River Valley Woman January 2020

She Knew She Had a Choice

She Chose OrthoEdge for Joint Replacement Surgery.

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She got quality care close to home. The OrthoEdge Joint Replacement Program features two of the most experienced orthopaedic care providers in the area, The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic and River’s Edge Hospital.

• 3,000 successful hip, knee and other orthopaedic surgeries

• 245 years of combined orthopaedic surgery experience

• 1 of 13 hospitals in the nation accredited as a hip and knee replacement center of excellence

Getting the care you deserve and trust, close to home, makes OrthoEdge the right choice for joint replacement surgery.

Learn more at OrthoEdgeMN.com

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BY EILEEN MADSEN Editor

things up this month, literally, showcasing those women who know how to get things done. Or at the very least, move it along. On our Movers & Shakers cover this month is Najwa Massad, who literally moved across an ocean from her home country in Lebanon, to the U.S, (twice!) to eventually become Mankato’s first female mayor, and to open several restaurants and a catering business with her family. But in order to overcome her innate shyness Massad shares her recipe for confidence: fake it ’til you make it. Her harrowing journey from a wartorn country to her ultimate successes, is the real thing.

Are there special ingredients for success as a mover & shaker? And what virtual utensils do we use? A spoon, perhaps, to gently stir the pot? A hand mixer to beat some sense into those who might stand in our way, or maybe a blender to mix ideas with action? The variety of women featured herein, offer an eclectic smorgasbord.

Leading the charge for the Greater Mankato Area United Way is CEO Barb Kaus. Mixing family influences, a hefty splash of experience, and the attitude that more is better when it comes to giving, Kaus puts service above self, ensuring a better tomorrow for all.

As Kaus points out in her feature, she credits mentors, including her dad, with shaping her approach to life and work. This is probably the case with all of us, one way or the other. Speaking for myself, a huge influence on me was Dr. Suess, who taught me nonsensical wordplay, rhyme and cadence—skills that come in handy on a regular basis. Topping the list, however, is my many times aforementioned mother

who has influenced me with her lifelong career in the newspaper business, her ability to never let anything stand in her way—even reality (“what rain?...the sky is blue where I am looking”), her humor, her willingness to actually eat green eggs and ham, in a box, with a fox, all the while wearing her size 10 socks. For sure she has large shoes to fill, I can try, but not sure I will.

Eide Bailly’s marketing manager and everyday adventurer, Kate Loging, is always ready to get a move on. Up for new experiences over her career, Loging has brought her own flavor of work ethic to a variety of jobs from South Dakota to Arizona. But Mankato has always felt like home to her. And if that is also where the heart is, then there is a lot to love about Loging’s determination to contribute and thereby create success for herself, and for those with whom she works.

Creating a stir in Fairmont is Laura Olsen, who has added a generous handful of playfulness in her efforts to put some kick into the community. Through fundraising events and a genuine enthusiasm for healthy activities, Fairmont now has an indoor playground and a mini-golf course. Girls (and boys) just wanna have fun and Olsen is there to make sure of it.

Move over, because Brown County Historical Society’s Kathleen Backer is coming through. Making history, and making sure history is preserved, is only part of what the second incarnation of this go-getter is all about. Coming out of retirement to take on the position she formerly held, Backer claims to have three decades left in her to move and shake things up in New Ulm. A self-proclaimed workaholic, she is not one to pass up an opportunity to work hard and play hard. Oh, and did you know she bought a church, and ran for mayor?

There is some evidence that the origins of the term “movers and shakers” comes from activities that involve shaking the dice and making the right moves. Well then, we say, game on ladies.

MUSIC ON THE HILL

MSO’s Chamber Music Series, Music on the Hill, features exquisite chamber music by some of the greatest perfor mers around the world. Programmed by artistic director and cellist, Richard Belcher, and perfor med in the uniquely beautiful Chapel at Our Lady of Good Counsel, these one-of-a-kind perfor mances are not to be missed.

GOOD COUNSEL CHAPEL

170 Good Counsel Dr, Mankato

Upcoming Events

FEBRUARY 16th, 2020 @ 2:00 PM

DUMKA - Motion & beauty brought to you by Mahler, Clarke, & Dvorak!

MARCH 22nd, 2020 @ 2:00 PM

'NO STARS, NOT EVEN CLOUDS' - The season comes to a poetic close with works by Haydn, Whitehead, and Grieg!

Family Concert Series

All performances are held at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota and lead by Mark Wamma. The Museum is filled with a variety of child-focused educational activities. Come to the concert an hour early and enjoy free admission to the Children’s Museum. A great way to get the wiggles out before the show! These concerts are created for children and their caregivers. All ages are welcome! The performance features musicians, actors, storytelling, and musical activities. Concerts have a runtime of approximately 45 minutes and are performed without intermission.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

224 Lamm St, Mankato

127647

Upcoming Events

JANUARY 25TH, 2020 @ 3:00 PM

APRIL 18TH, 2020 @ 3:00 PM

For infor mation about guest artists, program descriptions, upcoming shows, & tickets visit: WWW.MANKATOSYMPHONY.ORG

By MARIE ZIMMERMAN

PHOTOS BY ALICE HQ PHOTOGRAPHY

hen Najwa (pronounced NAH-zhwah) Massad began her term as mayor of Mankato a year ago, she brought some unique experience to the role. She’s started five businesses in town with her husband, John Massad, not to mention crossing an ocean to become a U.S. citizen.

“It’s life that brings you to who you are. It’s the lessons, it’s the hardships, it’s the trials and it’s the errors and all that, that make you who you are. They can either bring you down or you can rise above it. I’m blessed. I had people along the way who helped me rise above it and be who I am today,” Najwa said.

When people ask her about being mayor, she often surprises them by saying she loves the duties of the office. She’s learning every day, from the intricacies of plowing snow for a city of 42,000 to retaining young talent—and how that’s entwined with growing childcare capacity and adding affordable housing. The challenges Mankato faces can bring difficult conversations.

“Some of our constituents don’t agree with me, and I don’t agree with them. But at the same time, I respect them,” Najwa—the first woman elected mayor of Mankato—said. “We do the

best that we can. Can we satisfy everybody? That’s impossible.”

A highlight among the mayoral duties is being a cheerleader for the city she loves.

“(John and I) opened our first business here. We worked hard, but it was this community— along with our hard work—that made the Massads who we are. That’s why I love this community. And because I grew up here; it’s home,” she said.

Despite being a public figure and interacting with people for many years in the restaurant business, Najwa admits to being very shy. To overcome it, she uses the same trick she teaches the teenagers who work as wait staff for Najwa’s Catering: Fake it. “When I’m going out to speak, or someone asks me something, I remember what I tell my young kids—stand, show your confidence even if you’re not, always be outwardly confident. I’m not a public speaker by any means, but as soon as I get up there and I need to speak, I look at those people out in the audience and think, what made me run for mayor? The community, the people. I’m talking to the family, to the community, the people that I ran for, so that’s what gives me the confidence to get up and speak,” Najwa explained, adding that her daughter Karla writes her speeches. 

In addition to being mayor, Najwa is part of the Greater Mankato Growth Board of Directors and serves on its executive committee. The Massad family restaurants include Olives, Massad’s Grille, and Najwa’s Catering, the sole caterer for the Mankato Civic Center. Najwa focuses her time on the catering business

“We have a lot going on, which is good because that’s how our family is. The busier you are, the more organized you seem to be. We love what we do,” Najwa said.

Proud to be an American Najwa was born in Lebanon, a small country stretched along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. She came to Mankato with her parents in 1960 when she was five years old.

“My dad had an unbelievable work ethic. He came to this country, didn’t speak any English. He worked at a car wash for 75 cents an hour. We grew up, we didn’t have much, but we never knew it because we had everything we needed,” said Najwa, who credits her “Papa” with her own desire to always give her best.

Najwa and her brother went to school, made friends, and adjusted to life in Mankato. A family trip back to Lebanon in 1971changed the course of Najwa’s life. Papa had saved enough money for her to go with her mother and brother to visit family.

“I just remember the people, the hospitality. It was just so friendly. I met my husband there. I met John and that was in June, and by August 1, he and I eloped,” Najwa said. “We lived in Lebanon from 1971 to 1975, and then we came back because my brother was graduating from Loyola High School, and he was my only sibling and I wanted to come.”

On April 13 of that same year, civil war broke out in Lebanon. The conflict, which lasted 15 years, took 150,000 lives, injured 300,000, and led to the emigration of almost a million people. John’s family urged the couple— who now had a daughter, Meray—to stay in the United States.

They had only brought enough money for a vacation, so they looked for jobs

but no one would hire them. John, a master chef whose family in Lebanon ran several restaurants, couldn’t even get work at McDonald’s because he spoke no English.

“Even though I spoke English, I didn’t have experience so they wouldn’t hire me,” Najwa said.

She finally found work at Minnesota State University-Mankato in the deli, and John found a position cooking at Good Council Academy, the former all-girls high school and boarding school Najwa had attended.

Three years later, the Massad family was opening a new restaurant in Lebanon, and John’s father called him to help. The young family— Meray now had a baby sister, Karla—packed their bags and made the trip back across the ocean.

It was 1978, and the Lebanese Civil War had intensified. The Massads lived in the middle of it. The girls were at school when Najwa experienced the bombing for the first time.

“I could hear people screaming and running. They were running to get their kids from the school. I was lost—I remember running and seeing Meray holding her little sister,” Najwa said.

John told the family to stay indoors no matter what. They lived day-byday, no running water or electricity, bombs falling. Their building was hit once, but fortunately remained standing.

“It was awful,” Najwa said.

Four years passed, and—in 1982—John decided it was time to move away from the war. They left Lebanon in the middle of the night and endured a harrowing boat ride in a livestock freighter to arrive in nearby Cyprus, where the American flag welcomed them.

“You were so proud to be an American. We’ll never ever forget that sight,” Najwa said.

From Cyprus, they flew back to the United States and returned home to Mankato— where they were about to shake up the local food scene with their schwarma. 

What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?

My two precious grandsons. John and Jacob.

What’s your most prized possession and why?

My Women of Distinction award. My daughter nominated me and her letter saying why she nominated me touched me to my core.

How do you take your coffee? Black

What motivates you to work hard? I believe it is myself. I love what I do and so I try that much harder, not only to satisfy others but to satisfy myself. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?  Go back in time to tell my parents THANK YOU for all the sacrifices they went

through to make a better life for my brother and myself. Sometimes you don’t realize these things until it’s too late.

What’s your favorite family memory?

Coming home from school and smelling the fresh baked Lebanese bread that my mother had just baked. She always had two special pieces for my brother and myself.

 From Schwarma to Scheels

In 1984, John and Najwa opened their first restaurant and named it after their eldest daughter—Meray’s. Their lunchtime special was John’s special recipe schwarma.

“We take chicken, it’s shaved off, and we put it in pocket bread with lettuce, tomatoes, pickle, and this sauce to die for. You’ve got to try it. It’s mouth-watering delicious; it’s heaven,” Najwa said.

