River Valley Woman February 2019

CommunityImpact!

BY EILEEN MADSEN Editor

to know you made an impact? Though, maybe we all do in our own unique ways. We don’t block an entire grocery store aisle yakking with a friend whilst a fellow shopper is trying to get at the taco shells. We don’t keep going in the roundabout when it isn’t our turn (although when is our turn, anyone know?). And we always respond to emails and never leave people hanging for days, (you do write back, don’t you?).

No matter what we do, our actions and choices can change lives. Hence, this Community Impact issue, and where cover feature, Jessica Ellofson, comes in. And thank goodness she does or we could have an epidemic on our hands. This public health nurse works to keep us safe from infectious disease outbreaks through communication and education. Thank you!

Admittedly infectious disease control is not something I have given a lot of thought to, but I did ponder why I had two bouts of illness in a matter of one month this winter. I had a lot of time to think at 3 a.m. between coughing fits, swearing, and trying to share the couch with two cats. While I can’t do what Jessica does, I can tell you that McMaster’s whiskey ain’t bad in the pre-dawn hours (medicinal purposes, of course). And that zinc lozenges taste terrible no matter how many fruit flavors try to disguise them. Oh, and that whoever invented those cheap ramen noodle packs should be sainted, right next to Mother Theresa.

Sometimes it’s disaster that makes an impact. Such was the case for Madelia three years ago when a fire took out much of the downtown. But that fire was no match for the townspeople and chamber of commerce executive director, Karla Angus, who led the charge to recover and helped to create an even stronger community.

For many of us, that type of devastation is hard to fathom. Just reading about it helps us to realize that rude shoppers, or driving snafus, just aren’t that important by comparison to your business or town lying in a heap of smoldering rubble.

Making a difference is highly valued. But how about our differences in each other? Are we valuing and respecting that? Or are we driven by fear of those differences? Human rights award winner and activist, Alma Marin Millan, has been working towards alleviating those fears for 40 years, and continues to champion the cause. She is now looking to the younger generation to bring in a new wave of thought and represent the future.

I’ve found the best deterrent to fear of others is to be friends with a variety of types of people, and to realize that sometimes it’s me who is blocking the aisle. I’m still working on not wishing a lifetime of unanswered emails upon those who don’t use turn signals, but I’m trying.

As the adage goes, it isn’t what you say but how you say it. Vanessa Goodthunder, the director of the Lower Sioux Indian Community’s Head Start programs, says it in Dakota. Language immersion, according to Goodthunder, connects children to who they are as a people. The community of Morton agreed, and the program, along with the early education classes are thriving. Goodthunder says it isn’t enough to be good, but rather, to be excellent.

On that note of excellence, we welcome new columnist Rose Rustman to RVW. As St. Peter’s Ace Hardware store manager for over two decades, Rose knows a lot about—well, a lot—paint, home improvements, hammers, appliances and then some. It’s nice to have someone who knows, when we don’t.

I guess, in a roundabout way, we all can make an impact when we yield to each other. Now excuse my reach ladies, it’s taco night.

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ublic health nurse, mother to a “Brady Bunch,” car pool driver, health enthusiast, grad student.

Jessica Elofson does it all with grace, commitment, and compassion for her community and family.

Although she says she didn’t know anything about public health when she applied for a position with Blue Earth County 12 years ago, Jessica found it a perfect fit. After working at the hospital in Mankato, she was looking for something that didn’t require weekend, evening, or holiday hours and found it as a public health nurse, specializing in community health.

Elofson actually coordinates two major programs that are almost hard to distinguish—emergency preparedness and infectious disease prevention/control.

Husband Andrew, who also works for Blue Earth county, describes Jessica’s work, “She coordinates very complicated investigations that are critical—behind the scenes—to huge issues not many people are aware of regarding community health and well being of all of our citizens— through critical contact investigations of sick and contagious people in our midst. Identifying, treating, and making safe our communities from possibly scary outcomes…. It’s cool stuff.”

“Our role is to prevent disease outbreaks and monitor infectious disease in the community,” Jessica further explained. “Essentially what I do—depending on the type of disease—is work with people who are sick and make sure they don’t expose others. I work with physicians to make sure they get the right treatment. Depending on the situation, I might investigate to determine who was exposed and notify them. My involvement varies, depending on the disease, severity, and how it’s transmitted. Sometimes it’s more passive, sometimes more active.”

Elofson’s work involves a little bit of everything—communicating with the medical community’s clinics, hospitals, and physicians, as well as education with groups and individuals.

“In all of it, what I really like is that there’s a ton of collaboration with medical providers in the community. We all work together if there’s a community-wide health concern,” Said Jessica.

Jessica is part of a 22-member —“all women, all wonderful”—public health group.

“Things move quickly in what I deal with. All of us have to move quickly and shift our schedules. We have a team that can do that and they’re willing to do it. They’re a bunch of intelligent women. We have good leadership—it’s a good place to work,” she said.

The emergency preparedness piece of Jessica’s work often involves working with others beyond her normal circle. She represents Blue Earth County Public Health Preparedness in a regional group.

“We have a unique amount of collaboration among health care professionals in the region. Our health care coalition meets regularly to talk about things that can happen, such as national disasters. We’re much stronger here than other parts of the state. We have some very strong leaders who have put this group in place. That’s key—it has to be in place before there’s a disaster.”

Examples of the entire medical community jumping into action together were the H1N1 pandemic and the college meningitis outbreak.

With the world becoming smaller as more and more people travel, diseases are just a plane ride away.

The community contact is why Elofson enjoys her job so much.

“I get to meet a lot of people that I wouldn’t otherwise know. Illness doesn’t care—it can impact anyone in any place in the community. I’ve met people from all spectrums. That’s something that both my husband and I enjoy, meeting people,” she said. “We have many blessings in our lives with the people we’ve met.”

“Nursing is interesting in that it’s part education and part interaction about very sensitive things in people’s lives,” Jessica continued. “In public health, you add the fact that you’re meeting people in their own homes, meeting their families, and understanding the challenges they face. It’s different for everyone. I love that it’s exciting. I love to be busy, to be out in the community, and I love to be constantly learning.”

Although it’s not required for her job, Elofson recently enrolled in the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health to earn a master’s degree to advance her skills and knowledge. She’s taking one class at a time, with most of the classes online.

“I’m doing it for myself. It’s something I want to do,” she said. Fortunately, Jessica’s job allows for flexibility, not only for classes, but for her family.

“I love this job. It’s allowed me to be a very active parent. I have the flexibility to be there for concerts, sports events, and more. I have quite a bit of control over my schedule. I can be creative in how I approach my job.”

Jessica and husband Andrew Elofson, a social worker for Blue Earth County, blended their family of six kids when they married five years ago. The children range in age from 27 down to 13—Emilee, 27, of Minneapolis; Mitchell, 25, and wife Sidney, of St. Peter; Drew, 19, a freshman at Gustavus Adolphus College; Lili, 17, a senior at St. Peter High School; Maddie, 15, a sophomore at Mankato Loyola; and Olivia, 13, an eighth grader at Loyola. They live in St. Peter, having purchased a house there, as they “needed a lot of bedrooms.”

“It is a circus at times and a beautiful, wonderful, mess,” Andrew said, describing their life. “Jessica’s has always impressed me with her ability to be a professional in this critical capacity of infection disease control and emergency preparedness issues, while raising her children and stepping into a role of quite literally a “Brady Bunch” parent!”

“Fortunately, I love to cook. With that many kids, maybe that’s why Andrew married me,” Jessica joked. “Now we’re down to three teenage girls at home. It’s really fun—I feel like it’s a breeze with just three kids around.”

She added, “I like to attend the kids’ things. They’re involved in gymnastics, volleyball, tennis, band, choir, and one will do track in the spring. The 15-year-old is manager for the boys’ basketball team. I’m the taxi driver for the kids’ activities. That’s a silver lining as it’s a good talk time for them—they’re captive in the car. I’m doing a lot of that now and it’s a good time to stay in touch.”

The family also has a dog, an English Cocker Spaniel named Indie that everyone loves. “She’s kind of the glue of the family. We got her on Christmas Eve three years ago,” Jessica said.

Jessica takes care of herself physically by doing yoga and is certified as a teacher. She and Andy both work out at Ignition Fitness gym in Upper North Mankato on their lunch breaks three times a week. “We make time for ourselves. We appreciate how much better we feel when we stay active,” she said.

Jessica grew up at LeRoy, Minnesota, the middle of three children adopted by her parents. “Adoption was a real gift. It’s part of my life story—not a negative thing at all,” she said. Even so, she said she always thought about her birth family, especially when she became a mother. When she turned 40—“a checkpoint in life”—she wanted to pursue the mystery and went directly to the Department of Human Services.

For $13.00, she could request a search for her birth mother. Nine months later, she got a call that her birth mother had been found and was willing to make contact. “I knew I was born in International Falls. My mother still lives there. We have reconnected. She’s grateful that I had a nice life—she wasn’t able to provide that at the time,” Jessica said. RVW

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BY GRACE WEBB

hen Alma Marin Millan thinks back across the 40plus years she has worked towards human rights, she admits that the world isn’t yet to the point that she had expected it to reach.

“It seems to me that we make a little progress and think, ‘We’re heading in the right direction,’” she said. “But it’s not like we can say, ‘This is it.’ Then we start backsliding. I think we’ve made strides, but it’s really frustrating to sometimes see that we’re not quite there yet, where we thought we’d be.”

Yet as challenging as Millan’s work has been, she still holds out hope for the future—as long as people can educate others about what human rights are and why they’re so important.

“It’s challenging [to educate the public] because we strive to teach people to overcome the fear of ‘others,’ of the unknown,” she said. “We have to show people that differences in other humans are as valuable and worthy of respect as how they themselves are different to others.”

A colorful background

Millan was born in Cochabamba, Bolivia to Mexican parents who were working there. Because of her parents’ work, she lived in several countries across Latin America before immigrating to Puerto Rico in 1969. There, she participated in an after-school program at her high school that enlisted students to help tutor underprivileged kids. It was during this time that Millan started to really notice the classism around her, and how underprivileged people were treated more poorly than wealthier Puerto Ricans.

“That’s when I started realizing that not everybody was being treated the same,” she said. “There were big differences between wealthy and not wealthy.”

Millan moved back to Mexico with her parents for a time after Puerto

Rico, where her eyes were opened wider to issues of racism. She said that, during her childhood, she had been relatively sheltered by her parents’ moderately well off living. However, as she grew older, she became more involved with racial and social issues, including the working environment of Mexican domestic workers. These workers almost never have any sort of employment contract and have to rely on their employers to treat them fairly, which doesn’t always happen, Millan said. One of her high school teachers actually worked towards creating a domestic workers’ union, and Millan joined him. Though unsuccessful, the experience stayed with Millan for years to come.

“[Those workers] were at the mercy of the people who employ them,” she said. “That really got me.”

Eventually, Millan traveled to Minnesota with her family, since her father had gotten work. She attended classes at the University of Minnesota, obtaining a degree in architecture. While she was on campus, she became involved with several organizations, including supporting the American Indian Movement, the Equal Rights Amendment, and Planned Parenthood.

Though her parents eventually moved to Spain, Millan decided to stay in the United States, holding on to her dual Mexican/United States citizenship.

“After living in many places, I decided I liked Minnesota and stayed here,” she explained.

Continuing her work

Once Millan became involved in working towards human rights, she dove into several causes, always working with fervent energy and keen focus. While living in Ohio with her husband, John Holmquist, Alma was one of the founders and remained a member of the board of the Heights

Parenting Center, an organization that provided help to financially disadvantaged mothers through child care, counseling, and help in navigating social services. She also served as an interpreter for the Case Western Reserve University Refugee Program, working with both legal and undocumented immigrants.

“Immigration is a big issue right now,” she said. “I am an immigrant, but I’m not anything like the majority of immigrants. I was privileged [and] shielded from discrimination. [Now], we hear immigrants described as rapists, murderers, and criminals.”

After about 20 years working as an interpreter in Ohio and Iowa, Millan moved back to Minnesota with her husband and two children, settling in New Ulm in 2006. In the 12 years she has lived there, she has been involved in the community in many ways, including serving on the board of the Boy Scouts and volunteering for New Ulm Community Access Television.

