on 41st Street Northwest, a distance of about 4 miles. It’s cheaper A Lime scooter user who asked to be identified only as Ryan rides them from his home than Uber or Lyft, he in northwest Rochester to go “everywhere -- I use them all the time,” at all hours of day. says, and don’t even The app-based electric scooters have been available in Rochester since Aug. 1. Nearly ask if a city bus is a Rich Hetland, who works at Mayo Clinic in downtown Rochester, 2,800 people used the scooters in the first week, logging 5,970 rides that covered 7,853 convenient option. parks his car just outside of downtown and takes a Lime miles, according to the city.

There are faster e-scooter the rest of the way to and from work. The city of ways to get to work, Rochester is giving e-scooters a try through Nov. 30, weather but “if I need one, I way to get around the community,” said company spokesman handlebar to unlock it, but then permitting. use one -- I’m glad Alex Youn. away you go, at speeds of up to they’re here, it’s a Scooters are the most improbable new mode of transportation 15 mph. Ride it for about 15 minnice option,” says in a city that’s exploring any and all ways to get people in and out utes, covering about a mile, and you’ll pay about what you spend Crain, who’s a cook at Broadway Pizza and also has a landscapof downtown as part of the Destination Medical Center program . on a pumpkin spice latte. ing job. “If I don’t feel like I want to longboard or walk, I’ll take a A key piece of the $5.6 billion DMC extravaganza is to get tens of You can leave it wherever -- they’re GPS-tracked and workers scooter.” It costs between $7 and $10, depending on the route thousands of Mayo Clinic workers, patients and visitors in and out will find them and return them to high-traffic sites. and delays. of the center city every day, with fewer cars You’re not supposed to use them on sidewalks, which means It doesn’t hurt that it’s a fun way to travel. “I like the speed and requiring fewer parking ramps. you’re in the mix with cars, trucks, buses and bikes in one of convenience,” he says.

One of the big, looming decisions for DMC, the city and Minnesota’s most congested downtowns. But for law-abiding and Most users don’t take them across town. They’re more useful Olmsted County is whether to pursue a fixed-rail streetcar system hardy souls, they’re catnip for getting around downtown. for getting across downtown for a quick lunch, and for trekking between downtown and two transit centers or go for a cheaper

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between downtown and the Saint Marys Hospital area. Parking is expensive More than a novelty and hard to find downtown, and while park-and-ride lots are some distance Though Lime isn’t sharing numbers about ridership, the city away, scooters may be part of the solution. reported after the first week of use, Aug. 1-7, that the compa Naura Anderson, who directs Threshold Arts at the Castle Community on ny had logged 5,970 rides and 2,766 riders, covering North Broadway, is a fan and says the scooters help to get people to places 7,853 miles. The median distance covered was 0.8 such as the Castle that are a few blocks out from the core Mayo Clinic area. “I miles, and the median time was 10 minutes. Those really think it makes a difference for people who are looking to go a few extra numbers presumably have grown blocks to come as people are noticing the scooters here or to other and climbing aboard. places beyond The company first contacted the center the city about giving Rochester a try of downtown,” in late spring, Youn said. One other Anderson says. scooter vendor contacted Rochester The scootearlier this year but it was a startup ers arrived in that doesn’t operate elsewhere yet, said August after Jaymi Wilson, the city’s project manager winning City for the scooters.

Council ap “The public reaction has been similar to proval for a the reaction in other communities,” Wilson four-month test said. “Riders tend to find the scooters useful period. About as well as fun.” The two concerns that the 200 are scatcity hears are the potential danger to riders tered around and pedestrians, and scooters left in the the city, mostly middle of sidewalks after a ride. “ At this point, in downtown we are listening and addressing concerns from but you never the public,” she said. “Additional education of know where both riders and non-riders continues to occur.” you’ll see one One goal of city and DMC decision-makers is later in the day.

One concern about the e-scooters in downtown Rochester is to reduce the number of single-occupancy cars City Council keeping them off the sidewalks and away from pedestrians. downtown by increasing the number of people Member Mark using transit from Bilderback, 10 percent to 20 whose ward includes downtown, voted against the percent by test drive but he’s impressed so far with what he’s 2040. “ Part of this seen. intended shift is the “I voted against it only because we as a council need to ensure peodid not place any guidelines on the experiment,” ple have options for Bilderback said. “With that said, I have to admit they their last mile” into the have been very popular -- I have seen center city, Wilson said. them at all edges of the city. People seem to like the “This is where micromoavailability of the scooters,” and he expects their bility offers solutions for popularity and visibility will only grow. the shorter trips For a city that aspires to be a global destination someone may need during for medical visitors, as well as an attractive and afthe day when their car is fordable place for workers and families, e-scooters not as accessible.” may be a tiny piece of the puzzle. One of Lime’s There’s no guarantee marketing slogans is, “We believe that city life is that Lime will pass the beautiful life,” and having options like rentable bikes test and win city approval and scooters makes a city more of a destination. again next year, though “We need to have lots of arrows in our quiver Wilson said the city will for moving people around,” said Patrick Seeb, the send out a request for DMC Economic Development Agency’s director of E-scooters are on just about street corner in downtown proposals for next year economic development and placemaking, who was Rochester this fall. The test period will run through Nov. 30, and beyond if the test is interviewed while riding a scooter. “It’s a solution. barring unexpected blizzards or ice storms. deemed a success. “The It’s not a solution that works for everyone, but it crecity is hopeful this proates another outlet for people.” gram will continue next year, and will wait for additional feedback and data Seeb said he knows of people who park on the edge of downtown and use before making any final decisions.”