Its popularity inspired Najwa and John to eventually open Massad’s Grille in River Hills Mall in 1995, where the local culinary delight is still served today. (Meray’s closed in 1997.)

John’s schwarma has also spread across the nation through a partnership with Scheels sporting goods stores, and the legendary local delight is served at cafes in Scheels in Colorado, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, and Utah. Next year, schwarmas will debut in Eden Prairie and in Texas.

While those schwarmas made Massads famous, Najwa’s favorite dish is tabouleh. It’s served once or twice a week at the Civic Center for staff lunch. Najwa’s Catering employs about 30 part-time teenage wait staff and Najwa takes her role as their first employer very seriously. She calls the teens “my kids” and encourages them to enjoy lunch like a family.

“Some will be helping doing the silverware, then you’ve got three or four getting the tables out and wiping them. Some are bringing the

chairs. Then they all sit down together for dinner and that’s how they get that bond between them,” Najwa said.

She also holds them to high standards, hoping that this first job will not only give them experience to open doors, but also the work ethic that has served her well through life.

“My legacy is not just being mayor; to me my legacy is my kids. God willing, when they grow up and get their first ‘real job,’ they carry what they were taught from that young age. You work hard, you smile,” Najwa said.

And, one more thing. Don’t tell people you don’t know something.

“You never want to say to someone, ‘I don’t know’ because this is your home. And if I walk into your house and say, ‘Do you have any pop?’ and you say, ‘I don’t know,’ who the heck is supposed to know? You are. Never say the words I don’t know,” Najwa instructs her staff. Instead, she tells them to respond with, “Let me check and I’ll be right back.” While it’s a lesson for her young employees, it’s also something she bears in mind as mayor.

“Every situation that comes up, you take it, you learn from it, and you put it on the shelf so you always remember it, and then another situation comes up. You’re not going to learn everything until situations come up that we have to deal with. That’s how you learn.” RVW

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By TAYLOR KIEMELE

For most people, the word “adventure” conjures up images of death-defying stunts, long journeys, or exciting challenges.

While Kate Loging agrees—and has spent a fair amount of her time moving across the country, running marathons, and traveling—adventure tends to mean something different to her.

“I am a wife, a mother of two, and an active community member. I am also a lifelong learner, I enjoy connecting with others, going on adventures, and trying new things,” she explained.

Kate’s journey is long and varied, beginning in her youth.

“I am not from any one place. I was born in Minot, North Dakota,” she said. “However, shortly after I was born my parents moved to San Diego, California where we stayed until sixth grade. We then moved to Luverne, Minnesota where I graduated high school. I moved to the Cities and attended the University of St. Catherine.”

After grad school at Minnesota State University, Mankato, she moved to Huron, South Dakota to become that city’s convention sales director. Shortly after that, she moved back to Mankato to work for the Greater Mankato Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. She’s also had a stint in Sedona, Arizona.

Kate noted that—even though she’s lived in many different places, the Mankato area has always just felt like home.

“I moved back and had the opportunity to go back into community work, non-profit work, or try my hand at a large private organization—which is how I landed at Eide Bailly,” Loging said.

“My title is lead services marketing manager, which basically means I help find strategic ways to promote our services, both internally and externally across the firm. I work with our expanded services and marketing teams to make this happen,” Kate said. “The favorite parts of my job include the people—I think they are a main reason why I’ve stayed for 12 years. I love

working with talented passionate people who are good at what they do. Plus, they like to have fun along the way. I enjoy planning and diving into new projects. My biggest challenge at work is getting everything done that I would like. There are so many competing priorities that selecting and allocating appropriate resources can feel daunting at times.”

Keeping busy is nothing new in Kate’s playbook, as she has maintained a packed schedule for as long as she can remember. Now a mother of two young girls—Zoey and Evie—a few of her volunteer board memberships have had to take the back burner. But never one to have an empty plate, Kate still finds time to serve on different marketing committees in the community, take an executive coaching course, and succeed in her position at Eide Bailly.

Every day is different for Loging, but when asked to describe a typical day in her life, she had only enthusiasm for the long to-do list.

“After I wake up, I help get our kids ready for school/daycare while my husband makes breakfast. Yes, I’m one lucky lady! Once everyone is dropped off, I find my way into the office and either begin sipping my cold brew, iced chai or Diet Coke. Once caffeinated, I check my email and see what projects I need to tackle first. I spend most of my day, working with service providers, brainstorming ideas, and moving projects forward. I find opportunities for our people to share their expertise with others. Interwoven throughout my day is the opportunity to connect with other passionate people through my volunteer efforts and committee work,” Kate said.

Self-care is an important element of life that Kate will no longer overlook.

“I’ve found myself having to pull back, and say no to more things because I could tell I was burning out,” she explained.

As someone with an ever-growing schedule, penciling in moments to spend dedicated time with her family, friends, and even just by herself, are of increasing importance. Going for hikes, bike rides with friends and trying new things are some 

 ways Kate has found to totally decompress.

Somewhere in the mix of all these commitments, she found time to complete a doctoral dissertation on efficacy of women in the workplace.

“It was a thirteen-and-a-half year journey. When I started the program, I was single with no attachments. Now I have two kids, two dogs, and a husband. My degree is in educational leadership, but my area of study was women and confidence,” she said.

Kate completed the coursework and passed the practical exams required, and then began the long hike uphill to complete her dissertation. Interviewing 25 women in different workplaces—ranging in age from their early 30s to 60—she got to see firsthand the obstacles that different women had to overcome in the workplace.

Her research was founded on her own personal experience.

“I lacked confidence which is why I felt compelled to study it. I also think I began to notice the systemic barriers women face to obtaining leadership and wanted to help,” Loging said.

After completing the most difficult academic study in her life, the final step was to defend her dissertation at her university. Now that she has that accomplished, Kate said she can finally begin to relax.

“Of course, it’s always important to keep going and to keep moving forward, but now that I’ve achieved something that I’d been working on for so long, it’s almost like everything else I do is just gravy,” Kate said.

While mostly gravy, the work that Kate manages to do in the community is incredibly beneficial. Cultivating a thriving community for the Mankato area is one of Kate’s greatest passions.

She said, “I think it’s important to have a voice at the table. I was invited to participate in the marketing committee at the YWCA and my involvement blossomed from there. I love meeting new people and tackling new initiatives. It’s fun to see the results of your work.”

Instead of moving in search of the perfect community, Kate is a firm believer in creating the environment she wants to find.

Loging speaks fondly of her friends and family—as well as members of her community who inspire her to keep moving forward and shaking up her daily schedule with fun new challenges.

“Being a mover and shaker is someone who contributes,” she said. “Someone who wants to be part of the change they want to see in their community. I think I contribute because I want to make my home, community, and world a better place.”

Interacting in any capacity brings Kate joy, and being active in the community is pivotal.

“The best part about working in the community—I’ve found—is that most organizations will take what they need from you and are just grateful that you’ve given what you can,” she said.

One of the many ways Kate helps others grow is through a certificate program to become an executive coach. For people of all backgrounds and businesses, executive coaching benefits anyone looking to improve their leadership skills and learn how to overcome roadblocks in their lives.

“As of now, it’s a personal endeavor and an area I’ve always wanted to learn more about. I look forward to being a certified executive coach when I’m done,” Kate said. “My tagline is ‘Ignite the Spark.’ I want to help people reignite their leadership spark. I specifically like working with women. My professors have told me that I need to expand that, but my natural gift right now is supporting women and helping them embrace their awesome!”

Kate has spent much of her life being involved in jobs and volunteer positions that make positive strides in the community and make the world around her a better place to live in. Finding time to do it all is difficult, but incredibly rewarding at the same time.

“Putting myself out there in new and unique ways, I really like that adventure, and trying something new. And, specifically, when given the opportunity to do that with others, I thrive in that,” Loging said. “A journey of togetherness, of healing, and being in companionship with someone else, that’s what life is about. It’s about saying yes, it’s about that adventure and building that tribe around you. That’s the best adventure.” RVW

Q: Dog person or cat person?

A: Dog person, definitely! We have two, Luna a one and a half-year-old bernedoodle, and Max, who is a 13-yearold labradoodle/mutt.

Q: Favorite type of cuisine?

A: Indian food, chicken saag specifically. I also love Thai and Vietnamese- really any kind of food- but Indian’s definitely a favorite.

Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

A: I have a lot of dream places to visit but topping the list would be Lake Louise in Canada. There’s apparently a little tea shop on the lake, and it would be amazing to hike around, stop for tea, and look out at the beautiful scenery.

Q: Biggest guilty pleasures?

A: Diet Coke, for one. A fountain Diet Coke is preferable even. But honestly, just taking a nice hike and being out in nature is very pleasurable to me.

Q: Introverted or extroverted? A little bit of both?

A: I am absolutely extroverted, though I do value my alone time. I’ve learned that an important part of self-care for me is indulging in that alone time, but definitely in smaller doses than when I’m with people.

By BROOKE WOHLRABE

n a quest to make the city of Fairmont more attractive to young families, four-year resident and community advocate Laura Olsen set out to do just that. Olsen has been in Fairmont for only a few years but has made a big impact by getting involved in a number of community projects.

Originally from Estherville, Iowa, Olsen moved with her husband and four children to Fairmont four years ago from Iowa Lakes, where husband Chris, attended dental school. Chris’s work led them to Fairmont, but not without a little pre-move research on their part.

“When we were trying to decide where we wanted to move, we had a few possibilities for job opportunities. We saw a poll on the Fairmont website where they were trying to come up with a thousand ideas for the community. We were supposed to vote for our picks. So we actually participated in the vote before we moved to the community,” Olsen said.

One of the top ideas was a community center. Once they purchased a home and moved to Fairmont, Olsen reached out to a community member who was involved with that committee.

“When we first moved here, I was able to meet a few people through that right away,” Olsen explained.

This led Laura to Project 1590, a group of Fairmont community members working to create a unique, healthy, and vibrant community. The group broke into separate committees, each one tackling different areas—recruiting retail business, maintaining Fairmont’s waterways, reimagining vacant buildings, and sprucing up Fairmont’s downtown.

About three years ago, Olsen was asked if she would be interested in creating a children’s group. That’s how the eight-member Kids Just Want To Have Fun committee was born. Six of the members are parents of young children, with the others having young grandchildren.

“We look at things we feel the community is lacking,” Olsen said. “One is more opportunities and options for indoor play. That’s where the idea for the indoor playground came from.”

The group’s first project was creating an indoor playground inside Five Lakes Centre that could be utilized when the weather is not ideal because of rain, snow or even excessive heat.

The group worked on the project for about a year, deliberating over many aspects—what type of playground they wanted, finding a location, filling out grant applications, getting the idea approved by the city, and more. One of the biggest areas they had to tackle was fundraising.

“As a committee, we knew we wanted to put on annual events, as well as work toward bigger projects, so using events as fundraisers was a perfect plan,” Olsen shared. Several fundraising efforts that turned into fun events were two father-daughter dances. Nearly a hundred people attended the first and the second proved to be more popular with well over a hundred.

A mother-son event was also held, complete with bounce houses. The group is now in the process of planning another. With an event theme of  “Not All Super Heroes Wear Capes,” firefighters, police officers, and local military members were invited to attend.

