Enjoying Life
This Fall
1 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021Tuesday, | SUPPLEMENTOctober TO THE FREEBORN A Special Fall Supplement The FreebornPAGE County Shopper 26, COUNTY 2021 SHOPPER
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 2
Contents Industry, Employment & Economic Development Supporting Local Businesses ���������������������������������� 4-7 Home Improvements Prepare Your Deck for Winter ����������������������������������� 8 Wine, Dine & Enjoy Pairing Wine with Meat �������������������������������������������� 9 Health, Wellness & Senior Living Being Healthy Staying Active & Mental Acuity �� 10-15 Your Finance Thinking about Financial Planning ��������������������� 16-17 Shop Local Downtown Albert lea ��������������������������������������� 18-19 Keeping the Faith Path ways of Healing ������������������������������������������ 20-21 In the Yard & Garden Mary Boorsman from Albert Lea Seed House and Garden Center ������������������������������������������������� 22
ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY YMCA MEMBERSHIP
Fill out the form inside and enter for a chance to win a one-year family membership to the YMCA for new members.
PAGE 3 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL AND SMALL BUSINESS BY NOELLE HAGEN Assistant Director
T
he gift-giving season is just around the corner! Now is a great time to start thinking about how your gift giving and merry making plans may revolve around supporting local and small business in Freeborn County. You may be an expert at finding all the right gifts, party supplies, unique and delicious foods for entertaining or planning cozy nights in or… you may be a little less seasoned in the noble task… Either way, I hope to bring you some quality tips and ideas for shopping local.
hobbies and interests, useful items, keepsakes, collectibles, the list goes on and on! But how do I figure out where to go to buy the right gift you ask? I say, anywhere! From my personal experience I have found many fun and amazing things that I purchased as gifts for my loved ones when I was browsing our local stores… usually shopping for myself instead of for gifts! In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to find unique gifts… take the pressure off, have fun, and things will stand out to you.
Let’s start with gifts, if you are shopping for someone it can be tricky to choose a gift that you know they will cherish and appreciate. You may be thinking about their
If you don’t love shopping and browsing or feel that you cannot “leave it up to chance”, don’t worry! One of the most wonderful things about our local businesses is the friendly faces you’ll find in store. They are experts in their store’s inventory and are happy to help you locate the perfect items. Take advantage of this quality personal shopping experience when you walk into a small business. Another underrated gift idea is food or drinks. Some of my favorite gifts to give are special food treats and unique items such as specialty jams, pickles, cocktail mixes, seasonings, tea, coffee, dried meats, special baking or soup mixes, etc. Many of our local stores offer a great selection of items like these! If you find something that sounds just too scrumptious to you, “forget” to wrap it up and enjoy it yourself! If the person you’re shopping for would value experience over items, there are lots of local options to choose from! You can purchase or support their registration for art classes, maker classes and demos, community ed trips/ex-
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 4
periences, or theatre tickets. Or you can go classic and treat them to a night out, their favorite breakfast, or takeout by purchasing gift certificates from local restaurants. I know the world of shopping is full of possibilities. Almost anything you can think of can be purchased within a matter of clicks on a screen. While there are advantages of purchasing items online – I challenge you to purchase at least one gift this year from a local business. You may be surprised how easy and enjoyable it is!
Freeborn County Minnesota
2019
Great Careers. Great Benefits. Great People. www.co.freeborn.mn.us PAGE 5 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
L
WHAT IS PLAID FRIDAY?