Lime to get the rest of the way in, or who use them to get from one side of There’s also no guarantee that Lime will be interested in a return engagedowntown to the other. “I wouldn’t use a scooter to go two or three blocks, ment after putting away the scooters in late November and crunching the but if you’re going to Discovery Square and it’s six blocks, a scooter’s a good numbers. But there are plenty of e-scooter vendors out there, including option.” companies linked to Lyft and Uber, and while Rochester is a micro market Among the other arrows in Rochester’s quiver is free bike sharing -- you compared with other e-scooter cities, there are few cities of 115,000 people can check out a bike as well as a book from the Rochester Public Library with as many downtown workers and visitors, and with a roadmap for in-- and Seeb says commercial, app-oriented bike sharing programs similar to novative growth.

Lime are likely to surface next year. Car sharing also will grow.

Rich Hetland, who was riding a Lime through downtown one day last “What has happened in other cities and what’s emerging here is that we’re month, is among the early adopters who see the value of scooters. Hetland, beginning to have all these layers of options,” he said. “They don’t exclude 36, lives in northeast Rochester and works at someone who wants to or needs to drive a car to work, but they provide Mayo Clinic; this fall, he parks outside of downtown, east of the Zumbro alternatives.”

River, and takes a Lime to and from work.

“They work well and they’re convenient,” he said. “There has to be a balance -- if there were too many of them on the street, it might be a nuisance, but for getting in and around downtown, they’re a nice option.” SMS

How to use a Lime e-scooter -- Download the app to your smartphone from Li.me.

-- Enter a credit card number.

-- Find a Lime scooter and scan the QR code to unlock it and start the clock running.

-- “Prime” it by rolling it to start, then lightly touch the throttle to gain some speed.

-- Remember to “lock” it afterward, to end the ride and payment. Shoot a pic in the app to show where the scooter was left.

Additional twists -- There’s a “pause” function on the app -- learn how to use it at stoplights, etc., to save money.

-- Lime scooters have minimal shock absorbers -- hit a curb or a seam in the road and you’ll get a bonerattling jolt. Hang on tight.

-- Try it out on a less-traveled street to make sure you’re comfortable with it.

-- Obey local laws -- don’t ride on sidewalks, first of all. Scooters are legal in Rochester bike lanes.

-- Some scooters are more used than others; choose carefully.

-- Lime recommends helmets.

Jay Furst is a freelance writer in Rochester.

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Story by PAT GARRY Contributing Writer

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he costumes we choose say something about who we are, or wish to be.

Little kids dress as astronauts, pirates and princesses; teenagers as sex sirens; and grown-ups … well just to come full circle as little kids again. Why a costume? Maybe for the sheer enjoyment of the experience; maybe to show off your creativity; maybe to try out a new identity; or maybe just to simply fit in with your friends. Choose your Halloween costume wisely, as your decisions say more about you than you think.

JAN’S COSTUMES (www.facebook.com/JansCostumes) Owner of Jan’s Costumes in Kasson, Candy McKern, has been supplying quality costumes to fun seekers for nine years. She works closely with her costume expert, RoseAnn Siegele, who has been with Candy from day one. The majority of Candy’s costumes are homemade. They are much better quality than some of the costumes that are purchased in standard retail outlets. McKern rents-out circa 95% of her inventoried costumes. “To rent a costume, you just need to come in and pick it out and try it on. The price of the rental includes any accessories you would need (necklaces, shoes, wigs, etc.). You may keep the costumes for a day or for a week; whichever you need. Then simply return them to us and we’ll do the laundering,” explained Candy. The ladies at Jan’s have a tremendous selection from which to choose.

“Our renaissance costumes are popular, as are the retro (50s, 60s and 70s costumes); and of course our pirates and Disney characters are all-time favorites as well!” exclaimed McKern.

FUN.COM (HalloweenCostumes.com). The business, located in Mankato, started in 1992, when now company CEO Tom Fallenstein’s sisters started renting the Halloween costumes their mother had made for them, as kids. The business became a local rental shop in one of the sisters’ college houses, open only by appointment during October. Today, the company orders all of its costumes annually, all fresh and new. “In November, we begin working on next year’s

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Halloween items. Forecasting what will be the hot items 11 months in advance can get tricky, but we have been doing it a long time now, so we feel much more confident in our predictions,” Fallenstein suggested.

While 99% of the business is generated by purchases, renting costumes is also an option; since that is how the business began, and the family is happy to continue the tradition (all of the rental costumes are available here: https:// www.halloweencostumes.com/ rental-costumes. html). “People can select the date they need the costume(s) for, and we will send the item a couple of days in advance. We provide a return label with your order, so you can ship it back when you’re done,” Fallenstein explained.

Costume choices and preferences often are dictated by big blockbuster movies and shows of the current times. In previous years, it was Wonder Woman and The Incredibles.

This year should be Toy Story 4, Avengers: Endgame, and Game of Thrones. Experience reveals that each age/gender has specific things that are important to them. Across the board, the most important thing is that the characters are recognizable. No one wants to hear at a Halloween party, “So, what are you supposed to be?”

Men’s top sellers are simple to wear, and easy conversation items like Where’s Waldo and Fred Flintstone. Women’s top sellers are Red Riding Hood and Alice in Wonderland. “With those costumes, we see many women who are creative and give it their own, unique twist, using accessories. Boys are driven by the most popular movies and licensed items — for instance, Spider-Man. Girls often want to be unique and trendy,” added Tom. Fun.com is the largest online-only Halloween retailer, with over 10,000 costumes to choose from (five times the selection found in any store). HC.com also designs and manufactures over 3,000 of its own, exclusive styles, not duplicated anywhere else.