“Because our money goes toward our big projects, we don’t have a ton of money to use on these events,” said Olsen. “The community has been very generous. We look for donations and for sponsors, and that’s a big reason we’re able to continue to do these events—because we have that community support.”

The grand opening of the indoor playground inside Five Lakes Centre in Fairmont took place in February 2018. The recreational area has proven to be very popular, with many families utilizing the indoor playground.

The next endeavor was a first for Fairmont —a mini-golf course. It began in June 2018.

“When we started advertising, it was for a nine-hole course. We offered a one-hole sponsorship for $1,000. We had families, businesses, and the public school system. Anyone could do it, and we would take the first nine who contacted us,” Olsen said.

The first nine holes filled up fast with many individuals and businesses supporting the project. They now have a waiting list for the next nine holes.

The committee worked on budgets and found out both how expensive and extensive the project would be. However, the city of Fairmont helped them draw out the course design and assisted in finding contractors for the project.

After months of planning and work, the groundbreaking took place in late summer with the grand opening in September 2019. The mini-golf course is located outside the Fairmont Aquatic Park. Olsen said it was very popular right away during the first warm weeks of fall.

Several places—including the Martin County Library, Graffiti Corner coffee shop, and Community Education and Recreation office—have offered to keep clubs and balls on hand so those wishing to play mini-golf can stop to get the proper equipment. There is no cost to rent the equipment—they simply use the honor system.

The group’s next project is to tackle the other nine 

“I WANT TO MAKE FAIRMONT ATTRACTIVE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES."

• Laura and Chris were high school sweethearts. They’ve been married for 10 years but together for 16.

• Laura attended Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City, Iowa, graduating from the physical therapist assistant program.

• Her “signature dish” since college has been cream cheese chicken croissants.

• Two of Laura’s favorite movies are the new “Aladdin ” and “The Greatest Showman.”

 holes. They’ve also talked about ways to enhance what Fairmont already has to offer. Olsen said they’ve discussed the city’s many parks and how they could add to and improve them.

“We want to provide events and physical projects for youth. So far I think we’ve done a great job of targeting all ages so we want to continue to make sure we’re not missing any age groups,” Olsen said.

Olsen’s passion for providing activities for families and youth goes beyond her involvement with the Kids Just Want to Have Fun committee.

She is also the assistant coach of both the boys’ and girls’ junior varsity and varsity tennis teams at Fairmont High School. While Laura played tennis as a high schooler, she’s never coached the sport, but has enjoyed being active and working with the students.

Olsen is also the vice president of the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Parent Advisory Board at Fairmont Elementary School, where all of her children attend school. ECFE works with families and children from birth to age five.

Laura and her family enjoy spending time outdoors, including camping, boating and kayaking on any of Fairmont area’s five lakes. Both her parents and in-laws live nearby in Estherville, which makes visiting convenient.

Olsen has made it her mission to enhance the community in the hopes that more young families will settle there and take advantage of what Fairmont has to offer,

“I want to make Fairmont attractive for young families,” Olsen said, explaining her hopes that a vibrant community will entice families to stay and for their children to eventually make Fairmont their home. RVW

BY MARY LEWIS

arb Kaus, CEO of the Greater Mankato Area United Way, leads the way in our region through her dedication to improving lives and her passion for motivating others to help.

Kaus’s business knowledge and acumen, along with a strong sense of community, led her to the CEO position in 2014. She brought with her lessons instilled by her father Bud Lawrence, a community leader and a founder of the Mankato Wacipi Pow Wow, and by her friend and mentor Glen Taylor, owner of Taylor Corporation and other businesses.

“I learned from the best,” Kaus said. “From my father, I learned about relationships and friendships, and to always share and give what you can. From Glen, I learned the importance of keeping your region strong and balanced for the current generation and for generations to come.”

Kaus’ life philosophy is all about blessings—the more you give, the more you receive.

When the position of CEO of Greater Mankato Area United Way became available, Kaus was immediately drawn to apply.

“My heart was drawn to the possibility of leading the way. I felt compelled to step in for the betterment of the region,” Kaus said.

To that end, Kaus has started various events and initiatives and greatly expanded upon existing ones to ensure United Way can accomplish its mission. These events function in various ways—from fundraisers such as the black-tie Fire & Ice Ball, to awareness-builders such as Men’s Event and Human Foosball Tournament, and to community resource events such as the Reading Festival.

Greater Mankato Area United Way’s mission is to unite the community to secure and invest resources to improve people’s lives. Your dollars stay local. Ninety-nine cents to every dollar stays here in the region to help build a better tomorrow for all.

Greater Mankato Area United Way serves communities in Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet, and Waseca Counties.

To help or volunteer, visit mankatounitedway.org.

Through it all, Kaus and her small staff at Greater Mankato Area United Way ensure that no donor dollars are used to put on the events, instead rallying support through in-kind donations, sponsorships and volunteers.

“All United Ways are run independently,” Kaus said, explaining how the branches of the United Way differ. “We each focus on the needs of our service area. For our United Way, we focus on the pillars of basic needs, health, and education, because those are the pillars that keep our region balanced, strong and sustainable.”

Keeping the work local is paramount to Kaus. Greater Mankato Area United Way is a local, independent nonprofit with a local governing board of directors.

“We are supported by United Way Worldwide and adhere to their standards, but they are not involved in our governance,” explained Kaus. “Our dollars stay local, with just one cent of every dollar going to United Way Worldwide for support.”

Before entering the nonprofit industry, Kaus was employed by Carlson Craft/Taylor Corp. in North Mankato for 36 years, including as president of Carlson Craft. She has served on the boards of directors for Greater Mankato Area United Way, Greater Mankato Growth and South Central College. She served as United Way’s board chair and campaign chair. She currently serves on the boards of directors for the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, Minnesota State University-Mankato Foundation and United Ways of Minnesota.

In recent years, Kaus received the Greater Mankato Rotary Service Above Self Award and the Mankato Family YMCA Mentor of the Year Award for her school-based mentoring. She is also 

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Abraham Lincoln

Favorite movie? Secretariat

Favorite book? Bible

What is your greatest joy? Without a doubt, it is my family. My husband Neil and I have been blessed with three sons and their significant others, Ben (wife Mary), Jon (wife Christa) and Nick (fiancé Kaitlyn), as well as six grandchildren.

What do you find the most challenging in your job?

The unknown of our campaign results. Over 51,000 citizens depend on our United Way’s funding each year, so it weighs heavy on my heart that we do all possible to hit our goal.

If you could have any other career what would it be?

Motivational speaker

If you could time travel, would you go back in time or forward and why? I would go back to Abraham Lincoln’s time during the Emancipation Proclamation and the abolition of slavery.

Introvert or extrovert? Introvert

What is something about you that would surprise others? I love to horseback ride.

Kaus and area media leaders.

Barb Kaus is a mentor to others including youth, as well as having mentors of her own including her father Bud Lawrence.

“Rarely do you meet anyone who cares about their community as much as Barb Kaus. Barb has a huge heart and it is evident in how hard she works to ensure United Way meets the campaign goal so that United Way can provide funding to the programs serving people in our region. Barb always strives for excellence and lives our United Way core values of accountability, collaboration, integrity and commitment. When Barb says she’ll do something, she follows through.”

- Elizabeth Harstad, Community Impact Director at Greater Mankato Area United Way

“Barb continually looks for what more we can do to improve people's lives and puts them on the path to success. She also knows that our mission is bigger than just one person, and she makes sure everyone has a place at the table. People see her authenticity and her passion to serve, and it motivates them to get involved. Barb has been a powerful mentor for me and many people in our region, encouraging others to embrace their talents.”

- Laura Murray, Communications & Marketing Director at Greater Mankato Area United Way

five community-minded individuals started a small charitable organization in Denver that collected funds for local charities. Their vision was to support people in their community during their time of need. Frances Wisebart Jacobs was the only woman among the founders, and was known as a passionate community leader who dreamed big and inspired others. The group’s small organization eventually became United Way.

 a member of the Mankato East Athletic Hall of Fame. In early 2020, she will receive the Boy Scout Values award in recognition of her community service.

Kaus enjoys working to connect with businesses, institutions, and community members in new, dynamic ways to ensure a better tomorrow for all. She is active in mentoring individuals of all ages, encouraging them to follow the path that fills their heart rather than what others dictate. She inspires others to believe in themselves and the gifts they have been given.

According to Kaus, “We are put on this earth to make it a better place for everyone.” RVW

Barb Kaus participating in a reading festival.

By RUTH KLOSSNER

PHOTOS BY LAURA KEOUGH AND RUTH KLOSSNER

oing up against larger, more luxurious homes, Jason and Emmy Philips of Phillips Built Homes were surprised and humbled to win the Peoples’ Choice award when the Mankato Tour of Homes was held this past October.

They designed and built a 2,100 square foot spec home in the new section of The Reserve development just off County Road 13 in Upper North Mankato.

“We wanted to do a modern cottage style with an old world feel,” Jason said. “It’s homey and cozy.” He added, “A house is more than the walls you live in. People [on the tour] commented on the feeling the home gave them. We saw some couples come back a second time. It was good to hear that it gave them a good feeling.”

The spec home that Jason and Emmy Phillips built in The Reserve development won the People’s Choice award during the October Tour of Homes in Mankato. The exterior features board and batten—which is also carried over into the home’s entryway.

The home is in a development targeted for young families. It’s close to the development’s park—where the eventual homeowners can see the soccer field and park, to keep an eye on the kids.

The Phillips designed the home with things that are important to people in mind— especially functionality. Every space has a use and the Phillips added many functional touches.

Emmy described the home this way, “In this cottage-inspired home, we wanted to create a soft, timeless look through the use of muted tones and textures. We also incorporated a lot of organic elements such as reclaimed woods, hand-made tiles, brick, and stone to give it a warm and welcoming feel. Large windows, arched passageways, and the plaster finish on the walls lend a 

Emmy’s favorite feature of the home is the “pocket office,” just off the kitchen and next to the master bedroom. It provides a convenient place to drop off the mail and do bookwork.

By using arches, ceiling beams, and antique brass fixtures, the living room reflects Jason and Emmy’s desire for a cozy home with a modern cottage style—yet with an old world feel. Flooring is white oak with natural gray undertones. Amber Patterson of AP Designs did the staging for the Tour of Homes.

Husband and wife team Jason and Emmy Phillips design and finish functional homes as Phillips Built Homes in Mankato.

With only an island separating the kitchen and living room, the home has an open feel.

The dining room has a clear view of the park and soccer field in The Reserve. It was designed around the chandelier.

Just like the dining room, the master bedroom has a great view of the park and sports complex through its sixfoot windows. The large windows create curb appeal.

The master bath has his and hers vanities, lots of built-in storage, and mixed metal features for a contemporary look and a spa-like retreat. A huge walk-in closet opens off it.

 little old world feel, while modern furnishings keep it current and interesting. We worked really hard to build a home that made efficient use of its square footage and to ensure that each area was not only beautiful, but functional.”