ocally owned small businesses are vital components of many thriving communities. The unique role locally owned small businesses play was never more apparent than during the pandemic, when many such establishments were forced to close, reduce their hours of operation or downsize their offerings as consumers were urged to stay home and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In the wake of those changes, communities across the country soon realized how vital local businesses are to their local economies. Job creation and tax revenue are two ways that locally owned small businesses support local economies. These businesses also make communities unique and serve as a source of pride for residents, which underscores the importance of supporting them as the world slowly emerges from the pandemic. Businesses big and small look to the holiday season as a great time to increase their revenue. Big business gets a significant boost from Black Friday, which occurs on the day after Thanksgiving and marks the unofficial opening of the holiday shopping season. But consumers who want
to support locally owned small businesses as they start their holiday shopping can look to Plaid Friday. Plaid Friday was initially organized in Oakland, Calif., in 2009. Back then, Plaid Friday, which takes place on the day after Thanksgiving, was intended to serve as a more laid-back alternative to Black Friday, a day that’s become as notorious for incidents threatening public safety as it has for great deals. Plaid Friday efforts promote locally-owned small businesses and encourage residents to patronize these establishments as they begin their holiday shopping. Since 2009, Plaid Friday has caught on outside of Oakland, and many communities now embrace it. Many small business owners host Plaid Friday sales, and some even offer extra discounts to customers who wear plaid, which has come to symbolize support for small, independently-owned businesses. This year Plaid Friday occurs on November 26. Residents are urged to support small, locally-owned businesses, many of which could use a boost after a challenging 2020 holiday season.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 6
Are you looking for a job? Look in the Help Wanted section of the Freeborn County Shopper!
CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
UNITING TALENT WITH OPPORTUNITY!
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
NEW JOBS POSTED EVERY WEEK!
The Freeborn County Shopper is delivered weekly! Check us out at freeborncountyshopper.com or look us up on Facebook! Tuesday, October 27, 2020 Volume 46, No. 43
MEDICAL SHORT TERM DISABILITY LONG TERM DISABILITY PTO (PAID TIME OFF) 401K & ESOP (EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PROGRAM) VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN ABOUT ALL OF OUR GREAT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.
110 West Pearl St. • Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 507-373-1310 www.freeborncountyshopper.com
www.innovance.com
CLOG-FREEPAGEGUT TERS 7 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER OR YOUR MONEY BACK
PREPARE YOUR DECK FOR WINTER
ers in cold weather, and that can contribute to mildew, discoloration or decay.
• Store unnecessary furniture. Homeowners who like to sit on their decks in winter will no doubt want to leave some furniture out over the winter. But those with lots of furniture for entertaining guests can likely move the majority of that furniture into a garage or shed for the winter. HGTV notes that doing so will prevent the potential formation of blemishes on the deck that can result from inconsistent weathering. • Remove snow, but do so carefully. Prolonged contact with snow and ice can damage a deck. As a result, homeowners should clear snow from their decks when accumulation is significant. HGTV recommends using a snow blower on the deck to avoid scarring. If a shovel must be used, push snow with the planks to reduce the risk of damaging the deck.
H
Homeowners who take steps to protect their decks throughout the winter months can ensure these popular areas are ready once entertaining season returns in the spring.
omeowners often take steps to winterize the interior of their homes in the weeks before winter’s arrival, but such efforts should extend to the outside of a home as well.
Decks make for great gathering places when the weather permits. Decks are where many people spend their free time and eat their meals come spring and summer, when the temperatures climb and the sun sets well into the evening. But as summer turns to fall, homeowners must take measures to protect their decks from potentially harsh winter weather. • Inspect the deck for problems. Decks tend to be used more often in summer than any other time of year. That makes fall and early winter an ideal time to inspect for wear and tear and any additional issues that may have cropped up throughout the summer. Damaged boards and loose handrails should be fixed before winter arrives, especially for homeowners who plan to use their decks in winter. Fixing such issues in winter and even into spring may be difficult thanks to harsh conditions, so make good use of the relatively calm autumn weather to fix any issues on the deck. • Clear the deck of potted plants. Even homeowners who intend to use their decks in winter should remove potted plants from the deck in the fall. The home improvement experts at HGTV note that moisture can get trapped between deck boards and plastic, wood or ceramic containSUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 8
ROLLING GREE
N FENCING, INC.
