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that’s been bugging me for a month or so now. It’s called summer. Now before you all collectively gasp at the nerve to dare turn up my nose at what we all supposedly wait for all winter, don’t get your pedal pushers in a bunch. I like summer as a whole, but it’s those one hundred million little things that I don’t. Gnats, mosquitoes, no-seeums (I see you!) that crash our party with intent to chomp, chew and devour us humans like so much picnic fare. Get OFF! And I mean that literally. Now that we are fully doused and protected with chemicals, welcome to our Summer issue. Packed with slap-happy activities from fishing to biking to camping.
If you stop by to visit our cover gal, Jessi Havemeier, you are likely to find a “Gone Fishin’” sign on her door. An avid year ’round fisherwoman, as well as a restorer of vehicles and boats, she also is a budding designer who is creating a line of fishing rods specifically for women. Her enthusiasm and skills will hook you.
I had the opportunity to go kayaking recently— something I’ve always wanted to do. By kayaking I mean paddling on a smooth, loon and heron-filled lake. No white water rapids or flipping upside down in concussion inducing rocky rivers for me. The only obstacle was trying not to get the oars tangled up in lily pads. My kind of adventure! And a plus for being able to experience it pre-skeet and wood tick hatch.
For those with a bit more guts, we bring you Iron (wo)Man Lindsay Schweiss. What’s impressive is she wasn’t an avid athlete when she agreed to her first triathlon, which she did simply because she was asked, and thought “why not?” Several competitions later, she credits those two words with changing her life.
What else might happen if we asked ourselves that question? Why not… get rid of our car? Itching to get away from traffic and parking challenges of city living, Rachael Sand chooses biking for her preferred mode of transportation no matter the weather. For her it’s more than a way to get around. She’s passionate about sustainable living, and two-wheeling rings that bell.
Happy campers is more than a cliché for Lisa Schmitz, her husband, and three other couples who are referred to simply as “the friends.” Several times a year the friends head to myriad campgrounds in Minnesota to partake in whatever comes their way, be it water skiing, mini-golf, bonfires and other family friendly activities. Discovering local has been an eye-opener. With all the area festivals, food cook-offs and entertainment events there’s no reason to be bored, even in your own backyard. Within easy reach of the fly swatter.
Sure, most of us can load up the car with sunscreen, weenies, citronella (My new Minnesota summer super hero name!), and beverages, and head to the great outdoors any time we want.
But it isn’t so easy for kids with physical challenges. That’s were DAPE comes in, the Developmental Adapted Physical Education program, headed up by coordinator Professor Susan Tarr. A funfilled day camp includes swimming, archery, disk golf and bike riding. Everybody into the pool!
This issue we welcome some new contributors to our popular LOOK pages. Thanks so much to our local fashion and beauty experts for their suggestions as we dodge humidity hair, and the dreaded “camper’s clothes”—go tenting just once and you’ll know what I mean. Set your summer fashion phasers on stunning!
Hot dog! Our EATS page this month is also brought to you locally with some easy ways to elevate picnic food. Why not (there’s those two magic words again) have culinary camp cuisine?
Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are here, to which we are thankful for warm sunny days, starry nights …and DEET. Let us spray.
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you ask Courtland native Jessi Havemeier where she’s going to be this weekend, her answer will be the same throughout the entire summer: on the lake.
Havemeier’s day job is working in industrial sales supply at Fastenal in New Ulm, but her real passion is fishing. She caught the fishing bug early, heading to the lake with her grandparents when she was old enough to safely sit in a boat.
“We’d spend days in the boat, trolling for northern pike,” Havemeier recalled. “That’s how I got into it. Now, you can find me on the lake at least three days a week, sometimes even more.”
Fishing fanatic
Havemeier said she fishes year-round, both out in her personally restored fishing boat and in her ice huts during the winter. She owns one permanent ice hut and three portable huts, and she said she enjoys ice fishing even more than summertime fishing.
“I love ice fishing,” Jessi said. “I just like the ability to get everywhere on the lake. Sometimes, you can’t get your boat back into the shallow little bays but, in ice fishing, you can just walk right up there.”
While she mainly fishes all over the state of Minnesota, Havemeier also ventures to other states, currently holding fishing licenses for Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota.
“It’s kind of fun to see how many you can get by the end of the year,” she said. “Hopefully, I’ll get South Dakota and Iowa in there by the end of this year.”
Havemeier fishes for both recreation and tournaments, though she added that she usually practices catch and release. She admits, however, that she’s not a huge fan of cleaning a fish enough to eat it.
“About 80 percent of my fish go back into the water,” she said. “If I keep them, they’re for my dad or grandpa. I like the conversation of it, of letting it go to grow.”
Havemeier fishes for pretty much any type of fish you can find in Minnesota—and she’s managed to catch just about all of them. Her longest catch was a 37-inch pike, and she recently worked to catch “master anglers” in several species through the Women Anglers of Minnesota, the largest and
Age: 31
Lives in: Courtland
Family: Nine-year-old daughter Kelsey
Day job: Farm supply at Fastenal
Favorite fish to catch: Walleye
Future fishing goal: Shark fishing off the south coast
Other hobbies: Restoring vehicles/boats, motorcycling, her horses
Fun fact: Havemeier is also the president of the New Ulm Power Club
oldest women’s fishing club in the U.S. To be a “master angler,” a fish has to exceed a certain length based on its species average, and Havemeier has caught a master angler in walleyes, perches and smallmouth basses. According to Havemeier, each species of fish requires a different kind of fishing.
“When you’re out there, you have to know the species of fish that you’re targeting,” she said. “They’ve all got their own little pattern, their own little quirks, and it just comes with experience and learning and targeting the fish. It takes time and patience to learn where the fish will be, how it will be reacting to the current weather conditions, and what their current feeding style is.”
Havemeier’s favorite fish to catch is a walleye, which can be extremely tricky because they’re very clever fish.
“I enjoy how they can challenge you mentally,” she explained. “They’re a very cunning opponent. Some days you’ll go out, and on a good day of walleye fishing, you’ll be catching two or three fish, just because they’re a very smart fish.”
Havemeier fishes both by herself and on teams. She’s a member of Fishing Minnesota and Ice Fishing Minnesota, two of the largest Facebook groups dedicated to fishing in Minnesota. Through those two groups, she fishes for Team IFM and Team Fishing
Minnesota, and she’s the only female on the teams.
Meanwhile, in the summer, she’s in a walleye league and has a partner, and the two of them go out as a team every week to try to catch the most walleye. (Given the limit on how many fish people can keep, the judging goes by bagged weight of the fish instead). She also participates in tournaments on an individual level throughout the year, such as the Women Anglers of Minnesota’s open water tournament in June.
As an avid fisherwoman, Havemeier knows the importance of using quality rods that will withstand all the rigors of the sport. She owns several different types, and she said she can’t even count how many she has in total.
“When it’s between seasons, and I’ve got my ice gear out still and my summer gear out, there are fishing rods in every corner of the house,” she said.
But, over the years, Havemeier began noticing that there often weren’t many varieties of rods built for fisherwomen. While anyone can use any kind of rod, the rods she found at retail stores usually featured “masculine” colors such as blacks and reds.
Havemeier personally enjoys colors such as teal and lime green—which were only used in cheaper rods with lower quality materials—
rods that would break after she used them too many times.
“When I’d got to the store, I wouldn’t find what I wanted,” she explained. “When you’re looking for a rod, especially a high-quality rod, you want to love every aspect of it. I was going out there and buying a rod I liked the look of and ending up replacing it every year, because I’m out there on them on the water for six to 10 hours a day, and it gets to be a toll on the equipment. The materials they were using in [the rods] were just cheap because they expected the women to not be putting these rods through the tortures the men do.”
Because of this, Havemeier eventually decided to just start making her own rods. She finds most of her materials online and builds rods to customers’ exact specifications. She has been building rods for the past two years and has made about 35 so far, along with repairing other rods.
It takes her about three days of steady work to completely create a rod, though she doesn’t often have enough free time to work on a rod nonstop. Her prices average about $150 to $200, though a simpler rod can cost as little as $75—and an extremely high-quality rod can run $500.
Havemeier said most of her customers have been men, but she especially enjoys working with women, since she understands their struggles and encourages them in their fishing interests.
“I love making them for women,” she said, adding that she’s currently working on a “unicorn” rod with pinks, purples, and blues. “A lot of times in the fishing department, I’ll get completely ignored by the sales staff, and if they do talk to me, they assume I know nothing. So it’s super fun for women to be able to come to me and I know what they’re looking for. I know the struggles they’re having with the retail stores. I love working with them and making them something that’s completely what they want.”
Havemeier said her rods are a “side hobby” for now, but she would like to perhaps go into the business full time in the future.
According to Havemeier, if women (or anyone!) are interested in trying fishing, they don’t need to be intimidated when it comes to picking the perfect rod.
“Don’t let that scare you off from the sport,” she said. “You don’t need to spend a ton on a custom rod. You can start out very basic, with an entry-level rod, test the waters to see if you enjoy the sport, then begin to broaden your road arsenal and work up to the higherend or even custom rods that will meet your needs.”
In addition, Havemeier recommends that women find a supportive group such as the Women Anglers of Minnesota, which has women from all walks of life and skill levels. The Women Anglers often host learning events for new fishers or those who want to expand their skill level.
“It’s also a great way to meet other women who love fishing and form new friendships,” she said.
Havemeier went to South Central College to study collision refinishing, working in bodywork as a trade once she graduated. During her time at college, she bought and restored a Chevrolet S10-Blazer, which had come in as a “total loss” and was heading to salvage. It’s the only vehicle she ever named—Lacy—and she still owns it to this day.
Havemeier also restored her 1987 Silverado pickup truck, as well as her very first fishing boat. When she was restoring her truck, she visited a seller’s home to buy a parts truck, and he insisted that she take his old boat with her too.
“So I took the boat home, and it sat in the grove for a few years, and one day I thought, ‘I’m going to work on that boat,’” Havemeier said.
The boat is a vintage 1956 Alumacraft, and Havemeier said the last thing to be restored was the engine since it came with a modern engine that didn’t fit the boat’s classic aesthetic. Instead, she found a year-matching Johnson motor, completing the boat’s vintage look. Havemeier said she more often uses this boat for “cruising the water for fun,” while she has a second boat that’s tailored to fishing.
According to Havemeier, there are still many more men out on lakes than women, and she still sometimes deals with an “old boys” perception among older fishermen.
“It’s a very male-dominated field,” she said. “There’s the typical older generation, who have that stubborn mindset and don’t believe women should be out there doing it themselves, or that women don’t belong in the sport.”
But Havemeier said the demographics are changing, slowly but surely. While the American Sportfishing Association reports that 67 percent of fishers across the country are male (about the same makeup as the MN Department of Resources reports for Minnesota), the ASA also reported that 47 percent of first-time fishing participants across the country are female—a number that has been steadily rising in recent years.
“There’s this new influx of women who are coming into the fishing industry,” Havemeier said. She pointed to the Women Anglers of MN, which had 200 members in 2015 and has more than 600 members now, coming from across the country and even Canada.
“I think it’s kind of a general mindset overall,” Havemeier said. “Whether it be hiking, or kayaking, or hunting, women are taking up outdoor sports, and it’s great. I totally encourage women to get out there and give it a try.” RVW
an finishing an Ironman triathlon lead to a better relationship with family, increased self-knowledge, physical and mental well-being, and a big zest for adventure? Lindsay Schweiss, triathlon enthusiast, says “Yes” and more!
“Doing Ironman was definitely an experience where you’re not the same person after that,” Schweiss said. “You end up realizing that the things that seemed totally out of reach or impossible are not. You start applying that to different areas of your life.”
Despite a basic experience with high school sports and an interest in healthy living, athletics were never a serious interest for the New Ulm resident and mother of three. Schweiss vividly remembers a chilly winter night in 2015 when she first agreed to train for a challenge she’d never before considered. She was sitting cozily on her couch when her sister-in-law, a running enthusiast, texted to ask if she was interested in joining her for a triathlon that spring. Although Schweiss had never even attempted a 5K, she was intrigued enough to say yes and begin training.
“I was really surprised at how I was enjoying it,” she said. “I didn’t know I would like it as much as I did.”
This wasn’t the first surprise Schweiss discovered through her newfound love of triathlons. One of her first discoveries was just how many different kinds of competitions fall under the triathlon umbrella. The multisport race form always includes three sections of sports, which are swimming, biking, and running. What changes is the amount of time participants spend on each.
Three years after her first race in August 2016, Schweiss has participated in eight total triathlons of four different types. The shortest form of triathlon is the sprint, which includes an approximately half-mile swim, a 12.5-mile bike ride, and a three-mile run. The longest form is the Ironman,
which starts with a whopping two-and-a-half-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and finishes with a 26.2-mile run.
Does it sound difficult? Maybe so, but Schweiss affirms that people who try one triathlon almost always return for another.
“You’ll hear a lot of people in the sport reporting the same thing: Once you complete your first one, it’s like you’re hooked,” she said. “It’s such an awesome feeling.”
Most of these people are like Schweiss, who hadn’t really considered herself a sports aficionado until her triathlon debut.
“You don’t necessarily need that natural athletic ability that you see in sports like basketball or soccer,” Schweiss said.
She explained that endurance and dedication are the most important assets a competitor should possess, although athleticism is a natural result of the training process.
“You’ll hear a lot of people who weren’t athletes growing up that are now incredibly athletic in the sport [the triathlon],” she added. “It’s kind of neat to see.”
For most of her challenges, Schweiss took a do-it-yourself approach to her triathlon-training regimen. She based her daily preparations on free online training plans, as well as exercise ideas she found in competitionfocused magazines. Once she signed up for her first Ironman, she chose to contact a professional coach and discovered an unexpected blessing in the community she gained through the coaching.
“We’re part of a team,” she said, recalling some of her favorite experiences attending a triathlon camp in Nashville, Tennessee and meeting many of her coach’s fellow students.
“It’s really cool because it’s a supportive environment. It’s kind of like when you have a really good friend that you only see every year or two years, but when you get together it’s like you can pick up right where you left off.”
According to Schweiss, this supportive atmosphere carries over to the day of competition itself.
“People are so friendly!” she said. “I always seem to find other women to
connect with at the events. It’s really a lot of fun.”
Once the race begins, competitors like Schweiss appreciate all of the encouragement they can get. Each triathlon starts with the swimming portion, the part that most often daunts would-be racers. Schweiss admitted that she, too, felt intimidated by the idea of swimming no less than a half-mile, but soon found herself enjoying the water.