Millan freely admits the work has not always been glamorous—but she insists that it is well worth it.

“Work in human rights is hard,” she said. “It isn’t glamorous, and it often goes unrecognized. We’re sometimes considered troublemakers [because] we challenge the status quo and old ways of thinking.”

Millan said one of her greatest efforts during her time on the commission was to simply keep it alive.

“The Human Rights Commission was very active when it first started,” she explained, “but when I arrived, I found out they weren’t doing much. They really didn’t understand what human rights were or what they were supposed to do, like advise the city of New Ulm. Nobody knew that the commission existed.”

One of the problems, she said, was simply determining what “human rights” were.

“The main problem we have is determining whether we’re really advancing human rights or just humanitarian projects,” she said. “There’s a big difference. Charity is something that you don’t have to do, [and] it’s sometimes not a permanent solution. I like permanent solutions.” 

Human rights in Minnesota

Millan took on one more cause when she was appointed to the New Ulm Human Rights Commission in 2011. She served until 2017, chairing the commission for six of the seven years. The commission tackled different issues during her tenure, focusing on a different topic every year. Projects included financial literacy, anti-bullying, and forums on the marriage amendment and the voter I.D. proposal.

Born: Cochabamba, Bolivia

Family: Husband John, son Zach, daughter Alex

Lives: New Ulm

What’s on her end table: The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, and The Economist

Top country to visit on her bucket list: Indonesia

What she’s proudest of: “I raised two kids who are really awesome. They have a real sense of fairness and justice, and I don’t have to worry about them. I’m very proud that my husband and I raised two really cool kids.”

 Now, Millan said the commission has once again become quite active within the community and beyond. Every year, members attend a symposium given by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, and the commission’s newest members take on more active roles, such as setting up booths at the State Fair.

“The people who are now on the commission are so knowledgeable and so gung-ho,” Millan said. “They’ve come up with so many new ideas.”

In honor of her tireless work towards human rights, the New Ulm Human Rights Commission awarded Millan the annual Human Rights Award in late 2018. Millan accepted it with her typical humility.

“I was really honored and proud that they felt that I had done enough to deserve an award, whether I have or not,” she said. “I’m not sure if I’ve done as much as other people have.” Millan is no longer working with the commission, citing health issues as the reason she decided to step down last year. But she holds out hope for the next generation of people to fill the void she left.

“I figure I’ve done my part,” she said. “It’s up to you young people. I hope this new generation has finally gotten rid of some of the old hang-ups and there’ll be a new wave of thought coming. You have no idea how hopeful and how proud I feel when I see the New Ulm Human Rights Commission that I left—young, energetic, bright, well informed, knowledgeable individuals who truly represent the future of this city and the future of mankind.” RVW

According to Millan, working towards human rights is starkly different than humanitarian or charitable efforts. Millan says these rights transcend politics or religion.

“People confuse human rights with charity or politics,” she said. “It’s not about politics. It’s not about religion. It doesn’t have anything to do with the Constitution or the Magna Carta. It’s just about the concept of seeing another human being that has exactly the same qualifications as you have, to be treated and have the same human rights as you do.”

Millan says the key to advancing human rights is education.

“It’s a matter of education,” she said. “It’s a matter of people learning about where they come from, where other people come from, about other cultures, about valuing other languages. We need to educate our own citizens and give them the chance to travel and get to know other cultures.”

Love is all around

“I love the intersection of race and gender in the YWCA’s mission. It challenges all of us to consider how vitally important it is to lift up and empower women and girls of color in our community.”

Love is all around, no need to waste it

You can have the town, why don’t you take it?

You’re gonna make it after all

You’re gonna make it after all

Cue The Mary Tyler Moore TV show theme here—and now you won’t be able to get the tune out of your head … you’re welcome!

I fell in love with The Mary Tyler Moore show in the mid-1970s, before I knew anything about the women’s rights movement, women’s suffrage, or even Title IX. I took for granted I’d be able to vote when I turned 18, and participated in any sport I wanted to at my high school in Lake Crystal. But Mary, wow. She was a career woman, she lived alone in Minneapolis—as did her groovy friends Rhoda and Phyllis—and she had the coolest apartment I had ever seen. I was hooked. In looking back, I now realize I was in love with everything Mary Richards stood for—I just didn’t have a clue what that was.

Well, according to Wikipedia it was this. “From 1970 to 1977 Moore starred as Mary Richards, an unmarried, independent woman focused on her career as associate producer at the fictional WJM news program in Minneapolis. A central female character who was not married or dependent on a man was a rarity in American television in the early 1970s, leading to numerous publications citing The Mary Tyler Moore Show as groundbreaking television in the era of second-wave feminism.” So there you have it. I was in love with the ideals of feminism. Not anti-men, by any means. I deeply loved and admired the men in my family, too. Rather it was the inkling of an idea taking root that there was social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. Or at least there should be. And if Mary could do it, why couldn’t I? I already had strong female role models in my family so— combined with the MTM show—these things led me to become a 10-year-old feminist in the year 1973. Of course I was oblivious to that fact—still taking things for granted—but still believing I could do anything I wanted to without anything gender-related getting in my way.

In 2019 I am no longer oblivious. I’ve also outgrown feminist TV role models and found living, breathing role models to guide my journey instead. And I’ve again fallen in love, not with a TV show, but this time with the ideals and mission of the YWCA—to eliminate racism and empower women. As evidenced by the comments of those below, I’m not the only one.

“I love the YWCA’s mission because I can see and hear about the lasting impact the programs have in the lives of so many they touch. From the participants, to the volunteers, to the community at large the YWCA brings inclusion, understanding and a whole lot of heart.”

– Jenn Faust, former YWCA Board Chair

“I love that the YWCA empowers women to find and use their voice, to become advocates for themselves, others and our community.”

“The mission addresses the reality of the world in which we live. Historically in the United States, women and people of color have struggled to obtain equal rights. We are approaching the 100year anniversary of women’s suffrage and just over 50 years since key civil rights legislation was passed in the 1960s. The economic and emotional impact resulting from the lack of equal rights for all is still evident in the lives of many. The YWCA mission recognizes this and seeks continued change.”

– Leah White, YWCA Mankato Board Member

“I have always had the experience of being a woman, but never have I experienced being a woman of color, an immigrant, or a young girl of this generation. I most certainly have never experienced a combination of those things. The YWCA’s work toward equality and justice allows me to follow my passion. Our mission isn’t a matter of red vs. blue, white vs. black, women vs. men, or “US” vs. “THEM” in any sense. This mission is for everyone!”

– Deena Schuster, YWCA Mankato Staff

So there you have it. Love is all around, from Mary’s cool apartment in 1970s’ Minneapolis, to the many community spaces in greater Mankato where today’s YWCA carries forth its mission. During this traditional season of love, I encourage you to find the passion that ignites your heart. Fall in love with something you believe in, a cause worth loving, even if at first you don’t fully understand the depth of your feelings. It’ll come, and eventually it will all make sense. Love always does.

– Jim Gullickson, YWCA Mankato Board Member

– Kate Loging, former YWCA Mankato Board Chair

BARB DORN

YWCA Executive Director

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With February being national hearth month, the Mayo Clinic Health System cardiology team is sharing unique symptoms and risks to women’s heart health, as well as the latest findings.

New findings for women and heart disease

Heart disease is the most common cause of death among both men and women in the United States. It’s a fact that still surprises many people. For generations, heart disease was thought of as a man’s disease. Today, there’s a growing awareness of the impact heart disease has on women. Women have unique signs and risk factors that may still be overlooked or misunderstood.

Women’s heart attack symptoms

Like men, most women who have heart attacks experience chest pain, pressure or discomfort. Often, those aren’t their most prominent symptoms. Instead, women are more likely to report:

• Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort

• Shortness of breath

• Pain in one or both arms

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sweating

• Lightheadedness or dizziness

• Unusual fatigue

It’s important for women experiencing these symptoms to seek medical evaluation. Women sometimes downplay their symptoms or attribute them to something other than a heart attack. Getting help quickly is important to minimize damage to the heart.

Unique risk factors

Women’s risk factors also differ from men’s. Some risk factors affect both women and men, but not equally. Smoking, diabetes, mental stress, and depression all play a bigger role in women developing heart disease than men.

There are other risk factors that only belong to women. Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, can increase the chance a woman will develop high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease later in life. The drop in estrogen during menopause can also increase a woman’s chances of developing heart disease.

Hormone replacement therapy and your heart

In the 1980s and 1990s, menopause hormone therapy was often prescribed to help treat some of the symptoms women experience during menopause. Concerns arose about whether the therapy increased the likelihood of developing heart disease. Research showed therapy that combined two hormones—estrogen and progestin—did slightly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Women using estrogen alone showed no increase in risk.

Women should talk with their primary care provider about menopause hormone therapy. Your provider can help sort through the risks and benefits of treatment.

New and emerging findings

One thing that is being treated more is something called “spontaneous coronary artery dissection,” also known as SCAD. It is a rare type of heart attack that occurs when a tear forms in one of the blood vessels in the heart. Studies have found that over 80 percent of SCAD cases are women, often in their 40s and 50s.

Women who are affected by SCAD are generally healthy, and don’t have the typical risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The exact cause of SCAD is unknown, but signs of symptoms of SCAD are the same as other types of heart attack.

Prevention

Staying heart healthy is the same for women and men. Eat right, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight. If you smoke, quit. Learning to manage stress is important, too. If you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, follow your provider’s treatment recommendations and talk to your provider before starting or stopping any medications.

THERESA MCGOWAN Nurse Practitioner

Mayo Clinic Health System Cardiology Team

BY CINDY HAUGLAND tidytightwads.com

WITH A PURPOSE

HEELS AND ALL

Have you ever traveled to a third world country? About 11 years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to the northern, mountainous region of rural (Pignon) Haiti. I traveled with a group of others from Minnesota to witness first hand life and culture in Haiti, and what’s being done to drill wells for clean water for the people. Spending a week in Haiti where most people struggle to get enough clean water and food to survive is life changing. Work is scarce as is basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, transportation, medical care, and communication systems. Parents desperately want to find work and send their kids to school. You’d expect to find sadness and despair at every turn, but that’s not the case.

What you see is incredible. People are kind and compassionate. They are joyful and hopeful. They unite to form groups committed to seeing a community well drilled and putting a plan in place to maintain it. Parents find a way to clean and press school uniforms so their children can go to school and learn, with hopes for a brighter future. Kids play soccer with whatever they can find to kick around. They make due with what they have. Families go to church and give thanks, sing, and share their joy.

To spend time in Haiti is to know what it’s like to reexamine your own life and how much there is to be thankful. Returning from Haiti means you subconsciously cut back on material spending and consciously make efforts to identify ways to make an impact wherever you go. You want to honor what you’ve learned. Whether or not you make it to Haiti or travel to parts of the United States where poverty is rampant, there are opportunities every day close to home to make a difference in the lives of others. Within our own communities there are non-profits that could use funds or volunteers.

At Tidy Tightwads, we do what we can to help veterans, senior citizens on limited budgets, and families facing cancer treatment and challenges. Our staff knows tasks like changing light bulbs, scrubbing behind stoves, or flipping mattresses is meaningful for the person who needs the help. Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17. I challenge you to find a way to make an impact on someone else’s life no matter how big or small.

guest speaker Kristen Brown

evin and Gretchen Voracek found the perfect lot to build the dream home they had been planning for years.

“We lived around the curve in a 1960s ranch. When we were out walking, we often wondered what would happen with this lot. When we asked the owner, Ron Dwier, he said he was thinking to sell it,” Gretchen explained.

Not only did the Voraceks buy the lot in south Faribault, but they gave Dwier—who had designed and built most of the neighborhood—their floor plan and worked with him on the house design.

“We loved that we could build on an existing woodsy lot—rather than having to plant trees,” Gretchen said. “This seemed like the perfect place for the house we planned.”

The family moved into their four-bedroom, three-bath home in March 2017 and have fondly nicknamed the house “Our Modern Tree House.”

The Voraceks love the location, being able to walk downtown, and being only a few blocks from daughter Ella’s school.