Quality Product For Quality People
LEADING IN FENCING PRODUCTS & INSTALLATION • CHAIN LINK • VINYL • WOOD • ALUMINUM & STEEL • ORNAMENTAL
507-433-4845
2408 4th St NW • Austin, MN
WE CAN FENCE ANYTHING IN OR ANYTHING OUT
HOW TO PAIR WINE WITH DIFFERENT CUTS OF MEAT
W
New York strip steak. Wine Folly also notes that reds like Blaufränkish, an Austrian red, and a blend of Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre (GSM) also pair very well with New York strips.
ine enthusiasts insist that nothing can make a meal more flavorful than a good wine. A great pairing of wine and food can make for a memorable meal that people can savor long after the last dish has made its way into the dishwasher.
RIB-EYE An especially flavorful cut of steak, the rib-eye is favored by people who like a big cut of meat. Wine Folly notes that a Sonoma or Napa Valley Zinfandel pairs very well with grilled ribeyes. High tannin wines can cut through the fat of ribeyes, but Wine Folly also notes that wines such as an Amarone della Valpolicella or Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso that have a strong fruit flavor can pair well because they contrast the natural flavor of the ribeye.
It’s easy for novice wine drinkers to become intimidated when tasked with pairing wines. That’s especially the case when pairing wine with meat. No two cuts of meat are the same, which means a wine that pairs well with one cut may not pair as well with another. The wine experts at Wine Folly (winefolly.com) note that leaner cuts of meat tend to pair well with lighter wines. For fans of richer, fattier cuts of meat, high tannin wines can cut through the fat and make for a flavorful pairing. If that isn’t specific enough to make pairing wine and meat less confusing, individuals can consider these pairing suggestions for popular cuts of meat.
FILET MIGNON Filet mignon is among the most popular and expensive cuts of meat. The cost of filet mignon can make pairing it with wine even more intimidating. Wine Folly recommends pairing filet mignon with a Merlot or Merlot-based red blend, a Touriga Nacional or a Mencía. Each of these wines capably complements the subtle flavor of filet mignon and bring
SIRLOIN out its natural flavor.
NEW YORK STRIP STEAK New York strip steak, sometimes referred to as shell steak or Kansas City strip, should come out tender when cooked correctly. The meat experts at Massachusetts-based Butcher Boy Market note that a Cabernet Sauvignon-New York strip pairing is a classic combination. Though red wines are often the recommended pairing with meat, Butcher Boy Market notes that white wine, and champagne in particular, pairs well with
Sirloin is a leaner cut of meat that can still taste great when grilled. Wine Folly recommends a range of reds and cooks can choose one based on how they’re seasoning the meat or which sauce they’re using. For example, a French Syrah pairs well with butter sauces. Wine Folly also notes that Spanish Tempranillo or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo pair well with sirloin. The right wine can make cuts of meat like filet mignon, ribeye and sirloin taste even better.
Exquisite
FOOD, WINE & SERVICE Seasonal Changes to Menu Over 100 Wines Live Piano Music
Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday Evenings at 5:30
www.crescendodining.com
118 S. Broadway • Albert Lea • 507-377-2425 PAGE 9 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
THE HORMEL INSTITUTE:
We Inspire Discoveries That Improve and Extend Human Life
T
he Hormel Institute is a biomedical research center that advances scientific knowledge, educates the researchers of tomorrow, and promotes health worldwide. We accelerate answers to fundamental biological questions through innovation and creativity to improve lives and to bring hope to all people.