“Swimming is the time when no one can touch me or talk to me,” she
explained. “It is just me and the water, and there is something very, very peaceful about that.”
As someone who is vocal about her journey through depression, Schweiss thinks that her triathlon experience has been meaningful for her mental—as well as her physical—health. She began struggling with anxiety in her early teens, and experienced the worry that she was falling short of her true potential. Once she began training, Schweiss believes that she was able to face her burden in a new, healthy way.
“To go out on a six-hour bike ride, that’s a lot of time with your own thoughts,” she laughed.
Schweiss feels that this unique quality time forced her to get to know herself more deeply, including her fears and her strengths.
“You really do have a lot of time to think about things, pray about things, wherever you want to put your mind,” she added. “It’s incredibly therapeutic.”
Schweiss’ greatest moment of self-discovery happened last October in Louisville, Kentucky. It was her first Ironman, and during the second half of the competition she felt herself beginning to unravel.
“It does get really, really, really hard toward the end to keep going,” she remembered. One support she held fast was the Philippians 4:13 Bible verse she chose as her Ironman mantra: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“I said that probably five thousand times,” she laughed. During training, she had decided that not finishing the Ironman was not an option: She would cross the finish line even if she had to crawl to get there. Struggling so much and then finishing her race at 13 hours, 51minutes helped her to realize that she, and her accomplishments, were enough.
“Most people don’t have to put themselves through a 146 miles to figure that out, but I think, especially as a woman, who has not generally felt the greatest about myself, it was a huge moment,” Schweiss shared. “That has changed so much of my perspective now.”
Another important discovery Schweiss experienced was how much she appreciated her family’s presence. During the Louisville Ironman, Schweiss’ oldest daughter stood on the sidelines to cheer her mother on, along with Schweiss’ husband and other family members who had journeyed to support her. As the day wore on, Schweiss’ daughter flagged her mother down to promise her a special surprise at the end of the race.
“I swear I thought about that so much on that second loop,” Schweiss laughed. Once she crossed the finish line, her daughter presented her with a sparkly keychain reading “World’s Best Mom.”
“You know how important your family is to you, but in moments like that, when you’re just so desperately craving the love and support of your family, it really puts a whole new perspective on it,” Schweiss reflected. “It was pretty special.”
In the future, Schweiss is excited to continue training and participating in triathlons, and also hopes to enter more Ironman competitions. Her oldest daughter entered a kids’ triathlon after being inspired by her mother’s example—and loved it so much that she plans to do more.
Schweiss is especially passionate about inspiring other women to give triathlons a try for the impact it can have on their lives. She encourages anyone who is interested in learning about triathlons or finding resources for beginners to email her at lindsay.schweiss@gmail. com
“When you get to the race, those moments that feel so defeating and discouraging, those are the things you end up drawing on, and those are the experiences you really need to push you through,” Schweiss said. “I feel like that’s what life in general is like, if you think about some of the hardest things you’ve gone through in your life and how that’s maybe helped prepare you to deal with other things that you come across in the future.” RVW
Kathy is returning to her abusive partner. She wants the abuse to stop, but is not ready to leave him. You wonder how long it will be before she starts canceling plans and how long it will be before she tells you of his jealousy and put-downs. You wonder if she will ever leave him or if she will stay trapped in this cycle forever. You want to say something. You want to help. But how?
Chances are you know someone who is in an abusive relationship. Kathy could be your friend from college, your co-worker, your cousin, or your daughter. One in four women and one in nine men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In 2018 alone, Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) served over 2,000 victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Advocates at CADA often get asked how someone can help support their friend or loved one who is in an abusive relationship.
When a friend or loved one is in an abusive relationship, oftentimes our first instinct is to urge them to leave and get out. Other initial instincts might be to want to involve law enforcement or to present your loved one with an ultimatum. These are normal instincts because we don’t want to see our loved ones hurt or scared. However, while these types of responses are well intended, they could have harmful impacts.
When you ask, “Why don’t you just leave,” your loved one might hear, “I know what’s best.” When you suggest involving the police, they may be scared because they don’t want their partner to get in trouble or lose their job. When you say, “I can’t talk to you if you stay with him,” they may see another support person disappearing from their life.
Abuse is about power and control, so it is important to offer support in a way that empowers your friend or loved one to make their own decisions. Here are some ways you can help:
Starting this conversation can be uncomfortable and stressful. One way to start the non-judgmental conversation is to share things you’ve noticed and express concern. You could say, “I noticed your partner says mean things to you in front of others. I wonder how he/she talks to you when no one is around. Is there anything you want to talk about?” Or you could say, “When I saw X happen the other day, I became concerned for
your safety.” If your loved one decides to share their story with you, it is important to listen and let them know that you believe them.
It is important to meet your loved one where they are at, listen openly, and support their decisions. You can continue to express concern in a non-judgmental manner, but ultimately their choices should be respected. It is important to remember that your loved one knows their relationship and their partner best and that they are doing what they can to stay as safe as possible.
Many victims and survivors will blame themselves for abuse, for not leaving sooner, or for not seeing warning signs. This blame is often mirrored by their abusive partner. One powerful message you can give is, “This is not your fault.” This can help combat the emotional and mental abuse, and the internalized messages that they are to blame for the situation they are in. It is important to consistently give the message that this is not their fault.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a victim will leave an abusive relationship an average of seven times before they are able to escape for good. Leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for a victim. Leaving is often a process that can take years rather than a singular event. Supporting a loved one can take an emotional toll on you. It is important that you have your own support system and that you practice self-care. It is important to remember that you’re not responsible for saving your friend or loved one. All you can do is listen, try to understand, and continue to support and empower them.
You can direct your loved one to a local advocate or victim service agency. Trained advocates can provide emotional support, safety planning, and discuss options with a victim. Advocates can walk with the victim every step of the way and refer to other services that might be appropriate for the person’s unique situation.
Having a support system is important to a victim’s safety. It is crucial for victims to know that they’re not alone and there are people who will help them.
lthough they’ve been camping together for more than a decade, four couples from Sleepy Eye just refer to themselves as “the friends.”
When asked if they have a name, the ladies of the group looked at each other and said, “I guess we just say, ‘Should we get the friends together?’”
And get together they do—at least two or three weekends each summer, and other times during the year.
Lisa and Tony Schmitz, Denise and Brad Ludewig, Chris and Brian Braun, and Annette and DeLoy Berkner have been camping together for “13 or 14 years,” starting with rented pop-up campers before moving on to travel trailers, RVs, and fifth wheels.
Camping in the early years included many kid-friendly activities—water skiing, boating, mini-golf, bonfires—as the couples had 16 kids between them. Now—with all but one through college—there’s only one 13-yearold (and his friends) sometimes with the group.
Early destinations included campgrounds at Springfield, Fairmont, and Lake Shetek. Over the years, they’ve traveled farther—Stillwater, Butterfield, Waseca, Madison Lake, Marshall, Currie, Lanesboro, Spicer, Royalton, St. Cloud, Alexandria, Cannon Falls, and more.
As Chris Braun put it, “Now our goal is to do something different.” To
that, Lisa Schmitz offered, “We usually do one local and one farther away each year.”
The group has three camping weekends planned this year. In midJune, the friends camped at Madison Lake and took in the Mankato Air Show. This month, they’ll check out the Owatonna area while camping at Riverview Campground. The third weekend of August, they’ll be in their own backyard, at the Sleepy Eye Campground during Sleepy Eye’s Buttered Corn Days and the Rib Cook-off.
The campers have a lot of places to pick from. Lisa noted, “Within a twohour drive from Sleepy Eye, there must be 50 campgrounds to explore. Until you’re into camping, you don’t realize how big it is!”
With most of their kids now adults and on their own, the group likes to visit communities that have campgrounds near where those kids live. Sometimes they also camp near where former classmates now live. The women all grew up in Sleepy Eye and attended school there.
Campgrounds vary from primitive to those with a lot of amenities. Some are private, others are county or state parks.
“There are so many activities to do,” Chris noted.
The couples take turns making meals on the longer trips.
“The first time, I didn’t know that we were supposed to have appetizers,
too, so I handed out crackers and Brian came behind with a spray can of cheese,” Chris said with a laugh. She admitted, “I’m really not a camper, but it’s a chance to be with my best friends. I’m getting better…. Brian is really the camper.”
While it’s sometimes hard to pull the men away from their work, Denise Ludwig offered, “Brad really looks forward to it. He loves to go and is eager to leave work.”
“It’s a great way to decompress with a bunch of good laughs,” Lisa added.
The group especially likes to go to small towns, to explore the area, and check out everything about the town. Antique shops are a favorite, along with wineries, breweries, and gardens.
“We like to hit the local pubs if it’s raining,” Denise said.
Paved bike trails are another favorite as Lisa noted, “We’ve been on a lot
of trails over southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.”
Everyone laughed when Chris commented on the group’s most adventurous endeavor—tubing at Two Rivers Campground near St. Cloud.
“Brad’s tube ended up popping. He tried to stand up…we were all laughing so hard. The water was so low, we’d hit our butts. When one person did, they’d yell out, ‘Butts up!’ People on shore were laughing at us as we floated by,” Chris said.
Although their campers have all the amenities, the couples don’t stay indoors—unless the weather is bad or there’s a Vikings game on.
“Rainy days end up being a blast. We party in our campers,” Lisa said. To that, Chris added, “We have had storms where we’ve had to take cover two nights. On the second night, we grabbed board games, beverages, a radio and had a ball.”
Lisa noted, “The men really get into grilling and make something pretty special on the grill.”
And it’s not only at mealtime, as Denise said, “The guys like to eat hotdogs made over the fire right before they go to bed.”
Evening bonfires—BIG bonfires—are a favorite of most members of the group but Chris commented that her favorite time is the next morning. “Whoever’s up first puts the coffee pot on. Everyone gravitates to that camper. We sit around in our PJs, enjoying the fresh air.”
Everyone, that is, except Denise and Brad. “There’s an hour of coffee for the rest by the time we’re up. We like to sleep in,” Denise explained.
The couples also go to church together on Saturday evenings—and have sometimes run into people they know.
In addition to learning about new communities in their travels, group members also enjoy meeting new people at the campgrounds. They also enjoy each other’s company.
“We’ve been friends so long,” Annette Berkner said. “We’ve been through house fires, cancer, graduations, weddings, raising kids. We have been with each other all the way—we’re big supporters to each other.”
“It’s a joyful friendship,” Lisa summed up.
Sleepy Eye Lake and Campground. Large sites with water hookups, amazing bike and walking trails; awesome beach for swimming, kayaking and boating; sunset gazing and photography. Springfield Campground. Bike trails, municipal pool.
Ramsey Park Campground, Redwood Falls. Awesome new biking and walking trails, Falls area, Ramsey Park Zoo, golf course, boutiques, shopping, municipal water park/swimming pool, ice cream shop.
Camden State Park, Marshall. Camden regional bike trails into Marshall, Brau Brothers Brewing Company.
Schreier’s on Lake Shetek Campground, Currie. Beautiful lakeside trails with beach, party barn with shuffleboard, mini golf, movies, 4th of July concert on the beach at Key Largo Supper Club, Valhalla.
Lake Shetek State Park. Awesome biking trails, nice swim area and park.
Flying Goose, Fairmont. Boating, kayaking, swimming beach, guys went golfing, shopping in Fairmont.
Sands Country Cove Campground, Butterfield. Volleyball, Blue Sky Antiques, fishing and swimming at Clear Lake Park near St. James, shopping in St. James.
Flandrau State Park, New Ulm. Group volleyball, swimming beach, walking trails, Schell’s Brewery.
Kieslers Campground and RV Resort at Waseca. Awesome bike trails around lake, downtown boutiques; pool, sunbathing and swimming at the resort; volleyball, dance with DJ.
Brey Park and Campground, Madison Lake. Huge swim beach, kayak rentals, boating and fishing, bike and walking trails, Indian trails along lake, Indian Island Winery.
Old Barn Resort, Lanesboro. On the Root River; 18-hole golf course, beautiful walking and biking trails, boutiques, wineries, breweries, theaters, outdoor restaurants, Amish tours.
Lake Byllesby Campground, Cannon Falls. Picturesque beaches, lakeside camping at it’s finest. Cannon Falls Winery for wine tasting, downtown shopping, barbeque café, and bakery, Bike trail all the way through Welch Village and on to Redwing. Harbor Restaurant and Marina at Redwing.
St. Paul East Campground near Stillwater. Shopping up and down Stillwater’s main street, Pirate’s Cove restaurant, dinner cruise paddleboat rides on the St. Croix, biking the Gateway State Trail, bike trails through Hastings.
Westrich RV Park and Campground, Spicer. Incredible community party room and modern outdoor swimming pool, bike trails around Green Lake, public beach, sunset pontoon ride, swimming and sunbathing. Shopping in New London with its bakery, high-end boutiques, cute consignment shops, repurpose shops, jewelry stores. Little Crow Ski Show on the river in New London.
Two Rivers Campground, Royalton. Impressive campground and resort. Beyond belief how beautiful this place is, right on the Mississippi. Local pubs, Soo Line South Bike Trail system, Mississippi River Dam. Little towns along the trail with neat little shops.
Clearwater RV Park, St. Cloud. Bike trails, beach, outdoor swimming pool. Town’s central park by Lake George has free outdoor concerts, food trucks and walking trails around the lake. Open air art fair at Munsinger Gardens, boutique shopping, other shops, wine shop.
Lake Carlos State Park, Alexandria. Nice beach, fishing, Carlos Creek Winery, downtown boutiques. RVW
By RACHAEL SAND
Growing up in rural areas, it never occurred to me that I wouldn’t want a vehicle once I had my driver’s license. Adult lifestyles, I had observed, involved a lot of driving. When I moved to Minneapolis for college, I discovered how different city driving is. With traffic and parking challenges, it was often more convenient not to have a vehicle. Over the years, I chose neighborhoods to live in and job locations based on minimizing driving. By 2017, I’d designed my life in a way that allows me to live vehicle-free most days. Rather than spending 45 hours/week at a job that required driving, I’m working as an entrepreneur. Since selling my car, I’ve learned a lot about myself and my city. My new lifestyle aligns closely with my values. I’m passionate about sustainable living and cycling is my go-to form of sustainable transportation. Additionally, I ride for fitness, leisure, and adventure. Experiencing the world on two wheels feels incredible.