Some of the exclusives include properties like Marty McFly from Back to the Future, Macho Man Randy Savage, Kill Bill, Forrest Gump, and many more. Because they manufacture straight to retail, you will find higher quality items at lower prices. “We pride ourselves on delivering to everyone else in the world, the same type of high-quality

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costumes my mom made for me when I was little,” Fallenstein said.

CREATIVE COSTUMES & CLOTHING (creativecostumesandclothing.com) Marann Faget is the owner of Creative Costumes and Clothing, located at 11 9th Street NE, Rochester. Now entering her 10th year in business, Faget is a wizard at her trade. Marann learned how to make patterns and sew while living in Greece. In the 80s, she began making high-end garments for women, and she was subsequently commissioned by the local theatre to do some sewing. She provided professionally-crafted costuming for the theatre’s next production. She has designed costumes for over 200 productions, in a handful of states. “In my experience, the most popular costumes seem to be characters from movies; anything Marvel, superheroes and characters from games; also characters from movies and television,” Marann explained.

Usually these kinds of costumes are custom-made for the client because Faget does not stock all of those types. Most of the costumes she has are constructed in the shop; with the exception of items she purchases online. “In our shop we do a lot of custom-made garments for people, whether it’s costumes or clothing.

We can do anything that is done with fabric and sewing machines, including alterations, costume design, bridal wear and even interiors, although we specialize in costume and clothing design and/or construction,” Faget added.

HALLOWEEN EXPRESS (halloweenexpress.com) “While most Halloween Express seasonal stores are closed during the off-season, some remain open year-round. Check the website at (https://www.halloweenexpress.com) to see if a Halloween Express is open near you,” explained spokesman Brad Butler. For the

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2019 Halloween season, retail store locations will be posted as soon as they become available. Halloween Express is one of the most aggressive and dynamic Halloween chains in the United States. Started in 1990, Halloween Express has both company-owned and franchised locations through-

out the U.S. Their success is based on offering the largest selection of Halloween merchandise available anywhere. Their merchandise assortment is updated annually to ensure that the latest product trends, as well as the tried-and-true best sellers and licensed product are part of the merchandise mix. “Each season we scour the planet looking for the latest and most sought after costumes and accessories available today,” Butler added. By leveraging the huge buying power of retail store locations; coupled with its year-round e-commerce operation, Halloween Express is able to offer the absolute largest selections of Halloween costumes and Halloween-related items anywhere. Additionally, with over two decades of experience being one of the largest and most respected Halloween costume and accessory suppliers

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New dinner theater company opens in Story by GRACE BRANDT Contributing Writer

W

hen David and Lori Holmes walked into the Mankato Event Center earlier this spring, they saw a typical event location filled with tables, a small raised bandstand in the front and a bar running along the side. But for this husband and wife team of theater enthusiasts, there was so much more to envision — namely, the perfect location for a fully functioning dinner theater.

Mankato is already known as an arts and culture powerhouse in Southern Minnesota. It has the award-winning theater department of Minnesota State University, Mankato, which puts on sold-out shows several times a year. There’s also the community theater group, the Merely Players, which has been a local staple for almost 40 years.

Other theatrical groups are scattered across New Ulm, Fairmont, Owatonna, Faribault, Northfield and more, within easy driving distance for theater lovers.

But when David and Lori Holmes moved to the area from California, they noticed a gap in the local theater scene: dinner theater productions.

“When we came out here, we saw a huge opportunity for another theater company,” David Holmes said. “Mankato’s big enough to have more theater.”

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Mankato

A background in theater David and Lori Holmes have both been involved in theater for more than 20 years. David has acted in and directed more than 100 plays, while Lori has worked as a choreographer for countless productions as well. They met during a production of West Side Story, when David was playing Riff and Lori was both choreographing and unexpectedly taking over the dance role opposite of David. Now, they’ve been together 18 years and have three kids: Mason, Gavin and Mackenzie.

The Holmes family moved to Mankato five years ago when Holmes had a job transfer. Lori Holmes quickly found a teaching position at the Mankato Ballet Company, and the two of them became involved in the local theater scene. Holmes recently directed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with the Merely Players, as well as acting in recent shows such as Leading Ladies and Guys and Dolls. Lori Holmes continued to contribute choreography to shows.

According to David Holmes, opening a theater company has been a dream for years, and he and his wife were encouraged by how much people in southern Minnesota enjoy live arts and entertainment.

“People in this community love theater,” he said. “We’ve always wanted to open up a theater company, [and] my wife was like, ‘Why don’t we just do it? We talk about it all the time. Let’s just do it.’”

Starting something new The couple officially formed Davori Productions, a nonprofit theater company, in January of this year. (They came up with the name

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by combining their own two first names.) From there, they began looking for different venues, eventually coming upon the Mankato Event Center.

Holmes said when he and his wife walked into the space, they immediately noticed its potential.

“Both of us were like, ‘This is a dinner theater,’” he said. “Everybody that we know drives to Chanhassen [for the Chanhassen Dinner Theater]. Let’s do Chanhassen-quality shows here in Mankato and have a dinner theater here in Mankato.”

They entered into a one-year lease in May and started working to turn the center into a theater, adding lights and curtains, working on the stage, transforming rooms into a sound booth and costume room. They’ve also put together a board of directors, secured the rights for their 2019-20 season lineup, and reached out to theater colleagues to find a lighting designer, costumer designer and marketer.

“Everything has been going so quickly,” Holmes said. “I’ll direct most shows, and my wife will choreograph most. I might appear in a show occasionally, but we’re doing this so that the community has something that they don’t have [now]. It’s something that we’re passionate about.”

The center seats about 150-170, and Holmes said shows will “use the whole space,” whether it’s wandering between tables during songs or walking past audience members to exit the scene.