Started in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota has a nearly eight-decade history of making significant scientific discoveries aimed at improving the health of the world. The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research department within the University of Minnesota’s Office of the Vice President for Research. Collaborative research partners include Masonic Cancer Center UMN (a Comprehensive Cancer Center as designated by the National Cancer Institute, N.I.H.), the Mayo Clinic (US News & World Report’s “Best Hospital in the United States”), and many other leading research centers worldwide. The Hormel Institute, which tripled in size in 2008 and doubled again in size in 2016, is home to some of the world’s most cutting-edge research technologies and expert scientists. Over the next few years, The Hormel Institute SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 10
will broaden its impact through innovative, world class research in its quest to improve human health. As The Hormel Institute makes a stronger impact throughout the local community, state, region and beyond, a new plan is underway to ensure the community benefits from the world class center and team of experts. Executive Director Dr. Robert Clarke and Chief of Staff Elizabeth Fedie developed a new department – Community Outreach and Education. To spearhead this effort, Kelly Vincelette joined The Hormel Institute in April. As Community Outreach and Education Manager. Goals for this department are expanding education, internships and community connections, offer more support for the community in science education to inspire STEM education and higher education opportunities, continue to grow collaborations and partnerships and provide more of the resources that are available through University of Minnesota and collaborative partnerships. At The Hormel Institute, 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to research. The Hormel Foundation generously covers The Hormel Institute’s administrative and operational costs, allowing every donation received to fully go toward funding cancer research.
We inspire discoveries that improve and extend human life
100% of donations go to cancer research
Reduce your cancer risk. Diet and lifestyle can affect the risk of certain cancers. Learn what changes you can make at an upcoming cancer symposium with Mayo Clinic Health System, and prepare to laugh about things you never imagined. Brenda Eslagher, keynote speaker, author, certified humor professional and colorectal cancer survivor, shares tips for coping with laughter through stressful and challenging moments. The cancer symposium is sponsored by the Lloyd and Ardis Peterson Family Foundation. 10th Annual Lloyd & Ardis Peterson Cancer Symposium Thursday, Nov. 4, noon–1 p.m. | Free Zoom webinar Register now by searching “Cancer Symposium” at mayoclinichealthsystem.org.
PAGE 11 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
Physical Activity and Benefits of Cognition with Aging As we age, we change both biological and psychological. The basic cognitive functions most affected by aging are attention and memory. Higher level cognitive functions such as language processing and decision making can also be affected by aging. Many studies have shown that parts of brain which control thinking and memory (prefrontal cortex and medial temporal cortex) have a larger volume in people who are physically active versus individuals who don’t. Interacting in physical activity helps improve the brain directly and indirectly. The benefits directly have the ability to reduce insulin resistance, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain that affect the health of brain cells, the growth of new blood vessels, and the plethora of new brain cells. Physical activity is widely spoke about as a strategy for promoting health in the aging populations and maintaining functional capacity, as well as assisting with the prevention and control of variety of diseases. How much exercise is required to help improve
cognitive function? It’s recommended to be physically active for 150 minutes per week. That might seem daunting to some, and if so start slowly. Increase your physical activity by 5 or even 10 minutes each week until you are fit to reach the goal of 150 minutes each week. You may notice that I have been using the term “Physically Active” rather than “Exercise.” Physical activity is any movement that is produced by skeletal muscles; such as walking, hiking, gardening, biking, raking leaves, cleaning the house and other activities that require movement. Exercise is defined as a planned, structured, and intentional movement aimed to improve or maintain physical fitness. All physical activity positively contributes to overall health and well-being. The common goal we have as individuals is to live a long life, but not only that, we want to be able to remember our greatest memories and be able to communicate with our loved ones with a sharp mind. If you don’t have the discipline to be active on your own reach out to friends or family members to hold
Now is a GREAT time to move to
Thorne Crest Senior Living Communty!
Benefits of being a Thorne Crest resident: n Peace of Mind n Daily Support n Wellness & Fitness n Personal Growth n Financial Stability 1201 Garfield Avenue • Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-373-2311 • ThorneCrest.net
Thorne Crest is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior health care since 1930.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 12
each other accountable and for motivation. As long as you are staying active maintain that commitment like taking a daily prescription of medication. Remember, exercise is medicine and everyone should be prescribed to being active no matter our age.
Whispering Oak
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
Jordan Montes
Wellness Director Thorne Crest Senior Living Community
Whispering Oak
Focus on Health & Wellness! We at the the Family Y have many health & wellness programs for you, no matter what your age.
ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
Stop in today and see what were all about!