Jason and Emmy have been in Mankato three years—coming to the area to settle down with their children, nine-year-old Lily and six-year-old Luke.

“Since we marred in 2005, we have lived in eight homes. We decided to put down roots and be stable for the kids. Emmy grew up in Lake Crystal and wanted to be closer to family,” Jason said.

Jason grew up in Colorado and has a construction management degree from Colorado State. After moving to northeast Wyoming, he specialized in starter/move-in homes, then moved to the Twin Cities where he worked with a builder of luxurious homes. As Phillips Built Homes, he and Emmy are a team, doing project management and much of the work. Emmy does the design, with Jason doing all the trim work and details.

“We’re very meticulous and particular,” Emmy said. RVW

Extra storage was built into the back entry—using the space that backs up to the basement stairway. Note the slanted shoe storage at the bottom.

Both secondary bedrooms are generous-sized— 12-by-14 feet, with walk-in closets. The light fixtures create an identity.

REFILL ITSELF LET YOUR REFILL

RIVERFRONT

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

HILLTOP

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

• Get prescriptions automatically filled ahead of time and ready when you are

• Receive a call when your order is ready so you never have to worry about running out again

• Ask your Hy-Vee pharmacist about Repeat Refills

Your helpful Hy-Vee pharmacists can help you stay on top of your medication therapy, because not taking medication as directed by your doctor can be costly to both you and your health.

127627

IS A TIME TO clean out + organize.

“Out with the old, in with the new!” And what better place to start than the heart of the home – the kitchen?

The New Year is a great time to take inventory of the foods you have, toss foods past their prime, and donate foods you won’t use. Taking control of your kitchen can save you time (no more hunting through the cupboards or refrigerator), money (no more tossing out spoiled foods), and teach you about your shopping, eating and cooking habits.

Did you know Americans waste an estimated 40 percent of our food, with dairy products being thrown out more than other foods — even produce? In fact, the average person wastes an estimated 25 pounds of food every month! By learning strategies to store and use food properly, everyone can help reduce food waste.

1. TAKE IT ALL OUT.

a. Remove foods completely from your pantry and refrigerator. Wipe down cabinets and shelves.

2. SORT.

a. Organize food by type. Canned goods, dry ingredients, grains, snacks, dairy, produce, etc.

b. Use FIFO (first in, first out). Place the oldest foods near the front so they will be used before newer foods, helping you save money.

3. GIVE.

a. Donate any un-opened foods that you don’t plan to use.

b. Toss any foods that have spoiled.

c. Give new life to foods that are past their prime, but are still safe to eat.

Try these “Clean-out-the-Kitchen” recipe templates for delicious mix-and-match meals.

1. Egg Muffins are a blank canvas when it comes to add-ins. Start with an egg base, add in a little dairy (milk, cream, plain yogurt), cooked meats (ham, sausage, chicken, salmon), vegetables (mushrooms, onion, leafy greens, peppers, asparagus, tomatoes), cheese and herbs.

2. Pasta is a wonderful base for a hearty meal. Mix-and-match your pasta shape, add in sautéed vegetables, herbs, sauce and meat. Top with shredded cheese and a delicious meal awaits.

3. Stir-Fry lets you cook up your vegetables and meat quickly (any combination will work), top with soy sauce and serve over the grain of your choice (rice, quinoa, farro).

4. Soup is the perfect mode of “cleaning house.” The more flavors and combinations of beans, vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned) and herbs, the better. Place all your ingredients in a slow cooker before heading to work and top with shredded cheese just before serving and you have a simple and budget-friendly meal for the whole family.

Vegetable-Cheese Tortellini Soup

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp. Hy-Vee Select extra virgin olive oil

2 medium carrots, finely chopped

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp. garlic, minced

1 tbsp. Hy-Vee dried Italian seasoning

½ c. dry white wine, optional

3 (32-oz.) containers Hy-Vee vegetable cooking stock, 12 cups

1 (20-oz.) pkg. refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini, 4 cups

2 c. sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

1 (14.5 oz.) can cannellini beans, rinsed & drained

½ (5-oz.) pkg. baby kale

Hy-Vee black pepper, to taste

Hy-Vee shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

DIRECTIONS

1 2 3

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. If desired, add wine. Simmer mixture until liquid has reduced and vegetables are glazed, stirring frequently.

Add stock to pot. Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Add tortellini, sweet potatoes, beans, and kale. Simmer, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Season with pepper, to taste.

Serve soup topped with shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition facts per serving: 360 calories per serving, 9g Total Fat, 3g Saturated Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 30mg Cholesterol, 1250mg Sodium, 57g Total Carbohydrates, 6g Dietary Fiber, 6g Total Sugars, 0g Added Sugars, 13g Protein.

We, at the veterinary clinic, tend to see an increase in humane euthanasia following the holidays. Often times a family has come together and the kids have noticed that Fluffy or Clifford looks rough. After a conversation, mom and dad have also noticed that the pet has not been doing well. Sometimes the family has planned a humane euthanasia but wants to wait until everyone can come home for the holidays. Reaching this decision is nothing short of agonizing.

Age is not a disease. As humans, we visit the doctor often and even more frequently when we get older. Pets age more quickly than people do and often when they are showing that they don’t feel well, the disease has already progressed. Many diseases, such as kidney failure or even arthritis can’t be cured but can be managed for a period of time. Scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian at the first signs of an illness can be crucial in catching something before it progresses. Sometimes even after you get the diagnosis, you are still left with making a tough decision.

As people, we can vocalize how we are feeling and what our healthcare wishes are. Our pets do not have this option. We are left to assess their quality of life for them. When pets don’t feel good they often have a decreased appetite, they may not drink often enough, they may cry out in pain when touched, they may not groom themselves any longer or they may lose control of their bowels. They may show behavioral changes such as hiding more, socializing less with loved ones, isolating themselves or simply not doing things they had previously enjoyed. Sometimes we even see their relationships with their housemates change. This can all be difficult to assess, which is why using a quality of life questionnaire can be

so helpful. Ohio State University has a great one called “Honoring the Bond.”

Many families have had the pet since puppy or kittenhood and the very thought of them passing away brings anxiety. We worry that we aren’t making the right decision. What if we are wrong and things change?  What if they are scared? What if they feel pain? What if they have a better day tomorrow? The “What if’s” can cause us doubt. Although this can be one of your worst decisions to have to make, I like to think that my pets have given me so much in life. They have been there in the tough times, they have greeted me after a long day, they have taught me patience, they have listened without objection, they have provided safety and warmth. It only feels right to repay them with the gift of letting them go, without all of the suffering. In the human world we suffer through pain, starvation, agony and heartbreak, sometimes wishing for the end to come soon. We have the power to save our pets from such experiences.

Saying goodbye to a furry family member can feel just as bad as losing a human loved one. For some of us, losing our pet is the closest family member we have ever lost. We spent every day with them for years and it all seemed to go by so fast. Moving forward can seem impossible. Take it day by day and cherish the memories you had made. Allow your other pets to grieve as well, before bringing home someone new to love.

Please reach out to your veterinarian with any questions regarding quality of life, as well humane euthanasia. I also can recommend visiting lapoflove.com for more helpful information.

NICOLE LUECK, CVT Minnesota Valley Pet Hospital

I LOVE LIFE—I PLAN TO LIVE ANOTHER 30 YEARS!

Long known at the church with the red door, St. Peter Episcopal Church is now the Junique Center. While definite plans haven’t been made, Kathleen Backer anticipates that the church will host weddings, baptisms, music events, and more.

Story & Photos By RUTH KLOSSNER

For New Ulm’s Kathleen Backer, it’s not so much a matter of moving and shaking, it’s a matter of “What’s she up to next?” Backer has been involved in so many community organizations that it’s impossible to list them all, but now she’s on her second go-round as director of the Brown County Historical Society. If that’s not enough, Backer recently embarked on a new “Junique” adventure. (See side story).

Backer is not one to sit back and watch things happen—she’s right there in the middle of things, making things happen. That’s been true from her first tenure at the historical society—which began when she spearheaded a fundraising campaign— through tenures at a historical site in Illinois, at Farmamerica, at Heritagefest, and now back where she started.

As a high school student, Kathleen (then Cordes) was directed away from a college path, toward being a secretary. Finding that not to her liking, she worked at 3M for a few years. When 3M— and later District 88—offered extended campus classes from Mankato State College, Backer took her first college classes in the 1970s.

She took more college classes as a non-traditional student when MSU offered Friday College and then Saturday College. She finally graduated with a Business Administration degree with a concentration in history in 1989—marching in the same graduation ceremony as her daughter.

While doing research for a college project at the historical society in New Ulm, Paul Klammer, director at the time, asked her to head a fundraiser.

“He told me he had heard that I had a gift of gab and a sales personality. We didn’t know much about fundraising then—it was two-and-ahalf years later when we finished the fundraiser,” she explained. “I became an employee—curator, then museum manager, then executive director.”

During the same period, Kathleen (then Juni) served two terms on the school board for District #88—from 1983 to 1989—advocating for vocational education, the arts, and music.

Feeling the need for a new challenge, Juni made a career move to Rockford, Illinois to be director of Midway Village & Museum Center. During her years at MV&MC, she shook things up—adding educational programs, establishing an internship program, tripling the staff, increasing attendance, and attracting more volunteers.

After nine years in Illinois, she moved back to her New Ulm to marry Cal Backer.

Back home, she first headed Farmamerica—Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center—at Waseca, from 1998 to 2000.

“I loved it,” she said. “Agriculture and working with history was a good combination—but I didn’t appreciate the commute to Waseca on Highway 14!”

When Leo Berg retired from his position as head of New Ulm’s Heritagefest celebration, Backer stepped up to be executive director for the next two-plus years.

“That was a time of declining attendance. We infused corporate dollars into it, but times were changing and lots of things were competing with us. We decided to close it down while we still had money in the bank,” Backer offered.

Only days after that decision was announced, Backer was named recipient of the Athena Award, presented by the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce to a woman who has shown excellence in business, involvement in the community, and who has provided assistance and opened doors for other women to reach their full potential.

With Heritagefest behind her, Backer “retired,” but did some strategic planning and marketing consulting with non-profits— along with a lot of volunteer work, including two phases of fundraising at Turner Hall.

That’s when the historical society came calling—again—in the fall of 2017. Though her first reaction was to decline, Backer agreed to one year, then a second—and is now in her third as executive director.

“Now I get to do it all over again,” she said. “The buck stops here. I’m hired by the board. I’m responsible to run the organization, to hire staff, recruit volunteers, develop programs, and manage the finances and marketing.”

In returning to the role she held decades earlier, Backer found that some things have changed. There are more non-profits, competing for the same dollars and time. Membership is less and people look at different means for entertainment.

“Our audiences are different,” she explained. “How do we 

What did you expect to do with your life when you graduated from high school?

Get married and have a family.

What twists and turns happened along the way?

In the 1970s, opportunities in education became available via extended MSU classes offered in New Ulm. Then Friday College. This made it possible for me to take classes and complete my degree. The farm crisis in the ’80s. Being elected to the District #88 School Board for two terms. Being afforded opportunities to serve my community with service on boards and committees and develop my leadership skills.