My interest in cycling goes back as long as I remember. Being the sixth of seven children, I was a bicycle scavenger. If I could ride a sibling’s or neighbor’s bike I found outside, I practiced pedaling. Around age 11, I received a brand new bike for my birthday. There was only one paved street in our town and the bike had thin, smooth tires—not ideal for dirt roads. But in a world of hand-me-downs, it was glorious to have anything new. Eventually I acquired a mountain bike, better suited to where I was riding.
When I moved to the city, I found myself in the opposite situation—riding on paved Minneapolis streets with thick, knobby tires was inefficient. Later I added a beach cruiser to my fleet and enjoyed leisurely rides around the city lakes. Both bikes were fine for errands and casual rides, but not ideal for long distances. Once I chose a better-suited city bike, I became interested in riding everywhere I possibly could. Unless I was heading out of town on a road trip or visiting family, I didn’t want to drive. It didn’t bring me joy, as cycling does. Even in most of Minnesota’s weather, I find myself smiling on my bicycle. Imagine feelings of freedom and independence moving through the world by the power of your own two legs. It’s empowering, as a woman, to feel my confidence grow when I push myself beyond my comfort zone.
A wonderful thing about cycling is that it can fit into almost any lifestyle. There are adaptive bicycles to accommodate various physical challenges. E-bikes can assist your pedaling with electric power. Cargo bikes, tandem bikes, and three-wheeled trikes are a few more options. Whether it’s riding daily, weekly, or monthly, it’s possible to increase your pedaling. Why do you want to begin or increase your cycling frequency?
You may have more than one reason: health, accompanying children on rides, joining a significant other on cycling adventures, getting to work without driving, living a more sustainable lifestyle, challenging yourself to step outside physical and mental comfort zones. What are the most compelling reasons for you?
Once you identify your strongest “Why,” determine what type of bike will work best for your purposes. If you already own it, great. If not, there are new or used bikes available for almost any budget. Take your time on test rides. The most important consideration is that you feel comfortable.
Whatever your intentions with cycling, I invite you to be gentle with yourself. If setting big goals motivates you, realize there may be setbacks. Prepare your mindset to accept those. Rest when your body asks to rest. Injury or illness from pushing too hard can set you back more than a minor adjustment to your ride. Hydration and plenty of nutritious calories will fuel you as far as you want to go. Depending on your location, you may be able to access bicycle trails. If you’re a social person, seek out riding partners or a cycling group.
Finally, I highly recommend an annual event in the River Valley Woman area. The Mankato River Ramble is a family-friendly event with several course length options. There are many pit stops with festivities and snacks, including live music and pie. I’ve enjoyed it for several years and will likely join again this fall. Perhaps I’ll see you there!
Rachael Sand publishes online with the pseudonym “mininthecity.” She is passionate about sustainable living and cycling. As an entrepreneur, sharing words and photographs is her dream job. She writes personal stories with insights about human development, travel, sustainable living, education, nutrition, nature, mental health, and more. Powered by nature and nutrition, she rides through the world on two wheels. Catch her writing on medium.com and at www.mininthecity.com RVW
To achieve any of your financial objectives, you need to save and invest— that much is clear. But just how you save and invest may differ from goal to goal. Let’s look at two common goals to see the differences in your savings and investment strategies.
The first goal we’ll consider is a dream vacation—one lasting several weeks or more, possibly to an exotic locale. So, for the investments you’ve designated to fund this vacation, you need two key attributes: liquidity and low risk. The liquidity requirement is pretty self-explanatory—you want to be able to get to your vacation funds exactly when you need them, and you don’t want to be slapped with some type of early withdrawal or tax penalty.
The low-risk part of your vacation strategy means you want investments that won’t drop in value just when you need to sell them to use the proceeds for your trip. However, you need to be aware that those types of stable-value investment vehicles likely will not offer much growth potential. As you may know, the investments with the greatest possible rewards are also those that carry the highest degrees of risk. Yet, by starting to invest early enough in more conservative investments, and putting away money regularly, you may be able to compensate for the lack of growth opportunities.
Now, let’s turn to your other goal—retirement. When you are saving for retirement, your primary objective is pretty simple: to accumulate as much money as you can. Consequently, you will need a reasonable percentage of your portfolio devoted to growth-oriented investments. But what’s a reasonable percentage? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—the amount of growth investments in your portfolio should be based on several factors, including your age, risk tolerance, and projected retirement lifestyle.
Furthermore, this percentage may need to change over time. When you’re just starting out in your career, you may be able to afford to take on the greater risk that comes with having a higher percentage of your portfolio in growth investments. But as you get closer to retirement, you might want to begin shifting some dollars toward more conservative vehicles—you don’t want to be over-exposed to the volatility of the financial markets just when you need to start selling investments to help fund your retirement. Nonetheless, you won’t want to give up all growth investments, even during your retirement years. You could spend two or three decades as a retiree, and over that time, inflation could take a big toll on your purchasing power. To counter this effect, you will need to own some
investments that have the potential at least to equal, and ideally outpace, the cost of living.
The examples of taking that extensive vacation and enjoying a long retirement illustrate the importance of recognizing that you will have many goals in life—and you’ll need to prioritize and plan for them, sometimes following significantly different investment strategies. When you do, you’ll give yourself a better chance of reaching your destinations.
By KELLY DEVRIENDT
usan Tarr was only in middle school when she set her sights on teaching at a college. At the time, she didn’t fully grasp what it would take to accomplish that goal.
“I am glad I didn’t realize how much school I would need or I maybe would have reconsidered,” she said. Inspired by a desire to exemplify the best of the teaching profession and to help others become better teachers, Tarr went all the way. Now, with 26 years of teaching at different institutions under her belt, the professor works in the Human Performance Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Beyond her standard responsibilities, Tarr is the Coordinator for the Developmental Adapted Physical Education Program (DAPE). This program includes a youth summer camp for students with physical and developmental disabilities. With its specifically designed physical education instruction, it offers kids—who may not otherwise have the opportunity—to gain a summer camp experience to share with classmates when they return to school in the fall.
Although Tarr knew she wanted to be a college professor, she did not immediately know what she wanted to teach. Her mother taught physical education (P.E.), so that familiarity—coupled with her love of the human body—led to an undergraduate degree in P.E. and biology. Later, while at her first teaching job in Nebraska and also in back in school to obtain her Master’s degree, Tarr fell into an opportunity that would significantly define her future teaching career. A chance to participate in a graduate assistantship came up and Tarr decided to quit her job and pursue the placement. There was only one place left in adapted P.E. “I didn’t know what I was signing myself up for,” Tarr said. She began helping to run an after-school adapted physical education program.
“I found out I was really good at it,” she said, “I loved it.”
Tarr went on to complete her PhD and later started a non-profit called Kids on Two Wheels. The program offered a weeklong camp to help kids with disabilities to ride a bike. Later, while teaching at St. Cloud University, she inherited a summer swimming lessons program for kids
with disabilities, utilizing adaptive aquatic equipment. Recognizing that not everyone liked to swim, she expanded the program to also include archery, disk golf, and tee ball, amongst other activities.
“It’s important to expose kids to different things,” Tarr said, “We can do this for kids with disabilities by using standard equipment in modified ways.” When Tarr found her way to Mankato, she brought the summer camp with her.
The Mankato DAPE camp is a free summer camp that addresses the individual needs of children and youth with disabilities. It offers recreational, fun activities through creative lesson designs and modifying equipment.
“We are here to offer an opportunity for kids that they might not otherwise have available to them,” Tarr said, “We want the camp to be fun and provide a space which allows them to be who they are.”
Lewis, a camp participant, has experienced this fun and freedom, and said his favorite part was swimming every day. He was most proud of jumping off the diving board. His mother, Shanon Nowell, says Lewis is eager to attend camp again this summer. The camp is facilitated by college students, thus providing the opportunity for hands-on training for future educators.
“College students spend time preparing all the lessons and activities,” Tarr said, “They have to problem-solve how to use the equipment they have in modified ways.”
For example, when creating activities around hand-eye coordination, teachers must come up with different ways to match varying levels of ability.
“They have to ask themselves what each kid can do and then also how can we challenge them with something a little harder,” Tarr said.
The teacher’s goal is that, by the end of the week, each child leaves camp with more skills and confidence. Tarr explains that her goal for the teachers is to build connections and create moments where they are really seeing their impact.
Nowell has witnessed these moments firsthand. “You could see in their interactions how much they care for the kids in the program,” she said.
Tarr hopes that, at some point, they will be able to expand the program and offer more camp dates throughout the summer. She sees extending programming into the school year as something that would also benefit kids and their families. She explained her utopia of building communities to be totally inclusive. This would include on-going programs specific for kids with disabilities, which also teach parents how to adapt everyday equipment to practice with their child.
A critical contribution Tarr is making in creating this vision is by training future educators and helping them recognize the importance of what they do.
“Students with disabilities have the right to learn, which means we need to help them,” Tarr said, “It is our responsibility to find methods and strategies that will help them learn in the best possible way.” RVW
QIt seems like bugs are EVERYWHERE this summer! Which bug bites can be harmful? What should I do?
AThe spring thaw converted many land-locked neighborhoods into “lake-side” properties. While your kids were paddle boarding to the mailbox, mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other pests were thriving under the wet conditions. Most insects cause more emotional trauma than physical harm, however, there are some key players to be wary of this summer. Here are some tips to avoid some pests that can “suck” this summer.
1. Deer Ticks
These little critters like to hide out in tall grasses and forests. Feared for their ability to transmit Lyme disease, adult deer ticks only grow to the
size of a sesame seed and can be hard to identify. Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed because symptoms can be similar to the flu. Watch for a slowly spreading bull’s-eye shaped rash where the tick was attached and seek treatment from your healthcare provider. If symptoms are left untreated, patients can develop headaches, neurologic disorders, arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, neuropathies, or facial paralysis. So when you see your neighbor wearing long sleeves, her pants tucked into her socks, and under a haze of DEET while mowing her lawn, give her a high-five for tick-safety.
2. Mosquitoes
ALL. SUMMER. LONG. From dusk until dawn these little vampires will rage. They lay eggs in shallow pools of water, and more water leads to more eggs. You may want to consider moving your rain barrel to the side of the house away from open windows and doors (or closest to your least favorite neighbor) because it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus, presenting with fevers, chills, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and diarrhea within 2 weeks of exposure. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms.
3. Horse Flies/Deer Flies
Found in wet marshy areas, horse/deer flies are country bugs. They are likely to chase you on a hike and often aim for the head or neck, leaving you feeling like a meat-popsicle. They don’t often transmit disease, but the bite itself can be aggressive. Repellent is helpful to prevent attacks. Most bites can be managed expectantly with antihistamines, ice, and hydrocortisone.
4. Yellow Jackets
Nests can be found anywhere, even in the ground. Wasps and hornets can sting multiple times, and usually attack only when disturbed. If stung, use a credit card to remove the stinger rather than tweezers, which can push more venom into your skin. Allergies can develop to the venom, which should prompt an urgent/emergent visit to a healthcare provider. If you have breathing trouble, if swelling of the face/lips/throat occurs, or if dizziness ensues, go to the emergency room.
5.
Often emerging with rising temperatures, these multi-legged creatures often squat in cool and damp areas such as basements. They are not harmful physically, but are emotionally appalling, given their infinite number of legs and freakishly fast speed. Protect yourself by screaming loudly and running. Or use the squash method.
For any insect bite, most will initially present with itching, redness, and swelling and will improve over one or two days. Treat expectantly with ice, antihistamines, and hydrocortisone. Keep in mind that young children can react with dramatic swelling after a simple mosquito bite, and will also benefit from expectant management in most cases. A trip to the emergency room is necessary if there is swelling of the face/lips/throat, if there is trouble breathing, or if dizziness occurs.
Stay safe and have a beautiful day!
RIVERFRONT
410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507-625-1107
HILLTOP
2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 507-625-9070
Summer is here! For many of us, we are excited to say good-bye to the stress of everyday life and head out of town for a little rest and relaxation. But let’s face it, sometimes travel can be stressful too. Careful planning ahead of time can start you in the right direction, especially in regards to your medications.
A couple weeks before traveling, check the supply on your medications and determine if you will need a refill while you are gone. You will want enough medication to last the whole vacation and a few days extra in case of delays or extension of the trip. If you will need a refill, contact your pharmacy with the names and amounts of medications needed and they can help you figure
out the best course of action. Your pharmacist can also help determine if a change in dosing schedule is necessary, especially if traveling across several time zones. Carry documentation listing your medications and conditions and contact information for your prescriber and pharmacy.
Keep medications in their original prescription containers making sure to travel with them in your carry-on bag. That way, even if your baggage is lost or stolen, you will still have your medications. Follow these simple travel tips and head into vacation with no worries about your medications and only visions of your perfect vacation filling your mind.
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The easiest way to wash greens is to put them into a bowl of water and swish them around. The dirt sinks to the bottom of the bowl. Dry on paper towels or a salad spinner.
How to Store Greens
Ideally, the greens should be dry or almost dry. Store in a plastic bag wrapped in a damp paper towel. Remove the air from the bag and store in the refrigerator. If stored properly, greens will last up to one week.
How to Cook Greens
Butter-steam: Coarsely chop or shred the greens. For 5 cups of greens, use 2 tablespoons butter or oil. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add 1-2 tablespoons liquid, cover, and cook until greens are just tender to bite (2-5 more minutes).
Braised: Cook slowly in a small amount of liquid (usually a flavorful stock)
Sautéed: Cooked quickly in a small amount of oil.
Steamed or boiled (soups)
Note: Do not cook greens in aluminum or use aluminum utensils as this will cause an “off” color and flavor.
Types of Leafy Greens:
Chance are you are already familiar with several of the more common types of greens, including spinach, romaine and kale. Greens vary considerably in color (dark to light green, as well as bluish to reddish in hue); flavors (sweet to bitter, peppery to earthy); and texture (smooth and soft to stiff and prickly). The following is a list of some of the most common leafy greens:
1. Arugula: Resembling elongated oak leaves, this herb offers a distinct, robust flavor that is simultaneously peppery, spicy and tangy.
2. Beet Greens: Don’t throw the greens away. Eat them! Similar to Swiss chard, but stronger in flavor. Aside from folate content, beet greens are more nutritious than their roots, rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium and beta-carotene.
3. Collard: A mild, sturdy green that is especially high in calcium as well as a good source of folate, vitamin C and beta-carotene. A great substitute for tortillas in wrap sandwiches.