“This is going to be a very intimate theater,” he said. “The whole place is a stage.”

He added that the plan is to utilize different caterers in the area, such as Najwa’s Catering and Absolute Custom Catering. Audience members will be able to choose between three options—vegetarian,

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chicken and beef—and the caterer will then have free rein to create a menu for the evening. Dinner will be plated, not buffet, for an extra touch.

The upcoming season Davori Productions has already lined up its 2019-20 season, with the goal of performing seven plays. Of those seven, four will be open to the entire community, while three will be reserved for teenagers hoping to develop their theater skills.

Holmes explained that one of their biggest goals is helping area kids become better at their craft, which is how the idea of workshops evolved. There will be three seven-week workshops throughout the year, where kids in 6th-12th grade will meet twice a week and practice everything from dancing to singing to auditioning, as well as learning about behind-the-scenes aspects of theater. Participants will learn from seasoned directors, choreographers, vocal directors and other industry experts. At the end of the workshop, they’ll put on a full musical.

Local competition While Mankato already has a local theatrical group, the Merely Players, Holmes said he doesn’t necessarily think of them as competition, especially because Davori Productions is focusing on dinner theater. In addition, Holmes said that the goal will be a little different, since Davori Productions isn’t exactly a community theater group. That is—they are more focused on putting on high quality shows than offering theatrical opportunities to area actors.

“We don’t want to be competition for the Merely Players,” he said. “We completely respecting Merely Players. What we’re putting on is different than what they’re putting on. They’ll cast everybody. We don’t.”

“It’s going to be training,” Holmes said. “We’re taking kids who are passionate about theater. We want kids who want to be here and want to get to the next level.”

That commitment to “the next level” extends to the regular season as well. Whereas some community theater groups make an effort to include anyone who is interested in theater, Holmes said that Davori Productions is more interested in quality shows. Auditions require people to show up with sheet music, prepared to be professional on stage.

“We want to be a little more professional,” he said. “We’re not necessarily going to be a community theater where everyone is going to audition and everyone gets cast in the show. We’re a theater company in Mankato where the community can audition, but you have to be prepared and you have to be at a certain caliber to get into the show, because our mission is to produce quality, professional entertainment for the community of Mankato. If we just cast anybody who auditions, that just lowers the quality.”

The theater company held auditions for its first show, Jesus Christ Superstar, in August. Holmes said 26 people auditioned, with 19 ul-

a bad thing, either, since it will end up pushing every group to continue to improve and offer better shows.

“We’d love it if three more people with our desire come in and opened theater companies in this community,” he said. “That’s only going to make the theater better if there’s competition.

If there’s no competition, you can do a crappy show and people are going to come see it because there’s nothing else. We want to support every aspect of the theater and arts in Mankato.

We don’t want to be a competition, but if we are a competition, and it’s making everyone else better, that’s going to be better for the community.”

Holmes added that competition isn’t necessarily

timately cast. Some of those people were actors Holmes had worked with before, but he said many of the faces were new to him.

“The talent that showed up was mind-blowing,” he said. “We knew that there were talented people in the community, and that’s most of the people who auditioned. They just came out of the woodwork to audition for here. Everyone sounded amazing. It was so hard to cast the show because it could have been so many possibilities.”

Jesus Christ Superstar opens on Sept. 27 and runs through Oct. 13. After that, shows include Miracle on 34th Street; I love you, you’re perfect, now change; and Forever Plaid. Meanwhile, Broadway Teen Workshop shows include Guys and Dolls Jr., Once on this Island Jr., and Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. While the season has barely begun, Holmes said the company is already planning for what comes next.

“We’re already talking about season two,” he said. “We’re here.

We’re not just a one-stop theater company that’s here one season.

We’re thinking long term. We’re embedded, and that’s what we want people to know—we’re not just a breeze in the wind that’s coming through the Mankato. We’re here long term.”

SMS

Davori Productions Co. Address: Mankato Event Center, 12 Civic Plaza STE 10, Mankato Phone: (507)-508-6539 Email: info@davoriproductions.com Facebook: Davori Productions For more information: mankatoplayhouse. com/

Flipping the script Holmes said the plan was originally to start with a show that featured a smaller cast and end with Jesus Christ Superstar as the season’s ultimate showstopper. He has played Jesus before and always wanted to produce the show himself. But after announcing his first season, Holmes learned

that Merely Players was also planning to end its season with the same musical. So Davori Productions flipped its season around.

“We didn’t want to start off with Jesus Christ Superstar because no one knew about us,” Holmes explained. “[Merely Players] weren’t able to change their dates, so we moved ours up.”

Considering how they still attracted more than two dozen people to auditions, Holmes was pretty pleased with the final result—especially because there were so many new faces who had theater experience but who hadn’t been on stage for years.

“That’s our dream—to get people who aren’t currently doing shows to come out and share their talent,” he said.

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Photographing SoMinn:

Autumn Exploration in Picturesque

Stillwater

Photos and text by Elizabeth Nida Obert www.nidaphoto.com elizabeth@nidaphoto.com

A

goat smiled at me and I sheepishly smiled back.

The exchange happened at Axdahl’s Garden Farm & Greenhouse in Stillwater. It was October and bright gourds – including pumpkins and squash – surrounded in a wide variety of textures and sizes. I sipped on my hot cider and inhaled the crisp autumn air.

“It never gets old,” I silently reflected of the season.

It’s true. Minnesota in Oct. is tough to beat.

The town of Stillwater – located on the scenic St. Croix River and less than a 30-minute drive from St. Paul – is the crème of the

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crème and has been voted one of the “best American towns for fall colors.”