Other than what you do or did career-wise what else would be your dream job?

Being an established motivational speaker. Work as a public relations staff person for a high-profile official/personality.

How do you shake things up?

I take risks. Follow my dreams/ visions—like purchasing the church.

What motivates you?

Opportunities—working on interesting projects like sitting on the RENU commission for the City of New Ulm a couple of years ago.

What discourages you? Negativity.

What do your kids think of the moves you’ve made along the way? (Especially now that they’ll inherit a church)

Through conditioning over the years, they expect the unexpected. I am fortunate they are always supportive of my endeavors.

 attract audiences? Radio, newspaper, and local television were our communication mainstays back in the 1980s. We have to expand on them, using websites and Facebook.”

She continued, “We have to start with awareness—what is our organization, what does it do? My first two years were assessment—is there room for improvement? How do we do it? How do we enhance programs to reach a broader audience.”

As she moves into her third year, Backer is promoting existing programs and expanding services, using a variety of communication methods to reach and target new audiences.

An example is the society’s “Lunch & a Bite of History” noon-hour program.

“We haven’t changed it, but we’ve promoted it more aggressively. From an attendance of about 30, we had 132 at our Prohibition Program and 112 at the Harold Loeffelmacher Program. We’re seeing success with promotion. Now the question is, do we split the audience—having a noon and a 6:30 p.m. program? These are some good challenges, having too many people in a room.”

Expanded services have been offered to reach older clientele at senior living facilities. Backer has taken programs to Springfield

and Sleepy Eye—and to facilities in New Ulm.

“The program is not new, as far as content, but taking it out is,” Backer explained. “We have a Settlers Trunk Program that allows hands-on experience with things like clamp-on ice skates. It’s so satisfying to see their faces light up as they start reminiscing about the good out days. I hope to visit the facilities every other month. We have five programs packaged up and ready to go now.”

She added, “I’m looking for volunteers comfortable interfacing with seniors to go out. It’s heartwarming and gratifying to do. If anyone is interested, call me at 507-233-2620. It’s a great opportunity.”

Backer has also promoted repackaging displays as traveling exhibits and putting them up in other locations. After being displayed at the center, the Ballrooms of Brown County display was taken to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame and is now on display in Sleepy Eye.

“Research is the biggest investment. Why not use it? We take the same research, repackage it, and take it out to senior living facilities or as a traveling exhibit,” she said. “History is exciting—it’s how you present it. That’s how I try to package it.”

Backer sees a variety of other opportunities for the historical society. One is in grant 

BCHS Executive Director Kathleen Backer noted that the second-floor rotating exhibit, Wet Stills and Dry Agents, has been popular. It will be up until May 2020. The museum is planning a major exhibit on baseball to tie into New Ulm’s hosting of the State Amateur Baseball Tournament in 2020.

THE CHURCH WITH THE RED DOOR

Imagine getting a text message that reads: “When your mother croaks, you shall inherit a church.”

That’s what appeared on the phones of Kathleen Backer’s three adult children not too long ago. They were, understandably, curious—but soon found that the message also called for recurring sweat equity over a long period of time.

Kathleen Backer—already in her second go-round as executive director of the Brown County Historical Society—has, indeed, purchased a church, even though she’s not exactly sure what she’ll do with it. What her kids do know is that Kathleen isn’t doing it all herself. “I told them that we don’t own a lake home or a condominium, so we’ll own a church,” she said. “After they all came and looked at it with me, we agreed to meet at the church once a month to put in sweat equity. We share a meal and we work. The first time, they showed up with a chainsaw, ladders, tools, a lawnmower, and more.”

Called on for sweat equity are Backer’s children Michele Seifert of New Ulm, Jeff and Ellen Juni of rural New Ulm, and Dan and Sandi Juni of Coon Rapids—who moved back to Minnesota from Kentucky, just in time to participate in the family workdays. Kathleen also has seven grandchildren, ages 16 to 26; those available have also pitched in.

“It’s a great way to get together. Our family gathers at the church, rather than at a lake home or at a condo.”

Looking ahead, Backer said, “The specifics of what the church will be or how it will be used haven’t been determined. We’re working through a lot of ideas—I encourage people to contact me with their ideas. I didn’t buy it to make money. I bought it to preserve the building and to use the chapel for weddings, baptisms, funerals, musical performances, or presentations. The chapel seats about a hundred. It could be a retreat center, too—it has offices, bathrooms, a dining room, a kitchen.”

Backer has already had three inquiries for weddings in 2020.

“For now, the main thing is to stabilize the building and take care of a lack of maintenance. We put in gutters and heat cable on the south side to avoid ice dams,” she said.

St. Peter Episcopal Church at 125 South Broadway in New Ulm closed about a year ago—leaving everything intact, down to the paraments (hanging in bags, just back from the dry cleaners), the organ, a Steinway piano, pews, altar, side chairs, 20+ beautiful stained glass windows…everything.

A second portion was added on to the original 1905 church in 1961. It has a pre-cast roof that “could hold a tank,” according to Backer. Kathleen recalled how she came to buy the building.

“It was calling my name,” she said. “I remember standing in front of the church’s red door and calling the Realtor. An individual from New Ulm wanted to put together a non-profit but that didn’t take off. Then a second offer was made. When that fell through, the Realtor asked if I was still interested. That’s when I sent that text to my kids.”

The family has named the building the Junique Center and has organized an LLC under that name—taken from the last name of Kathleen’s first husband, Dave, and the children’s last name, Juni. Interestingly, when Kathleen looked at the deed, she’s found that the building has had just four owners—a Mueller family, Benedict and Bertha Juni, the Episcopal church, and now the Juni family. What goes around, comes around!

“It was meant to be,” Kathleen said.

intoVenturing Politics

As if she didn’t have enough on her plate, Kathleen Backer stepped into politics in the last city election, running for mayor. It’s something she hasn’t regretted.

“I’d do it all over again, even if I knew the outcome,” she stated. “I felt that I had something to offer—some leadership, some vision—that’s worthwhile to share with New Ulm,” she explained. “I learned how the city is run, I got familiar with it, and I saw an outpouring of support. I was so surprised at the outpouring from all ages. As an example, a high school student taking part in Network New Ulm Youth remembered me, mentioned that I ran for mayor, and said, ‘She rocks.’”

Backer added, “It wasn’t just for the moment. It was my love of the city. A lot of people have a lot of skills but don’t take the risk. If people haven’t run for office, I’d recommend it for the experience. You’ll build a knowledge base. You’re better connected as far as knowing people and building on your base.”

Backer purchased St. Peter Episcopal Church “lock, stock, and barrel” with everything in place. Other than a layer of dust, things are in great condition.

 writing. Another is to explore more opportunities with Martin Luther College, which now supplies four work-study students at the museum. Internships from MSU is another. The museum had an MSU intern this past summer, working primarily at the Kiesling House, which the museum operates through a lease agreement with the City of New Ulm.

No matter what she does, Backer approaches the job with energy, creatively, and enthusiasm.

As she summed up, Backer said, “My love of history, pride for community, commitment to education, and love of life are the driving forces that keep me focused on what is important. My loving friends and family give me the energy and encouragement to follow my dreams.”

Kathleen also admitted, “I’m a workaholic. I believe that life is about working hard, playing hard, and having spirituality. I love life—I plan to live another 30 years!” RVW

An Education Pod area on the museum’s second floor makes the museum more engaging for the whole family. There are kidfriendly exhibits, dress-up pioneer clothes, activity sheets, and more.

WITH THESE DISHES ON GAME DAY SCORE BIG

We polled our readers to find out their favorite Super Bowl snack. Here are a sampling of their answers along with some of the recipes.

• JALAPEÑO POPPERS

• CRAB RANGOON DIP

• MEXICAN CHEESE/ HAMBURGER DIP

• MEATBALLS IN BARBECUE SAUCE

• CHICKEN WINGS

• HOMEMADE CARAMEL CORN

• SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP

• RANCH CHEESE BEER DIP

• HAWAIIAN HAM, SWISS SLIDERS

• SHEET PAN NACHOS WITH HOMEMADE CHEESE

• OUR FAMILY'S QUESADILLAS

• PICKLE DOG DIP

HOT ONION DIP

INGREDIENTS

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a medium baking dish.

In the prepared dish, mix the cream cheese, onion, Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise.

Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

ITALIAN FRIES

INGREDIENTS

6 or 7 Idaho potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/3-inchthick French fry-style strips, soaked in cold water

4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs or some combo of dried oregano, thyme, marjoram, and basil

2 cups freshly grated Romano cheese

1/4 cup parsley leaves, finely chopped

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter, cut into 6 cubes

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Drain the potatoes and pat dry with paper towels. Spread 1 tablespoon of the olive oil on each of 2 rimmed baking sheets and spread out the potatoes. Overlapping is fine.

Sprinkle the dried herbs evenly over the potatoes. Liberally spread the cheese and parsley on top. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cheese. Scatter the cubed butter around the pans.

Bake until the potatoes are golden brown, rotating the pans after 30 minutes, for 45 to 50 minutes total. Use a spatula to lift off the potatoes with all the crusty cheese adhered to them. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

KING’S HAWAIIAN SLIDERS

INGREDIENTS

24 slices of deli honey ham

6 Slices of swiss cheese, cut into fourths

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 1/2 tablespoons

dijon mustard

1/2 cup butter melted

1 tablespoon Onion Powder

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 packages (12 count) King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls

PREPARATION

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Cut rolls in half and spread mayo onto 1 side of the rolls. Place a slice or two of ham and slice of Swiss cheese in roll. Replace the top of the rolls and bunch them closely together into a baking dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, melted butter, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce.

Pour sauce over the rolls, just covering the tops. Cover with foil and let sit for 10 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover and cook for additional 2 minutes until tops are slightly browned and crisp. Serve warm.

WHISKEY STICKS

INGREDIENTS

16 ounces pretzel twists or sticks

1⁄2 cup butter

3 tablespoons whiskey

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees

PREPARATION

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Add butter, whiskey, brown sugar, garlic and cayenne to saucepan and cook over low heat until melted.

Spread pretzels on a baking sheet and pour butter mixture over pretzels. Toss to coat.

Bake 10 minutes. Stir mixture and bake 10 more minutes.

Allow to cool and enjoy!

by Blue Skye Mercantile

What’s cooking at Blue Skye Mercantile? Red Beans and Rice!

With the Roasted Chili Olive Oil and Nicolai Amende’s Hot Sauce, you’ll definitely be getting some heat with this recipe! Fight the frigid temps and stop in for those ingredients today! - Lisa and

Karina

Red Beans and Rice

 ¼ cup Roasted Chili Olive Oil

 ¼ lb bacon, roughly chopped

 1 medium yellow onion, diced

 1 bay leaf

 1 tbsp paprika

 1 tbsp Nicolai Amende Chili Lime Hot Sauce

 1 ½ lbs dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight

 2 qt. chicken stock

 ½ tbsp sea salt

 2 tsp sugar

 1 bunch scallions

 Persian Lime Rice (Recipe Below)

Place a heavy Dutch oven on stovetop over medium heat. Add bacon and olive oil. Cook, stirring often until fat drippings are rendered, 3-5 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper and celery. Cook, stirring often until onion is translucent but not too broken down, 3-5 minutes. Add bay leaf, paprika and hot sauce. Drain and rinse beans, and add to pot. Pour in chicken stock, covering beans. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil, skimming off and discarding foam from the surface. Reduce heat to low, cover and stir occasionally to break beans apart. Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in salt and sugar and, if desired, more hot sauce. Serve beans over rice. Garnish with scallions.