4. Dandelion Greens: With a slightly bitter taste, these greens are perhaps the most nutritious leafy green you can buy. They are high in dietary fiber, vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, folate, magnesium, phosphorous and copper.
5. Kale (Curly, Red Russian, Dinosaur): With a slightly sweet flavor and rich in antioxidant flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins (especially A, K, and B-complexes) and numerous minerals, kale is one super green.
6. Mustard Greens: Not surprisingly, these yellowish greens taste much like their namesake. Some bunches are much more pungent than others, so beware.
7. Swiss Chard: An excellent source of vitamin E (a nutrient usually only found in high-fat foods) that is also high in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and beta-carotene.
8. Rainbow Chard: Rainbow chard’s pink, orange, yellow and red stalks are not only beautiful but sweeter in taste than white/light varieties.
9. Radish Greens: As with the leaves of other root vegetables, radish greens have a milder flavor when young and tender and a more pungent flavor when mature. They are exceptionally high in vitamins A and C.
10. Romaine: Rather mild in taste, romaine makes a great base for almost any salad. Along with fiber, folate, carotenoids and vitamin C, romaine is an excellent source of saponins, which remove LDL cholesterol from your intestine and make absorption of cholesterol more difficult.
11. Spinach: Also mild and soft, spinach is an incredibly versatile green. When used in green smoothies, its flavor is completely masked by the fruit. Great for kids and those new to raw greens! Spinach is an important source of iron and folate.
12. Turnip Greens: One of the most bitter greens available, these greens are best used in moderation, especially for those new to raw food. Like beet greens, they are more nutritious than their roots.
ALL YOU NEED
1/2 c. quinoa or 1 1/2 c. precooked quinoa
1 bunch, clamshell or bag arugula
1 bunch(es) green onions, chopped
1/4 c. lemon juice or to taste
3 tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp. chopped fresh dill, cilantro or basil, optional
Prior to cooking, rinse uncooked quinoa for 2 minutes in a strainer. This will get rid of the bitter taste. Put 1 cup water and uncooked quinoa in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil and then turn the heat down to low, letting it simmer for about 20 minutes. After cooking, take it off the burner and let it cool.
While quinoa is cooking, chop arugula and green onions. Use a large bowl and add arugula, green onions, lemon juice and olive oil. Stir to mix together.
After quinoa has cooled, add it to the mixture in the large bowl. Stir together.
Cover mixture and chill for two hours in the refrigerator. This can also chill overnight and be served the next day.
Before serving add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts per Serving: 130 calories per serving, 8g Total Fat, 1g Saturated Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 0mg Cholesterol, 10mg Sodium, 13g Total Carbohydrates, 2g Dietary Fiber, 2g Total Sugars, 3g Protein.
April Graff, MS, RD, LD - Hilltop Dietitian 507.625.9070 | AGraff@hy-vee.com
With growing evidence showing the negative impacts of screen time on health, I’ll share some tips on how families can improve their health by slimming their screen time. Screen time includes television, iPads, computers, phones, and gaming devices. Today, screens are a part of everyone’s life. While it’s not realistic for families to be completely screen-free, there are health benefits associated with slimming screen time that families should be aware of. These include improved physical health, decreased obesity, increased time to try new activities, improved mood and enhanced relationships.
The average time spent on screens now is seven to 10 hours. Recommendations to reduce that include:
• No screen time whatsoever for children under two years of age
• One hour a day for children age two until the teen years
• Two hours a day for teens and adults
If you give a device to a child while they are in the grocery store, then in the car, and while making dinner, I’m not sure we are aware how fast the minutes can add up. More importantly, how much of that time are you really connecting with your child?
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects screen time levels have on kids, parents are not off the hook. Screen time impacts adults the same as children. Overuse of screen time puts us all at risk of obesity, is linked with sleep disturbances, and can impact our relationships.
Additionally, for kids—teens especially—there are studies concerning the negative impacts of screen time as it relates to anxiety, depression, and attention span in school.
Limiting screen time to just one or two hours a day may not be realistic, but these tips to slim your screen time include: Be accountable. Whether it’s an informal agreement with a group of friends, family, or through programs such as the Slim Your Screen Time
Challenge, sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System, the goal is to be intentional about reducing screen time.
Be realistic. If you’re currently spending a lot of time on screens, start by setting smaller, more attainable goals. Instead of jumping right to the recommended one to two hours or fewer a day, start by cutting screen time to half of what it currently is.
Go outside. Putting the phone down and taking a walk outdoors increases your endorphins and provides that feeling of happiness in your brain. This in turn boosts your mood and improves your physical health. Create a phone-free zone. Making family meals a phone-free zone is an easy way to start. An added benefit is that eating meals together as a family has been linked to decreased obesity.
Co-use devices. Engage with—or co-use—screens with your kids while playing a game, an app, or watching something on a screen. Being a parent is busy, yet it’s important to take time to interact with your kids when screens are involved. More than anything, adults should model appropriate screen time behavior for their kids. I encourage you to disconnect to connect. Quality time with people in your life is important— there’s no app for that.
To join the Slim Your Screen Time Challenge, visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org/
MARGARET BACH
Successful investors share certain behaviors that help them create wealth over time. Other investors also share certain behaviors that commonly sabotage their success. The biggest bad habit these investors share is that emotions dictate their actions. If those emotions are based on their perception of the market, and that perception is created from the media feed, you see how this can lead to problems. That’s especially true if one believes that the current market conditions matter to their long-term goals and their current portfolio.
Consider this. The media is reporting on what is happening right now. They are also relentless in their reporting of it, constantly flooding various modes of communication with their interpretation of the “news.” Unsurprising then, an investor listening to the media will form a perception that everything happening at this moment is crucial to their financial goals and has an impact on their current portfolio. The danger comes when they start reacting according to whatever is happening in the news, both good and bad, and change their investment strategy based solely on that. In reality, most investors are saving towards a longer-term goal than one week or even one month, so the latest current event, while important, is in many ways not relevant to their financial situations.
Another issue that becomes an obstacle for some investors is that they don’t always have an accurate view of what “long term” means. MFS conducted a survey of the average investor’s self-stated long-term view (in years). Interestingly enough, a Baby Boomer’s long-term view was 7.8 years, while a Gen Xer’s long-term view was 9.8 years. Even more interesting? A Gen Yer’s view of the term was 6.9 years!
Realistically, Gen Yer’s have approximately 30 years before they will start drawing from their retirement accounts, while the early Boomers are just beginning to retire. Wise investors know their goals and corresponding
time frame as well as how it affects their current portfolios. Their perception of what matters to their long-term goals is based on these facts and not formed by the media’s current news feed. If you are investing in hopes of beating the S&P 500 rather than investing to meet your long-term goals, you, too, will likely experience the stress of the daily movements of the market.
Don’t forget—wise investors are realistic, stay focused on their goals, and practice patience. They take a page out of the playbook of professional investors who invest monies for endowment funds and institutional investors. Professional investors match their investments to their goals and to their time horizon. You should do the same.
Take a minute to ask yourself if the account you are investing for is an emergency fund or being used to build family wealth that will pass to future generations? Is it going to be used for education or for retirement? Define your goals and match your investment allocation accordingly in order to meet those goals. Then, stay focused on your progress, and measure success against your goal, not against an index. You’ll undoubtedly find success in your long-term investments and feel less stress along the way.
Kevin is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Securian Financial Services, Inc. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Securian Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/ SIPC. Securian Advisors MidAmerica, Inc. is independently owned and operated. Securian Financial Services and Securian Advisors MidAmerica are not affiliated with Pioneer Bank. The Securian Financial name and logo are trademarks of Securian Financial Group, Inc., and have been licensed for use by Securian Advisors MidAmerica. Securian Financial Services, Inc., and Securian Advisors MidAmerica are not affiliated with Pioneer Bank. ADTRAX2553531 DOFU 05/2019
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— GARI JO JORDAN Body Concepts Manager
Tucked between Sandy and Richard Sawatzky’s home and a deep ravine in upper North Mankato is a little bit of heaven. It’s the place the family has gathered for nearly three decades.
The couple’s “Lazy L” pool fits perfectly on the unusually shaped lot that is narrower in the back than the front. The pool is laid out to be parallel to the lot line, with the steps lined up with the deck.
Built in 1991, the pool has served the family through children, and now grandchildren. The 20-by 43-foot pool is 8’6” deep with a diver’s well. The diving board, with running water, has LED lights underneath—and the entire backyard area is lit at night.
“We have low voltage lighting in the trees. It’s almost prettier in the winter, without the leaves on the trees,” Richard said.
A deck at the back of the house includes a hot tub. The Sawatzkys’ airconditioned pool house, just beyond it, provides a place to change clothes or cool off on especially hot days.
Richard and Sandy’s six grandchildren—now second through seventh graders—especially enjoy the pool.
“For us, it really brings the family together,” Sandy said.
It’s also a great place for Richard and Sandy to relax. “We come out and sit,” Richard said. “I light the fire pit and listen to the water. There’s nothing
better than to sit out here, fire up the grill, and have a beer.”
Sandy added, “If you’ve had a hard day working, it’s a very calming area to come to.”
The back yard also has the attraction of a wooded ravine that drops down to a stream that flows all the way to the Judson River Valley. Wildlife visit the yard, too—turkeys, deer, fox, raccoon and lots of birds, which the Sawatzkys feed in the winter.
Sandy mentioned how much sons Taber and Ryan enjoyed the ravine, camping in the area when they were growing up.
The Sawatzkys—who have owned and operated Sawatzky Pools and
Spas in North Mankato for more than 40 years—installed the pool themselves. Their business does in-ground, above-ground, residential, and commercial pools, as well as hot tubs. Richard noted that more than 50 percent of residential pools now have auto-covers on them, so can be closed overnight or when people leave for a few days. RVW
August 7, 2019 11:30 AM–1 PM
August 7, 2019 11:30 AM–1 PM
Women of all ages are invited to Greater Mankato Area United Way's 10th annual Women with Heart Luncheon! This year's powerful event will focus on mental health at all stages of life. Presented by:
• Purchase individual tickets ($25)
• Fill a table of 8 ($200)
• Be a sponsor (Event Sponsor: $1,000/ Supporting Sponsor: $500)
• Donate a door prize
Now that your kids have settled into summer, you may be looking for ways to keep them busy, active, and healthy. But how do you motivate and encourage them to make healthy choices?
At the Mankato Clinic Children’s Health Center, we wanted to make it easier for parents and fun for kids to adopt healthy habits. We understand that raising healthy kids can be challenging. So we created a tool we call the 5210 Daily for Healthy Habits calendar. (The calendar is for everyone—your child does not need to be a Mankato Clinic patient.)
Use our simple calendar to shoot for these healthy goals:
• 5 fruits and/or veggies
• 2 hours or fewer of screen time for entertainment
• 1 hour of physical activity
• 0 sugar-sweetened drinks
For each daily goal your kids reach, they earn a point. There are four points possible each day.
BRIAN WILLIAMS, MD, Pediatrics, Mankato Clinic Children’s Health Center
When they have earned 100 points, mail your calendar or take a photo of the calendar and email it to us at Mankato Clinic. Your child will be eligible to win a prize. Prizes include free trials for kids at Mankato Family YMCA, Riverfront Performing Arts, Kato Jiu Jitsu, Lee’s Champion Tae Kwon Do Academy, and free passes to other family activities.
Visit mankatoclinic.com and search 5210. Download a calendar for each of your children. If they’re old enough, they can keep track of it themselves. Or you can post it on the refrigerator and help them check off their goals. The calendar has 28 days, which is a great start in forming a good habit. Begin at any time.
If your kids don’t earn 100 points the first month, simply start over. They’ll get there with a little help and encouragement.
We know kids may balk at the two-hour screen time limit. Support them by making it a family goal. Summer is an ideal time to replace screen time by going outside. Walk, hike, ride bikes, throw the Frisbee, garden, swim, or kick the ball around.
To help them eat a rainbow of fruits and veggies, hit a local farmers market. Let them choose their own produce. Fruits and veggies are the ultimate fast food. Bananas, oranges, apples, baby carrots, and berries are the perfect grab-and-go food. Cut up other fruits and veggies to offer additional convenient choices.
One of our major concerns for children is obesity. Obesity affects nearly one in five children in the United States and puts our children at a higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, asthma and bone and joint problems. Obesity can also lead to depression and lower self-esteem due to bullying and teasing.
Eating more produce, limiting screen time, being active, and cutting out sugar-sweetened drinks can make a big difference in our children’s health. As a family, you can make it a fun summer project.
Together, we can help our children thrive.
The first offering is a grilled veggie recipe that is really versatile. You can use this as a side for any kind of grilled meat or BBQ ribs, etc. You can try different combinations and just alter the cooking time as needed. It’s a catch-all side dish that is sweet, smoky and has a little kick if you use the Mike’s Hot Honey. The second one really takes a boring old hot dog to new heights. If you’ve never tried making caramelized brown sugar bacon, oh my goodness! Anyway, it features a really delicious Smoked Fig Balsamic BBQ. The white cheddar really finishes it off nicely as well. Cook the hot dog and put a whole slice of bacon in the bun right next to it. Easier than trying to cook baconwrapped anything on the grill. And—no grill fires with this method!
• 8–10 cups vegetables. Keep in mind that root veggies such as potatoes and carrots take about twice the cooking time as other veggies, such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, broccoli, green beans, etc. Wash and cut into same size pieces.
• ¼ cup garlic olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crystallized honey sea salt
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons smoked balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (We recommend Mike’s Hot Honey for a little kick)
Preheat your grill to medium-high (between 400-500 degrees). Toss veggies with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. If you are cooking root vegetables, add those to grill basket first. Grill for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Add non-root vegetables in and continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes, again stirring every 5 minutes. If you are just doing veggies, cook all on the grill for about 15 minutes total.
When the veggies are just golden brown and fork-tender, drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and honey, then stir. Cook on the grill about 5 minutes more or until the balsamic vinegar has sweetened and the honey has just started caramelizing.
Remove from heat and let cool a few minutes.
8 gourmet jumbo hot dogs
8 bakery style hot dog buns
8 slices thick cut bacon
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. smoked fig balsamic BBQ sauce
1 c. shredded Vermont white cheddar cheese
Place slices of bacon on nonstick foil and fold edges of foil up to create a tray. Dredge the bacon in the brown sugar and arrange on foil tray. Grill bacon over medium-high grill heat for approximately 10 minutes, flip and cook on other side another 10 minutes or until bacon is cooked thoroughly. Remove from heat. Grill hot dogs on mediumlow heat until cooked thoroughly. Brush BBQ Sauce liberally on hot dogs, cook for just a minute or two longer to caramelize. Toast hot dog buns on the grill for about 2 minutes. Place one slice of bacon and one hot dog in each bun. Top with additional BBQ sauce if desired and shredded white cheddar cheese.