2017
Whispering Oak Place is now taking reservations for our newly renovated Memory Care neighborhood. 2021 W. Main St, Albert Lea | 507-373-8228
Our memory care boasts safety and security, specialized trained staff, beautiful outdoor patio, chef-prepared meals, transportation and an abundance of activities.
A STRONG BRAND A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
All-Inclusive Pricing for Memory Care.
Assisted Living Apartments Available Studio, 1 Bedroom Apartments and Companion Suite.
Reserve your apartment today! FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING
FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
903 Calverly Court Ellendale, MN 56026 507-684-3026 LifeEnrichment@whisperingoakplace.com www.WhisperingOakPlace.com PAGE 13 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
How aging adults can maintain their mental acuity
A
ging is associated with or linked to a host of mental and physical side effects. For example, many adults expect their vision to deteriorate as they grow older. Such a side effect can be combatted with routine eye examinations that may indicate a need for a stronger eyeglass prescription, a relatively simple solution that won’t impact adults’ daily lives much at all.
While physical side effects like diminished vision might not strike much fear in the hearts of aging men and women, those same people may be concerned and/or frightened by the notion of age-related cognitive decline. Some immediately associate such decline with Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and cognitive skills, ultimately compromising a person’s ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. But age-related cognitive decline is not always symptomatic of Alzheimer’s disease. Learning about Alzheimer’s and how to maintain mental acuity can help aging men and women better understand the changes their brains might be undergoing as they near or pass retirement age.
Is Alzheimer’s disease hereditary? The National Institute on Aging notes that only a very
rare form of Alzheimer’s disease is inherited. Early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease, or FAD, is caused by mutations in certain genes. If these genes are passed down from parent to child, then the child is likely, but not certain, to get FAD. So while many adults may be concerned about Alzheimer’s because one of their parents had the disease, the NIA notes that the majority of Alzheimer’s cases are late-onset, which has no obvious family pattern.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 14
Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented? Studies of Alzheimer’s disease are ongoing, but to date there is no definitive way to prevent the onset of the disease.
How can I maintain mental acuity as I age? Researchers have not yet determined a way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but adults can take certain steps to maintain their mental acuity into retirement. • Exercise regularly. Routine exercise may be most associated with physical benefits, but the NIA notes that such activity has been linked to benefits for the brain as well. For example, a 2011 study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found that aerobic exercise training increases the size of the hippocampus, leading to improvements in spatial memory. The NIA also notes that one study indicated exercise stimulated the brain’s ability to maintain old network connections and make new ones vital to cognitive health.
lihood that the presence of plaques or tangles will impair cognitive function. • Stay socially connected. Maintaining social connections with family, friends and community members also can help women prevent cognitive decline. Epidemiologist Bryan James of the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center studied how social activity affected cognitive decline, ultimately noting that the rate of cognitive decline was considerably lower among men and women who maintained social contact than it was among those with low levels of social activity. The idea of age-related cognitive decline strikes fear in the hearts of many men and women, but there are ways for adults to maintain their mental acuity well into their golden years.
• Read more. Avid readers may be happy to learn that one of their favorite pastimes can improve the efficiency of their cognitive systems while delaying such systems’ decline. A 2013 study published in the journal Neurology by researchers at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center found that mentally active lifestyles may not prevent the formations of plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but such lifestyles decreases the like-
PAGE 15 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
START THINKING ABOUT FINANCIAL PLANNING NOW
COMMUNITY OWNED. COMMUNITY FOCUSED. Being part of a community bank means that your money gets put to work right here. We are passionate about supporting local families, businesses, and causes important to you. Help make a difference today with Arcadian Bank, a true community bank!