Persian Lime Rice

 ¼ cup Persian Lime Olive Oil

 1 large yellow onion, diced

 ¼ cup butter, softened

 1 bay leaf

 1 tsp sea salt

 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice

 3 cups chicken broth

Heat oil in saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, butter, bay leaf and salt. Cook, stirring often until onions are soft and translucent, about 6 minutes. Add rice and stir well. Stir in chicken broth and bring to mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let stand, cover for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.

CLAIRE PATTERSON RN, Occupational Health Nurse Mankato Clinic Occupational Medicine

In today’s world, we spend hours sitting in our offices, homes, and cars. In fact, the average person sits 12 hours a day, according to JustStand. org. Evidence shows prolonged sitting raises our risk for type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Sitting is hazardous to our health. On the flipside, research shows we can reap health benefits just by breaking up long periods of sitting. Here are some simple ways to add movement to your workday.

Standing desks

They are great if you use them. If you have a sit-stand station, stand 50 percent of your day. If you work eight hours, four should be standing. Some people sit one hour and then stand one hour. Others stand in the morning and sit in the afternoon. Some tasks are easier to do sitting or standing. Plan your day accordingly and do what works best.

Be sure to have supportive shoes to wear when standing. It’s tricky with all the cute boots this season, but keep a pair of tennis shoes at your workstation.

Hydrate

Drink lots of water. This way you will naturally have to get up to use the restroom and you will reap the benefits of being well hydrated. Win-win. Just getting up and getting away from your desk is so helpful.

Walk

If you are allowed a 10- or 15-minute break, get up and take a walk. This also will help you de-stress and boost your energy by changing your body position and walking. You will be more productive once you return to your work. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator at least one way.

Stand up every hour

Work is busy, but that’s no excuse. Moving at work will help you. Get up to use the copy machine, stand up while talking on the phone, go and talk with someone instead of sending an email. These are all small changes that can make a big difference.

Move and stretch

Take a quick stretching break in the morning before your shift starts, or every four hours. Try mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

Prolonged sitting causes muscle imbalance. Mankato Clinic physical therapist Jake Nienow explains the trapezius and pectoral muscles get very tight and overused while the deeper muscles in the neck and between the shoulder blades become over-stretched and underdeveloped. This muscle imbalance can affect how we move and can lead to injury. He advises getting up for five minutes every hour. Stand up, walk around, get some blood flow through the body. Stretch those muscles that get tight from sitting and strengthen the muscles that are underused throughout your day. Take some time out of your day to try to restore a functional balance and retain good movement patterns.

If you feel tight through the neck, shoulders and lower back, consult a physical therapist or health care provider to learn what you can do to get yourself moving optimally.

Dr. Andrew Lundquist, chief medical officer of Mankato Clinic, uses a standing workstation. When in the office, he prefers to stand while working at his computer.

CREATING HEALTHY WORKSPACES

Many of us spend a significant amount of our time at work. Some people even spend more time with their colleagues than with their families and friends. Two years ago, the #MeToo movement brought many reports of workplace sexual harassment and abuse to national attention. At the time, stories were surfacing almost daily of people being sexually harassed by their employers or colleagues.

Unfortunately, even though the nation is becoming more aware of the problem of sexual violence, workplace sexual harassment often goes unreported because of shame, fear, and a perceived lack of resources.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as many as 75% of victims who spoke out about harassment in the workplace experienced some form of retaliation. Fear of jeopardizing one’s employment and economic security keeps many victims silent.

Sexual harassment not only harms individuals, but it hurts companies as well. As a result of sexual harassment, companies can experience increased employee turnover, increased sick leave, and decreased worker productivity. Since many employees are reluctant to make a report, employers may not be able to recognize that their employees are being impacted by violence.

So, what can we do to prevent sexual harassment and violence in the workplace? First, we need to make sure that everyone in the community has a good understanding of what sexual violence involves. Sexual violence, which includes sexual harassment, is the use of sexual actions or words that are unwanted and harmful to another person and can encompass anything from verbal remarks and non-verbal communication to physical assault. Some of these behaviors include non-consensual touching, catcalling, demeaning jokes or comments, threats, displaying objectifying imagery, commenting on another’s body or appearance, retaliation after romantic rejection, sending unasked for explicit photos, stalking, and sexual assault.

Additionally, we all need to understand that people of all genders can be victims of harassment and violence, and that people of all genders can perpetrate harassment and violence. However, those with less social power experience violence at higher rates than those in power. In fact, power is often misused to perpetrate sexual violence. It is important to acknowledge that some forms of sexual violence are considered crimes by state statutes, but many of these actions are not illegal even though they can be equally as harmful.

Preventing violence requires community engagement—and one great way to engage adults in community prevention efforts is in their

workplaces. In 2020, CADA will be undertaking a new violence prevention initiative—The Rosemary Workspaces Initiative—that creates and sustains partnerships with local businesses and community organizations in order to create inclusive workspaces that provide employees and their employers the skills and knowledge to actively prevent harassment and violence.

These type of prevention initiatives address the fact that huge issues like sexual harassment can feel overwhelming, but also suggest that we can each take small, simple steps to create safe and healthy communities, starting in the workplace. Some steps you can take include:

1. Learn how to best support victims and survivors of sexual violence.

If you know one of your colleagues has experienced harassment, violence, or abuse—whether in the workplace or at home—you can be a support person. This support should include reassurance that what they experienced wasn’t their fault. Rather than telling your colleagues what they should do, you can offer support for the decisions they make and respect how they decide to move forward. You can suggest community resources where they can turn to for help.

2. Be an active bystander.

If you witness harmful behaviors happening, or if you notice that colleague is in an uncomfortable position you can step in and intervene if you feel it is safe to do so. People are reluctant to intervene for many reasons, among them thinking someone else will address the problem, or feeling nervous or unsure of how to intervene. Most people are more comfortable intervening if they have received training on how to be a skillful bystander.

3. Know your workplace’s policies and policymakers.

If you are in a leadership position, review your workplace policies. Are they supportive of survivors and their needs? Do they provide adequate information about what does entail sexual harassment? Have you successfully tested your reporting procedure? Are your employees safe from retaliation? If you are not in a leadership position, and you feel safe to do so, find those who are responsible for policy and procedure and see if they are interested in engaging in a discussion about these policies.

Preventing sexual harassment and violence is possible! We each have an important role to play in creating healthier and more productive work and community spaces. Together, we can create communities and workplaces where everyone can succeed, thrive, and grow.

KRISTEN WALTERS Development & Volunteer Manager CADA, Mankato

Girls who are leading the way often have a certain energy and attitude. They may appear outspoken, assertive, or at times cause people to question their leadership “behavior.”

You know those girls who are take charge, have a bounce in their step and give people direction who may not really want it? They might be the one who decides she is going to eat chocolate for breakfast, eggs for lunch and a pickle sandwich for supper with chips. You may hear people refer to them as bossy, rude, difficult, or stepping out of their boundaries.

But are they really?

Could it be that they have the temperament to get things done, a spirit to lead, have a different way of doing things and an innate heart and passion to do it? Think about the women in your life who are the movers and shakers? They are your daughters, your mothers, your sisters and your friends. These are the women who you can call on when you need something to get done and you know that it will no matter what. They put their best foot forward and typically do not stop until they have

accomplished what they were going after.

Do you know those women? Or maybe you are one of these gals too. More importantly, do you know those younger girls in your life that display these qualities?

I am lucky enough to encounter many of these youth in my day-to-day work in my school district. They are sometimes the most challenging, but they can also be the most creative in their connection and completion of the work set before them. They might be the ones who cause you to pause and think about their style of leadership, or what they are trying to get across to you.

We need to harness their energy and embrace their variety of leadership styles that might be atypical. We also have to help them lead so that they still have their flare, and not tamper their personality as to help them move forward into the world independently. We want our girls to be confident, empowered, and be who they are while at the same time be kind, considerate and thoughtful.

MOLLY FOX, LICSW Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Lead School Social Worker, Mankato President, Minnesota School Social Work Association

When it comes to weight loss, we’d all like a quick fix. And plenty of diets promise results that sound too good to be true. The problem is—they probably are.

Fad diets are attractive because they offer false hope at losing weight quickly and permanently. However, losing weight requires long-term changes.

Telltale signs of fad diets include—

• They promise rapid weight loss. If a plan promises losses of more than two pounds a week, proceed with caution.

• They require eliminating foods. Beware of diets that claim entire food groups—such as carbs—are “bad.” You need a variety of foods to get the nutrition your body needs.

• They have rigid rules. Some fad diets require purchasing meal replacement products like shakes or bars. Others emphasize eating mostly one type of food, such as meat, grapefruit or cabbage soup.

• They severely restrict calories. You’ll lose weight anytime you severely restrict your calories. But this extreme approach is unhealthy and unsustainable.

Calories are the fuel your body needs to function. Losing weight and keeping it off is certainly challenging. Be persistent in your pursuit of improving your health. Losing weight isn’t what dictates how healthy you are, but rather it’s the quality of food you choose to fuel your body with.

To lose weight and keep it off, look for a plan that includes the following.

• Variety. A healthy diet includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, nuts and seeds, and even a sweet treat once in a while. Switch your focus from what you have to take out of your diet to what quality foods you can add. When your intention is health and moderation, you don’t tend to feel deprived of foods you love because the purpose for the change is more than just losing weight.

• Exercise. Achieving a healthy weight is easier when you are eating healthfully and exercising. Look for a plan that recognizes the importance of movement.

• A long-term plan. Frame your goals to reflect healthy habits you want to adopt versus numbers you want to drop on the scale. Aim to make your routine healthier by slowly changing your eating or exercise routine. For example, make every Monday “try a new food day” and schedule Thursday for “fun family activity day.” Build a different lifestyle that helps support your goals for change.

If you’re looking for guidance, there are several healthy plans that meet these criteria. They include the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the Mayo Clinic diet.

We have easy access to a wide range of nutrition recommendations at our fingertips and there are an abundance of diet myths out there. Always seek advice from reputable sources when making lifestyle changes.

GRACE FJELDBERG Registered dietitian-nutritionist Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato

BY CINDY HAUGLAND tidytightwads.com

Do your New Year’s Resolutions include things like “Better time management,” “Less rushing around,” or “More ME time on my calendar”?

These are a few common resolutions people make because time is a commodity we simply can’t buy or make more of. The only thing we can do is manage it better. People resolve to make a change so they have more time to spend with family and do what they love.

In the spirit of helping you start out 2020 doing more of what you love, we’ll share some common time wasters and how to put a stop to them.

• It’s about location! Do you suffer from illogical placement of things you use often? If you’re constantly reaching for something you’re storing too high, digging to the back or near the floor to get at items you use daily, or are making a billion trips across the kitchen to get something you use on the other side, you need to make storage of items more efficient. One example I often give is— why would you store the coffee filters across the kitchen from the coffee maker? Fix these things and save time.

• Too much searching! If you often mutter “It’s here somewhere” while frantically digging through drawers, shelves, and boxes for something you know you have, you’re wasting time. Creating a logical system, a consistent storage method, and visibly labeling can all help eliminate the problem of forgetting where you stored something. Always assign a place for things and put them back where they belong when you’re doing using them.

• Stop moving things around! Are you guilty of moving the same items around multiple times? If you grab the mail, flip through it, see two bills and a junk mail, toss everything in your purse, bring it in the house, put it on the counter, come back later, open it, set it back in the stack, then move it to another spot so you can fix supper, then go through and put the bills on the frig with a magnet, and then toss the junk mail in the garbage, you’ve touched the same items too many

times. Get in the habit of mail-to-garbage/recycling with the junk mail, and straight to the refrigerator or other designated spot with your bills. What items do you touch and move too many times?

• Procrastination. Some tasks such as laundry and dishes build up over time. Putting them off too long makes the chore mountainous. If you can do a little bit as needed, it won’t be so time consuming, nor will you let the dread build as you avoid the task.

• Clarify! How many times have you stopped by the grocery store for milk only to find your spouse brought home milk too? Not only did you double your cost, you wasted time and gas to the store. Not asking clarifying questions will waste time whether at work, home, or volunteer commitments. Clarify who is doing what, ask questions, and avoid duplication of tasks.

• Lists are good! Make running errands as efficient as possible. Use a box to put all items that need to be returned, such as something loaned from a friend, library books, etc. in, along with bills that need to be dropped off, packages to ship, etc. Instead of buying one birthday card in a trip, buy a bunch and have them ready to go. Make lists so you remember everything in the same day and avoid multiple trips.

• Sitting in the car can be fruitful! Keep a small box or basket in your car with things you can do while you’re sitting and waiting. If you drive carpool and spend tons of time waiting for kids, pull out the basket and pay bills, write thank-you notes, read school notes, and other things you need to get done. It’s a great feeling to be done with these things and do something else when you get home!

What types of tasks do you feel are time wasters in your life? Sometimes taking special note or keeping a journal can help you identify what’s consuming too much time in your day. Then make small changes to carve out a little more time for you in 2020.

BY CHELSEA BODE

During these winter months we see a lot of people going a little bit darker, maybe adding freehand painted highlights called balayge to their previous foils to add interest to the ends.

Looking ahead to spring and to prom season we're seeing a lot of the Boho braids, lots of texture, and fun styles!

Paul

and hydratriplex treatments can put the glow back in your tresses this winter. As you can see with these before and after photos of the redhead adding a hydration treatment after every color treatment helps hydrate the hair and give it extra shine!

Our hair tends to become brittle and can break this time of year. Keratin treatments to the rescue!

NU Roots New Ulm

Mitchell’s keratriplex

Setting the trend for your everyday adventures, this brightly colored bag is noticeably hot on a cold day.

Cozy, comfortable and great style. What more could you ask for?

January is the month for getting back into your routine. From getting kids on the bus and your morning workout, to running errands and meeting friends for lunch, this winter's all about the versatile cozy comfort of stylish “athleisure."

Elevate your look with these stackable bracelets. It’s all in the wrist!

On your wrist or in your hair, this retro trend is the perfect addition to your look.

Effortless, casual comfort— you’re set to go girl!

Not your everyday legging. Who said athleisure was boring? Not you when you’re sporting these head-turners.

Warm, cozy and slouchy sweater boot. You’ll never want to take them off!

BY DANYEL POST Scheels Clothing Expert Mankato

QMy husband was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and he’s only 42! His doctor recommended switching to a plant-based diet. How do we do this?

APlant-based eating has become the biggest dining trend of 2019. There are many alternative meat products on—and coming to—the market this year. More and more people are switching to a plant-based diet thanks to its proven health and environmental benefits.

A plant-based diet is one that centers on whole plant foods, namely vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, mushrooms, nuts, and seeds. Yes, you can live off of that. No, you will not waste away to scrawny nothingness. The Roman Gladiators were vegetarian and subsisted mainly on barley and beans. Gorillas follow a plant-based diet. If you want to be as strong as an ox, you should probably eat like one (P.S. They are vegetarian, too). Ryan Reed (NASCAR), Carl Lewis (track), Scott Jurek (ultramarathon runner), Serena Williams (tennis), David Carter (NFL), Patrick Neshek (MLB), and Kevin Love (NBA) are just a few athletes playing at the top of their game and they attribute their peak performance to following a plantbased diet.

A plant-based diet is the only diet that has been shown to not only prevent—but to reverse —advanced-stage cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies also suggest a plant-based diet is associated with sustainable weight management, reducing risk of death, and lower rate of heart disease.

1. Start slow.

Pick a few plant-based meals and rotate them through in a week. Start with meals you have always enjoyed that just happen to be plant-based, such as oatmeal, pasta, potatoes, veggie stir-fry, bean and rice burrito, lentil soup, or vegetarian chili. Then elaborate from there.

2. Cut down meat and processed food intake.

Start by changing the proportion of plant and animal-based foods on your plate. This will give your mind and body time to acclimate to the new diet. Change up your plate by having vegetables take up 50% of it. Next, get rid of meat and dairy products you don’t like much anyway. And gradually work on swapping animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives in your favorite recipes. For instance, if you love beef chili, trade meat with lentils or portobello mushrooms.

3. Go for plant-based breakfast.

Commit to eating at least one plant-based meal every day. A wholesome, vegetarian breakfast is a good place to start. Next, work on a vegetarian lunch, followed by snacks and dinner. Eventually work toward a completely meatless day.

4. Watch your protein.

While the average protein we require is about one gram per kilogram of our body weight, most people overconsume it by doubling or even tripling the recommendations in the incessant quest to get “enough.” There is plenty of protein in plants to meet all requirements. The protein humans absorb from the animals they eat comes directly from the plants the animals consumed. The animals only act as the “middleman” in the protein transfer. You are better off going straight to the source.

5. Keep your meals fun and exciting.

Focus on foods you like and ones that are easily accessible to you. If you aren’t skilled in the kitchen, stick to easier recipes. Learn new ways to make those simple recipes more fun and flavorful. Don’t deprive yourself of occasional treats, invest some time in exploring new recipes, ingredients, food blogs, and restaurants. As you start to enjoy new foods and new flavors, you’ll notice how much better you will feel. And soon, you’ll start to crave more plant-based foods over time. Lastly, keep in mind that any transition takes time. Be gentle with yourself as you find your rhythm to incorporate plant-based foods.

CORINNE JORDAN, MD, FACS General Surgery Physicians Group of New Ulm

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED

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

Sat, Jan 4 & Feb 1

• New Ulm Bird & Small Animal Swap & Sale Day, Brown Co Fairgrounds, New Ulm, 8 am-noon. Info: 507-375-4716 or 507-3546448.

Sat, Jan 4

• ‘I’ll Be Homicidal for Christmas,’ Country Club, 1991 Lemond Rd, Owatonna, 7 pm. Info & tickets: 763-566-2583 or themysterycafe.com.

• St John’s CCW Bingo, St John’s Catholic Church, Searles, 1 pm. Info: sei@newulmtel.net.

Thurs, Jan 9

• Films on First Thursdays—‘Well Fed,’ Treaty Site History Center, 1851 S Minnesota Ave, St. Peter, 7 pm. Info: museum@nchsmn. org or 507-934-2160.

Sat, Jan 11

• Cross-Country Skiing with the Naturalist, Flandrau State Park. 1300 Summit Ave, New Ulm, 10-11 am. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Winter Fest, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 5-8 pm. Info: 507384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us

• Craft Beer Expo, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, 3-6 pm. Info: mankatocraftbeerexpo.com/ about.

• Billy & Elton—The Hits, State Street Theater, 1 N State St, New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: statestreetnewulm.org or statestreettheater@gmail.com

• Full Moon Snowshoe Hike, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 6-7:30 pm. Info & registration: 507357-8580 or info@neycenter. org.

• Winter Comedy Showcase, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, 7:30 pm. Info & tickets: Info: info@

GO. BE. DO. CON NECT.

paradisecenterforthearts.org or 507-332-7372.

• Jesters Comedy Improve, Performing Arts Center, Waseca, 7 pm. Info: 507-835-3260 or info@ wasecachamber.com.

Sat, Jan 11 & Feb 8

• Maid Rites at American Legion, 13 S Minnesota, New Ulm, 10 am ‘til gone. Info: 507-354-4016 or AmericanLegionPost132@ gmail.com.

Sun, Jan 12

• Lafayette Lions’ Dad’s Belgian Waffle Breakfast, Community Center, Lafayette, 9 am-1 pm. Info: 507-240-0048.

Wed-Fri, Jan 15-17

• Bloodmobile, Vogel Fieldhouse, 122 S Garden St, New Ulm.1-7 pm Wed, 12-6 Thurs, 8:30 am-1:30 pm Fri. Info: redcross.org/give-blood.html.

Thurs, Jan 16

• Lifelong Learner Lunch—Snow Science, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 12-1:30 pm. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org

Fri-Sun, Jan 17-19

• Southern Minnesota Pond Hockey Championship, Sisseton Lake, Fairmont. Info: 507-235-8585 or director@ fairmontcvb.com.

• Winterfest, in town & Sportsmans Club, Gibbon. Info: Facebook.

Fri, Jan 17-Sun, Jan 26

• SnowKato Days, Mankato. Info: 507-385-6660, 800-657-4733 or colson@visitmankatomn.com.

Sat, Jan 18

• A Tribute to Queen with Jonny James & the Hall of Fames, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-332-7372 or info@paradisecenterforthearts.org.

Mon, Jan 20

• Outdoor Winter Adventure, Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, 224 Lamm Street, Mankato, 10 am. Info: 507-386-0279 or info@ cmsouthernmn.org.

Fri, Jan 24

• Winter Ballroom Dance, State Street Theater, 1 N State St, New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: statestreettheater@gmail.com or statestreetnewulm.org.

• Special Needs Accessibility

Playtime, Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, 224 Lamm Street, Mankato, 4:30-7 pm. Info: 507-386-0279 or info@ cmsouthernmn.org.

Sat, Jan 25

• Snowshoeing with the Naturalist, Ft Ridgely State Park, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 10-11 am. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us

• Snowshoe Hike, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 1-2 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us

• Fairmont Lakes Foundation Ice Fishing Tournament, Gomsrud Park, Fairmont, 8 am-3 pm. Info: 507-235-5225.

• ‘Haydn Go Seek!’ Free Family Concert Series, Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, 224 Lamm Street, Mankato, 4:30-7 pm. Info: 507-386-0279 or info@cmsouthernmn.org

• Family Snowshoeing, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 1-2:30 pm. Info & registration: 507357-8580 or info@neycenter. org.