It is also known for antiquing and being among the most picturesque.

My mom and I cruised the neighborhoods and admired some of the old and fanciful architecture, including the former estate of actress Jessica Lange that sold for $1.8 million in 2008.

A property festively decorated with ghosts and witches caught our attention before we made our way to the business district. The dining options were many and we had a difficult decision to make. Our pasta lunch at Marx Wine Bar and Grill was perfect. SMS Freelance writer and photographer Elizabeth Nida Obert, a former newspaper staff photographer for 18 years, has degrees in both and is passionate about telling stories in words and pictures. She thrives on travel and adventure and is always looking forward to where the next open road – or door – will lead.

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SoMinn Food & Dining

Review

pat garry JOURNALIST – COPYWRITER – EDITOR – FEATURE WRITER My experience spans 19-years, and I will apply my skills to help beef-up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. - patgarry@charter.net

The Willows

Restuarant & Lounge

T

he Willows Restaurant & Lounge has been in New Richland for 12 years, and it is owned by Travis and Heather Blake. Truly a family affair, the Blakes took over the restaurant from Dad, Jim, who owned and operated the Boathouse in Waseca for many years.

Travis has been in the restaurant business most of his life, and he takes great pride in providing top-notch customer service. When not in the kitchen, which is most of the time, Travis can be found bartending a couple of nights a week. Both Heather and Travis understand the key to their success lies within the very walls of the establishment. “Julie Arnold, our daytime waitress, has been here since day one. She is a great asset to our team and fills in when needed. Scott Evenson is one of our cooks and can prepare the perfect steak, every time. Joanna Carroll has been here for almost six years and brings personality and great customer service. She spends most of her time bartending,” explained Heather Blake.

Some of the daily features at the Willows include: Mondaytaco night; Tuesday-all you can eat ribs; Wednesday-build your own burger ($8); Thursday-chef’s special; Friday-steak and

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shrimp; Saturday-bacon-wrapped pork loins; Sunday-brunch/ wing night. The generous brunch outlay features bacon, eggs, French toast, cheesy hash browns, ribs, fish, salad bar and more.

All of the entrees include salad bar; which highlights two kinds of homemade soups and a variety of salads, all made from scratch.

The Blakes have incorporated a new menu, complete with the following items: (four) new flatbreads; BBQ Pork is a favorite with the savory taste from the famous House Ribs; Beef Brisket Sandwich; Cuban Sandwich; Fish Tacos; Cowboy Tacos; The Panther-Bacon Onion Marmalade, glazed on a ½ lb. burger; Aloha Burger-Boss’ Favorite (pineapple, ham and swiss cheese topped with sweet Thai chili sauce). Some of the all-time favorites on the comprehensive menu includes Appetizers: Popcorn Shrimp (breaded, deep-fried seasoned and served with homemade cocktail sauce or tartar); Super Nachos (nacho chips with choice of chicken or beef, lettuce, tomato, black olives, cheese and jalapenos, with salsa and sour cream); Flatbreads: Willows Special (pepperoni, onions, green pepper, black olives, green olives, mushrooms topped with mozzarella); Wraps: (Philly steak, grilled chicken, taco, chicken strip); Salads: chef, chicken, taco, chicken Greek, salad bar and soup); Sandwiches: fish, Rueben, Rachel, BLT, French dip, and more); Burgers/Pastas: (Willow burger-open faced with chili and shredded cheddar cheese on

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grilled wheat; Penne Pasta-loaded with green peppers, onions, Italian sausage, topped with marinara sauce); Dinners: (ribeye, shrimp, walleye, top sirloin, chicken Kiev, chicken parmesan, BBQ ribs); Kids Menu: ravioli, mini-cheeseburgers, corn dogs, chicken, grilled cheese, salad bar).

“Our customer service and quality of food are definitely our priorities, and we take pride in catering to the customer’s needs. We make quite a bit of our food from scratch and our beef comes from Morgan’s Meat Market here in town. We are huge supporters of our community and are the “go to” place for celebrations, birthdays, pasta parties and more. We are very fortunate to be a part of this community,” Heather remarked.

The Willows boasts a back room that seats 35-40 people comfortably. Throughout the year, the Blakes offer plenty of excitement, including a brunch-photo opportunity with Santa; Easter and Mother’s Day brunches; wing eating contests; and wine/beer tastings. The Willows Restaurant & Lounge is a newlyremodeled restaurant, with a cozy atmosphere and a friendly staff. This is a great place to stop for a wonderful dining experience; be it your business party, or an enjoyable evening out with your family (100 State Hwy. 13, New Richland, MN); Open Mon. – Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) (find more on Facebook).

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ALBUM REVIEW

By Daniel G. Moir editor@southernminnscene.com

S

leater-Kinney’s ninth release holds together remarkably well despite the subject matter of falling apart.

Album Grade: B

Sleater-Kinney The Center Won’t Hold

Aside from their eight-year hiatus in 2006-2014, the Olympia, Washington trio has served as a consistent fixture in the Riot Grrrl movement since their 1994 formation. The band now finds itself in an evolutionary crossroads on the newly released The Center Won’t Hold. This is an album about the change and confusion found in the way technology has served to move society towards isolation and confusion. This is one of the ironic aspects of social media. Originally intended to draw people together, it has seemingly created a greater sense of division and alienation instead. As if referencing these divides in society, it was announced upon completion of the album that long-time drummer Janet Weiss had decided to leave the band, with Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein left behind to carry on without her.