“This is a front-yard neighborhood. We’re a front-yard family. There are a lot of kids in the neighborhood—they ride their bikes and do stuff together summer and winter. It’s a good, quiet, safe neighborhood,” Gretchen said. The Voraceks’ front yard and fire pit are situated so that they can see the neighborhood kids playing, and their guests have easy access. “It’s pretty normal for friends or neighbors to pull up a chair when they see us out by the fire pit in the warmer months,” Gretchen explained. 

The Voraceks in the family’s “gathering place”—the great room, just off the kitchen. From left: Gretchen, Everett, Ella, and Kevin.

Trees pretty much surround Gretchen and Kevin’s house—and block the view of the houses in the background in summer.

PHOTOS AND STORY BY RUTH KLOSSNER

The open stairway immediately draws the attention of anyone entering the Voraceks’ home. It’s the family’s favorite place to take photos.

The kitchen island includes a microwave, sink, and dishwasher. Gretchen has no need for upper cabinets—she does a lot of fresh shopping and doesn’t even fill the cabinets she has.

The great room off the kitchen is the perfect place to congregate. Gretchen loves to entertain—and the kids love to gather there with their friends.

The open kitchen features an island with waterfall ends, counter-height windows, and base cabinets built by a friend. Gretchen did the concrete countertop herself. Two pieces of plywood were screwed together for thickness, then coated with several coats of thin concrete. The countertops take the wear and tear of use and gain character as they age.

None of the closets in the home have doors since “we never shut them in all the other houses we lived in,” Gretchen explained. This is in Ella’s room.

When Everett requested an all-black bedroom, Gretchen agreed to two black walls. Everett is into guitars and Boy Scouts.

 Gretchen—who went to school for interior design—was in charge of the interior, with Kevin doing the electrical—including full house audio, intercom systems, USB plug-ins in every room, and a doorbell with camera.

While Kevin works for CenturyLink, he also has a hobby business, Edison Custom Electronics, that does home theaters, home sound, and more—all the fun stuff that guys want in a home. Kevin is also mayor Faribault, halfway through his first four-year term after serving on the city council eight years before that.

“We wanted a style we liked—clean lines, minimalistic, no clutter, white everywhere,” Gretchen said of the house design. “The biggest thing was not having more than we needed. We kept it simple, kept it clean.”

She added, “The main idea we had about building this house was that we wanted to steer away from the cookie cutter design we see everywhere. Every single thing we included in this house has intention and purpose.” 

The vanity in the kids’ bathroom has concrete countertop that Gretchen built.

 Gretchen has her own housekeeping business and knew from experience what she wanted—and didn’t want—to come home to. “That helped me decide on finishes, like vinyl plank flooring and simple, easy to clean fixtures,” she said.

Daughter Ella, 15, is a sophomore at Bethlehem Academy, just a blockand-a-half away, while son Everett, 10, is a fourth grader at Cannon River STEM School.

“We wanted to create a place that the kids wanted to invite their friends to hang out,” Gretchen said. “Ella has big groups of friends over. They want

to come here after games—and Everett likes the extra space to spread things out.”

While the family enjoys what the house has to offer, Gretchen admits that they are at a point where they would consider downsizing in the near future and may put the house on the market—after they’ve finished the basement.

“Our motto for this new year is to own less so that we can live more,” Gretchen said. RVW

The master bedroom features corner windows on the northwest—and high windows on the east. “I love waking up to the sun coming in the high windows,” Gretchen said. “It feels like we’re surrounded by trees.”

The vanity in the master bath.

The Voraceks decided against a soaker tub in their master bedroom as they knew they wouldn’t use it—instead putting in a walk in shower.

The laundry room is handily located on the second floor, right by the bedrooms.

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TARTONELLE ACCENT CHAIR W/TUFTED BACK

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BY KELLY DEVRIENDT

ebruary 3, 2019 marks the three-year anniversary of the Madelia city fire that destroyed nine businesses. It was an event that could have taken down many small towns. Instead it highlighted the heart and soul of Madelia. It also ignited a spark of new recognition and growth in the community.

Through it all, Karla Angus, the executive director of the Madelia Chamber of Commerce, has witnessed the resiliency and passion of the community,

while helping to provide the support needed for the city to keep moving forward. Today, Madelia has literally risen from the ashes. With vigor and strength, this community provides an inspirational example of how small communities can not only survive, even in the face of tragedy, but also thrive in today’s changing landscapes.

The fire struck in the middle of the night, its exact cause still undetermined. “The buildings were old and all connected. The fire started in one of the basements—it came from below,” Angus said.

To make matters worse, February 3 also brought a blizzard to the area. The roads were closed, and plows had been pulled. This also meant that help was not coming fast. But—help did come. At least eight surrounding towns braved the weather, in the middle of the night, to respond to the call for help.

When the smoke and snow finally cleared, the emotional toll set in. “The people of our city were left with a sense of disbelief and deep sadness,” Angus said, “We were in mourning of not only the loss of jobs and livelihoods, but of our history.”

The community’s response however, was not to wallow in defeat, but to jump into action. “The Madelia people didn’t stop,” Angus said, “We love our small town lifestyle and we are willing to work hard to keep it.”

Angus stated that, even as the buildings were still burning, owners were talking about rebuilding. Community members called government representatives, asking for help. This generated a response from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), which helps with disaster recovery. Senator Julie Rosen, along with many others, worked with Madelia from day one, including Region Nine. Senator Amy Klobuchar also paid the city a visit.

How long have you been with the Madelia Chamber?     Since March of 2012.

What did you do prior to this?

Manager of the Madelia Theater for 24 years; sold advertising for 14 years and was a manager/ buyer in retail for 12 years.

What excites you about serving a community?

Madelia is a community that I have called home my entire life. There is an amazing spirit and commitment of the people here. We work together to have all the benefits of small town living, yet amenities that you would expect to only see in a larger community. Madelia really has sometime for the entire family. It’s home to me.

What does a chamber executive do to promote a town?

I share every day the values of living in Madelia. I have great passion for our town.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

As a young child I wanted to be a singer. But I have always been drawn to business.

What would you say are your special skills?  My passion for life itself and to see others succeed on our journey.

What do you enjoy most about being a chamber executive?

Seeing people enjoy our town, our events and coming again with friends and family.

What is most challenging?

Money was raised from all over the United States from people who had ties to Madelia. “We have a very strong alumnus,” Angus said.

Through it all, Angus and the area Chamber provided a communication hub. They offered a space for community members to gather and provided emotional support, as well as a meeting place for planning.

“There is no blueprint for this type of unexpected event,” she said, “The Chamber had to sit back and figure out its role and provide what the community needed.”

Today, Madelia’s downtown has been completely rebuilt. Eight of the original businesses reclaimed their home. “It is beautiful and running at full capacity,” Angus said. 

To continue working and understanding the vision, goals and needs of our community. To maintain and enhance the quality of life for future generations, keeping all the values we love.

What would you like readers to know about Madelia?

I encourage you to be a tourist in our town.  Enjoy our boutiques, see a movie, go bowling, take in craft beer at our local brewery, taste authentic Mexican, Italian and American foods. “There is Nothing Small about Madelia.”

This rejuvenation has also brought new growth to the area. In a time when many small towns seem to be struggling to maintain their livelihood, Madelia is thriving. Angus credits this exponentially to the spirit of people. “Our roots run deep,” she said, “Everyone here is committed to building the best community.”

Angus also shared that many of Madelia’s businesses are fourth or fifth generation family owned and 80 percent of the businesses are locally owned. “Local people reinvesting are key factors which keep your community strong,” she said.

The city has even gained two new independent Main Street businesses since the fire. It has also secured a new local doctor and a hospital administrator who have brought their families to the Madelia community.

The Madelia Chamber continues to be a communication center. “It is the go-to place for information,” Angus said, “We are the smiling face of Madelia.”

The Chamber also works to create events to bring people to Madelia. Park Day Celebration, held every July, includes the annual Blues Festival and the Rivers Edge Art and More Fair with over 100 vendors.

Angus and the Chamber are also tasked with helping to address the challenges that a growing community faces. “We have developed a new comprehensive plan which deals with all areas of the community to continually look towards the future,” she explained.

The plan looks at things such as housing, daycare, and jobs with increased pay. Angus’s goal as a community leader is to try to bring in new things without losing the traditional feel of the small town.

Madelia appears to be thriving and is invested in offering big opportunities for community members, while keeping its small town spirit alive. “There is not one empty building on our main street,” Angus said, “I invite you to come see why Madelia is unlike anywhere else in southern Minnesota.” RVW

In February, our minds turn to love, Valentines and matters of the heart! February is American Heart Month. It’s time to learn about your risk for heart disease and the steps you can take toward heart health. Did you know heart disease can occur at any age? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high rates of obesity and high blood pressure among younger people (ages 35-64) are putting them at risk for heart disease earlier in life. In fact, the CDC says half of all Americans have at least one of the top three risk factors for heart disease—high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Sadly, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women.

The foods we eat and physical activity play a critical role in our risk for heart disease. The good news is small changes in physical activity and eating can boost your heart health!

Physical Activity

Shoot for 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Walking is one of the simplest ways to get active and stay active. Madison East Center in Mankato is a great place to walk indoors in the winter months. Follow “The Thrive Walk” where each lap is a half mile! By being physically active, you can help keep your heart and blood vessels

Show your love by boosting your heart health

MANPREET KANWAR, M.D. Mankato Clinic Cardiovascular Medicine

healthy. If you are concerned about starting an exercise program, talk to your provider, but most people can start with walking at a comfortable pace.

Lower your salt intake

American adults and children eat too much sodium (salt) which increases blood pressure. Most of the sodium we eat comes from packaged food and restaurant food. Try making restaurant food an occasional treat. At home, or eating out, try to fill at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables. When cooking, sample other spices and choose canned goods labeled low sodium, reduced sodium, or no salt added.

Reduce added sugar

Eating sugar that is added to our processed foods and beverages increases our risks for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and inflammation in the body. A diet high in sugar can also lead to weight gain and obesity. These factors put us at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 100 calories of added sugar per day (six teaspoons) for women and children and 150 calories (nine teaspoons) for men. Yet the average American consumes 355 calories of added sugar a day.

Start by being aware of the sugar in your daily foods by reading the labels. Added sugars will end in the letters “ose.” Think fructose and dextrose. Syrup, molasses, cane juice, and fruit juice concentrate are all added sugar. Watch for sugar in “healthy foods” such as yogurt, energy and granola bars, and cereal.

I tell my patients to eat whole foods and lots of fruits and vegetables packed with nutrients! You will likely find you feel more full and satisfied. Remember, you can still have some added sugar as an occasional treat. The more you know, the more power you have to get and stay healthy. You can take the Know More Heart Health test at www.mankatoclinic.com/know-more. Learn your heart’s biological age, estimate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and prioritize your most harmful cardiovascular risk factors.

Small choices can lead to big changes!

RIVERFRONT

410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507-625-1107

HILLTOP

2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 507-625-9070

A Good Night’s Sleep; Advice to Take to Heart

By Tania Wieseler, Pharm D, Pharmacy Manager at Mankato Riverfront Hy-Vee

Over time, sleep problems can hurt your heart health. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Insufficient sleep is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. If you are not getting enough sleep, you are not alone. The CDC reports approximately 35 % of United States adults in 2014 slept less than seven hours per night. If you are struggling to fall asleep at night, try practicing healthy sleep habits (also referred to as good “sleep hygiene”). Healthy sleep habits include:

• Avoiding large meals two hours within two hours of bedtime

• Avoiding caffeine (be wary of soda and teas), alcohol, and stimulants (including nicotine/smoking) within 4-6 hours of bedtime

• Including physical activity during the day

• Having a consistent sleep/wake schedule, even on the weekends

• Avoiding electronics (phone, TV, etc.) 30 minutes before bed

• Using your bed only for sleep

• Keeping your bedroom at a comfortable, cool temperature

Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids could help you achieve a healthy night’s sleep. However, recommendations on an appropriate product should be specialized for your individual concerns and preferences. OTC sleep aids can cause next day drowsiness and/or interfere with other medications you may be taking. Your primary care provider or local pharmacist can help you select the sleep aid that is best for you!

C ook ing Oil Confusion

A little fat in our meals helps our bodies best absorb some vitamins and many of the phytochemicals, like lycopene, from foods. Olive oil’s high proportion of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and good cooking qualities make it a “must” for every kitchen. The color, flavor and fragrance of olive oils varies with their source and growing conditions. The type of oil (extra virgin, virgin, fino) is a standard grade that depends on acid content.

TART RED WINE VINAIGRETTE ADDS TART AND REFRESHING FLAVOR TO SALADS.

SERVES 5

ALL YOU NEED:

1/4 c. Gustare Vita red wine vinegar

2 tbsp. fresh oregano leaves

3 cloves garlic

1/4 tsp. Hy-Vee black pepper

1/3 c. Gustare Vita extra virgin olive oil

ALL YOU DO:

1. Add red wine vinegar, oregano leaves, garlic and black pepper to a blender. Cover and blend until minced.

Here’s a primer for buying olive oil

EXTRA VIRGIN:

VIRGIN:

FINO:

They provide nearly all your daily needs for vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.

First pressing, but slightly higher acid content, stronger flavor than Extra Virgin. Use like Extra Virgin.

2. Slowly add olive oil; cover and blend well.

Nutrition Facts per Serving: 110 calories, 12g total fat (1.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat), 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 1g total carbohydrates (0g dietary fiber, 0g total sugar), 0g protein.

OLIVE OIL: LIGHT:

Blend of Extra Virgin and Virgin oils. Used to be labeled “pure olive oil”. Combination of refined (heat processed) and Virgin or Extra Virgin oil. Use this grade for high-heat cooking such as sautéing or grilling meats and vegetables. High heat breaks down the flavor in the cold-pressed oils.

“Light” refers to color and flavor of the oil. It contains just as much fat and calories as the others. These oils are especially heat tolerant and work well for frying, broiling and baking.

Keep olive oil in a cool dark place (not over range) for up to 6 months. Will keep for up to a year in the refrigerator but may become cloudy and thick. Becomes pourable at room temperature.

Holly Ellison, RD, LD Riverfront Hy-Vee Dietitian

Suddenly Single:

How to feel confident on Valentine’s Day after a breakup

There are objectively terrible times of the year to find yourself single again. Winter holidays comfortably sit at the top of the list. Having to explain to your extended family members, “No, we haven’t set a date yet because I’m no longer engaged,” is never fun. But neither is spending a solid two months bouncing between family parties with someone you know isn’t going to be around next year.

It’s like washing your hair when you know you’re going to work out later that day. Yeah, it feels good in the moment, but it doesn’t take long to realize you wasted your time.

The worst of it is, once you make it through Christmas without presents and no one to kiss at midnight on New Year’s Eve, it’s still not over. You have Valentine’s Day breathing down your neck as the final insult from the calendar of national holidays. At least you’re safe until it gets cold again and the pressure of a couples’ Halloween costume creeps in.

Whether you ended the relationship, or you didn’t see this coming, Valentine’s Day is hard when you’re newly single. Maybe you thought you’d never have to do holidays alone again, or at least not this soon. The expectations and general theme of the day is a constant reminder that you’re not invited to the party.

In my body confidence coaching business, I show my clients how to challenge any beliefs and definitions that are making them feel inadequate. This helps break down assumptions and expectations around beauty, food, weight, and self-worth.

The same approach works with Valentine’s Day. What definitions and beliefs come up for you around this holiday? It’s helpful to write them down or say them out loud so different parts of your brain can interpret the message.

When you do this, you might be surprised at the beliefs you have about the holiday.

Valentine’s Day has a mixed history, but today it’s recognized as a celebration of love, but why does it have to be romantic love? The truth is,

it can be any kind of love you’d like. You have the power to redefine what a holiday means to you. So instead of focusing on the romantic love she doesn’t have, a confident woman celebrates the love she does have. Think about it, you don’t have anyone else to spend time, money, or effort on. So you can take whatever you’d do for your partner and plan something to celebrate how much you appreciate other forms of love in your life.

This can be planning a spa day for yourself, doing something special with your pets, or even finding ways to volunteer in the community.

Self-care is a term you see a lot these days, but that’s a regular practice of taking care of your physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs.

What I’m suggesting is very different. For a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, I want you to think of your plans as “Self Celebration.” This means something beyond the ordinary routine of self-care and doing something that truly makes you feel special.

We have this assumption in our society that only a romantic partner can surprise you with things like a fancy dinner, fine jewelry, spa packages, and the like. Who made that rule? How does that help you?

Instead of waiting until you’re in a relationship to be celebrated, why not do it yourself? Intentionally planning solo activities you enjoy helps increase your confidence and attract the type of person who will do that for you. You teach people how to treat you, so why not treat yourself with love, respect, and celebration?

Also, there’s nothing pathetic about really liking who you are and doing something you enjoy. If you feel weird going to dinner or a movie alone, that’s because you’re buying into the idea that the only company you can enjoy is someone else’s. That’s not true. One of the best gifts you can give yourself this Valentine’s Day is the gift of getting to know yourself—and a day at the spa is always nice, too.

Another perspective to keep in mind is that love is worthy of being celebrated. When a confident woman sees pictures of couples on Valentine’s Day, she doesn’t roll her eyes in disgust and brood over being single. She celebrates with them knowing their love doesn’t take anything away from her happiness.

"We have this assumption in our society that only a romantic partner can surprise you with things like a fancy dinner, fine jewelry, spa packages, and the like. Who made that rule? How does that help you? "

REBEKAH STORM

Body Image Coach and Confidence Expert rebekahstorm.com @therebekahstorm

THE NEW STANDARDS

SPECIAL EVENT

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH AT 7:30 PM

VERIZON CENTER GRAND HALL

Enjoy the perfect Valentine's Day date and a fresh take on rock and pop classics with the MSO! The New Standards started in 2005 as an off-shoot project between three Minneapolis-based musicians and friends and has grown into a globe-spanning adventure.

A limited number of patrons can reserve table seating surrounding The New Standards and MSO for an up-close and personal musical experience. Cash bar, room to groove, and an unforgettable musical experience - this is a performance event you won't want to miss!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Travel Tips for a Winter Vacation

February, the month of love… but not love of winter in Minnesota! If you have a winter trip planned, here are a few tips I’ve gathered over my 35 years of travel.

In my mind, the most difficult trips to pack for are the trips that will be taking you to a warm climate. Is it just me, or is it hard to think about sundresses when it’s 30 degrees outside? So, let’s begin with my very first tip—turn up your heat when you are deciding what to bring! Trying on shorts, sundresses and bathing suits is much more comfortable when the temperature in your home is accommodating.

Let’s talk about the wardrobe. Packing light is a skill that can be learned, and one of the easiest ways to put yourself in that mindset is to imagine that your luggage was lost and you had to buy your clothes once you arrived at your destination! Keeping your color scheme simple is the key. Pick three colors and stick to them. I like black, white and a pale coral when I’m going somewhere warm. They all look good on me and I can mix and match.

I start with my outfit for the travel day. I make sure that I layer a sleeveless top under a lightweight sweater and then bring a large, colorful scarf to use as a blanket on the chilly plane, and as a pareo over my bathing suit once I arrive. For pants I choose something comfy, but not sloppy. I may be old fashioned, but I still think that a person should look nice when they travel. (I also plan that I wear this outfit only to travel.)

One of the keys to perfect packing is to only bring clothes that look good on you and make you feel attractive. We all know that we feel our best when we feel like we look good, and our clothes are also comfortable.

Shoes. This is one of the most difficult, but I can tell you that there have been so many times that I’ve gone on a trip with four pair of shoes and only worn two of them. I guess I’ve learned from my mistakes! Here’s my advice… wear a pair of closed toe sandals, cute tennies, or

espadrilles on the plane. Make sure they are comfortable enough for daily walking excursions. One pair of flip flops for the beach, and one pair of sandals that look great with a dress for dinner. High heels look great, but in my mind have no business being on a relaxing vacation. But, that’s me.

Accessories can be kept simple and still beautiful. I like to wear the earrings, necklaces and rings that I wear every day and then I pack colorful scarves and a bright necklace, bracelet or two to change up my neutral wardrobe. (But don’t forget that these make smart purchases while you’re there!)

Make-up and toiletries should be kept small and simple. I like to bring sample sizes of things that I can use and then throw away when I’m packing to come home. Every extra bit of room for my souvenirs counts! I also make sure to put this small bag in my purse. It’s wonderful to be able to freshen your face before you land!

Speaking of souvenirs, I’ve found that a beautiful piece of jewelry, a colorful scarf, or even a new sundress pack beautifully and allow me to relive my vacation when I get back home.

A few things that will make the plane ride more comfortable are earplugs or comfortable earbuds, music or relaxation sounds that have already been downloaded onto your phone or laptop, (plan ahead), a book on Kindle, or hard copy if you think you will finish it and can pass it along to someone else traveling. I always throw in a blowup neck pillow for a little nap, and a few snacks in case the airline doesn’t have a decent option. Just make sure that you leave the tuna salad and the Cheetos at home… don’t be that traveler!

Lastly, if you are traveling to a country that doesn’t use American currency, you will want to have enough money for a taxi or tip for the van driver.

Don’t forget your passport and your camera!

Enjoy your trip!

Getting to the Root of Your Clutter!

We’re all guilty of letting clutter accumulate. And we each have our own Achilles heel as to what accumulates and is treasured. Let’s get to the root of why you’re keeping what you do and talk about how to start decluttering for a more organized you.

Let’s put clutter in perspective. “Clutter” is defined as a collection of things lying around in an untidy manner. The word “clutter” is derived from the English word “clotter,” which means to coagulate. Clutter literally plugs up your space! Organizer Peter Walsh defines clutter in two ways: Lazy Clutter—stuff that accumulates out of negligence over time (i.e. papers, unused or broken items, etc.), and Memory Clutter—things that remind us of an important person, event, or achievement, and is the hardest to declutter.

Clutter is negative. Clutter is overwhelming enough to make you feel tired, lazy, and depressed. It makes it difficult to be organized and means extra cleaning. Studies prove it can negatively affect body weight. By removing clutter, weight can be lifted, both mentally and physically.

So why do we keep clutter? Here are five reasons and antidotes to consider.

1. We keep clutter “just in case” we may need it sometime. We hedge, coming up with some potential reason to keep it. “Sometime” is an indefinite period of time to keep something. Give your clutter a deadline. Haven’t used it in a year? Do you love it? Do you really need it? Ask these questions and decide. Sure there are exceptions. A mild winter doesn’t mean you get rid of your heavy coat, but trust yourself to let go more often than not.

2. Clutter can validate who we are, or were—a track star in high school, an honor roll student, a member of a group, or a past memento of a great time. Keep the things you value most, finding a balance of past and present. Memory clutter is the hardest to declutter. Start with

Jayne Jensen

Organized Home

less emotional areas first. You are not your stuff. Be you by being generous, kind, and grateful for what you have and can give to others in need.

3. The more we have the better, right? NO! Open, empty spaces can be uncomfortable. To some it’s a breath of fresh air and to others it means they’ve accomplished little. It’s been proven that clutter limits your brain’s ability to process information and focus. Be conscientious of what you buy and why. Cut the clutter by not keeping up with the Joneses, and when you buy something, donate something.

4. How many generations are there between you and a family member who lived through the Great Depression? The practice of extreme conservatism and never throwing something away that has potential future use has been engrained in subsequent generations since the Depression. However, that cycle has ended. Today we live in an age of abundance and disposability. Things you want to pass down won’t have the same value and may not be wanted. Define your legacy by taking responsibility for your stuff, versus expecting others to do it for you.

5. Costly purchasing errors keep us holding onto items longer than necessary. We can’t possibly donate something we haven’t gotten the value out of—even though we haven’t used it, it not longer fits, etc. The regret over purchasing that item carries a lot of negative emotional weight, too. Learn from your mistake, donate it, and move on. Always choose the space over the stuff.

So which reason most applies to you? What practices can you put in place today to stop accumulating and start decluttering? Whether you save, donate, sell, or toss, getting clutter moving out is the best step to living lighter and organized. Good luck!

Cold brew coffee is popping up everywhere, poised to be a top food trend in the new year. You may have seen it on the menu of your favorite coffeehouse or in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store, but what exactly is cold brew coffee, and why are people raving about it?

Cold

brew 101

Cold brew coffee is commonly confused with iced coffee, but the name comes from how it’s brewed rather than how it’s served. Cold brew coffee is slowly steeped in cold water using coarsely ground coffee beans. While you can brew a pot of traditional hot coffee in a few minutes, cold brew takes hours - 12 or more - to achieve the signature result. When you taste a high-quality cup of cold brew coffee, the difference is apparent. Coffee made using the cold brew method has a smoother, naturally sweeter result that tastes less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee. The reason for this is the solubility of the organic acids inherent in coffee are extracted at higher brewing temperatures. The organic acids (like citric, malic, formic, quinic and acetic) are a signature aspect of hot-brewed coffee’s flavor and aroma yet only dissolve in hot water. The cold brew method doesn’t extract the bright flavors associated with these acids but extracts the rich chocolate and caramel notes that result in the rich and smooth beverage with a difference that you can taste.

Cold brew at home

Cold brewing from scratch at home can be quite the task, but that doesn’t mean you must choose between expensive coffeehouse cold brew and the messy, time-consuming process of cold brewing at home.

The solution: Java House(R) Authentic Cold Brew Coffee Dual-Use Liquid Pods can be enjoyed hot or cold at home. To enjoy hot, place a pod into a single-serve brewer with the tab facing up for a rich yet smooth cup of coffee. To enjoy cold, slowly peel open the pod, pour over ice and add water. For best results, use 8 oz. of water, whether enjoying hot or cold. The smooth, rich taste of cold brew can be savored by itself all year long. The caramel and chocolate notes extracted are characteristic features of cold brew and not something you’ll naturally find using other coffee brewing methods.

Become a home barista

Feeling creative? You don’t need professional barista experience to craft a satisfying coffee creation. While delicious without anything added, Java House(R) Cold Brew is also a great base for many coffee recipes, whether you want to create something rich, sweet or a little bit spicy. For example, this recipe for Hot Salted Caramel Coffee will warm you up, no matter how low the temperatures dip outside.

DIRECTIONS

SERVINGS: 1

INGREDIENTS:

4 fluid ounces water

2 Java House(R) Cold Brew Liquid Pods

4 tablespoons whole milk

1 and 1/2 tablespoons salted caramel syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla syrup

Whipped topping

Caramel sauce to drizzle

Coarse sea salt to sprinkle

In a large mug, combine water, cold brew liquid pods, milk and both syrups. Stir well and microwave for 30 to 40 seconds. (Or combine in a saucepan over medium low heat for 4 to 8 minutes and pour into a large mug.) Top with whipped topping. Drizzle with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with sea salt.

You can substitute almond milk or low-fat evaporated milk and low-fat whipped topping for the whole milk and whipped topping for a healthier alternative.

TO SERVE COLD

In a tall glass, combine water, cold brew liquid pods, milk and both syrups. Stir well. Top with ice. Top with whipped topping. Drizzle with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Keep in mind, Java House(R) does not use any preservatives, coffee additives, coffee derivatives or reconstituted coffee. It’s just a great-tasting cold brew coffee that lets you become a home barista using four varieties: Colombian, Ethiopian, Sumatran and Decaf. Visit javahouse.com to learn more. (BPT)

A little black clutch is the perfect mix of classy and functional. It can go a long way in your wardrobe.

You can never go wrong with a simple black flat. Throw in a black pump if you’re looking for a little more height.

Layer your necklaces! Mixing a choker with your favorite long necklace brings out a whole new look that you didn’t see coming.

Make a statement with a colorful handbag that ties in tones from your outfit!

Nothing says comfy like a pair of knit boots.

Tie your comfy look together by adding fun earrings.

Add a pop of trendy navy to your earrings this season to show your unique style.

Adding a wedged bootie can help dress up this casual look for a fun night out!

Black leggings are perfect for a movie night on the couch.

BY ASHLEIGH MOELTER The Refinery

Make a fun & flirty statement with brightly colored heels on your next night out.

BY AMY HAUTH

Passion and positivity exude from Vanessa Goodthunder. A gogetter and the director of the Lower Sioux Indian Community Early Head Start and Head Start in Morton, Vanessa has big dreams for her community and truly believes in them. And she has good reason.

At a mere 24 years old, Vanessa has already co-authored a children’s book, created a Dakota language cell phone app, and worked under Governor Mark Dayton.

Her biggest accomplishment to date is having a large part in creating the first Dakota Language Immersion Head Start, which means the students not only receive their early education, but also learn the Dakota language. Opening its doors on August 1, 2018, this has been yet another positive milestone for the community.

Born and raised in the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Morton, Vanessa graduated from the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities with a double major in History—American Focused and American Indian Studies—Dakota Language track. She then went on to receive a Master’s in Education and Secondary Social Studies.

With her education in hand, Vanessa was ready to begin her original life plan—that of being a high school social studies and Dakota language teacher.

“At my heart and soul and my core is a teacher,” she said. “I wanted to fight stereotypes.”

Her plan to achieve this was to teach the Dakota language and American history in high school.

“Our language is who we are. Our language is going to help reclaim our sovereignty as a people and help heal historical trauma, I believe.”

Instead, “life happened” and she was offered a position on Governor Dayton’s staff as a senior aide to the chief of staff, as well as a policy advisor for the Native American Community.

“I thought, Nessa you can’t pass that up, even though I never thought of myself going into that realm,” she remembered.

After that, Goodthunder helped write the 109-page grant for a language immersion school. With the community behind the idea and the data supporting the need, the grant was approved. Vanessa then applied for, and received, the position of the director.

“It wasn’t easy. When people hear me, they think that it sounds easy,” Vanessa said. She went on to explain that in one way, it was easy—the community wanted it, they wrote the grant and received it.

“It just made sense. Now we’re making the model. But it takes a lot of hard work and dedication and remembering why we’re here.”

The school is located on the Jackpot Junction campus in its own wing, with a playground, garden, and newly renovated space, the school is currently serving 74 students. Of that total, 52 are in the center, 10 are home based, and there are 12 families that are expecting babies.

“Applications are pouring in, which is really hard, because now they are on the waiting list. We want to grow and expand in the future,” she said.

The program consists of two early education programs—an Early Head Start, which accepts children ages six weeks to three years old, and a Head Start program, which serves students ages three to five.

“There’s not enough of us to grow fast enough,” she said. “Our big word around here is intentional. We want to be not just good, but excellent.”

With only five fluent, first-language Dakota speakers left (all over the age 55), the teaching staff at the center is learning the language as they teach it. Due to this lack of fluent speakers, Vanessa explained that they are not fully language immersed at the moment.

“We hired teachers who love children, love the language, and are willing to learn. The five-year goal is once you walk in the door— immersion.”

Currently, the students have one hour of language immersion a day with one of the three language teachers, one of whom is Vanessa. The Dakota Language Master Speaker is at the center twice a month.

The teachers are assessed quarterly on their language skills and are asked if they are comfortable bumping the immersion up a half hour. Vanessa explained that this is key in order for the program to continue to flourish.

“Our whole staff has really grown – we’re growing professionals,” Goodthunder said.

Some of the teachers even teach Tuesday and Thursday parent classes, so they are getting more language exposure there.

“Parent classes are flooding in. It is a good incentive when your child is speaking a different language and you don’t know it,” Vanessa said with a smile. 

What is your favorite recreational/leisure activity?

Riding my horse Skada. (Means “little white” in Dakota).

Who inspires you and why?

Lady Gaga! Growing up and still today, she taught me, “Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.”

What is a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?

I have a blue birth mark in my eye.

What makes you excited about the future of the Dakota language?

Knowing that these children will know who they are with the language. They are already so prideful to be Dakota.

What is your favorite part about being the Director of the Lower Sioux Indian Community Early Head Start and Head Start?

Being able to spend time with our Wakaηyeża, our sacred little ones and saying “Poskid Mayuza” then having them smile and give me a big hug!

“Our goal is for everybody on our staff to write a book in the Dakota language,” Vanessa said.

Vanessa co-authored the children’s book, Kikta wo/Kikta ye!, with Dakota language teacher Ryan Dixon. It is a two story series and is now available for free online download, with a read-along option.

Vanessa Goodthunder is the Director of Caη˙sayapi Wakaηyeża Owayawa Oti (Lower Sioux Indian Community Early Head Start and Head Start) in Morton.

 Growing up on the reservation, Vanessa was exposed to the language and ceremonies but her interest wasn’t fully sparked until fourth grade when she attended a Dakota horse camp. It was there that she connected deeper to who she was and how her culture and background were a part of her. She became a peer mentor at this horse camp a couple years later.

“From there I learned I loved to teach,” she said. This idea of mentorship has blossomed throughout the community as well. The Lower Sioux Education Committee has worked with the two local school districts—Redwood Area and Cedar Mountain—to have Dakota language classes that count for credit in the middle and high schools. With this support and enthusiasm, Vanessa said that they have seen the high schoolers start to teach the middle schoolers.

“This creates more teachers and more love for the language like I received. It builds their pride along with the language,” Vanessa said. Another goal is to continue to work with the two school districts to implement the Dakota language in their kindergarten classrooms, so that when students leave the Head Start programs, they continue to get language exposure. On the other end of the educational spectrum, Vanessa would like to ensure that students interested in furthering their Dakota language learning in their postsecondary lives have the resources and support to do so.

Although Vanessa isn’t primarily in the classroom like she envisioned herself, she is seeing her dreams, and those of many others, come true. “I want to revitalize our language and it starts with these little ones, and we’re also teaching this whole staff and teaching them how to be leaders.”

“It was a call from the community. It’s the community’s school. I always, always wanted to come home,” Vanessa said. “People are always talking about who is Dakota, what is Dakota—I always say we are going to tell our own story.” RVW

• Only tribal Head Start that allows non-tribal students in the program.

• Has created 36 jobs within the Lower Sioux Indian Community.

• Features wraparound services, which means that social services, such as well-baby and vaccination checks, are connected to the education. “We see the whole child, and understand the child,” Vanessa said.

If you’re in your twenties or thirties, you might be starting to focus more on investing to reach your financial goals. Because of this, you also may be more attuned to moves in the financial markets. Depending on your age, you may have only experienced the bull market of the past nine years, so you might not know what to expect – or how to respond – whenever the next bear market strikes.

Of course, just recently, you’ve witnessed a market correction – a drop of at least 10 percent in the major stock market indices, such as the S&P 500. This sudden plunge made big news and reminded many investors of how volatile the financial markets can be. But a full-fledged bear market usually isn’t identified until the markets are down 20 percent from their recent highs. Plus, bear markets, unlike corrections, tend to linger for a while.

The last “bear” emerged from hibernation in October 2007 and stayed on the prowl until early March 2009. During that time, the S&P 500 declined by about 50 percent. Clearly, investors were not happy – but the market recovered and moved to new heights. This long and strong run-up may have obliterated your bear market memories, if you ever had them at all. And that’s why you might want to familiarize yourself with some of the bare facts about bear markets:

• Bear markets may provide good buying opportunities. When gas is expensive, you may just buy a few gallons at a time – but when the price falls, you’re probably more likely to fill up your tank. The same principle can apply to investing – when stock prices are down, your investment dollars will buy more shares. And the more shares you own, the greater your ability to build wealth once the share price rises. In short, a bear market may provide you with a chance to buy quality investments at good prices.

Being part of the community means CARING

• Bear markets don’t last forever. No one can predict precisely how long bear markets will run, but they’ve typically been much shorter than bull markets. So, while you might not particularly like looking at your investment statement during a decline, you can take some comfort in knowing such downturns are a normal feature of the investment landscape.

• Bear markets don’t affect all investments equally. If you only own U.S. stocks, your portfolio may well take a sizable hit during a bear market. But other types of investment vehicles may not be as directly affected – and some may even show positive results. Consequently, you could reduce the bear’s “bite” if you also own a variety of other investments, such as international stocks, bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on. However, while owning this type of diversified portfolio can help reduce the impact of market volatility, it does not guarantee profits or protect against losses.

A bear market can be challenging. But by making the right moves, such as staying patient, looking for buying opportunities and maintaining a diversified portfolio, you may be able to prevent a market decline from becoming unbearable.

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED

E-mail Ruth Klossner at cowladyruth@gmail.com by the 10th of the month. Listings are generally for events that are free to the public, or are fundraisers. Listings will be published as space allows and at the discretion of the editor.

Now thru Sun., Feb. 10

• Winterfest, citywide, St. Peter. Info: stpeterchamber.com or 507-934-3400.

Now thru Sun., Feb. 24

• Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival, Waseca. Info: sleighandcutterfestival.org.

Fri., Feb. 8

• Daddy Daughter Valentine’s Dance, Central Building Small Gym, 501 E Elm Ave, Waseca, 6:30-8 pm. Info: ce.waseca.k12. mn.us or 507-835-5626.

• Chocolate & Chamber Mankato Area Youth Symphony Fundraiser, Kato Ballroom, 200 Chestnut St, Mankato, 7:30 pm. Info: mayso.net/2014-season.

Fri.-Sun., Feb. 8-10

• Peter and the Starcatcher, Minnesota State Univ. Theatre & Dance, 320 Maywood Ave, Mankato. 7:30 pm Fri, 2 & 7:30 pm Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: 507389-2118.

Sat., Feb. 9

• New Ulm Medical Center Foundation Have A Heart Gala, Event Center, New Ulm, 6-10 pm. Info: sara.schauer@allina. com

• Winter Slam Demo Derby, Nicollet Co. Fairgrounds, St. Peter, 10 am. Info: stpeterchamber.com or 507525-4290.

• Ryan Mortensen Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament, 2321 Albion Ave, Fairmont. Info: 507235-8585.

• Faribault Flannel Formal, Craft Beverage Curve/10,000 Drops Craft Distillery, 28 4th St NE, Faribault, 5-10 pm. Info: faribaultmn.org/3rd-annualflannel-formal-2/.

Sat., Feb. 9

• Winter Blues Horse Tack &

GO. BE. DO. CON NECT.

Vendor SWAP, Morson-Ario, 1900 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, 10 am-2 pm. Info: 507-779-4380 or 507-380-8253.

• Diva Ball for School Age Ladies, Community Center, Redwood Falls, 6-9 pm. Info & tickets: rwfoutbackbowl.com/diva-ball.

Sat., Feb. 9, 16, 23 & Mar. 2

• Ballroom Dance Class/ Intermediate Dancers, State Street Theater Co., 1 N State St, New Ulm, 9-10 am. Info & cost: statestreetnewulm.org or statestreettheater@gmail.com.

Sat.-Sun, Feb. 9-10

• Morton Gun Show, Jackpot Junction Casino, 39375 County Rd 24, Morton. 8 am-5 pm Sat, 9 am-3 pm Sun. Info: 612-7218976 or info@mwca.org.

Sun., Feb. 10

• Quartet for the End of Time, Good Counsel Chapel, 170 Good Counsel Dr, Mankato, 2 pm. Info: 507-625-8880.

• Freeze Your Caboose Off 4-Mi. Run/Walk, Hickory Inn, 1000 Co Rd 104, St. James, 12:30 pm. Info: 507-375-3333 or stjchamber@gmail.com.

• Ice Fishing Outing, St. James Lake, St. James, 11:30 am. Info: discoverstjamesmn.com/ things-to-do/play/winter/.

• New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen 32nd Annual Ice Fishing Contest, Clear Lake, New Ulm, 11 am-3 pm. Info:. newulmsportfish.org.

Mon., Feb. 11

• Oak Hills Foundation Bowling Classic, Concordia Lanes, New Ulm, 11:30 am-3 pm. Info: 507-359-2120 or director@ oakhillsfoundation.com

Tues., Feb. 12 & 26

• Will Night, Thrivent Financial, 108 S. Minnesota St, New Ulm, 4-7 p.m. Info & RSVP: 507-3544413 or emily.mullenbach@ thrivent.com

Thurs.-Sat., Feb. 14-16

• Macbeth, Minnesota State Univ. Theatre & Dance, 320 Maywood Ave, Mankato, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-389-2118.

• Tony and Tina’s Interactive

Dinner Theater, Kato Ballroom, 200 Chestnut St, Mankato, 6:30 pm. Info: katoballroom.com.

Fri., Feb. 15

• Valentine’s Day Dinner with the OK Factor, Red Rock Center for the Arts, 222 E Blue Earth Ave, Fairmont, 6 pm. Info: 507235-9262 or redrockcenter@ frontiernet.net

• American Red Cross Blood Drive, Woodstone Senior Living, 2020 Meyer Dr, New Ulm, 12-6 pm. Info & sign-up: 507-359-3355 or nudirector@ woodstoneseniorliving.com.

Sat., Feb. 16

• New Ulm’s 1st Annual Arctic Plunge benefiting the fire dept., 214 N Minnesota St, New Ulm. Info: newulm.com or 507-3542185.

• 13th Annual Cork For A Cure Wine Tasting & Silent Auction, Hooligans Pub, Mankato, 6-8 pm. Info: 507-779-3467.

• The New Standards, Verizon Center Grand Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-625-8880.

• Gustavus Choir Home Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.

• Candlelight Event, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson, 6-8:30 pm. Info: 507-357-8580 or info@ neycenter.org.

• Snowshoe Hike, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 10 am. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us

• Winter Warm Up Craft Show for Steele County Relay for Life, Owatonna Eagles, 141 E Rose St, Owatonna, 9 am-2 pm. Info: 507-456-1220.

Sun., Feb. 17

• St. Peter Chorale Society’s ‘Music of Bernstein/Rodgers & Hamerstein,’ High School, St. Peter, 2:30 pm. Info: 507-9341274 or ameeks@hickorytech. net.

• Gustavus Symphony Orchestra & Jazz Ensemble Home Concert, Bjorling Recital Hall,

Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 1:30 pm. Info: 507-9337013.

• Wind Symphony Sacred Concert, Martin Luther College, 1995 Luther Ct, New Ulm, 3 pm.

Mon., Feb. 18

• Beach Party in the Pool, Rec Center, 621 W Nathan St, Lake Crystal, 1-4 pm. Info: 507-7266088 or lcacc56055@gmail. com.

Tues., Feb. 19-Mar. 19

• East Coast Swing Dance Lessons, Lincoln Community Center, Mankato, 7-8:30 pm. Info & registration: 507-3875501or mankatocer.com.

Thurs., Feb. 21

• Mingle With A Purpose—Heels & All, Event Center, New Ulm, 5 pm. Info & tickets: 507-233-4300 or chamber@newulm.com.

• Ney Senior Learning Series— Snowshoeing, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson, 12-1:30 pm. Info & registration: 507-3578580 or info@neycenter.org

Thurs., Feb. 21 & Mar. 21

• Searles Senior Club, Bar & Grill, 13014 Main St, Searles, 12 pm. Info: 507-217-7886.

Thurs.-Sun., Feb. 21-24

• Iphigenia and Other Daughters, Anderson Theatre, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter. 8 pm Thurs-Sat, 4 pm Sun. Info & tickets: gustavustickets. universitytickets.com or 507933-7590.

Fri., Feb. 22

• Digging Deeper with our Red Heels Leadership Development Workshop, Best Western Conference Center, New Ulm, 10 am-1 pm. Info & tickets: 507-233-4300 or chamber@ newulm.com.

• SSTC Unplugged, State Street Theater Co., 1 N State St, New Ulm, 7:30 pm. Info & tickets: statestreettheater@gmail.com or 507-359-9990.

Fri.-Sun, Feb. 22-24

• Winter Play—A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, Martin Luther College, 1995 Luther Ct, New

Ulm. 7:30 pm Fri & Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: Facebook.

Sat., Feb. 23

• Lafayette Ambulance Steak Fry Fundraiser, Dave’s Place, Lafayette, 5-9 pm. Info: 507-3406848.

• Family Snowshoeing, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson, 1:30-3 pm. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org.

• Baby & Kids Expo, Verizon Center Grand Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, 10 am-1 pm. Info: 507389-3000.

• Directing Workshop, State Street Theater Co.1 N State Street, New Ulm, 11 am-7 pm. Info: statestreettheater@gmail.com or 507-359-9990.

• Cabin Fever Escape Fundraiser for Beds for Kids, Steele Co. Hist. Soc., 1700 Austin Rd, Owatonna, 6-9 pm. Info & tickets: 507-2136312.

Sat.-Sun., Feb. 23-24

• Blades On Broadway New Ulm Figure Skating Ice Show, Civic Center, 1212 N Franklin St, New Ulm. 1 & 7 pm Sat, 1 pm Sun. Info: nuskate.org or nufsclub@ gmail.com.

Sun., Feb. 24

• LCS PROS Live & Silent Auctions & Pulled Pork Meal Fundraiser, Charter School Gym, 351 6th St, Lafayette, 11 am. Info: 507-228-8943 or peterson@ lafayettecharter.k12.mn.us.

• St. Peter Chorale Society’s ‘Music of Bernstein/Rodgers & Hammerstein,’ High School, Springfield, 3 pm. Info: 507-7236315.

• Mankato Bridal Show, Verizon Center Grand Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, 10 am-1 pm. Info: 507-389-3000.

Sun., Feb. 24 & Mar. 31

• Pancake Breakfast, American Legion, Lake Crystal, 9 amnoon. Info: 507-726-6088 or lcacc56055@gmail.com.

• Permit to Carry Course, Searles Bar & Grill, 13014 Main St, Searles, 10 am-2:30 pm. Info & registration: 612-787-2264 or carrypermit.net.

Mon., Feb. 25

• Firearm Safety Registration Day, American Legion, 700 State St S, Waseca, 6:30 pm. Info: 507-8353498.

Tues., Feb. 26

• Beer & Hymns, Main Street Sports Bar, Hutchinson, 6 pm. Info: riverofhopehutchinson. org or office@ riverofhopehutchinson.org.

Tues., Feb. 26 & Mar. 5 & 12

• Flowing Through Grief—Life Skills for Loss & Change with Life, Community Center, New Ulm, 1:30 pm. Info: castlelli@ newulmtel.net.

Thurs., Feb. 28

• Fat Thursday Fundraising Rib Feast, Turner Hall, New Ulm, 4:30 pm. Info: newulmturnerhall.org/ or 507-354-4916.

• History Uncorked, Steele Co. Hist. Soc., 1700 Austin Rd, Owatonna, 7 pm. Info & tickets: steelehistorymuseum.org/ or 507-451-1420.

Fri., Mar. 1

• Gustavus Jazz Jamboree Evening Concert, Bjorling Recital Hall, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.

Sat., Mar. 2

• Bock Fest, Schell’s Brewery grounds, 1860 Schell Rd, New Ulm, 11 am-4:30 pm. Info: schellsbrewery.com or 507-3545528.

• Fasching Festival—A German Mardi Gras, Best Western Plus, 2101 S Broadway St, New Ulm. Info: 507-354-7112 or dickseeb1@ comcast.net.

• Gustavus Wind Orchestra & Minnesota Junior Winds, Bjorling Recital Hall, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 6 pm. Info: 507933-7013.

Sat., Mar. 2 & Apr. 6

• Faribault Winter Farmers’ Market, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, 1-4 pm. Info: Facebook or Instagram.

Sun., Mar. 3

• New Ulm Lions Dad’s Belgian Waffle Brunch, Turner Hall, 102 S State S, New Ulm, 7:30 am12:30 pm. Info: 612-501-2719 or bbschir@comcast.net.

• MN Music Hall of Fame Fundraiser Concertina Jamboree, Turner Hall, New Ulm, 12-6 pm. Info: 507-766-4115.

• A Midsummer’s Eve by the Mankato Ballet, State Street Theater Co,1 N State Street, New Ulm, 2 pm. Info: Info: statestreettheater@gmail.com or 507-359-9990.

Mon., Mar. 4

• Bandwagon Taping, Dale Dahmen & the Polka Beats, Kato Ballroom, 200 Chestnut St, Mankato, 5:30-9:30 pm. Info: katoballroom.com.

Thurs., Mar. 7

• United Way Men’s Event, Kato Ballroom, 200 Chestnut St, Mankato, 5-9 pm. Info: mankatounitedway.org/ mensevent

Fri.-Sat., Mar. 8-9

• New Ulm Farm-City Hub Club Farm Show, Civic Center, 1212 N Franklin St, New Ulm; 1-8 pm Fri; 10 am-5 pm Sat. Info: 507-2334302 or jenny@newulm.com

Sat., Mar. 9

• Pheasants Forever Banquet, The Mill, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca, 5-10 pm. Info: 507-201-7241 or ageldred@yahoo.com.

Sat.-Sun., Mar. 9-10

• Black Powder Trade Show & Living History Event, Turner Hall, 102 S State St, New Ulm. 9 am-5 pm Sat, 9 am-3 pm Sun. Info: Facebook.

Sun., Mar. 10

• Dad’s Belgian Waffle Benefit for Brady Webster, UFC Berdan Center, Winthrop, 9 am-1 pm. Info: 507-228-8201.

Thurs.-Sat., Mar. 14-16 & 21-23

• Merely Players Dinner Theater— My Fair Lady, Kato Ballroom, 200 Chestnut St, Mankato, 5:30. Info: katoballroom.com.

Fri., Mar. 15

• Coin Dive Event, Rec Center, 621 W Nathan St, Lake Crystal, 3:30 pm. Info: 507-726-6088 or lcacc56055@gmail.com.

Sat., Mar. 16

• Gustavus Wind Symphony &

Chamber Winds Winter Concert, Bjorling Recital Hall, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 1:30 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.

• Romantica, Steele Co. Hist. Soc., 1700 Austin Rd, Owatonna, 6:30 pm. Info: steelehistorymuseum. org/ or 507-451-1420.

• Sno Pro Vintage Show, McLeod Co. Fairgrounds Agribition Building, Hutchinson, 6 am-3 pm. Info: crowriversnopros. com or vintagesledshow@ crowriversnopros.com.

Sun., Mar. 17

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Gathering of the Clans Banquet, Kaiserhoff, 221 N. Minnesota St, New Ulm. Info: 507-233-4300.

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade, South Third St, St. Peter, 5:30 pm. Info: 507-934-3400 or spchamb@ hickorytech.net

• Sleepy Eye Lions’ Dad’s Belgium Waffles, Public School Cafeteria, 400 4th Ave SW, Sleepy Eye, 8:30 am- 12:30 pm.

• St. James KC’s Annual Mulligan Stew, Marian Hall, St. James, 5-7 pm.

Tues., Mar. 19

• Financial Strategies for Women, Central Building, 501 E Elm Ave, Waseca, 6 pm. Info & registration: 507-835-5626.

Fri., Mar. 22

• Jazz in the Courtyard, Courtyard Café, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 4:30 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.

Fri.-Sun., Mar. 22-24

• Home & Health Show, Civic Center, Fairgrounds, New Ulm. 3-8 pm Fri, 10 am-5 pm Sat, 11 am-4 pm Sun. Info: 507-233-4300 or chamber@newulm.com

FRI. MAR. 8, 1pm–8pm SAT. MAR. 9, 10am–5pm Civic Center — New Ulm More

Houseplants You Might Kill

(But Are Worth a Try)

Historically, I’ve recommended houseplants that are easy to grow. It’s nice to set people up for success, especially when they’re just beginners. But—if your pothos plants are brazenly vining throughout your home and your aloes and peperomias cheerfully produce more offspring than one interior gardener could possibly repot—it might be time to advance.

Beware! The next level of houseplanting is not necessarily for the fainthearted. There will be casualties. You might unexpectedly find yourself cradling the remains of a plant you truly loved. Less dramatically, you might spend a lot of money and time, only to be disappointed by a plant’s untimely demise.

But, they might live! Your efforts could yield vivacious life and beauty, as well as the great personal satisfaction of completing a difficult task. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of nurturing finicky houseplants. I’m not yet an expert, but I’m learning a lot through the process of loving and losing them.

Orchids

There are many different genera and species of orchids, but the most common floral-shop-variety orchid is Phalaenopsis. These are the wideleaved orchids that have large flat flowers resembling butterflies with their wings spread. Although I recently had two Phalaenopsis fatalities in my household, I think my orchid-care skill-set is improving.

As with many houseplants, orchids only need water when their potting medium feels dry. This ranges from once per week to once every two weeks. It’s best to soak the orchid’s roots and the surrounding potting medium without leaving the roots in standing water. You can do this by pulling the orchid out of its pot and running water over its roots in a sink. Don’t water with ice cubes, as is sometimes recommended on orchid care tags.

An east-facing window is ideal for orchids, as they prefer indirect light. However, orchids also need a certain amount of light to induce new flower buds, so you might have to try a south- or west-facing window to facilitate reblooming. In higher light settings, watch the plant’s leaves for discoloration, which can indicate sunburn.

Succulents

Just so we’re on the same page, “succulent” is a generalized term for plants with thick water-storing leaves. Common houseplant varieties include Echeveria, Crassula, Agave, and Kalanchoe, among others. I’ve read a lot

LAURA SCHWARZ New Ulm native, is a horticulturist and writer in Minneapolis

about how “easy” succulents are to grow as houseplants. I think this is only true if you have ideal light conditions and know precisely how to water them.

Succulents are native to hot sunny climates with limited water availability. Inside our Minnesota homes, it’s often difficult to provide the correct growing conditions, especially during our cold dark winters. I’m lucky that my house has a large south-facing window with generous amounts of sunlight for my succulents. They need at least six to eight hours of direct light every day.

Your succulents will need very little water; overwatering often kills them. I usually water mine thoroughly (saturating the potting soil, letting it drain all the way through) once every two weeks or so, but they can actually go a lot longer without water. If you’re questioning whether you should water your succulents, error on the side of dryness. The potting soil should be bone-dry between waterings.

Begonias

I love begonias. I wanted to write this entire column about begonias, but that felt too self-indulgent. Unfortunately, my Begonia Houseplant Mortality Rate is abysmal. I’m embarrassed to admit how many begonias I’ve killed because I honestly can’t even count them. It’s really frustrating for me, because begonias are so gorgeous, and there are so many interesting types, and I just really want them to live in my house!

Since my own begonia experiences are mainly failures, I’ve been doing some research. So far, I’ve learned that begonias will do best in bright indirect light. They are fussy about their watering routine, as they are especially vulnerable to being overwatered. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases, which are difficult for the plant to overcome. I need to start treating my begonias more like I treat my succulents, waiting until the plants are practically wilting before I water them again.

Begonias also prefer humid conditions, which is just not going to happen in my Minnesota house in the middle of winter. I might try placing my begonias in trays of water to enhance the surrounding humidity. And, I also need to be more careful about placing my begonias near heating registers, which can dry them out quickly, increasing their stress and susceptibility to diseases.

Others to try: African violets, English ivy, cyclomen, bromeliads

1.

1. Spring

is

Just Around the Corner

Cowl neck pullovers are a must-have as we transition into Spring! For those chillier days, grab your favorite pom knit hat and throw on your favorite pair of denim. A handbag that matches the whole outfit is a plus! Shop

The Refinery Boutique in St. Peter, New Prague, Minneapolis or online 24/7

The Refinery Boutique St. Peter, New Prague and Minneapolis, MN 507.934.5981 therefinerymn.com

2. Love your Body this Valentine's Day Basin brings the relaxation of a spa to your home. With a refreshing line of sweetly scented bath bombs, scrubs and soaps that will help relieve your daily stresses. Scents range from Serenity or Electric lemonade and even Florida Sunshine, something to fit every mood. You can find Basin products at your Mankato Hy-Vee’s. Hy-Vee Hilltop 2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.9070

Hy-Vee Riverfront 410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.1107

3. Healthy, Vibrant Rejuvenated Skin

Skin Essentials offers DERMALINFUSION®, an advanced skinresurfacing treatment that simultaneously exfoliates, extracts and infuses skin with condition-specific serums for an allinclusive treatment in one step to improve skin health, function and appearance with no downtime. Call Skin Essentials and schedule a free consultation to discover if DERMALINFUSION is right for you. Skin Essentials, Mankato Clinic 1400 Madison Ave. Suite 400A Madison East Center Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.6599 skinessentialsmankato. com

4. Scrubs, Medical Supplies & Accessories

Shop our large selection of medical equipment and supplies including stethoscopes, compression stockings, scrubs, scissors and more! C&S Supply has a great in-stock selection of quality uniforms & footwear. Special orders also available at no extra charge. C&S Supply 1951 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 507.387.1171 or 800.879.1938

3.

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Hand made and individually tested in the Netherlands, the Moccamaster coffeemaker brews a perfect cup of coffee in only six minutes. A copper heating element ensures water stays at the perfect temperature from the brew cycle’s beginning to its end. Perfectly synchronizing brew time, grind and temperature, this machine quickly and quietly produces a superior coffee in minutes. The only drip coffee machine to win a European Golden Cup Award.

DeGrood's Home Store 220 St. Andrews Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.388.9391 shopdegroods.com

7. SMART Pro 2000

We consider incline training the treadmill game changer—you can realistically condition your body for those challenging uphill routes. The SMART Pro 2000 offers powered, automatic incline adjustability. When you train with incline, you know you’re giving your legs the best workout possible on a treadmill. For the complete real-world experience, take your grade into the negative for the full range of training.

Scheels River Hills Mall 1850 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001

507.386.7767 scheels.com

Our contemporary fireplace Slayton series offers affordable elegance that combines innovation and design with function and efficiency. This linear fireplace offers a sleek modern design that will revolutionize your contemporary design ideas. With a variety of media choices, accent lighting, enamel firebox lining, and dancing flames will make this fireplace a stunning addition to your home.

Glowing Hearth & Home

241 St. Andrews Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.345.8084

8. Himalayan Salt Room Halotherapy, or breathing in of salt vapor, takes the healing properties of salt into the respiratory system. Dry salt therapy is a NATURAL detoxification for your airways and skin. “Halo”, coming from the Greek word for salt, Halotherapy is the use of vapor utilizing micro particles of salt to promote optimal health and wellness.

Body Concepts LLC

1615 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.381.5467 bodyconceptsmankato.com

7.

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5. Mocca Master Coffee Makers

6. Contemporary Design

6.

8.

9. Our Traveling Showroom

Blinds & More travels to your home or office with custom samples. We offer window coverings and interior design services. Our team will travel within a 60-mile radius of Mankato. Schedule your free consultation today!

Blinds & More Interior Design Group 507.380.5019 blindsandmore.org

10. Adorable Whimsical Pendulum Clocks

Each adorable, unique, fun & funky 3D pendulum clock is carefully crafted using sustainably harvested baltic birch plywood and nontoxic water-based inks. It's the perfect whimsical addition for your Poshinate Kiddos bedroom, playroom, or really any room in your home! Customers also find them to be a great addition to their Lakehome, Office, Cabin or Classroom! Hundreds of designs, pre-ordres available. Shop online 24/7. 1-Day Minnesota shipping. Free in-store pickup. #BestSeller Poshinate Kiddos 305 S. Minnesota Ave. Ste. 105 St. Peter, MN 56082 Poshinate.com

11. Make a Splash in the Kitchen

Let Floor to Ceiling help you with your kitchen updates or new construction. We offer endless backsplash and countertop ideas. Visit our showroom today! Floor to Ceiling 224 St. Andrews Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 ftcmankato.com

12. Stem Study

Framed Prints

These traditional, floral art prints feature hand-torn deckled edge detailing and surrounded by a simple, thick white mat. Elegant champagne silver leaf frames complete each botanical print. Each print is set under protective glass. Nordaas American Homes 10091 State Hwy 22 Minnesota Lake, MN 56068 800-658-7076 nordaashomes.com

13. Vintage Accent Cabinet

With two doors and an adjustable shelf, this accent chest offers additional storage space for wherever it's needed in your home. Inspired by relaxed vintage style designs, this piece features a gorgeous antique white finish, and a scroll pattern adorns the mirror panels on the door fronts.

Rooms and Rest Furniture and Mattress 1760 Madison Ave. Mankato, MN 56001 1704 North State St. New Ulm, MN 56073 roomsandrest.com

507.327.6957 | MANKATO, MINNESOTA | FACEBOOK

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER?

More answers can be found on the RVW Facebook page.

HEATHER: He makes me laugh.

BRIDGET: So many things! Mostly his ability to always find the humor in life, he’s an amazing father to his children and is a terrific role model and friend to my daughter, he is genuine and I love when he sings Elvis songs to me!

MICHAEL: Her selflessness. Always puts others first.

GINNY: His patience.

TIFFANY: I’m incredibly blessed. He works from home, while I run a business outside the home. So he does 99% of the cooking, cleaning, laundry, organizing our schedules (we have 4 teenagers), etc., all while still working a very busy job himself. He rarely complains and still does romantic things for me, I’m not even exaggerating! He isn’t perfect. Nor would I want him to be, but he is perfect for me. I never in a million years thought I would have someone love me, care for me and support me the way he does.

TINA: I still get butterflies. He stands beside me, supports me, and defends the truth with me daily. He is my knight with his goofy daily text reminders.

ERIN: He always smells sooooo good!

KATHLEEN: He loves me for me with no conditions. He challenges my intelligence and warms my heart every day. I could not ask for a better partner in life.

KRISTIN: His calm demeanor and his patience.

DEENA: He is a good man. Moral, kind, respectful, respectable, a good daddy, a good husband, and so darn funny!

ANGIE: He makes me laugh every single day! And I always know he has my back.

MARION: That he puts up with me!

LISA: Anyone who has met my husband knows he is the opposite of me. He is so calm, quiet and low key. But what I love most about him is that when I was sick and in the hospital, he took care of EVERYTHING when I was gone. I knew our kids and home were running as smoothly as they could when I was trying to get better. He keeps things in check at our house, and for that I am thankful.

Believe it or not, February is a popular time to paint in Minnesota. What else are you going to do when it’s frigid outside, professional and college football has wrapped up, and your to-do list is getting shorter? In essence, the perfect time to paint is when you are bored or you have more time to finish the job. There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to change your mood, inspire a new design for your space, or make a big impact in your home.

Color Trends. Here are four on-trend color collections—Rhythm, Altruism, Explorer, Moderation for the home for 2019. These are palettes for the adventurous, someone who is excited by the power of paint, someone eager for high design at a good value.

Do you suffer from color anxiety? What if you make the wrong decision? No problem, start with a sample pint of the colors you want and paint it on the wall. The lighting in every room will impact the way the color looks in your home. After seeing it on your wall, you might go darker or a shade or two lighter then what you initially picked out. Valspar has a “love your paint color” guarantee. Check with the manufacturer to find out details.

Visit www.thepaintstudio.com to help you find the right family of colors that you’ll enjoy everyday. It will help you in choosing the best colors even before you go to the hardware store. Remember it is your living

space so pick the colors that make you happy.

Where are you going to paint? Bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, kitchen? Work on one room at a time to avoid being overwhelmed with decisions and the scope of the project. Be purposeful in your selections. Pace yourself or you will get sidetracked or discouraged.

Sheens. Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss. Each has a unique look and benefits that are to be weighed when making your decision. Eggshell is the most popular sheen with interior designers because of its timeless look. The higher you go up the sheen list the more washable and durable the finish.

Quality of Paint. The quality of paint you choose should depend on the level of durability you need. If you have a household with active children and pets, you should choose the best quality of paint that fits in your budget. The higher quality of paint, the more durable it is. Hardeners in high-quality paint add to the scrubbability of your walls and make a big difference for being able to wipe down a wall, versus repainting it. High traffic areas like hallways or staircases are also areas that receive a lot of wear and tear. Good quality paint will protect your wall from scuffs and blemishes. Paint is now formulated with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Nowadays it is no longer necessary that you crack open your windows to vent the fumes out. Becoming environmentally

37B-7

Dark Diversion

08B-7

Spicy Paprika

ROSE RUSTMAN Store Manager Saint Peter Arrow Ace Hardware

friendly has been a big improvement over the past formulas and is a reason why winter/spring painting has become easier and more popular. Additionally, the better quality of paint, the more solids and less water. This will cover (hide) much better than lower quality paint.

Stay Organized to Save Yourself a Headache. It’s a good idea to keep the paint color card or—if it is a custom color—paint the color on a card at least the size of a quarter and then label it with the sheen/brand and location it was used in your home. Organize your paint colors for future reference/needs. Our paint specialists at Ace can either use the paint brand and name—or use our color matching software—to give you the exact color needed in most cases.

Prep your surfaces. The surface needs to be clean for the paint to have the best possible bond to the wall. Scrub with good old-fashioned soap and water to remove grease and grime. It is best to scrub from the bottom up to prevent stains from running down the wall. Mold and mildew must be removed prior to painting. Use a specific product for this problem. Patch small holes or dings with spackle. For larger holes, check with the paint department for solutions.

How many coats does it take to cover? Paint manufacturers boast onecoat-coverage but does that mean you can really do it with one coat? Well, that depends on what color you are painting over and the color you are putting down. Again, the higher the quality of paint you use, the better it will cover your walls because it has a higher concentration of solids. Lower quality paints use more water in their mixes, which obviously dilutes the coverage. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to quality of paint.

Are primers still needed? Many of the paint brands promote their products as paint and primer in one. However, under certain conditions, you may still need to use a primer. It depends on the application. Are you painting a lighter color over a dark color or vice versa? Are you covering

over that gaudy glossy wall you painted your kitchen 15 years ago? Are you painting over a stained area? After cleaning the area, use a stain blocking primer that will cover the blemishes. Talk to your paint expert to find out if a primer is necessary for your situation.

Paint Applicators and Sundries. Brushes, rollers, and FrogTape®. Professional painters know that the tool you use to apply paint to your wall makes a big difference in the finished result. Low-quality brushes and rollers will save you money but they can leave streaks and fuzzys behind that ultimately make you feel defeated. Go for medium quality or higher to get the best results. Take inventory of your paint supplies—brushes, roller covers, handles, paint pans, liners, drop cloths, painter’s tape, and any other items you might also need—along with your new paint.

Cutting and Taping. If you are creating an accent wall and want your corners to look beautiful, then FrogTape® is your friend. Nevertheless, everyone paints differently and some people are very good with a steady hand and a cut brush. Others use paint pads to get in those tight corners or around trim and swear by them. Find out what you are comfortable using and go with it.

Paint Recycling. Free paint recycling is now available. When starting a new paint project, take a moment to look at your existing paint inventory. We encourage you to take your unwanted paint to a PaintCare drop off site www.paintcare.org/drop-off-locations. Arrow Ace Hardware in Saint Peter is a local drop-off site. You can bring up to five gallons of unwanted paint at a time.

Few people really enjoy the process of painting—they just really love the end results. Make it easy on yourself and buy the best paint and applicators your budget can afford for the job, or hire a professional. Our store has a list of professionals that we recommend—all you have to do is pick the color. This spring transform your living space with new paint colors that make you feel good.

“I was very pleased and pleasantly surprised at the advertising area coverage via River Valley Woman magazine. Many, many clients and non-clients commented on the ads. RVW is definitely worth my advertising dollars!”

— JENNIFER L.J. GILK Gilk Legacy Law PLLC

“My business has grown steadily ever since I began advertising in River Valley Woman! I am so proud to be associated with a magazine of such high quality and my clients appreciate it, also! I myself have patronized many of the other advertisers businesses and am happy to promote them just because I know the quality of River Valley Woman.”

— HEIDI NELSON OLMA Life Coaching

“Love it! Just gotta say! This magazine sits on my desk and then it’s gone! People love it! I run out all the time! Thanks for the abundance of them every month!”

— LAURIE DANBERRY Heintz Toyota

“I am so impressed with the quality and creativity that you gals at River Valley Woman consistently deliver each month. I’ve been advertising in RVW for over 5 years now and I completely trust your marketing and design team to create that perfect marketing piece! Thanks for continuously putting your magazine to work for Body Concepts!”

— GARI JO JORDAN Body Concepts

KEEP ON TRUCK STOPPIN’

My favorite truck stop closed, and I’m not happy about it.

On I-35—headed south on the never-ending stretch of interstate that takes me to my high school best friend in Leavenworth, Kansas—there was the perfect truck stop for long car trips with kids. I discovered it on a tumultuous excursion with my girlfriend and our combined carload of four children under the age of 10. We were about three-and-a-half hours into our drive, and the kids had hit max sitting capacity and needed an out.

The golden arches were within view from the exit, and I could feel the excitement stirring in the air. But today would not be their day. We would not be indulging in Ronald McDonald cuisine. Because just beyond view of the overpass—flashing her neon glow on the horizon—was Boondock’s USA Truck Stop. I was a moth to the flame.

This fateful day in Iowa with four hungry, wound-up kids, I would again be happy with my decision to pursue my cross-country truck stop tour. The younglings immediately stormed the breakfast counter and took all the remaining barstools. My friend and I tried to corral them into the sticky booth in the corner, but Gladys just smiled and said, “You ladies go take a seat. We can take care of the kiddos here at the counter.”

Suddenly, from the deep fryer heavens, an assembly of angels descended on our children with crayons, paper, and chocolate milk. They purred into their young ears that if they colored a pretty picture for the wall, they would receive free dessert, and our young immediately got busy working. The heavy-eyed truckers occasionally peered over their newspapers and smiled at the waitresses fussing over our rowdy bunch. When the food came, I tried to get up from our table to go help cut up pancakes for the littlest of our breakfast club, but I was immediately shooed away by my nurturing elders and told to put my feet up and rest since we had another four hours on the road.

I didn’t color a picture, but I still got a free dessert.

More than anything, I knew that the kids needed an extended stretch in a place where we could walk around for a while. So fast food wasn’t gonna do the trick. But I also have a particular affinity for truck stops.

In the tiny northern Minnesota town I grew up in—on special occasions only—my parents would take us out for breakfast at Manackes Truck Stop. It was a local, family-owned greasy spoon that had the best pancakes. So I try to go out of my way now as an adult to eat at local diners instead of chain restaurants. I’m almost never disappointed in that decision. People

BY LORI MATHIOWETZ

argue with me about this and tell me how “dangerous” they are. I find this logic curious. Riddle me this: If you were gonna abduct children, would you hang around a truck stop, or a McDonald’s? Just sayin’….

Truck stops are filled with wonderful human beings who are basically the reason for everything in your house. If you’re wearing it, drinking it, eating it, driving it, or sleeping on it, a trucker brought it. Additionally, you should probably be nice to them on the road. Not only are they bigger than you are, they can see all the weird stuff you do inside your car. Don’t believe me? Google “trucker stories.” You won’t be disappointed. Possibly slightly horrified, but it will be entertaining nonetheless.

My uncle Phil is a trucker, and when I was little, I thought he was the most exciting person on the planet. He knew cool card games, he had stories about faraway places, and he didn’t even have GPS back then—but never ever got lost! He also had a strange and fascinating language that only he and other truckers spoke to one another. A “salt shaker” was a snowplow, an “alligator” was a blown tire in the road, and we cars riding their tail, well, we were called “bumper stickers.” It seemed like I begged for an eternity to go inside the truck, but he never would budge. However, one time—and one time only—my Uncle Phil finally allowed my sister and I inside the Magic School Bus…I mean his semi-truck. The highlight was playing on the CB radio and he taught us that if we said “breaker, breaker 1-9, I got a 10-36, anybody copy?” a magical voice would come out the other end and tell us the time. When we got tired of that, we turned around and—lo and behold—there was a bed inside his truck!

“What sort of luxury is this?” I thought to myself. He could sleep in his car if he wanted to! This was an over-the-top extravagance I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams. I got my height from my dad, my nose from my mom, and my wanderlust…well that definitely was born of my uncle Phil.

So the next time you’re planning a family road trip, might I issue you a challenge? Eat at a truck stop. At least once. Buy your kids a paperweight, a weird flavor of beef jerky, and a graphic tee with the name of the city on it (ideally it will have a bald eagle, too). If you really wanna splurge and get into the spirit of your road trip, pick up a John Cougar Mellencamp CD, especially if your kids don’t know what a CD is.

And remember: no matter how tough a trucker looks, he probably can’t resist a cute kid doing the arm pump.

FIND THE FREEDOM TO LAUGH, SNEEZE AND JOG AGAIN.

Although loss of bladder control may be embarrassing, it doesn’t have to mean giving up belly laughs with friends. Our OB-GYN experts, led by a board certified urogynecologist, partner with you to help determine the best urinary incontinence treatment option, surgical or non-surgical, to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato Call 507-933-0087 to schedule an appointment. mayoclinichealthsystem.org