The World Health Organization has set recommended guidelines for physical activity in those 65 years of age or older. Older adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of physical activity. The recommendation spans over a week to allow flexibility and accommodations to health-related concerns. Physical activity has numerous benefits when it comes to overall health. Those who are physically active reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Physical activity also lowers blood pressure, risk of stroke and diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. Routine exercise can increase blood circulation, decrease joint pain and stiffness, improve flexibility and range of motion and improve balance and muscle strength.
Those who are inactive should start slow and gradually increase their physical activity. If mobility is a concern, look for exercises that can be completed in a sitting position. Chair yoga, arm circles, seated row, toe taps, and weight lifting are a few options.
Looking for age-friendly sports for older adults? Check out these options:
Swimming- Find an indoor pool and jump in. Swimming is a great exercise that is easy on the joints but works the entire body. Water aerobics or lap swimming are a great option for older adults.
Biking- A great sport that can be done indoors or out. Biking provides a great cardiovascular workout that is easier on the joints than running.
Pickleball- A fairly new sport, that is similar to tennis but with a smaller court and slower pace. This sport is a growing trend in the baby boomer generation.
Walking or Running- grab your tennis shoes and hit the pavement. Great way to improve strength, balance, and keep joints healthy.
Don’t let your age stop you from being active. There are many different sports and exercises that are available for older adults to try. Getting involved in sports not only improves your physical health but also your
mental health. Sports and activities are also a great social outlet for older adults. The social engagement is just as important as the physical engagement. Check with your local community to see what activities and sports are available. Get involved, go learn a new sport, and stay active.
• Sedation - Complete Relaxation with Just a Pill
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• Implants - Placement and Restoration
• Cerec - One Visit Crown Technology
• 3D Imaging with Fewer X-Rays
• Free Whitening Program
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• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Emergency Care
• Botox & Fillers
RACHAEL EVERS RN, LNHA Executive Director Vista Prairie at Monarch Meadows
If budgets are tight or time is limited, there isn’t any reason why you can’t plan a frugal and fun time with your family and friends. Whether it’s a staycation or a series of memorable weekends this summer, now is the time to start planning so you can save money and take advantage of all this area has to offer.
Southwest Minnesota has an incredible number of parks, campgrounds, lakes, and other attractions. There are music festivals, rodeos, trails, citywide celebrations, farm festivals, theatrical productions, parades, children’s museums, bike rides, splash pads, and water parks just to name a few.
I want to share 12 ways to save money or organize family activities for free that you can use for inspiration this spring and summer season.
Camp in your backyard. If you aren’t the camping type and don’t own any gear, borrow a tent from a friend. The fun is in the experience, so let the kids help set it up. Plan a campfire or use your grill to melt marshmallows. There are tons of “camp in the backyard” ideas on Pinterest.
Check with your local radio station and Chamber of Commerce for hot deals on upcoming events and attractions. You can often snag great tickets at a fraction of the cost if you’re diligent about scoping out deals. Spend some time going through the attic of grandparents or greatgrandparents. Maybe grandma and grandpa don’t have an attic, but they may have a storage closet or some treasure trunks. Spend time looking at old photographs and telling/listening to stories. Have grandma pick a snack or lunch and serve things she loved as a child.
Plan a progressive dinner. It can be an adults-only dinner or—if many of your friends have young children—plan one that will cater to and include them.
Ask each person in the family something they’d like to do or try this summer. Visit a new park or swimming beach. Let the kids try tennis or
paddle boarding for the first time. Borrow equipment from a friend or check on rental options.
Start a staycation board on Pinterest and pin ideas you come across that would be fun to do.
Look at your community calendar and nearby communities for events that are coming to town such as concerts, rodeos, car shows. Plan a fun day or weekend around the event, inviting friends to join you.
If someone in your family will be recovering from a surgery or you encounter inclement weather, it’s good to have a couple back-up plans, such as a movie marathon.
Host a shrimp boil dump dinner. This idea is perfect for warmer months when it can be cooked and served outside on a picnic table with lots of friends. Just Google dump dinners and shrimp boils for ideas. Simply cover a tablecloth in brown paper or plastic tablecloth, dump the dinner and enjoy. It’s quite fun, and the kids will talk about it for a long time.
Organize a cooking competition at your home with secret ingredients and invite friends to serve as judges. This is a fun team/adult activity that can be scaled down for kids.
Have a card or board game tournament with small prizes or a fun trophy to the winning team. Plan it for an evening or make a weekend of it with house guests and potluck.
Have a scavenger hunt around your house or make it citywide to include a list of interesting places to explore or historic elements to teach your kids or grandkids. Take in historic sites, murals, sculptures or statues, landmarks, Little Free Libraries, parks, etc.
Your options for creativity are endless and opportunities to save are abundant with an open mind and advance planning. I wish you a beautiful spring and summer ahead. Get out and enjoy our beautiful weather.
Accessories are budget friendly pieces that can add texture and a pop of color to your wardrobe this summer.
If you like to wear neutral toned clothing season to season, then try adding a bright bag, a colorful scarf or bright stacked bracelets.
Accessorizing is the key component to completing any outfit.
A few simple accessories, such as a handbag, necklace and earrings are the key component to taking your most neutral outfits and giving them a sophisticated, complete look.
BY BRENDA SANDERSON Bella Nova Boutique Mankato
Whether it’s your favorite 4th of July graphic tee, a sweatshirt to represent the bold Minnesota north, or basic tee, being comfortable is key!
BY ASHLEIGH MOELTER The Refinery
The bottoms will pull your entire look together! Pack items that you can mix and match with different tops or switch throughout the day based on activities. A skirt or shorts during the day and jeans by the fire at night is the way to go.
You want to pack shoes that are functional, stylish and can be worn with multiple outfits! Make sure you grab your favorite pair of black sneakers, a versatile sandal that can be dressed up or down and your favorite casual sandals for the beach.
Don’t forget your favorite accessories. A sun hat, sunglasses and a backpack purse are some of our must-have vacation items for this summer no matter the destination!
You’ll experience an authentic Afternoon Tea in a classic high tea setting. Enjoy a delicious menu of dainty finger sandwiches and decadent desserts, inspirational speakers and rock star Runway (fall fashion review)... all while sipping beverages from your teacup!
Tea party attire is optional (but so much fun!). So, dust off your big hats & fancy fascinators and put on your tea dresses and pearls! Grab all your friends and consider booking an entire table of 8 to tea party the afternoon away!
Tickets will be available to purchase starting July 1st*
* Ticket Sales available at Bailey Creek Boutique 507-354-9998, Farmers Ins - Rueckert Agency and the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce
*All profits from this event will be donated to the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute of New Ulm.
Are you tired of rummaging through every shelf at your local big box store, pharmacy, or the internet looking for products that will tame that course, frizzy and unmanageable mane? Have you ever had one horrible “curly haircut” that made you never want to set foot in a salon again?
If this sounds all too familiar, there are products, treatments and methods available to accentuate your waves beautifully. The DevaCurl is one such method that can be life changing! See our before and after photos!
DevaCurl is a curly girl haircut method that includes a thorough consult, Deva cut, product education and style. A certified stylist can guide you through this process to make you feel comfortable and informed.
BY JILL GAGNON Fréy Senior Stylist DevaCurl Specialist
A stylist will ask you all the right questions and explain the technique they are going to do. He or she will do a curl-by-curl dry cut while following your natural curl pattern and texture. This will help you achieve body and fullness without the dreaded triangle shape. Before choosing the products that are best for you, your hair type and hydration level will be analyzed.
DevaCurl products are gentle, cleansing and hydrating. DevaCurl is 100% sulfate, silicone and paraben free. This will help you maintain your new cut and style with full education on shampoo, conditioner and styling aides.
DevaCurl is for people with wavy, curly and highly textured hair who are looking to rock those natural locks!
What would summer be without underwater handstand competitions and pool noodle sword fights?
“Mom, I’m bored,” can be instantly remedied with water. And since not all of us are so lucky as to have a lake cabin or a pool at home, the community pool becomes the melting pot for people from all walks of life to share in the common goal of cooling off during the dog days of summer.
With mom and dad at work during the day, I had no choice but to get myself to the pool. This meant enduring the arduous task of getting eaten alive by bugs for the long walk down the Flandrau State Park entrance road. Once I scored my driver’s license, I reveled in the luxury of using my paycheck to buy my own state park sticker so that I could pile my friends into my Chevy Cavalier and spend the day lying in the sun, working on that sun-kissed, Christina Aguilera glow.
Not many laps were swum, but we would, on occasion, enter the water in our girly gaggle and make up a completely pointless game with rules that made no sense. That only happened if there were cute boys throwing a tennis ball back and forth, though. Our game basically involved splashing enough to get their attention, at which point the new object of the game became stealing-the-cutestboy’s-baseball-hat.
When I recounted this memory to my husband recently, he was shocked and replied, “That’s why girls always stole our hats? Cause they liked us?” Poor guy wasn’t the quickest, but hey, it made him an easy target later on; I just had to do most of the leg work.
The city pool is still my oasis during the summer months. I don’t even unpack the car; I just keep all the beach stuff eternally at the ready in case there is a last-minute-emergency swimming pool trip.
I must say that, as an adult, I have 200 percent more appreciation for the lifeguards. They are beach angels. You couldn’t pay me enough to take on a job description that includes disciplining children, raking heavy, wet sand back into holes that will inevitably appear again, and fetching floating maxi pads from groups of screaming teenagers. Not to mention all the biohazard work. Although, floating turds and vomit don’t make me feel near as bad for the lifeguards—who then get the day off—as for the poor parents who have to do the walk-of-shame back to the car when the pool gets closed for the day. No judgment; all parents have been there. (If you haven’t, your day is coming).
I have not personally had my biohazard moment at the pool. However, I feel like I can empathize with the mortification after the time Lily pulled the fire alarm at the Springfield High School in the middle of their talent show. If you think bobbing for pool turds is bad, try chasing the volunteer firefighters out to the school parking lot to tell them your toddler is the only blaze in the building.
Summer 2019 ushered in a new era in my poolside parenting. This June was the first time my oldest daughter asked me to “drop her off” at the pool to meet her friends. Like, as in…I wasn’t invited. I pushed back a little and asked why her little sisters and I couldn’t go, too, and she admitted, “Well, my friend wants me to go along because she’s meeting a boy there, and she doesn’t want to go alone.”
Suddenly, all sorts of things I had never worried about (mainly her two-piece swimsuit) became fodder for my paranoid brain to chomp on. Of course I agreed, but the second and then the third request started to rub me raw. The fourth time, I invited the rest of the family so that I could observe my pre-teen in her new, watery habitat. Imagine my horror as I encountered one-and-the-same giggling, gaggle of girls from my childhood; splashing and showing off, playing some ridiculous game that made no sense involving a tennis ball and a pool noodle. I’m not ready for this yet.
Next time, I’m bringing maxi pads.
As summer is in full swing we absorb a special kind of freedom which comes with outdoor activity during our warmer months. Summer vacations in Minnesota can be magical as they are often filled with rides on bike paths through beautiful wooded areas, speed boats pulling daring water skiers, and memorable camping trips under the stars. Those of us who live here know to maximize every sunny, summer day.
How would our perspective shift if warm days were not numbered? What happens when one lives in an environment which is brimming over with lush, green vegetation all year? A place where trees expand to mammoth sizes, fruits and vegetables grow freely everywhere, and the access to this outdoor wonderland is not restricted to a few months. This is exactly what I experienced while living in Ghana for two months at the end of 2018.
The nation of Ghana is a stunningly beautiful land of twenty-nine million people nestled on the coastline of western Africa. Only a few degrees north of the Equator, the country thrives within a tropical climate producing key crops such as cotton, sugar cane, tobacco, and yams. The main export of the nation is cocoa, generating the second largest harvest globally. For those of us who love chocolate, Ghana says, “You’re welcome.”
The extremely warm temperatures in the country also sustain amazing rain forests. Kakum National Park, located in the central region of Ghana, is a protected rain forest home to monkeys, numerous species of African birds, antelopes, elephants, as well as being filled with gorgeous butterflies. Throughout the rain forest are trees wide enough for an automobile to drive through with room to spare. As one gazes up through the rain forest, the sky is barely visible due to the dense vegetation not possible in the United States due to our ecosystem.
The park introduced me to an exciting way to view this amazing environment which was a canopy walk. It was designed by Canadian and Ghanaian engineers and was opened to the public in 1992. This walkway is one of only three on the entire continent of Africa. The rope canopy
is located roughly 100 feet off the ground which is equivalent to a 10-story building. To provide a frame of reference, I invite you to stand next to the new Eide Bailly Center being constructed off Second Street in Mankato which will only be a seven-floor building. The canopy takes guests through 1,150 feet of breathtaking rain forest scenery which is the length of approximately three football fields (including both end zones). The suspended walkway is made up of walking planks which are 14 inches wide, with the entire walkway connected by ropes, taking guests to small platforms where individuals can take pictures and rest for a moment before accessing another canopy. It was the most incredible experience and I will do it again!
While on the canopy walk, I was struck by the vastly different view of the world I was now immersed in from this vantage point. I was over 6,000 miles from Mankato. I was in a Black nation. I was walking above elephants, monkeys, and antelope in hot humid weather during the month of December. Each step I took on this canopy was met with a shift in the walkway and a slight reminder I was walking at the height of a 10-story building. But most importantly, I remember the peace, the gratitude, the joy, and excitement, all sparked by the virtually untouched natural beauty surrounding me on every side. I was not in a typical environment for a stroll, but that was exactly what made the entire experience so thrilling!
As we are willing to embrace new opportunities, in new environments, with new people as companions, what an incredible life-changing journey we embark upon and the discoveries can be made about oneself and the world we live in. If you have an opportunity to experience a “new” outdoors, I encourage you to not allow the opportunity to pass you by. I guarantee you will bring back much more than remarkable photos.
Tiffnie Jackson is the Director of Racial Justice at YWCA Mankato. She is a devoted educator in the areas of racial equity, leadership development, and identity formation. Tiffnie has been a requested speaker throughout the United States, Kenya, Congo, and Ghana. She is passionately committed to equipping, positioning, and empowering leaders for maximum influence in a global society.
It’s been almost two years since I wrote about things in my yard that I hate. (If you’d like to read that piece, see August 2017 in the RVW archives.) I ended that column optimistically, hoping for a day when I could write about things in my yard that I love, instead. Well, that day is here! Behold: an abridged version of that very list!
My favorite plant of the moment is variegated Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriforum ‘Variegatum’). This greenand-white foliage perennial is both sun and shade tolerant, and it’s drought-resistant, too, though it prefers moist conditions. While young transplants are fragile and slow to get growing, an established patch of Solomon’s seal is tough and vigorous. But variegated Solomon’s seal is also really easy to divide and remove if you need to evict some of them—or move them around because you love them as much as I do. This plant’s unique texture and form are perfect for brightening up the dark corners of my shade gardens.
My dog makes it hard for me to love the lawn portion of our yard. She runs laps with a vengeance, as though she is being chased while also wearing a burning article of clothing. The grass can’t really take such abuse, and the lawn can quickly turn into a dirt patch. I also don’t care to water the lawn in the late summer, when most turf grasses will die if they aren’t consistently irrigated. Since I’ve had to do something to fix these issues, I’ve started sowing Dutch white clover (Trifolium repens) in my lawn. You can buy the seed at garden centers, and it’s easier to grow than grass seed. The clovers are more drought-tolerant than turf grass; they also provide bees and other beneficial insects with pollen and nectar when they flower. On a nostalgic level, I also love clover because it reminds me of childhood summer days. Plus, they’re really darn cute.
It’s June while I’m writing this, and my iris plants are almost all blooming. I’m mildly obsessed with them, mostly because this is the first year they’ve bloomed heavily enough that I can actually inventory them. I have pink, orange, yellow, deep purple, white (with a blue spot), and lavender iris flowers. I still have a few mystery iris plants, too, and I’m hoping that one is a reddish one. Irises mainly seem to appeal to me because of their varied rich colors. Their bright cheery flowers make me so happy!
Though it’s taking some time, I’m slowly building a garden foundation of spring ephemerals, fast-growing perennials that arrive first thing as the weather warms up. These plants bloom almost immediately before promptly dying back for the season. I love them because they provide early pops of color in places otherwise populated by my beloved slowergrowing perennials. I’m especially enamored with bloodroot, Virginia bluebells, and a red-flowering trillium that I recently acquired.
My husband built three raised planters for growing vegetables; they provide us with approximately 100 square feet of garden for growing tomatoes, potatoes, onions, beets, carrots, beans, greens, and whatnot. Although it’s perfectly fine to grow these foods in the ground, I prefer the raised beds for a few reasons. The elevation provides the beds with excellent drainage, so we don’t have to worry about our plants getting over-irrigated. We can sit on the edge of the beds and weed them, which is much more comfortable than squatting or kneeling. Raised beds also warm up faster in the spring, which means we can plant just a little earlier.
I don’t totally agree that “the best neighbor is a good fence.” (My fence has never called me to remind me to close my garage door or helped me push my car out of an ice rut.) However, I love how our cedar privacy fence improves the overall ambiance of our back yard. The enclosure makes it feel like another room in our house, and wood panels provide a cohesive backdrop for my wild-ish gardens. And sometimes I do like to hang out my (recently cleaned) dirty laundry, so the
is nice, too.
There is no doubt that cats make incredible companions and are very popular pets. In fact, there are 86.4 million cats living in homes in the United States alone. Although we love them—for many people—litter box maintenance is a major downside. With our busy lives, we want complete convenience, but we tend to forget what our cats like.
When you think about your bathroom preferences, how much do you wish you could visit an airplane bathroom? Cats share your preference. In general, cats prefer to have large litter boxes. If their body or fur can touch the sides, your box is too small.
Litter boxes are designed with humans’ preferences in mind. We like boxes that are covered and can be concealed. Cats would prefer not to use a cave for a bathroom. When was the last time you used the bathroom and then shut the door to keep the smell in for the next person? The best box is open so the smells aren’t locked in. Many litters have fragrance added to help with the smell, but cats have very sensitive noses and the scents added to litter can get very strong when they start digging around.
There are so many types of litters on the market that it can be exhausting to pick one. Not only do they have added scents, but they are formulated differently. Ideally, the litter should be clumping (for ease of cleaning), not scented. Activated carbon is a good option, and the box should be filled about two inches.
How often are you cleaning your box? Let’s say you walk into a store and you have to use the bathroom. You open the first stall
and it’s clogged and the second stall toilet has not been flushed. Do you pick another stall? Cats don’t enjoy stepping over their own or their housemate’s waste. Litter boxes should be cleaned daily and the entire box should be emptied once a month at least. A new litter box every year makes a great birthday or Christmas present for your feline friend.
Location is huge. You should have one box per cat. If you have multiple floors, you should have at least one box on each floor. We don’t always get along with our human housemates, but we typically don’t stalk each other, slap or pounce on one another. Our cats can get along great, or they can pick on each other. You might have one cat that sits and waits for his friend to come out of the box (or that room) so he can pounce on them, or you may have a bully that strategically places himself en route to the litter box. Cats can be downright mean to one another. If you do have a bully, he can’t guard both boxes at one time. This is why—if you have multiple litter boxes all in the same room—it counts as one box.
As humans, we also prefer to use the most convenient bathroom or in some cases, we may seek more privacy and choose the furthest bathroom from the group. Cats should have these same options.
Even if you have a covered litter box, one in the basement next to a loud and scary furnace, a box full of lavender-smelling litter, one in a location where another cat may pounce, and your cat still uses the box, consider yourself lucky. However, if your pet stops using the box or starts having “accidents,” look into your litter box set-up and make necessary changes.
We love our cats, but let’s give them great options and avoid frustration with litter box hang-ups.
Yes, I’ve called Fear our friend, and for good reason! Let me introduce you: this is Fear, you might know him by some of his other names such as Anxiety, Procrastination, Caution, Uncertainty, Nervousness… he has so many! It’s really not negative. Fear has some fabulous qualities, like the ability to keep us alive!
We experience Fear out of an understanding of prior events. Those events are sometimes things that we have experienced firsthand, and sometimes things that we have been warned about by others. (We can also experience fear out of imagined dangers, but that’s another coaching topic).
Imagine that your friend told you about the saber-toothed tiger who lived in the forest and had eaten his brother. You didn’t need to experience that event directly in order to feel fear about going into the forest and potentially meeting said tiger face to fang. The fear came from the thought of meeting the dangerous tiger. Once you actually met the tiger, your reality might be very different. The tiger might actually turn out to be a friend who doesn’t want to eat you, but instead keeps you protected from the fire breathing dragon who also lives in the forest. Do you see where I’m going with this?
Sometimes Fear keeps us safe, and sometimes Fear gets in our way of creating awesome moments in our life. Unfortunately for us, Fear just doesn’t know when to quit. Things such as starting your own business, or
even an uncomfortable conversation seem dangerous to Fear. “Anything that is outside the comfort could harm us,” says our friend Fear.
There are ways to control Fear and start doing the things that will make your life more awesome.
Say the thing outside of your comfort zone is to go on a vacation to Europe. This is something you’d love to do, but it brings up lots of anxiety, (aka Fear). Here’s how to use, what I call the OLMA Method™, to control the fear, and reach your soul’s desire of that European vacation:
O. First Observe whether or not this desire is worth the perceived risk.
*People safely travel to Europe all of the time, so the risk is perceived to be minimal.
L. Learn about all of the obstacles that your mind tells you why this desire can’t be accomplished, as this will become your roadmap.
*Obstacles that come up are: Not knowing where to stay, or how to get around in a foreign country.
M. Make a plan and use those obstacles as the small goals you need to tackle.
*I now know that I need to do some research about cities and hotels in Europe, and how to rent a car or use public transit in a foreign country.
A. Action over perfection. You can’t wait around for the motivation, you must begin with momentum.
*I pick a date for my travel and then get busy finding hotels and car rental companies in Europe.
Time to start packing!
Let’s face it, following the desires of our soul sounds good in theory, but can be much harder to implement because of that pesky friend we know so well… Fear.HEIDI ANNE NELSON OLMA Life Coaching One Life Make it Awesome
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.
Fri.-Sat., Jul. 5-6, 12-13 & 19-20
• Wilder Pageant, 11505 Crown Ave, Walnut Grove, 8 pm. Info: 888-859-3102
Fri.-Sun., Jul. 5-7
• Bird Island Polka Fest, Ballroom, Hwy 212 E, Bird Island. Info: 320-365-9997.
Sat., Jul. 6
• America’s Flags, Fort Ridgely, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 2-3 pm. Info: 507-508-2848 or ftridgely@mnhs.org.
• Minneopa State Park Events, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169. Great Mullein Pull, 10 am; Archery in the Park, 1 pm; Geocaching 101, 4 pm; Wild about Wildlife, 7 pm. Info: 507384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.
• 2nd Annual Freemason’s Soap Box Race, Tuscan Lodge #77, 831 3rd Ave NE, Waseca, 11 am-3 pm. Info: wasecasoapboxrace@gmail.com or Facebook.
• Parking Lot Pottery & Rural Singer-Songwriter Showcase, Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S Minnesota Ave, St. Peter, 6 pm. Info: artscentersp.org/calendar/.
Sat., Jul. 6 & 20
• An Evening Look at the Carvings, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, 5-7 pm. Info: 507-628-5591.
Sat., Jul. 6 & Aug. 3
• New Ulm Bird & Small Animal Swap & Sale Day, Brown Co Fairgrounds, New Ulm, 8 am-noon. Info: 507-375-4716, 507-2105741 or 507-354-6448.
Sun., Jul. 7
• 1870s Fashion Day, Harkin Store, 66250 Co Rd 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: 507-3548666, 507-934-2160 or harkinstore@mnhs.org.
Mon., Jul. 8
• MVL Golf Classic, Country Club, 1 Golf Dr, New Ulm, noon. Info: valh@mvlhs.org or 507-2338692.
• AG Golf Open, 1101 W Hwy 212, The Crossings, Montevideo, 9 am. Info: 320-269-5527.
Mon., Jul. 8, 15 & 22 & Aug. 5 & 12
• Concert in the Park Series, German Park, New Ulm; 7 pm.
Tues., Jul. 9
• PGA Junior Tour, Country Club, 1 Golf Dr, New Ulm, 8 am. Info: 507-354-8896 or nucc@newulmtel.net.
• Thunder of Drums, Blakeslee Stadium MSU Campus, 200 Stadium Rd, Mankato, 6:45 pm. Info: 507-385-6660 or tickets@ thunderofdrums.com.
• Minnesota River Paddle, Seven Mile Creek Park Boat Landing, Hwy 169, S of St. Peter, 9 am-noon. Info & registration: 507-934-0667.
Tues., Jul. 9 (every Tues. thru mid-Sept.)
• Henderson Classic Car Roll-In, downtown Henderson, 5-8 pm. Info: 507-248-3691.
Tues. & Wed., Jul. 9-10 and Wed.-Thurs., Aug. 7-8
• AARP Smart Driver 8-Hr Safety Course, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 5:30-9:30 pm. Info & cost: newulm.k12.mn.us/ community-ed/, 507-233-8307 or cfleck@newulm.k12.mn.us.
Wed., Jul. 10 (every Wed. thru Aug.)
• Car & Bike Nights, Dave’s Place, downtown Lafayette, 5 pm. Info: Facebook.
• Music on Main & Farmers’ Markets, corner of 5th & Main, Gaylord. Info: Facebook.
Wed., Jul. 10, 17 & 24
• Municipal Band Concerts, German Park, New Ulm, 7-8 pm. Info: gkoch@newulmtel.net or Facebook.
Wed.-Sun., Jul. 10-14
• North Mankato Fun Days, Wheeler Park, Center St, No. Mankato. Info: northmankatofundays.com or Facebook.
Thurs., Jul. 11
• Bridging the Generations— Looking Beyond Age to Keep Workers Engaged, Country Club, 1 Golf Drive, New Ulm, 11:30 am-1 pm. Info & registration: jennifer.maurer@allina.co.
• Songs of Hope Concert, New Journey UCC, 31 4th Av SW, Hutchinson, 7:30 pm. Info: office@newjourneyucc.org, 320-587-2125 or newjourneyucc.org.
Thurs., Jul. 11 (every Thurs. thru Aug. 8)
• 11@7 Concert Series, Central Park, Owatonna, 7 pm. Info: Facebook.
Thurs., Jul. 11 (every Thurs. thru Aug.)
• Bands & Burgers, Lucky Lure, 416 Main St, Madison Lake, 6 pm. Info: 507-243-4343 or fun@ luckyluremadlake.com.
Thurs., Jul. 11 (every other Thurs. thru Sept. 19)
• Cruz ‘IN Lake Crystal, streets around Marston Park, Humphrey & Main St., 5-8 pm. Info: lakecrystalchamber.com.
Thurs., Jul. 11 & 18 and Aug. 1 & 15
• Cruisin’ on Pine & 99, downtown Nicollet. Info: nicollet.org/ crusin-on-pine-99.
Thurs., Jul. 11 & Aug. 8
• Music in the Park, City Park, Winthrop, 6:30 pm. Info: kemarich406@gmail.com.
Thurs., Jul. 11 & Aug. 1
• Downtown Thursday Night Markets, Owatonna, 4-8:30 pm. Info: 507-451-7970 or Facebook.
Thurs.-Sat., Jul. 11-13
• ‘Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ Community Theater Production, Little Theatre, High School, St. James, 7:30 pm. Info & tickets: 507-3754517.
Fri., Jul. 12
• Movie in the Park, Tink Larson Field, 400 7th Ave SE, Waseca, 8 pm. Info: 507-835-5626 or ellw@ waseca.k12.mn.us.
Fri., Jul. 12, 19 & 26
• Ice Cream Socials & Lafayette Band Concerts, Community Center, Lafayette, 5 pm. Info: 507-228-8241.
Fri.-Sat., July 12-13
• Park Days, Madelia, Watona Park, 127 W Main, Madelia, 4-12:45 pm. Info: 507-642-8822 or chamber@madeliamn.com.
• RiverSong Music Festival, Masonic/West River Park, Les Kouba Parkway, Hutchinson. Info:503-807-9442 or info@ riversongfestival.org.
Fri.-Sun., Jul. 12-14
• Winthrop Farm City Funfest. Info: winthropfcffcommittee@ gmail.com.
• Trimont FunFest, Anderson Park, Trimont. Info: 507-236-
0755 or FunFest56176@gmail. com.
Sat., Jul. 13
• Ice Cream Social, Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Info: 507-835-2052 or info@farmamerica.org.
• Flandrau State Park Events, 1300 Summit Ave, New Ulm. Archery in the Park, 1 pm; Geocaching 101, 4 pm; Invasive Species & Goats, 7 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.
• 7th Annual Watona Park Blues Festival, Madelia, 11:40 am. Info: 507-648-8822 or chamber@ madeliamn.com.
• Prairie Animal Discovery Day, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, 1-4 pm. Info: 507-628-5591 or jefferspetroglyphs@mnhs.org.
Sat.-Sun., Jul 13-14
• Waconia Art & Wine Festival, Parley Lake Winery, 8350 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia. Info: parleylakewinery.com.
Sun., Jul. 14
• Afternoon of Leisure, Harkin Store, 66250 Co Rd 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: 507-3548666, 507-934-2160 or harkinstore@mnhs.org.
• Extravaganza, Steele Co Hist Soc, 1700 Austin Rd, Owatonna, 11:30 am-4 pm. Info: steelehistorymuseum.org/ or visitowatonna@gmail.com.
• Shotgun Blast with the Gould Brothers, St. John’s Church CCCC, 13372 Nature Ave. Hutchinson, 11:30. Info: fiberfrm@gmail.com.
Mon., Jul. 15
• Redwood Area Chamber Ag Ribeye Open, Golf Club, Redwood Falls, 11 am. Info: 507637-2828 or redwoodfalls.org/.
Tues., Jul. 16 & Wed., Aug. 14
• AARP Smart Driver 4-Hr Refresher Safety Course, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 5:30-9:30 pm. Info & cost: newulm.k12.mn.us/community-ed/, 507-233-8307 or cfleck@ newulm.k12.mn.us.
Tues., Jul. 16 & 30
• Wabasso Roll-in, 713 Main St, Wabasso, 5-10 pm. Info: 507-342-2006 or wabassoroadhouse@hotmail.com.
Wed., Jul. 17 & August 14
• Music in the Park, American
Legion Park, 155 N Park Lane, Le Sueur, 6 pm. Info: 507- 665-2501.
Wed., Jul. 17
• Vesta Lions Famous BBQ Chicken Dinner, 160 Front St, Vesta, 4-7 pm. Info: 507-762-3140 or cityclerk@vestamn.us.
Thurs., Jul. 18 & 25 and Aug. 1 & 8
• 11 at 7 Concert Series, Central Park, Owatonna, 7 pm. Info: 507451-7970 or 800-423-6466.
Thurs., Jul. 18 & Aug. 15
• Searles Senior Club, Bar & Grill, 13014 Main St, Searles, 12 pm. Info: 507-217-7886.
Thurs.-Sat., Jul. 18-20
• Hutchinson Crazy Days,. Info: info@explorehutchinson.com or explorehutchinson.com.
Thurs.-Sun., Jul. 18-21
• Gibbon Funfest. Info: cityofgibbon.com or Facebook.
• Bavarian Blast, Brown Co Fairgrounds, 1212 N Franklin St, New Ulm. Info; bavarianblast.com, 888-463-9856 or 507-233-4300.
Fri., Jul. 19
• Picnic in the Park, Library Square Park, downtown Hutchinson, 11 am-1 pm. Info: 320-234-5652.
• Ney Senior Learning Series— Red-headed Woodpecker, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 12-1:30 pm. Info & registration: 507-3578580 or info@neycenter.org.
Fri., Jul. 19 & Aug. 16
• Downtown Car Cruise, Faribault, 6-9 pm. Info: 507-334-4381 or info@visitfaribault.com.
Fri.-Sun., Jul. 19-21
• BBQ Days, Union Square Park, 201 S Eagle St, Belle Plaine.
• Summer Festival, Bean Town Grill, Welcome. Info: 507-2361791.
• Gewurztraminer Release & German Wine Fest, Morgan Creek Vineyards, 23707 478th Ave, New Ulm, 11 am-9 pm. Info: 507-9473547 or martimcv@aol.com.
Sat., Jul. 20
• Children’s Day, Fork Ridgely, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 10 am-3 pm. Info: 507-508-2848 or ridgely@mnhs.org.
• Gus’s Station Breakfast & Car Show, Steele Co Hist Soc, 1700 Austin Rd, Owatonna, 8:45 am12:45 pm. Info: 507-451-1420 or steelehistorymuseum.org.
• Daddy Boot Camp for ALL Dads, New Ulm Medical Center, 1324 5th St N, New Ulm, 8-11 am. Info: 507-359-9800
• Bavarian Blast 5K/10K Run/Walk, Civic Center, 1212 N. Franklin,
New Ulm, 8 am. Info: sseifert@ citizensmn.com or mvisser@ citizensmn.com.
• 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing, Dyckman Free Library, 345 W Main St, Sleepy Eye, 10 am. Info: 507-794-7655 or aide@tds.lib.mn.us.
• Outdoor Game Day, Ft. Ridgely State Park, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 10 am-3 pm. Info: 507-5082848 or ftridgely@mnhs.org.
Sat., Jul. 20 & Fri.-Sat., Jul. 26-27
• BCHS Popcorn Wagon, Historical Society Museum, 2 N Broadway, New Ulm, 10 am-5 pm.
Sun., Jul. 21
• Shopping with Laura Ingalls, Harkin Store, 66250 Co Rd 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: mnhs.org/ harkinstore or 507-354-8666.
• Gibbon Lions Pork Chop Dinner, City Park, Gibbon, 11 am-3 pm. Info: 507-834-6334.
Mon., Jul. 22
• New Ulm Eagles Boosters Golf Tournament, Country Club, 1 Golf Dr, New Ulm, noon. Info: 507-354-8896 or nucc@newulmtel.net.
• Golf Cart Raffle, Country Club, New Ulm, 4 pm. Info: 507-2338313 or info@isd88foundation. org.
• Hometown Golf Challenge, Oakdale Golf Club, 55106 Co Rd 38, Hutchinson, 11 am. Info: 320587-5252.
Tues., Jul. 23
• 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing, Public Library 17 N Broadway, New Ulm, 6:30 pm. Info: 507-359-8331 or aide@tds. lib.mn.us.
• MN Chicken & Egg, Country Club, 1 Golf Dr, New Ulm, noon. Info: 507-354-8896 or nucc@newulmtel.net.
Wed., Jul. 24
• Minnesota River Paddle, Seven Mile Creek Park Boat Landing, south of St. Peter, 5-8 pm. Info & registration: 507-934-0667.
Thurs., Jul. 25
• Family Night on the Dairy Farm, Steve & Kerry Hoffman Farm, 18868 140th Ave, New Ulm, 5-8 pm. Info: cowladyruth@gmail. com or 507-240-0048.
• The Relentless Business of Treaties, Nicollet Co. Hist. Soc., 1851 N Minnesota Ave, St Peter, 7 pm. Info: 507-934-2160.
• Party in the Park, Allison Park, Sleepy Eye, 5-8 pm. Info: 507794-4731.
• ‘Sister Act’ by Redwood Area Theater, Performing Arts Center,
George Ramseth Dr, Redwood Falls, 7 pm. Info: Facebook.
Thurs.-Sat., Jul. 25-27
• Owatonna Crazy Days. Info: visitowatonna.org/annual-events/.
Fri., Jul. 26
• Relay For Life of Brown County, 1201 N State St, New Ulm, 4-11 pm. Info: Facebook.
• Relay for Life of Watonwan County, Fairgrounds, 11th St S, St. James, 4 pm-12 am. Info: 507-375-3333 or stjmnchamber@ gmail.com.
• Family Film Fest, ‘The Sandlot,’ Minnesota St. & 1st North, New Ulm, about 8:45 pm. Info: 507233-4300 or chamber@newulm. com.
• Special Needs Accessibility
Playtime, 224 Lamm St, Mankato, 4:30-7:30 pm. Info: 507-386-0279.
Fri.-Sat., Jul. 26-27
• Crazy Days, New Ulm. Info: 507233-4300 or chamber@newulm. com.
Fri.-Sun., Jul. 26-28
• Mudville Days, downtown Lafayette, Info: 507-228-8910.
• Montgomery Kolacky Days Czech Festival, 500 5th Street SE, Montgomery, 12-6 pm. Info: 507-953-0094.
• Truman Days, Bean Town Grill, Truman. Info: 507-776-7951.
• Orange Spectacular, McLeod Co Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson. Info: 320-5875252, 320-582-2323 or orangespectacular.com/show-schedule/.
Fri.-Sun, Jul. 26-28 & Fri.-Sat., Aug. 2-3
• ‘Disney’s Beauty & the Beast on Stage,’ State Street Theater, 1 No. State St., New Ulm. 7 pm Fri & Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: statestreettheater@gmail.com or 507-3599990.
Fri.-Sun., Jul. 26-28 & Thurs.Sun, Aug. 1-4
• ‘The Full Monty’ by The Merlin Players, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. 7:30 pm except 2 pm Sun. Info: 507-332-7372.
Sat., Jul. 27
• Outdoor Game Day, Fort Ridgely, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 10 am-3 pm. Info: 507-508-2848 or ftridgely@mnhs.org.
• Blues on Belgrade, 301 Belgrade Ave, No. Mankato, 12-11 pm. Info: 507-388-1062.
• Mushroom Walk, Leroy Ave, Waterville, 10 am-12 pm. Info: 507-832-6041 or brad.bolduan@ state.mn.us.
• Annual Moth Survey, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 8:30-10:30. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org.
• Fort Ridgely State Park Events, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax. Archery in the Park, 1 pm; Geocaching 101, 4 pm; Ft. Ridgely Creek, 7 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us.
Sat.-Sun., Jul. 27-28
• Art on the Hills, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. 9 am-4 pm. Info: 507451-0533.
• Minnesota Pottery Festival, 17614 240th St, Hutchinson. 10 am-5 pm Sat, 12-4 pm Sun. Info: 320587-2599 or betsy@claycoyote. com.
Sun., Jul. 28
• Scott County Classics Fair Show, 7151 190th St W #145, Jordan, 10 am-3 pm. Info: 952-496-3000 or bfuruseth@referralcollision.com.
• Christmas in July, Harkin Store, 66250 Co Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: 507-354-8666 or harkinstore@mnhs.org.
Sun., Jul. 28 & Aug. 25
• Guided Tour of the E. St. Julien Cox House, 500 N Washington Ave, St. Peter, 1-4 pm. Info: cox@ nchsmn.org or 507-934-2160.
Sun.-Mon., Jul. 28-29
• New Ulm B&L Golf Classic, 1 Golf Dr, New Ulm. Info: 507-354-8896 or nucc@newulmtel.net.
Mon., Jul. 29
• National Night Out, German Park, New Ulm, 5:30-8:30 pm. Info: unitedwaybrowncountyarea.org/national-night-out-0.
Tues., Jul. 30
• Bernadotte/Brighton Neighborhood Night Out, Church Park, Bernadotte, Info: cowladyruth@ gmail or 507-240-0048.
• Beer & Hymns, Main Street Sports Bar, Hutchinson, 6 pm. Info: office@riverofhopehutchinson.org or riverofhopehutchinson.org.
Wed., Jul. 31
• Club Championship, Country Club, 1 Golf Dr, New Ulm, 1 pm. Info: 507-354-8896 or nucc@ newulmtel.net.
Thurs., Aug. 1
• Pork Chop Open Golf Tournament, Farmers Golf & Health Club, Sanborn. Info: 507-6372828 or redwoodfalls.org/.
Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 1-4
• RibFest, 310 W Rock St, Mankato. Info: 507-389-3000 or /mankatoribfest.com.
Fri., Aug. 2
• Stargazing Party with Meteorologist Mike Lynch, Martin Luther College Athletic Fields, 219 Hollywood Ave, New Ulm, 9-11 pm. Info: 507-359-8331.
• Redwood County Relay For Life, Gilfillan Estate, 28269 MN-67, Morgan, 6 pm. Info: 404-6535275 or jennifer.evans@cancer. org.
Fri.-Sun., Aug. 2-4
• Giant Celebration, 155 S Park Ln, Le Sueur. Info: 507-665-2501 or julieb@lesueurchamber.org.
• Fun Days, Lake Lillian. Info: 320-664-4444 or llcityclerk@ frontiernet.net.
Sat., Aug. 3
• Civilian Conservation Corps Hiking Tour, Fort Ridgely, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 1-2 pm. Info: 507-508-2848 or ftridgely@mnhs. org.
• Ormsby Fire Dept Pork Chop & Sweet Corn Supper, Fire Hall, Ormsby, 4:30-8 pm.
• Dragonfly & Damselfly Walk, 24601-24681 Co Rd 15, Renville, 1-3 pm. Info: 507-832-6041 or brad.bolduan@state.mn.us.
• Summer Kayak Tour on the Minnesota River, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 1-4 pm. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@ neycenter.org.
• Minneopa State Park Events, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169. Archery in the Park, 1 pm; Digital Photography, 4 pm; Wild Edibles, 7 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.
Sun., Aug. 4
• Catholic United Financial Pork Chop Dinner, Fellowship Hall, St. George, 5-8 pm. Info: dnu.org/ local-events/.
• St. Mary’s Summer Festival, Sleepy Eye, 9:30 am-4 pm. Info: dnu.org/local-events or sleepyeyeonline.com/.
• 40th Annual West Newton Day, Harkin Store, 66250 Co Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: 507-3548666 or harkinstore@mnhs.org.
• A Salute to Our Military Service Members, State Street Theatre, 1 N State St, New Ulm, 2 pm. Info: statestreettheater@gmail.com.
• DNR Certified Hunter Education Instructor Training, Sportsmen’s Club, Redwood Falls, 8 am-5 pm. Info: 507-430-7761 or rwfsportsmensclub.com/.
• Dragonfly and Damselfly Walk, Co Hwy 7, Marietta, 1-3 pm. Info: 507-832-6041 or brad.bolduan@ state.mn.us.
Mon., Aug. 5
• Cathedral Golf Classic, Country Club, 1 Golf Dr, New Ulm, noon. Info: 507-354-8896 or nucc@ newulmtel.net.
Tues., Aug. 6
• Nicollet Night Out, Green Space Park, Elm St, Nicollet, 5:30 pm- 7 pm. Info: nicollet.org/nicollet-snational-night-out.
Tues.-Thurs., Aug. 6-8
• Farmfest, Gilfillan Estate, 28269 Hwy 67, Morgan, Info: 507-6372828 or chamber@redwoodfalls. org.
Wed., Aug. 7
• Home Alone Safety for Grades 2-6, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 6-7:30 pm. Info: 507-233-8307 or cfleck@newulm. k12.mn.us.
• Madelia Chamber Golf Outing. Info: 507-642-8822
Thurs., Aug. 8
• Ladies Invitational, Country Club, 1 Golf Dr, New Ulm, 9:30 am. Info: 507-354-8896 or nucc@newulmtel.net.
• Meat-a-palooza, Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca, 6-9 pm. Info: 507-835-2052 or info@ farmamerica.org.
Thurs., Aug. 8, 15, 22 & 29
• Alive After 5, City Center, Manka -
to, 5-7:30 pm. Info: 507-388-1062 or mflanagan@Citycentermankato.com.
Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 8-11
• Midwest 3-3 Fest—Heli & Fixed Wing, RC Modelers, 4798 SW 43rd Ave, Owatonna. Info: owatonna-rc-modelers.com.
• Gaylord Eggstravaganza. Info: Facebook or exploregaylord. org/2019/06/eggstravaganza-chamber-sweepstakes/.
Fri., Aug. 9
• Ronald McDonald House Charities 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Golf Club, Mankato, 9 am. Info: mankatogolfclub.com/.
• Play4ACure Charity Softball Tournament, Winnebago Diamonds Softball Complex, Fairmont 6 p.m. Info: Facebook.
Sat., Aug. 10
• Minnesota Garlic Festival, McLeod Co Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson, 10 am-5 pm. Info: 763-244-6659 or info@sfa-mn.org.
• Celebrate the Garden Harvest Day, Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, 1-5 pm. Info: 507-628-5591 or jefferspetroglyphs@mnhs.org.
• Motor Classic, Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel, Morton, 11 am-2 pm. Info: jackpotjunction.com.
Sat.-Sun., Aug. 10-11
• Cedar Creek Open PDGA Tournament, 3400 Cedar Park Rd, Fairmont. Info: 612-850-8795 or cedarcreekdiscgolf@gmail.com.
Sun., Aug. 11
• Czech Heritage Festival, 735th Ave, Bechyn, 10 am-6 pm. Info: 320-522-1218 or gwertish@mvtvwireless.com.
• Threshing Day & Antique Tractor Display, 507 W Lake Ave, Fairmont, 1 pm. Info: 507-236-1257.
• Old Games Day, Harkin Store, 66250 Co Rd 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: 507-354-8666 or harkin -
store@mnhs.org.
Mon., Aug. 12
• New Ulm Medical Center Foundation Golf Tournament, Country Club, New Ulm, 12 pm. Info: sara. schauer@allina.com or 507-2175180.
Tues., Aug. 13
• Mudbaden—History of a Mud Spa by Scott Co. Hist. Soc., KingsPath Senior Living, 125 Commerce Dr W, Belle Plaine, 2 pm. Info: 952-873-5800 or bjweicherding@tlha.org
Tues., Aug. 13 & 27
• Wabasso Roll-in ‘Let The Thunder Roll,’ 713 Main St, Wabasso, 5-10 pm. Info: 507-342-2006 or wabassoroadhouse@hotmail. com.
Thurs., Aug. 15
• Ney Senior Learning Series— MN River Artifacts, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 12-1:30 pm. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org.
Fri.-Sat., Aug. 16-17
• 58th Buttered Corn Days Celebration, 4th Ave NW, Sleepy Eye. 11 am-7 pm Fri, 8 am-8 pm Sat. Info: 507-794-4731 or secofc@ sleepyeyechamber.com.
Sat., Aug. 17
• 3M Golf, Country Club, 1 Golf Dr, New Ulm, 8 am. Info: 507-3548896 or nucc@newulmtel.net.
• Hummingbird Hurrah, 3 locations, Henderson, 9 am-4 pm. Info: Facebook, 507-665-6570 or hendersonhummingbirdhurrah. com.
• Fort Ridgely State Park Events, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax. Archery in the Park, 10 am; Wild about Wildlife, 1 pm. Info: 507-3848890 or scott.kudelka@state. mn.us.
• Rotary Fun Run 5K Run/Walk, Sr High School, 333 E School St, Owatonna, 8 am. Info & registration: tinyurl.com/yy8f9pfw.
• Arlington Farmers Market Community Center Parking Lot, 204 Shamrock Drive. Jun. 17-Sept. 30; Mon., 4-6:30 pm. Info: Facebook@arlingtonmnfarmersmarket or 507-964-2378.
• Buffalo Lake Farm & Flea Market City Park on Hwy 212. Jun.-fall, Sat. 8 am-noon. Info: 320-389-1006.
• Fairfax Farmers Market
1st St. SE of Hwy 19. Mid Jun.Sept., Tue. 4-6 pm. Info: 507-4267281.
• Fairmont Farmers Market 308 S State St. Memorial Day-Oct., Sat., 9 am-noon and July-Sept., Tues., 3-6 pm. Info: 507-238-5449.
• Gaylord Farmers Market
Downtown, 5th & Main Ave. Jun.Oct., Wed., 4-6 pm. Info: 507-2323497.
• Glencoe Farmers Market
Vacant lot at 11th St and Greeley Ave. Mid Jun.-Oct., Thurs., 3-6 pm. Info: 320-864-3650 or sally@ glencoechamber.com.
• Hector Farmers Market
CRC C-Store, intersection Hwy 212 & Co Rd 4. Jul.-fall, Wed. 3-6 pm. Info: 320-848-2195.
• Hutchinson Farmers Market
25 Adams St SE. May-Oct 30, Wed. 2:30-5:30 pm and Sat. 8 am-noon; Info: 320-234-5652 or jpage@ ci.hutchinson.mn.us
• Lake Crystal Farmers Market Collis C-store parking lot. Jun. 28-fall, Fri., 2:30-5:30 pm. Info: 218-330-4974 or 507-304-2759.
• Le Sueur Farmers Market
Parking Lot at corner of Bridge & Second. Jun. 1-Sept. 29, Sat., 8-10 am. Info: chamber@lesueurchamber.org.
• Madelia Farmers Market
Across from Madelia Hospital on Drew Ave. Jun. 12-Oct. 2, Wed., 3:30-6 pm. Info: Facebook or 507642-3255.
• Mankato Farmers Market
Best Buy Parking Lot, 1805 Adams Street. May-Oct., Sat. 8 am-noon. Jun.-Oct., Tues. 3:30-6 pm. Also Thurs., 3:30-6 pm at Food Hub Park, Old Towne. Info: 507-3829337 or mankatofarmersmarket@ gmail.com.
• Morton Farmers Market City Hall parking lot on Hwy 19, downtown. Mid Jun.-fall, times vary. Info: 507-697-6912.
• New Prague Farmers Market East Town Plaza parking lot, 801 Main Street E. May- Oct., Sat. 9 am-noon. Jun.-Oct., Wed. 3-6 pm. Info: Facebook.
• New Ulm KNUJ Radio Farmers Market
Cash Wise Foods, Hwy 14 W. June 20-fall, Thurs. 2:30-5:30 pm. June 29-fall, Sat. 9 am-noon. Info:
• North Mankato Farmers Market
Messiah Lutheran Church, corner of Lee & LorRay, upper No. Mankato. June 10-Oct. 14; Mon., 3:30-6:30 pm. Info: 507-340-6984 or Facebook.
• Olivia Farmers Market City parking lot, 9th St & Fairview, 2 blocks S of stoplight. Jul.-Oct., Thurs., 1:30-5:30 pm. Info: 320522-1043.
• Owatonna Farmers Market Central Park. Jun. 15-Nov. 3, Sat., 7 am-12 pm. Info: visitowatonna@ gmail.com.
• Owatonna North Farmers Market, Grace Baptist Church, 265 26th St NE. Jun. 18-fall, Tues., 4-7 pm. Info: Facebook: northmarketowatonna or 507-475-1832.
• Redwood Falls Farmers Market Corner of Washington St & Bridge St. Jul.-Oct., Tues., 2-5:30 pm; Sat., 9 am-12 pm. Info: Facebook, 507822-3550 or redwoodfarmersmarket@hotmail.com.
• St. Peter Farmers Market Corner Hwy 169 & Mulberry St. Jun.-Oct., Tue. 3-6 pm & Sat 8:30 am-noon; Info: 507-304-3946 or stpfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
Tues.-Sun., Jul. 16-21
Rice County Fair, Faribault. Info: 507-332-2470 or ricecountyfair.net
Wed.-Sun., Jul. 17-21
Redwood County Fair, Redwood Falls. Info: 507-627-2801 or redwoodcountyfair.com
Waseca County Fair, Waseca. Info: 507-461-0314 or wasecacountyfreefair.com
Dodge County Fair, Kasson. Info: 507-634-7736.
Thurs.-Sun., Jul. 18-21
Watonwan County Fair, St James. Info: 507-381-3850 or watonwancountyfair.com
Wed.-Sat., Jul. 24-27
Faribault County Fair, Blue Earth. Info: 507-340-7539 or faribaultcountyfair.com
Wed.-Sun., Jul. 24-28
Scott County Fair, Jordan. Info: 952-492-2436 or scottcountyfair. com
Thurs.-Sun., Jul. 25-28
Blue Earth County Fair, Garden City. Info: 507-420-5689, info@ blueearthcountyfair.org or blueearthcountyfair.org
Wed.-Sun., Jul. 31-Aug. 4
Sibley County Fair, Arlington. Info: secretary@sibleycountyfair.com or sibleycountyfair.com
Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 1-4
Meeker County Fair, Litchfield.
Info: 320-583-8291 or meekerfair. com
Wed.-Fri., Aug. 7-9
Renville County Fair, Bird Island. Info: 320-979-0176 or renvillecountyfair.com
Wed.-Sun., Aug. 7-11
Brown County Free Fair, New Ulm. Info: 507-354-2223 or browncountyfreefair.com
Carver County Fair, Waconia. Info: 952-442-2333 or carvercountyfair. com
Nicollet County Fair, St Peter. Info: 507-934-2684 or nicolletcountyfair.com
Mon.-Sun., Aug. 12-18
Martin County Fair, Fairmont. Info: 507-235-9576 or theotherbigfair. com
Tues.-Sat., Aug 13-17
Cottonwood County Fair, Info: 507-831-00233 or cottonwoodcountyfair.org
Tues.-Sun., Aug. 13-18
Steele County Free Fair, Owatonna. Info: 507-451-5305 or scff.org
Wed.-Sun., Aug. 14-18
McLeod County Fair, Hutchinson. Info: 320-587-2499 or mcleodcountyfair.com
Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 15-18
LeSueur County Fair, Le Center. Info: 507-340-4925or lesueurcountyfair.org
1. Amsterdam Heritage Hand Bag
Bella Nova Boutique is now proudly selling Amsterdam Heritage. Stop in today to see our gorgeous collection of Genuine Leather Handbags. Each bag is handmade in India for a unique, one-of-a kind look. Luxury at its finest.
Bella Nova Boutique
521 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.779.7444
2. Save On Fuel. Get Great Perks
Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks® members earn discounts at the pump when they purchase designated products at Hy-Vee stores. It's an easy way to save on gas with the groceries you regularly buy. Only Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks® members get access to exclusive deals and exciting rewards.
Hy-Vee Hilltop 2010 Adams St., Mankato, MN | 507.625.9070
Hy-Vee Riverfront 410 S. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, MN | 507.625.1107
3. Carynhurst Rustic TV Stand with Barn Door
Bring a rustic farmhouse look to your entertainment space with this large TV stand with barn door hardware for its door. Made with pine veneers and solids in a white washed finish, while corner metal brackets and the barn door style hardware are a dark antique gray finish. Stop by our showroom today! Rooms and Rest Furniture and Mattress 1760 Madison Ave. Mankato, MN 56001 1704 North State St. New Ulm, MN 56073 roomsandrest.com
4. 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 Window Coverings & Decor 507.380.5019 blindsandmore.org
5. Relax. Renew. Repeat. Promote total calm and peaceful relaxation. Improve sleep, eliminate fatigue
6. CLEO Laminate Flooring
CLEO Laminate flooring is a versatile, durable, attractive flooring with the appearance of a natural hardwood floor. CLEO flooring is recommended for high traffic floors especially in your living room, sitting room, guest room and hallways. Stop by the Nordaas showroom today to see our display.
Nordaas American Homes
10091 State Hwy 22 Minnesota Lake, MN 56068 800-658-7076 nordaashomes.com
7. 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
8. Cartersboro Accent Chest
The wood grain in the Cartersboro accent chest is simply stunning. Gorgeous Bar Pulls sit at the center of each drawer front, creating a focal point you can’t take your eyes off. Stow away belongings in three drawers. It’s all about form and function-what more could you ask for?
Hayden's Furniture & Floorcovering
14 East Central Springfield, MN 56087 507.723.5415
9. Aqua Lily Pad
Who says you can't own your own private island? The Original Aqua Lily Pad from SCHEELS lets you create yours practically anywhere there's water. This 6' x 18' buoyant pad weighs less than 30 pounds but can hold up to 1,400 pounds of distributed weight. Lounge with your friends and family while working on your tan. It also makes a fine launching pad for water sports like wakeboarding, kayaking and fishing.
Scheels River Hills Mall
1850 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.386.7767 scheels.com
10. For a Look as Bold as the Food!
Open your door to the world of grilling with the sleek Spirit II E-210 gas grill. This two burner grill is built to fit small spaces, and packed with features such as the powerful GS4 grilling system, iGrill capability, and convenient side tables for placing serving trays. Available in 4 different colors.
C&S Supply
1951 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 507.387.1171 or 800.879.1938
11. Key Largo Gas Fire Pit
A showcase of fire, the Key Largo Gas Fire Pit Table features a beautiful, glowing fire that dances atop a bed of fire glass. The focal point of the design is a striking12 x 24” Stainless Steel Crystal Fire Burner. This simple, modern design will look great in any outdoor living space. Glowing Hearth & Home
241 St. Andrews Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.345.8084
094598
113336
108309
A new Mayo Clinic-developed program brings new life to pregnancy care. Online and telephone appointments replace a few in-clinic visits, saving you time and travel. You’ll also get expert answers just when you need them. Plus, at-home checks with a fetal doppler let you and your family listen to baby’s heartbeat anytime—you’ll share the excitement and enhance your peace of mind.
The Family Birth Center Call 507-479-5042 to learn more about advanced pregnancy care perfect for busy moms at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. mayoclinichealthsystem.org/busymom