Rather than a band fracturing apart, The Center Won’t Hold sounds like a band re-invigorated with a willingness to expand their musical vocabulary in surprising and engaging ways. Produced by Annie Clark (also known as St. Vincent), Sleater-Kinney’s lo-fi musical sensibilities are given a more finely polished sound and the group is the better for it. None of the punk-energy is diminished in the slightest, just a deeper sheen added. This is evident in the propulsive “Can I Go On,” a raw punk-pop song that channels radio circa

1965. Brownstein’s pliable vocal phrasing on select words recalls Cyndi Lauper’s on “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” making this one particularly fun to listen to.

“Restless” follows immediately afterwards and walks the tightrope between sloppy and heartfelt with Weiss’ crisp drumwork holding the song tightly together. The song has a woozy, unsettled tired feel sonically that perfectly matches the wandering sentiment in the lyric’s ambiguity. A solo guitar break in the middle gives off a warm atmospheric texture to the track making this song a standout highlight on The Center Won’t Hold.

“LOVE” gives an opportunity for Brownstein to again channel another Eighties singer. This time around, it’s the B-52’s and singer Kate Pearson that is mimicked in her chorus vocals on the song title. It is a deceptively simple “pop” sounding song that recounts the history of the band from formation to present day when “There’s nothing more frightening and nothing more obscene than a well-worn body demanding to be seen.” It is about the enduring friendship that built the group’s foundation, made all the more paradoxical considering Weiss’ unexpected exit.

As a whole, The Center Won’t Hold is perfectly sequenced, with each song reacting to the song preceding it. “LOVE” is stronger coming on the heels of the dark forcefulness of “RUINS.” The prior atonal plods of “RUINS” are cleanly wiped away with the catchy, sprightliness of the guitar riff that launches the next song. This is an album that flows seamlessly from track to track. Everything is laid out exactly as it is meant to be.

With the album’s focus on the deep sense of irony on how social media and technology were originally intended to bring society closer but has driven more of a

THE BOOKWORM SEZ By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Bottom Line: The Riot Grrrls retain their driving sensibilities and keep their band ethos intact despite the unsettling times found in both the band and society. A winner.

Daniel G. Moir has forgotten more about music than all the rest of us know combined. Reach him at editor@southernminnscene.com

Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

100 Days: How Four Events in 1969 Shaped America

by Harlan Lebo Three months from now, you’ll be making a list and checking it twice.

Three months from now, you’ll take stock of finances and life, focusing on family, food, and resolutions. This year will almost be over three months from now but as you’ll see in “100 Days: How Four Events in 1969 Shaped America”

by Harlan Lebo, there’s still plenty of time for change.

Though it finally happened in 1969, America’s plan to put a man on the moon began some twenty-eight

wedge between people, it is nearly impossible to listen to The Center Won’t Hold without considering a member’s departure. It colors and hangs over each song in the same way the tumultuous romantic entanglements during Fleetwood Mac’s recording of Rumours colored that particular release. Although nothing has been particularly reported about the split, it can result in a search for clues among the album lyrics for the listener who wishes to embark on such things.

Ultimately, The Center Won’t Hold is about confusion and a desire to find clarity and peace. From the opening dissonance of the title track to the quiet introspective “Broken” that closes the album, the group finds this is often a near impossible task. As Tucker’s mournful voice closes the album, she clearly states that despite the “falling apart,” she is also unable to “show you that face” either. The Center Won’t Hold is a prime example of art imitating life and vice versa.

As Sleater-Kinney move into their next phase of existence, The Center Won’t Hold serves as not just a good summation of their past, but an intriguing look at the possibilities of what might come next as they move into the chapter. A solid release that hits a high mark that almost makes confusion and disorientation enticing.

years earlier, when Vannevar “Van” Bush went to work for Franklin Roosevelt’s Office of Scientific Research and Development. Under Bush’s leadership, America made significant strides in technology and weapons of war, and Bush himself envisioned a future with a device we’d recognize as a computer. As for longrange rocketry, though, he thought it “would not be technically feasible.”

Bush was still alive on July 20, 1969, when Apollo 11 landed on the moon.

A little more than two weeks later, America would have what Lebo calls “One Week of the Darkest and the Brightest.”

For years, the counter-culture had been gaining strength and society had rapidly changed, thanks to

“Americans under 25 years old.” Long hair replaced crew cuts; “suits and wingtips were replaced by jeans and sandals”; and young people, unhappy with their parents’ lifestyles, adapted lifestyles of their own making.

It was a situation that Charles Manson took full advantage of, as he gathered followers who ultimately did his bidding by murdering seven people in the Los Angeles area on the nights of August 8-9 and 10.

Hollywood was terrified, as were most older Americans but the country’s youth likely noted the murders and moved on, literally: 500,000 of them were headed for a farm in upstate New York, where a threeday concert was being held August 15-17, beginning with a prayer by Sri Swami Satchidananda and ending with a blurry-eyed Jimi Hendrix on guitar.

Little did those concert-goers know that, six weeks later, something would happen that’d someday allow music to be portable: a grad student at UCLA noted that his university’s computer connected with a staff member’s computer.

It was, as Lebo says, “the birth of the Internet….”

You know how it goes: one thing leads to another.

In “100 Days,” author Harlan Lebo shows that phenomenon in history, by laying out a short timeline of the summer of ’69 – starting in 1941.

Going that far back is necessary to completely understand the significance of the first event, the start of a summer that’s been the subject of a lot of books this year. What sets this apart from others, however, is that Lebo looks closer at then-major names and at the everyman players, both who had pinky-fingers on what happened. These are the people who were almost headline-makers, who had remarkable front-row seats before slipping back into the crowd.

History doesn’t always recall those bit-players; Lebo does, and that’s where readers will find the best parts of “100 Days.” There’s why you’ll want to check this book on your list.