• Empty Bowls Luncheon, New Journey UCC, 31 4th Av SW, Hutchinson, 11 am-2 pm. Info: newjourneyucc.org.

Tues, Jan 28

• Beer & Hymns, Main Street

Sports Bar, Hutchinson, 6-8 pm. Info: riverofhopehutchinson. org.

Sat, Feb 1

• Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, Hallett’s Pond, N 3rd St & Old Minnesota Ave, St. Peter, 1 pm. Info: plungemn.org/ events/st-peter/.

• Nicollet Legion Fish Fry, Legion Friendship Hall, 715 Third Street, Nicollet, 11 am-7 pm. Info: 507-232-3031.

• Fire & Ice Festival, Lake Redwood, Redwood Falls. Info: 425-941-0197 or ContactUs@ CelebrateRedwoodFalls.com.

• Trivia Night Funraiser, Country Inn & Suites, 1900 Premier Dr, Mankato, 6-10 pm. Info: 507386-0279 or events@cmsouthernmn.org.

• Mad Bobber Ice Fishing Contest, 61861 232nd Ln, Madison Lake, 11 am-3 pm. Info: 507-2433216.

• Beginner Cross-Country Skiing, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 1-3 pm. Info & registration: 507357-8580 or info@neycenter. org

Sun, Feb 2

• Sleepy Eye 39th Annual Ice Fishing Derby, Sleepy Eye Lake, Hwy 4 N, Sleepy Eye, 12-3 pm. Info: 507-220-5101 or 507-2763286.

Tue, Feb 4

• Gripping Minnesota Tales with Charlie Maguire, the Songwriting Sleuth, Meeting Room, Public Library, New Ulm, 6:30 pm. Info: 507-359-8331.

Memory Bear

Fri, Feb 7

• Dance Party Reunion—A Salute to Buddy Holly and Friends, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-332-7372 or info@paradisecenterforthearts. org.

Sat, Feb 8

• New Ulm Medical Center Foundation Gala—A Vision of Generosity, Event Center, 301 20th St S, New Ulm, 4:30-10 pm. Info: sara.schauer@allina.com

• Faribault Flannel Formal, Faribault, 5-10 pm. Info: kelly@ faribaultmn.org.

• Vendor and Craft Event, Island Cultural Centre, 640 Dogwood Ave, Bird Island. Info: Facebook.

Sat, Feb 15

• All Craft Fair, Roadhaus, 514 Main St, Henderson, 10 am-3 pm. Info: Facebook.

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

• Starpower Show Choir, High

School, 1650 Community Dr, Waconia. Info: 952-442-0670.

• Gustavus Choir Home Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7:30 pm. Info: mara@gustavus.edu.

Sun, Feb 16

• Gustavus Symphony Orchestra & Jazz Ensemble Home Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 1:30 pm. Info: mara@gustavus. edu.

Thurs, Feb 20

• Mingle With A Purpose—Heels and All, Event Center, 301 20th St S, New Ulm, 5-9 pm. Info: 507-233-4300 or chamber@ newulm.com

• Lifelong Learner Lunch—Solar System, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 12-1:30 pm. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@ neycenter.org

Sat, Feb 22

• 2nd Annual Arctic Plunge, Minnesota St, 214 N Minnesota St, New Ulm. Info: 507-354-2185 or newulm.com.

How it Works

How it Works

JanuaryMust

HAVES

1. KAS Rugs

Willow Charcoal Diamonds Rug. Machine Woven of Polyester with No Backing. KAS carries over 70 collections of handmade and machinemade rugs, including 7 indoor/outdoor collections. KAS stays on top of home design trends and making homes more stylish than ever. Available at Nordaas American Homes.

Nordaas American Homes

10091 State Hwy 22 Minnesota Lake, MN 56068 800-658-7076 nordaashomes.com

2. North Face High-Rise Pant

The North Face Women's Everyday High-Rise Pant is perfect for running errands on the weekend or hitting the gym. Featuring a wider leg and higher waistband in the back for more coverage. The lightweight fabric helps regulate the body's temperature with FlashDry™ technology to wick away any sweat so you feel comfortable. No matter where your day takes you, The North Face Women's Everyday High-Rise Pant will be a comfortable fit.

Scheels

River Hills Mall 1850 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.386.7767 scheels.com

3. 18 Year Aged Balsamic Vinegar

This Balsamic is one you will use over and over, and makes a great pantry staple. It’s delicious to make salad vinaigrettes from, to drizzle over roasted tomatoes, pizza, pasta, chicken, veggies, really anything that you want to give a punch of balsamic flavor to. People even just drink this vinegar straight up and love it. If you haven’t tried it yet, you definitely need to stop in and give it a taste. Your mouth will thank you! Blue Skye Mercantile 237 Belgrade Avenue North Mankato MN 56003 507.779.7076 blueskyemercantile.com

4. Daylon Swivel Accent Chair

With its simple silhouette and sleek lines, this contemporary accent chair will look great in any modern home. The swivel base with a full 360 degree rotation allows you to achieve the perfect angle to the television.

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

5. Sonicare Platinum

Get your must have Sonicare Flexcare Platinum electric toothbrush from North Mankato Family Dentistry. Smart brushing technology removes 10x more plaque making healthier gums in 2 weeks vs manual toothbrush. Special pricing at $130 with this premium model. No need to be a patient to get yours today! North Mankato Family Dentistry 1400 Lookout Dr. North Mankato, MN 56003 507.625.CARE (2273) mankatodentist.com

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6. No fear winter gear

Bundle up and enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of cold weather outerwear. Insulated coveralls, mitten, hats & more for the entire family keep you cozy on your downhill run or neighborhood snowball fight!

C&S Supply

1951 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.387.1171 or 800.879.1938

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 all-inclusive 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. Kick Start Your New Year Performance Inspired was created to provide better all-natural, yet affordable, high performance sports nutrition for every athletic level. The formulas have ingredients you can trust and you’ll get results you can be proud of. Taste why all-natural is better, only at your local Hy-Vee.

Hy-Vee Hilltop

2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001

507.625.9070

Hy-Vee Riverfront

410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.1107

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

507.380.5019 blindsandmore.org

10. Relax. Renew. Repeat. Promote total calm and peaceful relaxation. Improve sleep, eliminate fatigue and jet lag, alleviate stress and energize your entire body. All it takes is 60 Minutes of Float Therapy. All new at Body Concepts. Call to schedule your appointment today! Body Concepts LLC 1615 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.381.5467 bodyconceptsmankato. com

11. ITS Cork Earrings

This season, grab a pair of cork earrings. These are super lightweight but add a bold statement to any wardrobe. These have pretty weaves of metallic to add a little glitz.

Bella Nova Boutique

521 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.779.7444

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Best Flowering Annuals for 2020

At the end of every gardening season, I get to pre-order next year’s annual plants for my clients. I consider it a huge job perk—I get paid to page through plant catalogs and select new combinations of annuals for the containers, windowboxes, and garden beds that I tend each season. Plus, it’s really fun to buy large quantities of plants using other people’s money!

Flowering plants are often the most challenging to choose. There are countless varieties that each claim to be the most reliable bloomers, plants that will actually provide the ever-elusive “season-long color.” I’m lucky to have access to my coworkers and their extensive knowledge about the gardens they tend. It’s like we have a giant network of test gardens, and we report our findings to each other as we plan our plant orders. Here’s our most recent list of top-performing flowering annuals.

Angelonia ‘Archangel’ series

I didn’t know much about angelonia until this past season, when we planted a lot of it for a new client. Angelonia has dainty upright flower spikes that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. The ‘Archangel’ series boasts compact plants with predictable tidy growth and excellent heat and drought tolerance. At maturity, the plants will be about one foot tall and wide, with the majority of its stems covered in flowers or buds. They’re perfect for containers or small garden spaces.

In full sun and with a little deadheading (removing the expired flower stems), ‘Archangel’ angelonia produces flowers from late May until October. My favorites from this series include ‘Raspberry,’ ‘Cherry Red,’ and ‘Dark Rose.’ The colors are vibrant and bright throughout the life of each flower.

Canna ‘Cannova’ series

Past canna lily cultivars have been enormous in size and late to bloom. The ‘Cannova’ series is neither of these—its plants are compact and tidy, with big blousy flowers that develop in early summer. The three-foot-tall plants are small enough for containers, but large enough to hold their own in a crowded garden border. I’ve grown these over the past few years now, and they always bloom very consistently, especially with regular deadheading.

Full sun and regular watering are best for the ‘Cannovas.’ Their flower colors are tropical and cheerful: I like ‘Mango,’ ‘Rose,’ and ‘Lemon’ the best. Most varieties have bright green leaves, while ‘Bronze Red’ and ‘Bronze Orange’ have reddish leaves and red and orange flowers, respectively.

Canna bulbs are quite prolific and easy to overwinter indoors, so this annual plant is actually a garden investment.

Petchoa ‘SuperCal’ series

The “petchoa” is a hybrid plant with genetic material from both Calibrachoa species. Before I recommend this plant, I must emphasize that I really hate petunias. and failing by mid-summer. A petchoa, however, flowers until frost while maintaining its tidy, bushy growth habit with greenery that rivals its earlier spring appearance. The ‘SuperCal’ series comes in unique deep warm colors like ‘French Vanilla,’ ‘Cinnamon,’ ‘Bordeaux,’ and ‘Caramel Yellow,’ along with the regular pink, purple, and white shades of classic petunias. I planted these on a whim last season and was continually shocked by how much I really like these hybrid petunias

Impatiens ‘Sunpatiens Compact’ series

Sun-tolerant impatiens varieties have exploded in the last few years. They’ve usurped the beloved old-fashioned shade-loving varieties while also becoming one of my preferred annual flowers for sun. The ‘Sunpatiens Compact’ series encompasses a full spectrum of red, pink, orange, white, and purple blooms. My favorite colors are ‘Pink Candy,’ ‘Deep Rose,’ and ‘Royal Magenta.’

These impatiens are vigorous without being too bossy, growing to a substantial two feet tall and wide by the end of summer. They bloom—and then rebloom—without deadheading, which is ideal considering how truly floriferous they are. I think they’re best in full sun with regular watering, though they also perform well in part-shade. ‘Sunpatiens’ have excellent heat tolerance, too.

Lobularia ‘Stream’ series

Lobularia (common name “sweet alyssum”) is an old-timey plant with an ass-kicking new cultivar series. ‘Stream’ alyssums flower longer than any annual plant I’ve ever seen. We planted hundreds of them this past April, as part of a spring arrangement. From then on, they grew and bloomed steadily and generously, until we had to yank them in late October. From cold weather to the summer’s hottest heat and then back to cold again, the ‘Streams’ were unapologetically showy and only required minor trimming to keep them flowering. Series colors include ‘Purple,’ ‘Raspberry,’ ‘White,’ and ‘Lilac,’ among others. The plants have a delightful trailing growth habit, making them ideal for hanging baskets and container plantings.

LAURA SCHWARZ New Ulm native, Minneapolis-based horticulturist and writer

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