F DanielCEOOtten
MarkPresident Heinemann
COMMUNITY OWNED. COMMUNITY FOCUSED. ALBERT LEA 507-373-1945 HARTLAND 507-845-2233 FREEBORN 507-863-2371 Member FDIC
www.arcadian.bank
inancial planning has become a catchphrase in recent years, and it’s something many consumers may not fully understand. Learning some key components of financial planning can help people have more capital on hand to help them achieve their short- and long-term goals. A 2018 study commissioned by GuideVine that polled 1,000 Americans 30 and older about their finances found that many lack knowledge of basic financial terms. In addition, the study found that numerous people feel completely lost in regard to having a solid plan with their money. Financial planning can be intimidating, but learning the basics of sound money management can help people secure their financial futures. According to the online learning resource WiseGeek, financial planning is a process of setting objectives, assessing assets and resources, estimating future financial needs, and making plans to achieve financial goals. Investing, risk management, retirement planning, tax requirements, and estate planning
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 16
are key components of financial planning.
sure that all avenues are being explored, esTo get started with financial planning, the fi- pecially for financial novices. It’s important to note that financial planning nancial guide and online resource Ramsay says individuals will need to see where they stand may mean different things to different people. financially, establish financial goals and create For some, planning may revolve around sava plan to reach those goals. While a person ing for a child’s college tuition but still having can create his or her own financial plan, often- enough money left to retire. Another person times the help of a financial planner can make may be looking to save extra money to invest in a business venture. Others who are living paycheck to paycheck may need help reevaluating their spending so they can grow their savings. One of the key components of financial planning is to begin doing it as soon as possible. A financial plan can be instituted at any age, and goals can be revisited as life changes occur. Financial planning strategies are something anyone can learn and utilize to secure their financial futures.
PAGE 17 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN DOWNTOWN ALBERT LEA Furniture Collectibles & Antiques Home Decor Gift Items Local Makers Milkhouse Candles MIss Lillian's No Wax Chock Paint LoCATED in the heart of downtown Albert Lea
A Full Service Estate and Downsizing Company assisting those in need of our services with a personal approach
In home sales Off-site sales Clean Out Service Online Sales 136 South Broadway Albert Lea MN 507-668-4069 since 2016
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 18
PAGE 19 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
KEEPING THE FAITH
Pathways of Healing
BY PASTOR SHANE KOEPKE
Grace Lutheran Church
C
hristianity, along with all other religions are going through a process of being criticized right now. We are asking questions like “Why do we do this…or that…or even THAT, in the church. People from outside the church are criticizing, and right so, the ways the church has put it’s faith in broken leaders rather than God. Some churches have rallied around a pastor rather than the collective leadership of church, and from within have become naval gazing hypocrites, rather than Jesus following people.
that only your group has it right. Maybe you aren’t part of a church because you have been disenfranchised through your experience. Maybe you haven’t given it any thought at all and you find church to be a meaningful experience. Whatever your experience, you are on a journey of faith. I love the church. Surprise, surprise, a pastor who says they love the church. I love the church because it creates a space for me to think, to wonder, to ask tough questions, to help others, to be helped when I need it (something I’m always working on), and to be a reflection of God’s love in the world. I love that the church doesn’t need to have all the answers to still do good, to support one another, to keep trying.
I think this kind of criticism is good for the church. It helps to hold us accountable, to reform our thinking, and to see that God is still at work in this world, sometimes even through these critical and often difficult moments of And in the same breath, I’m able to be critithe church. Healing can only begin once the cal of the church and it’s treatment of women wound is exposed. in leadership. How it often shames those who Maybe you are part of a church and you think are LGBTQ, when it supports systemic racism, SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 20
how it says it welcomes everyone on the sign out front but then when you get inside you realize that you are only really welcome if you think, act, pray and look like everyone else. I’m not saying all churches do it, but I’m also not going to stand by and let those behaviors be the dominate headline. I hope (and pray) that you are willing to take a stand as well. When I read the Bible, I see that God continually makes pathways of healing. Jesus is always giving grace and love before judgment, the Holy Spirit moves people toward deeper community, not dividing lines. The church, through healthy
criticism can begin to heal and change. We can be louder as we speak out for the oppressed and the poor. We can choose love over division, grace over judgement. This fall as you enter into this season of harvest, I encourage you to look for the harvests that come from placing value in your faithful places: church, Bible studies, etc. Take strength from them and adventure into the world knowing we won’t 918 Garfield Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-6496 always be perfect, but 9:00 am Worship we will keep facebook.com/GraceAlbertLea All are welcome! www.gracealbertlea.org trying in faith.
Bringing People Together and Becoming Disciples for Christ! PAGE 21 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
IN THE YARD AND GARDEN Mary Boorsma, Albert Lea Seedhouse & Garden Center
Whenever I speak in public, I work hard to craft an entertaining, informative speech, which folks listen to politely. As soon as I’m finished talking and open the floor for questions, someone raises his or her hand and says, “What about those Japanese beetles?” This question launches thirty minutes of what I’ve come to refer to as Japanese Beetle Counseling. At the Seed House Garden Center, we are skilled in Japanese Beetle Counseling. Distraught folks call and come in every day from July 1 through Labor day. We can talk most folks off the ledge, but there’s no denying that Japanese beetles evoke some strong emotions. “Why,” people ask, “are there so many?” First found in the United States in 1916, Japanese beetles have been munching, crawling and flying their way east for the last 105 years. Gardeners of every kind fear and loathe these beautiful copper and green insects. The larval grub eats the roots of your lawn, leaving unsightly brown patches of dead or dying grass. The voracious appetite of the adult beetle can defoliate a plant in a matter of days. Linden trees, roses, raspberries, fruit trees, grapes and hollyhocks are all favorite foods. When I had a grapevine, I’d spend half an hour knocking beetles into an ice cream bucket of soapy water only to find as many beetles and more the next day. This isn’t a bad way to spend half an hour. If you have nothing going on. Every day. For three months.
cubator a Japanese beetle grub ever saw: the lawn. Born in 1860, a mere 46 years before the Japanese beetle came to town, lawns have become one important symbol of democracy. Flowing from one yard to the next, the green carpet that spreads from Massachusetts to Oregon says “We are one.” The lawn is where we sit with our loved ones for picnics, tumble with the family dog, play croquet, keep up with the Joneses. And the lawn is the perfect place for baby Japanese beetles to be born.
“Why are there so many?”
Did you water your lawn this summer? The grubs thank you. Does your landscape include roses, raspberries or lindens? The beetles thank you. That’s why there are so many.
Guess what, dear reader, there are so many because of you. I can see your bewilderment. I can see the denial written across your face. I don’t want to pick on you too much. I’ll soften the blow: there are so many Japanese beetles because of us. We Americans have built these insects a paradise. We have given them a home with no natural enemies. We’ve given them ideal temperatures and moisture levels. We’ve given them a selection of foods to rival Old Country Buffet. And most of all, we’ve given them the greatest in-
What, then, can we do? Lots. We can plant lawn grasses that tolerate drought (not Kentucky Bluegrass, for example.) We can plant less palatable trees, shrubs and perennials (lilacs, magnolia, red maple, to name a few.) We can explore natural predators (like nematodes.) We can rethink our landscapes and our panic when a plant is eaten to the ground. Japanese Beetle Counseling is about calming down and thinking of long term solutions for this imported beetle. Help is available. Call me anytime.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 22
Answer the Following Questions and Enter to Win Our Readership Contest
One Year Family Membership to the YMCA to a New Member
Where can you get 20% of any one item in the store? �������������������������������������������������� Which business has Fresh Products, Friendly People & Store-to-Curb service? �������������������������������� Who can help you set and achieve your goals? �������������������������������������������������������� Where should you go to VOTE, Tuesday November 2? �������������������������������������������������� Who has a $18-$19.20 Starting Wage? �������������������������������������������������������������� Where do they have memberships as low as $5/month? ������������������������������������������������� Who helps businesses small & large grow and expand? ������������������������������������������������� Who is located at 137 North Broadway Ave., Albert Lea? ������������������������������������������������� Which business is Community Owned, Community Focused? ��������������������������������������������� Where can you find Compassion & Professional Funeral planning services? ���������������������������������� Whose address is 702 E 13th Street, Albert Lea? ������������������������������������������������������� Where can you go to enjoy Live Piano Music? ��������������������������������������������������������� Who has a 24 Hr Crisis Line and asks you to volunteer? ������������������������������������������������� Who has Caring Hands Enhancing the Quality of Lives at Home? ������������������������������������������ Who offers Great Careers, Great Benefits, Great People? ������������������������������������������������ Who is Bringing People Together and Becoming Disciples for Christ? ��������������������������������������� Who should you see for All Your Automotive Maintenance Needs? ����������������������������������������� Who encourages you to Don’t Miss a Single Word? ���������������������������������������������������� Who inspires discoveries that improve and extend human life? �������������������������������������������� Where do they have Career Opportunities Uniting Talent with Opportunity? ��������������������������������� Where can you go to shop for Furniture Collectibles & Antiques in the heart of Downtown? ���������������������� Where can you go to learn how to reduce your cancer risk? ���������������������������������������������� Where can you go to shop for products from Sorel, Perfect Storm, Keen and Sketchers? ������������������������ Who Leading in Fencing Products & Installation? ������������������������������������������������������ Who offers Full Service Banking and is Investing in Your Future? ������������������������������������������ Who is Promoting Health & Well-Being to our Senior Population? ����������������������������������������� Who is Providing safe, reliable, accessible and courteous public transportation? ������������������������������� Who has Unlocked the Answer to Customer Satisfaction? ����������������������������������������������� Who wants you to know that no matter where you’re at in life, you’ll find a home in our community? �������������� Who is located at 610 South Broadway Avenue, Albert Lea? ���������������������������������������������� Where can you get Insurance from the Best? ��������������������������������������������������������� Where can you get Exceptional healthcare, for every season? �������������������������������������������� Who is now taking reservations for their newly renovated Memory Care neighborhood? ������������������������ Who asks you to call 507-373-2461 to learn more about pre-planning? �������������������������������������� Where is Now a GREAT time to move to? ������������������������������������������������������������ Name ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Address ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Phone ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Mail or bring your entry form to The Freeborn Co. Shopper, 110 W. Pearl St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 by Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 No photo copies, one entry per person. Must be 18 years of age or older. PAGE 23 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER
We’ve Unlocked the Answer to Customer Satisfaction! CUSTOM SHOWER ENCLOSURES
Actual Custom Shower Enclosure Installed by Southern Lock & Glass
• Window, Glass, Screen Repair & Replacement • Fogged Thermal Unit Replacement • Complete Residential & Commercial Lock Service • Commercial & Residential Garage Doors • Commercial Store Fronts & Hollow Metal Doors/Frames • Windshield & Autoglass Repair & Replacement • Lockout Service • Custom Mirrors
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
316 Main Court • Albert Lea • 507-373-9446 www.SouthernLockandGlass.com Visit Us On
at facebook.com/southernlock
2019
Exceptional healthcare, for every season. United Hospital District provides the services your family needs AMBULANCE/911
LACTATION CONSULTATION
SOCIAL SERVICES
ALLERGY & ASTHMA
MEALS ON WHEELS
SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPY
ANESTHESIA
MENTAL HEALTH
SURGERY
CARDIOLOGY SERVICES
NUTRITION COUNSELING
SWING BED SKILLED CARE
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY
TELEHEALTH
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
TELESTROKE
DIAGNOSTIC LAB
OPHTHALMOLOGY
URGENT CARE
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY
ORTHOPEDICS
UROLOGY
EAR, NOSE & THROAT
PAIN MANAGEMENT
EMERGENCY CARE
PATHOLOGY
FAMILY MEDICINE
PHYSICAL THERAPY
HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE
PSYCHOLOGY
INR/COUMADIN CLINIC
SLEEP STUDIES
BLUE EARTH | FAIRMONT | WELLS | WINNEBAGO 507-526-3273 or uhd.org SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREEBORN COUNTY SHOPPER | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 | PAGE 24