100 Days: How Four Events in 1969 Shaped America by Harlan Lebo, c.2019, Rowman & Littlefield, $27.00 / Higher in Canada, 368 pages.

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THE BOOKWORM SEZ By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Is There Still Sex in the City?

by Candace Bushnell Dance club or intimate restaurant?

He picks you up, or you meet him there? Fine dining, quiet walks, an adventure outing, or all of the above? Ach, since the last time you tried having a relationship, everything’s changed but nothing has.

On second thought, as in the new book “Is There Still Sex in the City” by Candace Bushnell, maybe you’ll just stay home tonight.

Though, famously, Candace Bushnell loved New York very much, her ardor began to cool after the deaths

of her dog, her mother, and her marriage in quick succession. As she scrambled to keep from losing her apartment, too, she realized that it was time to move on, literally, so she found a farmhouse on the edge of the Hamptons and settled in with two poodles, to enjoy middle-age.

She was not – absolutely not – ready to date again.

Neither were nearby friends Sassy, Queenie, Marilyn, Kitty, or Tilda Tia, although the occasional one-anddone wasn’t completely off the table. No, they’d gotten divorced, gamed, had their hearts fractured, and they eyed relationships with near-total suspicion.

It was painfully obvious that dating at almost-60 would be far, far different than it was at almost-25 – and men were different, too.

Bushnell tried biking with Tilda Tia because it

Nobody’s Victim:

Fighting Psychos, Stalkers, Pervs, and Trolls

by Carrie Goldberg You’ve already said “no” multiple times.

No, you won’t go out again.

No, you’re not interested in spending the night. No, you won’t meet him at a coffee shop. No, and now he’s threatening you, filing false reports, spreading lies, and harassing your family.

It happened to Carrie Goldberg, too, and in “Nobody’s Victim” (with Jeannine Amber), she explains what she did about it.

“The internet can be a nasty place.”

Between social media, 4chan, and the spread of fake news, it’s hard to recall a time when the internet was meant to be a safe, beneficial thing. But it was, says Goldberg, before the passing of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, legislation meant to preserve what was good about the internet.

Instead, the act colossally backfired, opening the door for porn, hate speech, misogyny, and online threats.

These are things Goldberg knows in her work as a victims’ rights lawyer.

It was a job she didn’t initially set out to do.

Before law school, she worked as a caseworker for elderly Holocaust survivors, a job that taught her to multitask but not how to set boundaries. She was single

Reading Behind Bars:

A True Story of Literature, Law, and Life as a Prison Librarian

by Jill Grunenwald Everyone knows you’ll read anywhere.

At work, if you can sneak a page. In the park, in your car, on a tractor between wagons, in every room of your house, in the yard. In the bathtub, on a plane, you’re never far from a book. Yep, you’ll read anywhere – even, as in the new book “Reading Behind Bars” by Jill Grunenwald, after the cuffs come off.

Jill Grunenwald didn’t

originally aim to become a librarian.

True, she’d loved working part-time at a library when she was a teen and she “practically lived and breathed books,” but she set her sights on a creative writing degree. Two years later, the light dawned and Grunenwald realized library-as-career was where she needed to be. Her first job: a Library Assistant position at the Lorain Correctional Institution in a small town outside Cleveland, Ohio.

“When I pictured my very first day as a professional librarian,” she says, “it did not involve getting handcuffed.”

But that’s what happened, since Grunenwald – or “Ms. G,” as the inmates came to call her – had to

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?

Big Questions from Tiny Mortals about Death

by Caitlin Doughty Your best friend loves country music but you can’t stand it.

He likes a good glass of beer after work; you prefer plain water. She’s a jeans-and-tees kind of woman, but you’re more button-down. You’re yin and yang, each quite different from the other but as in the new book “Love Thy Neighbor” by Ayaz Virji (with Alan Eisenstock), you’re more alike than you think.

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Practicing “turnstile medicine” was never his thing.

In hospital-as-corporation, though, that’s often the way things are done and Dr. Ayaz Virji didn’t like it. Keeping one eye on the clock while he cared for patients wasn’t how he thought a doctor should practice medicine, so he was ready to move his family from their Pennsylvania home, maybe to a rural area that badly needed a doctor. Statistically, he says, in rural areas, there’s one doctor for every 1,900 patients.

He could do good things in a small town.

And that’s how he ended up in tiny, almost-all-white Dawson, Minnesota, where his family’s Muslim faith and their brown faces set them apart.

Being “Minnesota nice,” Dawson was welcoming.

Virji’s family quickly became part of the community

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Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

seemed like a good way to meet men, but strawberry vodkas were better on a hot day. She tried Tinder, and learned that while it was addicting and perhaps even confidence-boosting, even men knew that men only wanted one thing from it. She took a long look at “cubbing” (dating much younger men) and other ways to prepare to dive into the dating pool again, and she went through her very own MAM (middle-aged madness), as she says most women do. She dated much older men before deciding that it wasn’t her ideal situation.

And then! Bushnell got her own MNB (my new boyfriend) and it was good. He was not a creep or a SAP (senior-age player). Happily, he showed her that sex wasn’t the only thing found in the city or outside it…

The break-up left you stunned, but now you’re healed, ready, and you’re putting on a good date-face.

Maybe.

Maybe you should start with “Is There Still Sex in the

City?”

In a half cautionary tale, part Girlfriends Manifesto, and part reportage from what may forever be a battle of the sexes, author Candace Bushnell offers advice to women in the middle of middle age and those suddenly single again. Yes, it’s funny and yes, there are tales in this book that will make you shake your head but the best takeaway is the back-patting feel of camaraderie. Second-best: there are happy endings.

Third-best: not everyone gets one, even the second time around.

“Is There Still Sex in the City?” answers its own question with an emphatic YES! and that could be the right balm for any woman, but particularly for those over 50. If that’s you and you can handle the occasional profanity, this is a book you won’t mind taking out.

then, dating, and meeting men that didn’t click with her, until she met one who drugged her and violated her in a terrifying way.

She didn’t bother to call the police.

No, she went to Ireland, thinking suicide as a possibility but there, she had an epiphany that sent her down her current path. And yet, unimaginably, she was later stalked a second time by another ex-boyfriend.

Her own experiences in mind, Goldberg writes about stalkers who mean to ruin the lives of women they supposedly love. She tells of suing schools and cities on behalf of teen girls who are “victimized” by sexting and “revenge porn.” She explains how “troll armies” are made, and why “there is almost no telling what might set them off.” And she writes compassionately about her clients: almost all women because, statistically, most stalkers are men.

To them, she says, “We are an army of warriors and we won’t back down.”

Looking for a scary-thriller kinda book this fall?

Forget about a novel; what’s inside “Nobody’s Victim” is about as frightening and horrifying as it gets.

Indeed, this book will make you want to shun your computer and all that’s on it, until you realize the truth: the internet is only part of the picture, pinpointing a harasser is difficult, prosecuting him is even harder, and legalities exist that are filled with loopholes to help corporations instead of customers. Still, author Carrie Goldberg tells of women who’ve persevered and triumphed against “psychos and stalkers,” giving you reason to hoo-rah with a caveat: Goldberg offers those stories as between-the-lines advice here, rather than a solid how-to, leaving a sense of anguish lingering over the end of this book.

And yet, if you are one of the people Goldberg says is most vulnerable to harassment or threats, this book’s empowering and comforting.

Should you miss “Nobody’s Victim”?

Absolutely: no.

complete a staff safety class that included sampling the other side of the bars. She also had to have a constant knowledge of rules that the inmates lived by; lack of knowledge, as she learned quickly, could cost her the job. Befriending inmates was also a risky, even dangerous, endeavor. For her own safety, all personal problems had to be left “at the gate,” which left no room for dealing with them. Trust was a shaky and often rare commodity, and there was ugliness between the stacks.

And yet, the job had its moments of perfection for a book-geek: Grunenwald was buoyed by the thirty-something man who begged to learn about the classics, and by the inmate who dreamed of being a librarian, too, someday.

Overall, it was a great job – until the “little things, adding up over the course of twenty months” began to truly bother Grunenwald. She wanted better hours and a different direction. She’d loved the opportunity she’d been given and she’d learned so much in prison, but it was time to “escape”…

A reminder: you have the right to remain silent. But

with “Reading Behind Bars,” you won’t want to.

Nope, you’ll want to share and discuss this book, preferably with another book lover because it speaks to people like you in so many ways, from literary references to insider peeks at the workings of a small community library. It’s a reader’s read inside a lively, funny memoir, and author Jill Grunenwald tells it in a style that feels authentic. It can also be cutesy sometimes, too, and can border on the profane, but it’s got enough of the right information and plenty of great anecdotes to keep readers engaged and to make you forgive such digressions.

Library lovers will want to check this book out.

Readers of prison literature will find it arresting. If you’re just curious about behind-the-scenes at a different kind of library, “Reading Behind Bars” will have you under lockdown.

and Virji worked to make the hospital a first-class place for healthcare. He opened a weight-loss clinic that attracted patients nationwide, his wife opened a skincare clinic, the kids settled in at school, and the family adjusted to Minnesota winters.

Then came the election of 2016, when most of the county’s citizens voted Republican.

Seeing what was in store for Muslim families like his, Virji became uncharacteristically confrontational, emotional, and outraged at what had happened. He decided to step down at the hospital, leave Minnesota, and move to Dubai but Virji’s family wanted to stay; friends, a little shocked themselves, rallied in support, but racists were emboldened by politics and sent hate messages. When a local pastor’s intern asked Virji to speak about his faith at a public forum, he agreed, but the outcome was mixed.

“What,” he asked about tolerance, “will it take?”

Looking at “Love Thy Neighbor,” you might think it’s a memoir with a happy ending, but no. For starters, with politics as they are today and immigration in flux, this books’ real ending may be years away.

Opening with a detailed recount of a speech that feels more like a lecture, author Ayaz Virji then shifts to a fish-out-of-water tale with light amusement as he writes about his new and beloved hometown. That’s charming but beware: just pages in, this story takes two abrupt, parallel, and unexpected turns – one deeply political and the other, deeply instructional, as Virji spends pages describing anger at the open and sudden racism he experiences, and more pages teaching readers about how Islam compares to Christianity. The former is understandable and sympathetic readers will be outraged; the latter is interesting but it’s too intense and feels rather ill-placed.

If you’re expecting that, you might welcome the info but if you’re not, head’s up. “Love They Neighbor” is well-done and readable, but it’s also very, very different.

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Is There Still Sex in the City? by Candace Bushnell, c.2019, Grove Press, $26.00 / Higher in Canada, 272 pages.

Nobody’s Victim: Fighting Psychos, Stalkers, Pervs, and Trolls by Carrie Goldberg, with Jeannine Amber c.2019, Plume, $27.00 / $36.00 in Canada, 295 pages.

Reading Behind Bars: A True Story of Literature, Law, and Life as a Prison Librarian by Jill Grunenwald, c.2019, Skyhorse Publishing, $25.99 /$34.99 in Canada, 342 pages.

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? Big Questions from Tiny Mortals about Death by Caitlin Doughty, c.2019, Norton, $25.95 / $34.95 in Canada, 222 pages.

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A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent