River Valley Woman April 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

Recognized for Being the Best!

River’s Edge Hospital has been recognized as a DNV GL Healthcare certifi ed Orthopaedic Center of Excellence for:

• Hip & Knee Replacement

• Shoulder Surgery

• Spine Surgery

Plus, River’s Edge Hospital is top rated for patient experience!

I had been working with an orthopedic surgeon regarding the pain in my knee. They recommended that I have full knee replacement surgery. I had heard about stem cell therapy so I drove to the cities for a second opinion. I decided to try stem cell therapy and it did not work. Come to find out it was umbilical cord therapy, not stem cell therapy. The procedure was a bust. I then learned about Bluetail Medical Group in North Mankato and wanted to learn more. Knowing they had partnered with Mankato Clinic also gave me hope. I met with Dr. Oliver and she was very impressive. She was interested in my situation and wanted to make it right. I had the stem cell therapy procedure from Bluetail and had almost immediate results without having to drive to the cities. I am pain-free and am getting back to my active lifestyle. I would highly recommend scheduling an appointment with Bluetail Medical Group as an alternative if you have been told you need surgery. They are amazing.

– Curt Fisher, 71, Mankato, MN

Kristin Oliver, MD Regenerative Orthopedics Specialist & Sports Medicine

BY EILEEN MADSEN Editor

“I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member.” While that kind of describes me with my penchant for sarcasm and equal affinity of avoiding group activities, I must say the “Ladies of the Clubs” featured in this issue are impressive as well as inspiring. Plus they serve an important purpose—to bring like-minded women together for the greater good.

On our cover is Andrea Boettger, who, with co-founders Jessica Kloeckl and Megan Schuetzle, combined ideas and formed their brainchild “The Women’s Forum.” In the first year over 100 women joined—the majority of whom they had never met. The Forum seeks to serve the whole person, inviting the exchange of views and ideas as well as getting to know others outside one’s usual circle of friends and associates.

Learning she wasn’t alone as a female business owner, and facing obstacles as a woman that men didn’t experience, Linda Hachfeld formed Women Executives in Business (WEB), to connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs. Mentorship as well as networking at WEB helps open doors for women, keeps the hinges welloiled, and stops those door from slamming back in our faces.

A unique virtual parenting website, “Mankato MOMS Blog” is written exclusively for southern Minnesota moms by many of those same moms. Jessica Blais, owner and founder, tells her own story on how the challenges of connecting with other moms led her to create her own sister site of the national blog City Mom Collective.

I was happy to see (or rather, read) that book and study clubs still exist. Two notable ones in our area are celebrating 100 years! The Thursday Reading Club—which sounds like a mystery novel—and the Lafayette Study Club. Lest you think these ladies simply discuss the latest best seller, you may be black balled from the group. While they have and do read noteworthy literature, they are committed to self-education and the education of each other, sharing information, championing causes and enjoying the camaraderie. Hmmm…I may need to reconsider my Groucho-like ways.

We women, and our individual attributes, are much like the ingredients in a sandwich—a club sandwich, that is. Some of us are the bacon (lucky!), a few are the lettuce and tomato, of course we need the turkey, as well the bread and frilly-topped toothpick to hold it all together.

Consider River Valley Woman the luncheon plate.

NOTE: Due to the number of events being cancelled or postponed, we do not have a GO. BE. DO. CONNECT Events Calendar this month. Watch for its return in upcoming issues. As you plan future events please send information to Ruth Klossner at cowladyruth@gmail.com.

By LORI MATHIOWETZ

In his groundbreaking 2000 book, Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam predicted that America was in the throes of a crisis of community. Our so-called “social capital,” the fabric of our connections to one another, was plummeting. With vast data and nearly half a million interviews, Putnam showed that there was a decline in every single form of in-person social interaction needed to educate and enrich our lives.

Twenty years later, we see his forecast for our impending loneliness and isolation absolutely came true. Americans belong to fewer organizations, meet up with their friends less, and know fewer of their neighbors than any previous generation.

That’s right: They even bowl alone.

Sipping coffee with the women of New Ulm’s “The Women’s Forum,” you wouldn’t know it. In this little corner of the world, women can easily and comfortably reach out and connect with one another, seamlessly creating both business contacts and even friends. Co-founders Andrea Boettger, Jessica Kloeckl, and Megan Schuetzle-Furth are taking on the challenge of starting a new, membership-based non-profit at a time when membership in civic organizations is at an all-time low.

Imagine their shock when, in the inaugural year, over 100 women joined.

Even though she grew up in New Ulm, Megan quickly pointed out that she only knew—at most—15 of the new members.

“I’m shocked every single day how you grow up thinking you know everyone in your hometown—at least it feels that way,” Megan said.

However, upon becoming an adult and entering the workforce, she realized her little pond was much bigger than originally thought.

“It’s really changed my perspective on how much opportunity there is for people to get to know one another,” she said.

Other members of The Women’s Forum (TWF) say the same, sharing that they have gotten to know at least five new people in fun ways without the usual awkwardness of “get-to-know-ya icebreakers,” but rather simply having conversations within the context of education and fun social events.

At present, a TWF membership garners women access to a minimum of eight events each year in a comfortable setting, with targeted topics based on what the membership core has asked for.

“Every meeting, we strategize how to attract people to come,” Andrea said. “We take care to balance social events and professional events and solicit a lot of feedback from members on content, days of the week, times of day, etc.”

The initial startup board, which also included Danielle Fischer Marti and Kacie Bode (secretary), was very intentional in establishing the group’s identity. They wanted to ensure that it was not simply a professional networking group, but that they were creating content and experiences that connected people. The Women’s Forum is for “the professional woman seeking a greater purpose.”

FORUM: [noun; Middle English] a place, meeting or community where ideas and views can be exchanged and shared.

Andrea shared, “We went back and forth on our name and the use of the word ‘forum.’”

When the board did some soul-searching and really looked at the definition of the word, and the purpose of the group, they were immediately attracted to the idea of TWF being about an exchange of ideas.

Jessica elaborated further on a desire to not simply be another group where members showed up to be lectured to by experts, explaining, “We wanted the members to have skin in the game because it’s not only what the board makes out of it, but what we together are creating.”

The range of personal growth topics covered in 2019 was 

PHOTOS BY ALICE HQ PHOTOGRAPHY

Jessica Kloeckl, Andrea Boettger, Megan Schuetzle-Furth

TRUTH: What’s the most embarrassing thing you wanted to be when you grew up?

Andrea: “I wanted to be that girl in NYC who wore her sneakers in the concrete jungle on the subway and put on my heels once I got to work.”

Jessica: “I would go to Herberger’s and try on outfits

with my friend ’cause we wanted to be backup singers and dancers.”

DARE: Open the search history on your phone and share the last thing you googled.

Megan: “River Valley Woman Magazine”

Andrea: “Set up my device”

TRUTH: What animal do you look like when you’re eating?

Megan: “A lion”

Jessica: “Cookie Monster”

Andrea: “A bird”

TRUTH: What challenges you?

All: “Juggling it all. Finding Balance.”

 vast—public speaking, financial planning, self-defense, mixology, stress, work-life balance, and even a moms’ club playdate/exercise class.

2020 looks to be another year filled with engaging topics including mindfulness, bridging the workplace generation gap, nutrition, and a blend-and-bond social at Morgan Creek Vineyards.

AUSLANDER: [noun; German] outsider, foreigner

Being a newcomer in rural America can be a lonely experience. Andrea reported that many women who are new to the area, or women who work from home, have approached the group and simply said, “Thank you for doing this.”

When new members of the community introduce themselves as such, they’re more likely to get an excited, “Really, where are you from?” than a wary “Oh, you’re not from here?” response.

No one is an Auslander at a TWF meeting.

“It’s humbling to be able to facilitate that space,” Megan said, quickly pointing out that the group is not only for New Ulm residents. “This is a place for everyone, we want to expand and continue helping women to exercise their social muscles, while also creating a community. The bigger the forum, the better the ideas.”

Co-founder Jessica Kloeckl used the example of communal clothes washing. In other places in the world, a community of women would gather with one another to wash their clothes in the river. But when one such community started getting washing machines, there was an outbreak of depression and loneliness. The cause wasn’t the presence of washing machines, of course. It was the absence of time spent doing things together. It was the absence of community.

“In a way, I see this group as that opportunity to wash clothes together,” Jessica said.

The future is bright for this burgeoning group, and it has no plans

to slow down. Capitalizing on the momentum they already have, many of the women recalled stories of when they were younger and what types of people, interactions, and programs inspired them in their youth.

“Mentorship was something that came up often in our planning meetings. prior to our launch, and we do hope to develop a mentoring program in the future,” Andrea shared. “We have a scholarship committee that has been exploring options to work with the schools, and our hope is that our members might have an opportunity to present to students on topics such as career pathing or simply what they do.”

The importance of mentorship hasn’t lost its significance with the passing of time and years. And that’s where TWF really shines in its ability to connect women.

Andrea shared the story of a piece of advice someone “a little older and a little wiser” gave her when she was feeling overwhelmed with the work-life balance struggle. She quipped to Andrea: “Never have you seen on a gravestone ‘Best Housekeeper!’ Instead you see ‘Beloved Mother.’ Honey, if your house isn’t spotless, the world isn’t gonna stop turning.”

Andrea joked, “I may have taken that to the extreme now.” While she admits that she still stresses about it from time to time, now— when she prioritizes tasks—she looks at what’s before her and reminds herself: You only have one life.

Perhaps it’s those glimmers of connection and earthy conversations that you can’t have electronically that make TWF so special. The kindnesses exchanged when physically sharing a space with someone remind you that we aren’t “more connected than ever” because of social media—we are more connected than ever because we always have been. We just had to remember it.

One thing is for certain: Come to the next TWF meeting, and you won’t need to bowl alone anymore. RVW

By JESSICA BLAIS

onnecting moms in our community online and in person. That has been the mission of Mankato Moms Blog since our launch in August 2017. We are a locally-focused parenting website written for Southern Minnesota moms by Southern Minnesota moms. One thing many people don’t know is that we are part of a larger network of parenting resources called City Mom Collective. There are nearly 90 other “sister sites” across the country, including Rochester, Duluth, and the Twin Cities in Minnesota.

My name is Jessica Blais and I am the owner and founder of Mankato Moms Blog. I have lived in the Mankato community since 2007. My husband, George, and I have a blended family that consists of my eight-year-old son, Noah, and our threeyear-old daughter, Clara.

I was first exposed to City Mom Collective by my best friend

from high school who, at the time, was the owner of the sister site in Scottsdale, Arizona. About five years ago, at our annual girl’s weekend, she was excitedly telling me about her blog and all the incredible ways she was connecting moms in her community. She got my attention. As a young mom, I knew how challenging it could be to connect with other moms. Although I loved the concept of creating an outlet for local moms to share their stories and build relationships with one another, I was hesitant to take the plunge and start my own sister site.

A few years passed and in early 2017, I saw an online solicitation by City Mom Collective for national blog content. I stepped out of my comfort zone and submitted an article. My piece was published and that was the push I needed. Shortly after, I started communication with Stephanie Flies, the founder, and director of City Mom Collective. Based in the Twin Cities 

Front, from left: Kelly Jamieson, Jessica Blais, Melissa Neeb, and Josephine Pence Haefner. Middle: Rachel Carpenter, Mandy Benson, Moly Slama, Tawnda Andrews, Emily Heinis, Mandy Hunecke, and Shannon Branstad. Back: Rachel Danks, Sara Hewitt, Abby Lewis, and Stephanie Fischer.

By CAMILLE KURTENBACH, Moms Blog Writer

If you have been following Mankato Moms Blog for a while, you have probably seen a few of my other stepmom blogs. Being a stepmom is not only one of the many hats that I wear—it is a topic I am very passionate about. Stepmoms have mixed reviews and perceptions with our current society. We have the past perception of Disney movies portraying stepmoms as evil, and then we have present-day where some are very accepting and some are not. I have held my stepmom title officially for three years, but have been involved in my stepson’s life for the last five. Are you guys ready for my list now?

1. Be patient—not only with yourself but with your stepchild, your significant other, and both families that are involved. Not everyone is going to be on board right away, and that’s okay. There typically is some type of history that requires time to resolve or understand fully. So remember it’s important to be patient and allow yourself and those around you time to adjust to what will be the new normal.

2. Ask questions! I know this one may sound a little silly, but it’s important to ask questions to both your significant other and your stepchild or stepchildren. They want to feel like you are interested in their lives, they want to feel like you want to understand what’s going on. Questions lead to many amazing conversations that would oftentimes be overlooked.

3. Plan time for yourself and your significant other, just the two of you . Blended family life can be draining, stressful, and hard some days so it’s important to set time aside to foster your relationship with your significant other. This relationship can be forgotten in the busy day-today life. So make sure you make it a priority.

4. Create a safe place in your home for everyone to be able to voice their opinions without consequences. Like any family, you aren’t always going to agree on everything and that is okay, but figuring out a healthy way to express your feelings is going to be vital to the success of your household. Open communication is one of the biggest saving graces in my marriage. We know we will always have each other’s back but some days we need to remind each other of this. Sometimes we might ignore a topic because it’s too hard or we don’t like the outcome, but ignoring it will only create a bigger issue down the road.

5. Figure out your co-parenting dynamic. This is another huge piece of blended or stepfamilies. Everyone is not always going to get along, everyone is not always going to want to co-parent, and everyone is not always going to agree on what is best for the child. But figuring out how you are going to co-parent for the sake of the child or children is key in creating a safe, healthy, happy household. I will say this one is easier to type than do. We struggle daily with what we wish our co-parenting dynamic was like and what it is in reality.

Being a stepmom is hard some days. Being part of a blended or stepfamily is hard some days. Being a parent is hard some days. But know that you are not alone in whatever hat you wear. Know that there are resources out there to support and guide you. This blog post is short and sweet and may not resonate with you at all but—if it does keep going—keep tapping into your resources, and keep rocking your stepmom hat!

 herself, she said Mankato had been on her list of target cities for a sister site.

In April of 2017, I began to lay the foundation for what would become Mankato Moms Blog. One of the first steps was to find local moms who wanted to share their motherhood journey with our readers. Our team started with 17 writers, most of whom I had never met. We are now at 24 writers. All of these women are moms in Southern Minnesota. We have new moms, empty-nester moms, moms of teenagers, step-moms, single moms, and moms of children with disabilities. Each member of our group brings her own perspective and unique experiences to her writing. Getting to know these women has been one of the greatest joys of creating Mankato Moms Blog. Here is what some of our team has to say about being involved with the Mankato Moms Blog.

“Mankato Moms Blog is a savory melting pot of exceptional women writers. I am so blessed to be able to add my unique flavor to this mix. Our voice in this community is wholesome and strong. We are unified because we stand together amongst our differences, we fiercely support each other, and we are so proud to reveal to the world our “Minnesota Nice.” — Melissa Neeb, Mankato, mom of two.

“I applied to write for MMB when I moved back to Mankato as a way to meet new people, but also to use my gifts outside the home. I have a degree in English, but at the time was a stay-at-home mom and needed an outlet. Two years later, I have met both goals—I have great friends and feel fulfilled every time I’m published!” — Emily Heinis, Mankato, mom of two.

“Mankato Moms Blog started in August 2017, the same month that I became a mom, and the community I have found through the blog is so special to me. As a contributor, I’m not much for advice-giving, but I share openly and honestly about my experiences as a working mom. Personally, I love the feeling of reading an article and thinking, ‘Wow, they just articulated exactly how I feel....’ When I write, I hope to do the same for others.” — Stephanie Fischer, Mankato, mom of one.

“Writing for the Mankato Moms Blog gave me an outlet to share all of the emotions, tribulations, and triumphs of being a young and new mom while hoping someone reading it found they could relate and weren’t alone in their experiences in motherhood. I have learned so much from the amazing moms that make up this network because we all share the real, the raw, and the humorous of being a mom and woman. I’m so glad this blog exists to say ‘Hey, that is totally me, as a mom, too!’ for so many women in the greater Mankato area.” — Sara Hewitt, Kilkenny, mom of two.

In addition to publishing fresh new articles weekly, we also provide other online parenting resources like local guides to summer camps and indoor play, as well as guides to seasonal activities and events. Another way we connect with moms in Southern Minnesota is by hosting events including our Heels & Wheels shopping event and Bloom, our spring event for new and expecting moms. RVW

By RUTH KLOSSNER

It was 1920—the year that women got the vote and the year that Sinclair Lewis wrote Main Street.

It was also the year that the Thursday Reading Club was organized in Mankato and the Lafayette Study Club in Lafayette. Now—100 years later—both continue to fill their original intention.

Both clubs were part of a wave of women’s study groups that flourished through the 1920s. They were related to the Women’s Suffrage movement, and were a commitment to women’s self-education and the education of each other.

From the beginning, most women’s clubs differed from men’s clubs— men’s clubs almost always had outside experts come in to speak while women’s clubs almost never had outside speakers. Instead, most women’s study clubs required all members to participate in learning and presenting what they learned.

Thursday Reading Club

Fifteen members of the Literary Club of Mankato met at the home of a Mrs. Currier to organize themselves into a Reading Club. The club met every two weeks on Thursdays, from which the club’s name was derived. Membership was limited to 20—but later increased to 25, which it remains today. Meetings were to begin promptly at 3:00 p.m., and close at 5:00 p.m., from the first of October to April 1.

The Thursday Reading Club was affiliated with the national, state, and district Federation of Women’s Clubs—and dues paid to those groups. Recently, when Nancy Hamer, a 50-year member of the club, presented the book review at the club’s February 13 meeting, she compared her review of Sinclair Lewis’ Main Street to the club’s history.

In his book, Lewis’ main character, Carol Milford, moved from the Twin Cities to the small town of Gopher Prairie. There she continuously worked to introduce cultural events to her new town, trying to educate and organize the townspeople—but without much success.

Hamer noted, “Ironically, Sinclair Lewis was living on Broad Street in Mankato when he wrote Main Street. While Lewis was fictionalizing and satirizing Carol’s lack of success and disappointment, in the real world, 20 or so Mankato women were quietly organizing Thursday Reading Club. In creating the club, the founders were making a remedy for the key problem that Carol identified in Main Street. Our founders were successfully addressing the same themes as Lewis was raising in Main Street— the need for self-education, the need to respect that others have worthwhile knowledge, and the need to come together as a community to learn from each other and to create culture.”

With that, Hamer turned to a discussion of the Thursday Reading Club’s history and purpose.

• Kathy Bruss Educated by Tara Westover and any of Marie Benedict’s books

• Jody Swanson The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

• Anne Smith Desert Queen by Janet Wallach

• JoAnn Rom A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, Nothing Like It In the World by Stephen Ambrose

• Eloise Layman Lincoln by David Herbert Donald, Thomas Jefferson: Heart of Power by Jon Meacham, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe

• Catherine Bristol My Life by Golda Meir

• Linda Berkland Pompeii by Robert Harris

• Meridel Kellogg The Prize by Daniel Yergin, The Oracle by Jonathan Cahn

• Marcia Richards Poldark (series) by Winston Graham, Once and Future King by T. H. White, and Cormoran Strike (series) by Robert Galbraith

• Ellen Petersen Missleman: Wallace Clausen by Jon Clausen

• Rebecca Pierce Pilgrim’s Inn by Elizabeth Goudge and The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins.

• Jane Zenk— People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.

• Nancy Hamer Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

• Pam Oster A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

• Linda Roth The Ice Master by Jennifer Niven

• Kathy Croswell Nothing Like It In the World by Stephen Ambrose

Organized February 16, 1920, the club’s purpose, as stated in the constitution, was to provide information, entertainment, and fellowship through the sharing of book reviews.

In the one hundred years since, the club’s constitution has been amended only five times—all since 1981.

Regular meetings are held alternate Thursdays, September through May, now beginning at 1:00 p.m. Club members continue to share book reviews and host meetings as they did from the start. If members are unable to attend, they are to notify the hostess—and members are expected to attend the meetings.

“This constitution is key to the longevity of the organization in that it provides very clear structure and procedures, including how to bring in new members,” Hamer said. “But another key to our longevity is our traditions.”

When Hamer and her daughter Lynne interviewed members in observance of the club’s 75th anniversary in 1994, they talked to Bea McLean, the club’s most senior member at the time. McLean noted that she felt that Gertrude Eberhardt was the club’s founding mother and felt that she was the strong one that kept the club together.

“I hear Gert saying to me, ‘Don’t you dare quit. Don’t you dare give up,’” McLean told Hamer. “And sometimes I thought about quitting…but I could hear Gert saying, ‘Don’t you dare quit.’”

In that interview, McLean also stated, “Early on, we had these two strong people, Gert Eberhardt and Olive Morse. They both said, ‘You’re expected to be here and you have to have a good excuse.’ You had to call either the officers or the hostess (if you couldn’t attend).”

Former members are not forgotten and, to this day, older members are persuaded to continue by the echo of Eberhardt’s words, “Don’t you dare quit.”

Current club member Cathy Bristol was quoted as saying, “I’m going to Thursday Reading Club until I’m under!”

Though serious in most matters, the club has had its lighter moments. Back in 1994, Karen McGregor—who is still a club member now—shared her own story about Gertrude Eberhardt. She said, “Gertrude would wear a wig—she looked very proper, always, and wore those cute little knee-high boots, white or black. I picked her up one time in what my children called ‘the pea-green family truckster.’ But Gertrude got in the car and someone else was getting in and she said, ‘No problem, I’ll just get in the back.’ And she whipped up over the seat in her little white boots and her little fur coat.

Climbed over the seat into the back!”

And, from stories told at the meeting, Gertrude was in her 80s at the time! Hosting club meetings can cause some anxiety as Hamer recalled former member Julie Miller from the 1994 anniversary. “Julie quoted her mother, Fern Williams, who said, ‘We pray for no sunshine because when the sun shines, all your dust shows.”

That brought a lot of chuckles from current club members who continue to hope for cloudy days when they host club.

Club traditions have been carried down through the decades, including a yearly program book, the structure of the business 

• 1921—a wire was sent to President Harding protesting the ruling of Secretary Mellon that allowed the manufacture of beer and wine for medicinal purposes.

• 1922—the club proposed making July 4 a more sacred day, in connection with such a movement by the Federated Clubs.

• 1925 —the club went on record as being opposed to tipping, in response to a letter from the Grace Dodge Hotel in Washington, D.C., asking for the group's opinion. Ironically, club minutes state that the club voted to give 50¢ each to three girls who served the club's 1922 luncheon at the Hotel Heinrich.

• 1939 —a petition was circulated and signed by members and sent to the city council supporting the appointment of a milk inspector for Mankato.

• 1939 —a letter of commendation was written to the police chief for his action in removing obscene literature from newsstands.

• 1941—members sold stamps and war bonds during “Women at War” week at Brett’s store and Defense Stamps at the theatres

• 1947—members signed a pledge for safe driving, as well as writing to congressmen in regard to better movies.

Thursday Reading Club members gathered for a photo at their February 13 meeting at the Mankato Golf Club. Seated, from left: Vice President Pam Oster, President Rebecca Pierce, Secretary JoAnn Rom, and Treasurer Kathy Croswell. Standing: Meridel Kellogg, Kathy Bruss, Jane Zenk, Ellen Petersen, Jody Swanson, Eloise Layman, Cathy Bristol, Anne Smith, Linda Roth, Linda Berkland, Marcia Richards, and Nancy Hamer. Not pictured: Lenore Else, Joyce Hankins, Kathryn Hanson, Adele Harlow, Karen Juntunen, Karen McGregor, Nina Runck, Jane Schostag, and Mary Jo Suprenant.

 meeting, hospitality, the hostess and reviewer answering an annual question, the book review, the secretary’s minutes, and memorial books presented in memory of members who have passed.

Hamer also talked about why she and others belong to the Thursday Reading Club and, traditionally, how members are invited to join. For the members, it’s the love of reading that’s important. Members value the group for its uniqueness, with Hamer noting, “You would not put this group of people together for any other reason. That shows in considerations for inviting a new member.”

McGregor said, “After you’re in a while, you realize what a treasure it is, and you don’t just go to your little group of clique friends and get them in—it’s too precious for that…. It is a treasure, but it’s a commitment… you want people who will commit to it and who will do their part.”

Hamer summed up, “Thursday Reading Club takes people out of the realm of their everyday lives filled with kids and school and politics and work, and into a realm filled with ideas and likeminded women. You will recall that this camaraderie and sharing of ideas, and learning new information that you haven’t previously thought of is what Carol, in Main Street, was trying to accomplish. We can be proud that our founding members figured out how to accomplish this and that we still accomplish it.”

The Thursday Reading Club will formally celebrate its 100th anniversary with a dinner the evening of Thursday, May 14, at Old Main Village in Mankato. All current members and partners and all former members who can be located, along with their partners, will be included. RVW

The Lafayette Study Club is a unique organization for a town the size of Lafayette. The club was organized with 13 charter members sometime in 1920. Women’s rights and the WCTU (Women’s Christian Temperance Union) were hot topics at the time.

Longtime club members Annie Lou Eckberg, Marie Malmberg, and Florence Albright were interviewed for a newspaper article in 1986. At that time, Albright had been a member for 56 years, Eckberg 52, and Malmberg 45.

Albright stated, “Most of the charter members were involved in the WCTU...that was a very active society here, even if sometimes they were ridiculed or laughed at for their efforts.”

Of the charter members, Eckberg noted, “They were women with strong character, bent on improving the community as well as themselves.”

Early club members did assigned readings from books such as American Government, Parliamentary Law, or Famous Early Americans, then came to the meetings ready to discuss what they had read.

“Now that was pretty heady stuff,” Eckberg commented in the news article. “We don’t do that anymore.” To which Malmberg added,” We’d scare people away.”

Eckberg probably had the easiest time giving a book report. In the spring of 1986 she reported on her own book, The Half and Half Stories

The club had some strict rules early on—including requiring members to wear hats to meetings and to call each other by their proper names (Mrs. Eckberg, for example). Meetings were held twice a month.

In between the opening and closing of the meeting, there was also a lot of knitting, sewing, needlework, and darning while the women listened. Untold numbers of afghans, tablecloths, wall hangings, and mended articles took shape while the book reports were given.

Meetings are now held monthly and feature an original book report—on a book of the member’s choice, rather than assigned books. Each meeting also includes a magazine article report. Every member is expected to give a book report and a magazine article once a year.

Veteran club member Nancy Hamer masterfully interwove the club’s history into her book report on Sinclair Lewis’ Main Street at the February 13 meeting. Hamer is currently the club’s longest member, at about 50 years.

Although the club no longer does formal roll calls, they were an important part of the meetings in earlier years. They included cookie and plant exchanges, sharing an antique, discussing a current question, giving predictions for elections or football games, Easter hats, and even contests and spelldowns.

The club has held banquets for most of its major anniversaries. For the 30th anniversary, members travelled to Walnut Grove

Thursday Reading Club takes people out of the realm of their everyday lives filled with kids and school and politics and work, and into a realm filled with ideas and likeminded women.

-Nancy Hamer

to the home of Mrs. Morgan, a former member.

In 1960, the 40th anniversary was celebrated at Gaylord with the theme “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies,” a popular book at that time.

The 50th anniversary—held May 2, 1970 at St. George Catholic Church—was a big event as all of the club’s former members were invited back. Three charter members—Esther Isenberg, Marie Swanson, and Beda Olin—were among those attending. Isenberg was the last surviving original member; she was active in the club until her death in 1978 at the age of 88.

A hat parade was the highlight of the 60th anniversary, celebrated at the Lafayette Legion Rooms May 14, 1980. Members made and decorated their own hats, based on the words of popular tunes such as “May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose” and “Turkey In The Straw.”

The club celebrated its 75th anniversary by inviting former members to an English Tea, program, and reminiscing at First Lutheran Church in Lafayette.

Club member Sandy Burger commented, “As any organization, Study Club has changed a bit with the times. Meeting twice a month with many other commitments was difficult. We now meet once a month, on the third Tuesday, from September to May. In August we have a potluck to create scheduling for the upcoming year. We continue to rotate the duties of hosting, book reports, and magazine or special article.”

Once a year, the club does special outings such as author events with local authors like Wallace Johnson or Minnesota mystery writers Rae Jeanne Stillson or Jeffrey Matthews.

The club built a Little Library and installed it at the Lafayette Charter School. It has also sponsored classrooms and donated Scholastic books to the LCS classrooms so each child has a book a month through the school year.

The club currently has 14 members and is always looking for more.

The hats seem to come out each time that the Lafayette Study Club celebrates a major anniversary. This undated photo, perhaps from the 50th anniversary, pictured Clarice (Mrs. Delphin) Anderson and Adeline Allerson.

Club members have been very creative in creating programs for their anniversary celebrations. Someone put a lot of work into creating this program cover for the 1970 celebration.

• Laurie Larson The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, John and Elizabeth Sherrill and My Story by Marilyn Monroe.

• Mary Martens Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

• Sandy Hartley—books by Louise Penny and William Kent Krueger

• Sheri Portner —authors Lisa Regan and Mary Higgins Clark

• Sandy Burger Heaven is for Real by Pastor Todd Burpo & Lynn Vincent

• Kathy Eckstrand The Winner by David Baldacci

Lafayette Study Club members gathered in February. Seated, from left: Ann Gieseke, Mary Martens, and Laurie Larson. Standing: guest Kathy Eckstrand, Sandy Burger, Sheri Portner, and Sandy Hartley. Not pictured: Karen Arlandson, Marilyn DeBoer, Deb Grant, Heidi Hagstrom, Jil Haler, Dianne Kuester, Barb Sullivan, and Wendy Woller.

Five more ladies from the same anniversary—Elaine (Mrs. Russell) Malmberg,

Mary (Mrs. George) Stamer, Mabel (Mrs. Ted) Johnson, Myrtle Halverson,

and Helen (Mrs. Donald) Fossum Palmer.

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By GRACE BRANDT

hen Mankato resident Linda Hachfeld wanted to start her own business, Appletree Press, in 1989, no bank would offer her a loan unless her husband co-signed the agreement.

Six months later, she had paid the loan off in full.

“Women are very responsible and can do well with money but, at that time, banks weren’t lending money to women exclusively,” Hachfeld recalled.

As a new business owner, Hachfeld soon learned that she wasn’t the only woman trying to make it in the “man’s world” of business. She quickly started forming connections with other female business owners in the Mankato area. The stories they shared were all similar, as were the struggles—namely, finding the resources they needed to help their fledgling businesses thrive.

As the women worked to help each other connect to these resources—as well as focusing on reaching out to more new female business owners who might need help—a group slowly formed, Women Executives in Business (WEB).

Through the years, WEB has grown and expanded, offering guest speakers, volunteer opportunities, and even scholarships. Membership has waxed and waned, but one thing remains constant—the chance for female business owners and executives to network with and support each other.

“One of the things we really want WEB to be is a mentorship program,” Hachfeld explained. “Those who are starting have a ton of questions, and someone sitting next to you can say, ‘When that happened to me, this

is how I felt….’ Those kinds of experiences just make women better at managing their business. So the networking part is really important.”

Filling a need

Things started small, with just a handful of women meeting together for breakfast before heading off to run their businesses. The meetings were casual, with members asking each other what business-related topics they wanted to discuss. Once in awhile, they’d bring in a special guest speaker, usually another female business owner or entrepreneur in the area.

“It was a little breakfast gathering of women who owned businesses,” Hachfeld explained. “We’d get together at 7:30 in the morning for an hour, and then we’d all depart to our businesses. When you gathered women business owners together, you could talk about things like, ‘Where’d you find your accountant?’ or ask about other resources.”

Those casual get-togethers continued for about a year and a half, but then numbers started to dwindle. Hachfeld didn’t want to lose an important resource for area businesswomen, so she reached out to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Mankato.

“At that time, they just said, ‘We don’t know how to really work with women in business,’” she recalled. “They said, ‘We help anyone who calls us, but we’re not really looking at issues that women have when trying to start businesses.’ As women, we weren’t finding our voice.”

But Hachfeld was determined to keep the group alive. She wrote a grant through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). It provided funds to the SBDC to specifically help women who owned or were starting their own businesses. Thanks to those funds, Hachfeld’s group was able

WEB’s Board of Directors. Front, from left: vice president Sarah Tezloff, secretary Nancy Goodwin, and president Pam Jacobson. Back: treasurer Ramona Morgan, communications director Joleen Koenigs, and director Marlene Barnes.

to hire a part-time coordinator for one year, as well as set up a membership directory.

“I really credit SMIF with our first collaboration,” she said.

Reaching

more women

Women Executives in Business officially started in February 1993. Besides Hachfeld, three other women played key parts in the leadership team—Joanne Walberg, Karen Palmer, and Susan Chambers. One of the first things the group did was to send out a survey to gather information about women who were starting businesses or who owned businesses in the area. The survey encompassed nine counties in the southern Minnesota area.

By this time, WEB was attracting members from Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, New Ulm, Le Center, Le Sueur, and Mountain Lake—about 60 women in all. There was even a woman who drove from Rochester to be involved.

“We had somebody come over from Rochester, a woman named Ellen,” Hachfeld said. “She’d wanted to start a support group for women, and she’d gone to our Chamber of Commerce in Mankato, and they’d said, ‘Well, we just don’t really have any women business owners,’ so she went home. Two weeks later, I’m calling her and asking her about working with women who are starting businesses. I told her, ‘There’s lots of interest here; they just don’t know about us. They don’t realize that women really want to start businesses. We just aren’t seen.’”

After meeting with area women and asking what they wanted in a female-centered business group, Hachfeld and the others learned that most women wanted the chance to network and share resources with one another. They also wanted to be able to meet after work, so the meetings were switched to 5:30 p.m. once a month (except during the summer, when the group doesn’t meet).

Ever-changing members

According to Hachfeld, WEB’s membership has fluctuated through the years, since members move out of the area, move back into the area, retire, or take breaks for other life circumstances. Last year, there were about 35 members, but the number is down to 20 this year. The geographical range for members isn’t quite as large as it was, in part because other female networking groups have begun in areas such as New Ulm. Instead, WEB mostly draws from Mankato, North Mankato, Nicollet, Mountain Lake, and the surrounding area. Several industries are represented in WEB’s membership roll, including real estate, law, accounting, health services, publishing, landscaping, retail, and construction services. Members don’t all own their own businesses—they can also be instrumental in running a business as CEOs, managers, or in other roles.

“It’s fluctuating, it’s flexible, and it’s fun because you need new faces all the time,” Hachfeld said.

Terri Jensen is a managing broker at National Land Realty and has been a member of WEB for several years—including time spent as the organization’s president. She said she appreciates the group for the great networking it offers.

“You will always walk away feeling up,” she said. “If you ever need advice from another member, even if they’re a competitor, they are happy to help.”

Hachfeld said she’s also received great advice on area resources from WEB members throughout the years. In fact, that’s how she found her accountant, her attorney, her website development support, and her insurance company.

Ashley Blanchard, owner of Cups & Needles Acupuncture in Mankato, was a new face at the February meeting. She said she had seen a notice about the meeting on Facebook and wanted to check it out for herself, as she is working to grow her Mankato presence after starting her business in 2017. After seeing what WEB is all about, Blanchard said she definitely plans to keep coming.

“I had a great experience,” she said. “I found it to be a warm, welcoming, diverse group of women.”

Many opportunities

The majority of the time, WEB hosts its monthly meetings at the Wow! Zone in Mankato, though members occasionally meet at other locations. Each meeting starts with a social hour and then goes into the featured presentation of the month, finishing off with a dinner that allows for more networking among members.

Always focused on education and resources, WEB meetings have featured a variety of guest speakers on a wide range of topics. Sometimes, a female business owner will share her story.

February’s meeting featured Mankato mayor Najwa Massad, who owns and operates Najwa’s Catering. Other recently featured speakers have included Angie Bastian, founder of Angie’s Artisan Treats, and Heidi Wyn, owner and operator of North Mankato’s Curiosi-Tea House.

Other times, meetings focus on a particular topic, such as identifying personal strengths, improving mediation skills, business troubleshooting, and business sustainability.

Last Christmas, WEB hosted a “Heart for the Holidays” event, where members donated items to create shoebox packages for women 

WEB members met at the WOWZone in Mankato in early March for their monthly meeting.

WEB offers its members a scholarship every other year to help with business-related expenses such as conference registrations or continuing education classes. It was started in honor of Joanne Walberg, one of WEB’s founding members and a former president, who passed away after a battle against cancer. Hachfeld worked with area banks, as well as Walberg’s family, to set up the memorial scholarship fund. Members are able to receive up to $150 (with a maximum 50 percent contribution towards the overall expense). In order to receive the funds, they agree to renew their WEB membership for the following year so that they can give a brief report about the event where they used the scholarship.

By RUTH KLOSSNER

 through the Lifework Planning Center in Mankato. That nonprofit organization helps prepare women to find better employment. WEB members contributed items such as hot chocolate, mugs, socks, gift cards, and handmade ornaments— made by the members at their holiday party.

Hachfeld said opportunities like these are crucial as more women start their own businesses—especially finding that support when they first start asking themselves if it’s even a possibility.

“The networking part is really important,” she said. “Now it’s not uncommon for women to run their own businesses. We’ve gone through the days that people didn’t trust that women would stay in business. Women are proving that wrong.”

Find out more about the organization at webmn.org or Women Executives in Business on Facebook. RVW

WEB members met at the WOWZone in Mankato in early March for their monthly meeting.

WEB members gathered supplies to make care packages for area women during their December meeting.

WEB members put together care packages, including hand-made ornaments, during their 2019 “Heart for the Holidays” December meeting.

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4 OUTDOOR CLEANING TIPS THAT CAN HELP YOU SAVE THOUSANDS

The sounds of birds chirping, longer daylight hours, and budding trees and flowers are signs of warmer weather and spring. That means more time outside to enjoy nature, but it’s also a sign it might be time for spring cleaning.

“Cold temperatures, snowfall and winter rains can have a big effect on houses and landscaping, so now’s the time to check for potential home repairs and maintenance,” said Christopher O’Rourke, Mercury Insurance vice president of property claims.

Here are four tips O’Rourke recommends to welcome the new season and save some money down the road.

1. Clean your gutters.

Gutters collect debris over time, especially when rain, snow and wind causes twigs, pine needles and leaves to settle on your roof and in your rain gutters. Accumulated debris can create blockages that direct water into the home or, in areas without much precipitation, can act as kindling in the event of a fire. Buildup also allows mildew and mold to develop, which can slowly decay a home’s exterior and roof.

2. Trim branches and remove dangerous trees.

Thunderstorm frequency picks up in summer months, and high winds can occur year round, so it’s best to get a jump on tree maintenance in early spring. Regularly trimming tree branches reduces their chance of breaking during a storm, which could cause power outages or property damage.

Consider having the trees on your property inspected by an arborist to determine their health and have diseased trees removed before they topple over unexpectedly. Removal costs vary depending on height and difficulty, but range from $100 to around $1,800. These preventative costs are not covered by your homeowners policy, but can be a wise investment that saves you time, money and anxiety.

3. Watch out for service lines.

Homeowners who want to plant gardens, trees or install additional landscape features to enhance their outdoor living space should be aware of potential underground utility lines. Most service lines - a network of exterior, underground utility lines or pipes that supply a home with electricity, gas, water and sewer functions - are only buried a few inches beneath the ground. Accidentally hitting one when digging can result in loss of service, expensive repairs or a serious injury.

If a break to a service line happens on a homeowner’s property, special machinery may be needed to excavate pipes from beneath the ground, which may require digging under your home, garden or driveway. The homeowner is responsible for repair or replacement costs, and this damage can be inconvenient, expensive and isn’t covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.

To be safe, homeowners should call 811 before digging so the utility companies can send a locator to mark the approximate locations of underground service lines.

4. Service your air conditioning unit.

Regular maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is essential to ensure the equipment is in proper working order, which can save money on energy bills, as well as protect against expensive repair and replacement costs.

Have a professional inspect your HVAC unit to make sure its exterior condenser coil and compressor are clean and free from blockages - the average cost for an inspection is about $300.

Your home will bring you security and joy for many years to come. Taking the time to maintain it is well worth the investment. BPT

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to honor survivors and create awareness about sexual violence. Through our work with victims and survivors at CADA, we get to hear about the strength and support victims receive from loved ones. Unfortunately, we also hear the stories from victims about loved ones who repeat common myths about sexual violence that many of us see played out in media coverage.

Many of these myths focus on how victims “should” behave after an assault. Because of misconceptions about sexual violence, many victims’ claims are doubted and questioned. We hope that by exploring these myths and preconceived notions of how a victim should behave, we can gain perspective on different ways that people cope with trauma. After all, an experience of sexual violence is a form of trauma, and any reaction to trauma can be messy, complex, and—most important—normal.

They didn’t come forward

Many victims and survivors take years to come forward about an assault and some will never come forward. Oftentimes, it takes a long time before a victim recognizes that what they went through was assault, especially if the perpetrator was a trusted person.

Many victims experience guilt and blame themselves for an assault. CADA advocates often work with victims who second-guess the decisions they made, after the fact. People will say things like, “If I hadn’t gone to that party, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Furthermore, many victims just want to move on and forget that anything happened. Many survivors will not want to rock the boat or disrupt their life any further. Most just wish they could get back to the life they lived before the assault.

They didn’t act like a victim

People have a lot of ideas about how someone “should” behave before or after an assault. If a victim’s behavior doesn’t fit that model, people might question the validity of their claims. However, we know that there is no one right way to respond to an assault—people react in a variety of ways. Victims may seem distraught or angry, some

people may be numb or have a flat affect, or they may seem unfazed. People also question why some victims don’t fight off their perpetrators. Normal reactions to trauma are fight, flight, or freeze. Which response our body chooses is normally out of our control. Also, during an assault, a victim may analyze the situation and realize that fighting back is dangerous.

They continued to have contact with their abuser

When victims maintain contact with their perpetrator, people often question whether an assault really happened. Abusers will often work to gain their victim’s trust and then manipulate that trust after an assault. Furthermore, if the offender is a part of the victim’s life— like a co-worker, or a classmate–a victim may have little choice in continuing contact.

Victims often say they do not want to get their perpetrator in trouble, and they just want to move forward. Victims may also maintain contact with an offender because it is the safest option. If they act like everything is “normal,” the offender may not cause more harm.

They can’t remember the details

Victims of trauma often experience gaps in their memory. Because of how the brain reacts to traumatic events, this is a completely normal experience. Some assaults take place while a victim is sleeping or incapacitated by alcohol or drugs, making their recall of the events even tougher. Additionally, because a victim may not tell anyone about an assault, their claims can often not be corroborated by another party.

Victims are often very deliberate when deciding whether or not to disclose an assault. For some people, it is empowering to share their stories. For others, privacy about the assault is an important part of healing. It is important to recognize that when we speak about sexual assault there is probably a victim or survivor listening. Our words have the power to make someone feel safe and respected. A victim’s healing process has a lot to do with how they perceive loved ones react to their story, their connections with others, and the support they receive.

KRISTEN WALTERS Development & Communications Manager CADA, Mankato

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Today’s home chefs want - and expect - more from their kitchens than ever before. These forward-thinking cooks also aim to prepare meals efficiently, using the best high-tech advances available. In fact, a new study conducted by The Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence reveals that kitchen designers have seen increased demand for dual-fuel appliances in the past year and that convection and induction cooking are on the rise.

As best-selling cookbook author, educator and host of the “True to Food” film series, Mark Bittman observes, “The more people cook, the more interested people become in their kitchens. When you’re interested in your kitchen, you’re exploring: What can make this easier? What can make this more fun? What can make me a better cook? Appliances are certainly a part of that.”

Sous-vide cooking

Once limited to professional chefs, sous-vide is a cooking technique that utilizes precise temperature control to deliver consistent, restaurantquality results. Sous-vide has been the go-to method in some of the world’s best restaurants for years, and for good reason: it brings food to the precise temperature chefs look for and delivers perfect doneness, edge-to-edge, every time for a variety of foods like steak, chicken, fish and more.

Cutting-edge food storage options

The best chefs start with the freshest ingredients. That’s where the importance of food storage comes in.

Don’t want cool air escaping while finding what you want in the fridge? With InstaView technology from LG, knock twice on the glass panel to see inside before opening.

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Mixology mastered

Whether you love crafting cocktails or just want unique ice options, the InstaView Refrigerator with Craft Ice is the first to create automatically large, slow-melting spherical ice, without the hassle of molds. You can also choose cubed or crushed ice.

Its new water dispensers also accommodate just about any size glass or bottle. Use the Measured Fill feature to dispense exact amounts of filtered water (4, 8, 16 or 32 ounces).

Smart technology

A top trend seen in many kitchen appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators and ovens, is more precision in terms of automation, plus connectivity to consumers.

Top appliances today use the latest technology to calculate the exact amounts needed for each task, whether that means specific detergent amounts, humidity or temperature controls.

Thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, many manufacturers make it possible for you to control and monitor your smart appliances from anywhere, using your virtual assistant or phone.

Outdoor cooking options

Another trend celebrated is the elevation of the outdoor grill. Certainly not your father’s grill, the latest models for outdoor cooking are not only elegant and sturdy in construction, but also allow for cooking at different levels, with the ability to vary the distance between the food and the heat source.

To learn more about 2020 kitchen innovations, visit LG.com and SignatureKitchenSuite.com. BPT

By RUTH KLOSSNER

It’s 150 square feet and yet it’s enough for Brittany Brindle.

“It’s everything I need…and nothing more,” Brindle said. “I try to be mindful about the things I bring in. They have to have multiple uses and be efficient.”

Brindle, an emergency room doctor at New Ulm Medical Center, lives in her tiny house part of each week—and goes back to the Twin Cities the rest of the week. She works 12 days a month, working 12-hour shifts.

“I’m usually here for three days and back to the Cities for four—with a little wobble on either side,” Brindle explained.

After working in New Ulm since 2016, Brindle moved back to the metro area—but really wanted to continue working at the medical center.

“A lot of physicians like to work in places like New Ulm—where they have more time with patients—but like to live in the Twin Cities and go back and forth. I’m sure I’m the only one living in a tiny house,” Brindle said. “Here I get to talk to patients and can serve them better. I’m trained in critical care and emergency medicine—it’s its own specialty. We focus on the first couple of hours when someone comes in.”

She continued, “I really wanted to work in New Ulm and needed a place to live. I didn’t want to have a huge house or a sterile apartment and I didn’t want to live in a hotel. I realized I already had a tiny house. I wondered if I could live in it half time.”

Tiny houses come with restrictions. Since they are technically recreation vehicles, they can’t be parked—or lived in—inside city limits. Brindle could have bought a lot—and looked at lots in the country—but found that 10 acres was required.

“It became apparent that I had to find a friend’s backyard,” she said. Fortunately, she found a location in Nicollet County where she could place her tiny home. Electricity and a water line were available. Because her unit is a road-ready RV, a different class of zoning regulations applied and the county required her to install a holding tank.

Although the tiny house is primarily designed for camping—and is meant to be more recreational— it is a four-season unit with spray foam insulation all around and solar panels on the roof.

Even though the furnace wasn’t installed properly and didn’t work, Brittany managed to survive her first winter with only a space heater and two baseboard heaters. It actually was quite warm. 

Brittany Brindle’s tiny house sits in a friend’s backyard. Technically a recreational vehicle, the house is fully insulated for four-season use and has solar panels that power some lights and appliances inside.

It’s a short distance from the door (off to the left) to Brittany’s bed in her tiny house. The table folds down when not needed and the footstool is, conveniently, at chair height for extra seating, if needed

Even in winter, Brittany has a great view of nature out the windows of her tiny house.

The bed fills the end of the home that faces the wooded ravine and provides a great view of nature. It does have light-blocking curtains to make it easier for Brittany to sleep during the day.

Storage space is built in everywhere. A pop-up TV is located in the shelf at the end of the bed

The compact bathroom includes a combination washer/dryer, infrared heater (above toilet) and a full-size shower (off to the left).

 Of her first year in her tiny house, Brindle noted that her biggest challenges were finding people willing and able to fix things that went wrong.

“So I had to learn how to fix things myself. I spent a lot of time reading online books,” she said.

That, in itself, proved difficult at first in that she had no cell service where she placed the home. After installing a network booster, she’s able to get internet over her cell—so can also keep up with weather alerts.

The house has temperature sensors so Brittany gets alerts if there’s a problem with it.

“It took a lot of planning to make myself self sufficient. Now it’s super easy. All the challenges that came up, I’ve been able to overcome. The house runs itself and I can check on it any time. And I’m in a friend’s backyard, which is nice.”

Solar panels on the roof run the refrigerator and lights. The kitchen stove and oven, along with the tankless water heater, operate on propane—just as the furnace should. A combination washer/dryer in the bathroom, rooftop air conditioner, and a pop-up TV operate on electricity.

The unit came with a composting toilet but Brittany had that converted to

a flush toiled, since she has the holding tank.

As she looked back on her first year in her tiny house, Brittany commented, “If I can make it a whole winter without a working furnace, I’ll be able to survive out here. It’s been an adventure, but one that’s worked. I enjoy it.” And “out here” is a neat place to be—with a 180-degree view out her windows, with a wooded ravine with wildlife. She’s already planted spring bulbs, so hopes to have a flower garden, too.

With a rural/small town background, Brittany commented that she especially enjoys working in rural Minnesota. She grew up in south central Minnesota and went to medical school at the University of Minnesota.

“I enjoy working in New Ulm. This is a lifestyle that works well. A lot of physicians in the Twin Cities are burned out. I’d rather drive an hour-andhalf once a week than 30 minutes in metro traffic every day,” she said.

With her three-day shift completed, Brittany heads back to the Twin Cities, where she lives in the southwest metro. There she’s able to spend four days with her four-year-old daughter, Ella.

“I’m really grateful for the flexibility—to have that much time with her every week,” Brindle said. RVW

Brittany Brindle, an emergency room doctor, stays in the tiny house the days that she’s working at New Ulm Medical Center—usually three days a week—then returns to the Twin Cities the other four days.

The kitchen wall includes a propane powered stove and oven and a solar powered refrigerator/freezer. Brittany cooks simple meals here, feeling it’s better than eating out. She prefers to do things “the old-fashioned way,” rather than from a microwave. She doesn’t have one as they draw a lot of power.

Should I be taking a probiotic?

AI’m going to answer you with an absolutely emphatic maybe. Your gut is colonized with bacteria at, or even before, birth. This “microbiome” is a unique composition of bacteria that is affected by factors including your diet, stress, geography, and ancestral background. The gut microbiome is considered a newly discovered organ of the body, and scientists have only recently identified its impact on overall health and disease. Probiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits. They can be helpful in some cases, but we still need more studies to determine if and when they are safe and effective for most adults.

1. Probiotics can help balance the “good” bacteria in your gut.

Probiotic supplements are live bacteria that are found in fermented foods or supplements. An imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the gut can lead to digestive issues, mental health problems, obesity, endocrine dysfunction, and more.

2. Probiotics can help prevent or treat diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of taking antibiotics. Antibiotics can often upset the harmony of your normal gut flora, and this imbalance can lead to

indigestion. Several studies have endorsed probiotic use after antibiotics in order to reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Studies have also supported the use of probiotics to reduce the impact of traveler’s diarrhea.

3. Probiotics can improve sleep

Researchers have recently identified the link between the gut microbiome and regulation of your circadian rhythm, or the “sleep-wake cycle.” The gut microbes can affect the regulation of these processes and rhythms, as well as the body’s cortisol levels. To improve the gut microbiome, increase the amount of plant fiber, and decrease the amount of processed foods you are consuming.

4. Probiotics may help boost your immune system

Some probiotics have been shown to promote the production of natural antibodies in the body. Researchers have suggested that taking probiotics could reduce the duration of respiratory infections and UTI’s, although the evidence to support this link is not yet entirely clear.

Probiotics can be found in supplements, but using food-sourced probiotics is often more beneficial. Probiotics can be found in yogurts, cheeses, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and pickles. Fermentation is your friend!

Have a beautiful day!

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

Molly Slama here! I am a local Mankato mom and wife, coffee enthusiast, and lover of life. Local food, beer, and coffee (in particular) are a passion of mine. They bring feelings of comfort and togetherness. Coffee is close to my heart for many reasons. I started drinking coffee at a young age—with my grandmother. I am 5' 10", so my height was not affected from the consumption as a growing girl.

Grandmother made coffee every morning and the smell was intoxicating. She made it look so good, and the way she held the cup just brought me a cozy happy feeling. It was my first sense of Hygge! My mom, also a coffee drinker, appreciates a brew every morning. It would only make sense that I became a regular coffee drinker, only one or two cups, but it makes me a morning person. I feel more alert after the first sip of coffee. As a working mom, this is not only helpful but best for everyone’s safety and sanity.

Coffee can improve your cognitive function and help you stay alert. Being busy mothers, we are constantly multitasking, so who couldn’t use more energy? When I have a large to-do list or my windows need cleaning, I treat myself to a large coffee from the drive-through—any location is fine. I am not a coffee snob! I don’t discriminate between the chains and I hit all the local coffee shops. I like my coffee black, hot or iced, and right away upon waking. It even makes getting ready in the morning faster and more delightful.

Coffee has many health benefits, including fighting feelings of depression and sadness. It really is a hug in a mug. Some studies have even shown that regular brew drinkers have a decreased risk of diabetes and heart problems. All of that may help explain why java drinkers also tend to live longer than people who don’t drink coffee.

One of the simplest gifts to give and receive is coffee. Weather in the form of a gift card to a favorite coffee shop, or starting the pot of coffee in the morning for your significant other, it is such a nice gesture. When the occasion arises that my husband or co-worker brings me coffee without my asking, it’s pure bliss.

When you become a mom, you are automatically more selfless so a simple treat such as a Starbucks drive-through is earned and enjoyed. Coffee and friends make the perfect blend.

When my littles were tiny and up at night, I would always think, I can make coffee in the morning and it somehow made the late nights better. When a friend asks me to meet for coffee, I know the conversation will be great accompanied by a good cup of Joe and the ambiance of a coffee shop.

Coffee seems to always be a good idea. Even though I sip it every day, I do not get sick of the taste. Behind every successful mom is probably a substantial amount of coffee.

A near and dear recipe of mine seemed like the best thing to share. One of the ingredients is, well, coffee! This recipe was my husband’s grandmother’s and incorporates all the feels. The recipe card hangs in my kitchen and is a simple, delicious treat. This Raw Apple Cake brings nostalgia and a sense of bringing Grandma Clarice’s memory back every time I’m baking it in the oven.

1 c. white sugar

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. shortening

2 eggs

1 c. cold coffee

2 c. chopped raw apples

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

½ tsp. cloves

3 c. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 c. raisins or dates

½ c. chopped nuts

salt & vanilla (to liking}

Place the sugar and butter or shortening in mixer and cream together. Add eggs and mix spices, vanilla, soda, and salt. Then add flour, alternating with the cold coffee mix until well incorporated. Fold in apples, raisins, and nuts. Pour in prepared 9x13 pan or Bundt pan that has been greased. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes, testing cake with a clean knife or cake tester before removing from oven. Dust with powdered sugar or top with caramel sauce if desired.

From the Kitchen of Clarice Stordahl

by Blue Skye Mercantile

The Lemon and Dill flavors in this recipe really make these Salmon Fillets shine brightly. Meyer Lemon Olive Oil is one of the most versatile Olive Oils in the Mercantile. It’s great in salad dressings and with fish and other white meats as well. Stop in to pick some up, you won’t regret it!

- Lisa and Karina

Salmon with Lemon and Dill

 4 fresh salmon fillets, without skin

 4 tbsp Meyer Lemon Olive Oil

 2 tbsp fresh or dried dill

 1 tbsp dried oregano

 1/4 tsp black pepper

 1 lemon, zested and juiced

 ½ tsp salt

 Fresh dill and lemon slices for garnish, if desired.

Mix the olive oil together with the dill, oregano and pepper in a large non-metallic bowl or gallon size zipper bag. Add in lemon zest and juice. Place salmon fillets into the marinade and turn to coat thoroughly. Place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours.

Bring a heavy frying pan or skillet to medium-high heat over the stovetop. Do not add oil or grease to pan. Remove salmon fillets from marinade and season with salt. Place the fillets presentation side down in the pan and allow to cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Carefully flip salmon and cook for another 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh dill and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

in Whats Bloom?

I’m writing this in February, but I’m already thinking about flowers. I mean, I always think about flowers, so let me rephrase that: I’m obsessing about flowers, constantly daydreaming about April, when the trees and shrubs will flower again. Every year I look forward to the succession of spring blooms with great anticipation. The magnolia buds burst open suddenly, followed by rhododendrons, redbuds, crabapples, and lilacs—and then, finally, it’s summer!

As you drive around town and notice your local flowering trees and shrubs, you might have questions about what they are and how you can grow them in your own landscapes. Here’s my cheat-sheet to identifying trees and shrubs that bloom from April to May. I tried to put them in order of earliest to latest bloom-time, but that can vary with weather and your particular microclimate.

What you’re seeing: Mid-sized trees with large blousy white or pink flowers on branch ends. Flowers emerge before leaves, increasing the tree’s dramatic beauty. Trees reach 10 to 20 feet at maturity, and they might have single or multiple trunks.

What it is: Magnolia —common cultivars include ‘Royal Star’ (white flowers), ‘Ann,’ and ‘Leonard Messel’ (pink flowers).

How to grow it: Magnolia trees will produce the best flowers when they’re planted in full sun, though they also tolerate part shade. They prefer soils with high levels of organic matter, as well as good drainage and consistent moisture. Mulching around the tree’s trunk will help conserve soil moisture and increase organic material. Plant your magnolia in a location where it is protected from harsh winter winds, which can damage the delicate flower buds.

What you’re seeing: Dense bushy shrubs with leafless branches coated in small sunshine-yellow blooms. Shrub size varies from two to eight feet tall and wide.

What it is: Forsythia —common cultivars include ‘Northern Gold’ and ‘Gold Tide.’

How to grow it: Forsythia will thrive in almost any growing conditions— from full sun to part shade, in average to poor soils, and with high moisture to (some) drought once well-established. It produces the most flowers when the plant received full sunlight the previous year. Forsythia shrubs grow quickly, and a row of them can make an excellent hedge.

What you’re seeing: Balls of lavender-pink flowers nestled against a backdrop of leathery deep green leaves. The shrub has a rounded form, and while there are a few size variations, most are between three and six feet tall and wide.

What it is: ‘PJM’ Rhododendron

How to grow it: This shrub can be finicky. It prefers acidic soil, which you may or may not have, depending on where you live in the Minnesota River Valley. It also requires consistent moisture, excellent drainage, and high levels of soil organic matter. In their native habitats, rhododendrons are understory shrubs, so they happily tolerate shade, especially spots with protection from winter sun and wind.

What you’re seeing: Gorgeous mid-sized trees with tiny clusters of light pink flowers that grow directly upon the furrowed reddish bark. Trees have multiple or single trunks with a twisty horizontal growth habit. Lime-green heart-shaped leaves begin sprouting at branch ends as the flowers fade.

What it is: Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)

How to grow it: Purchase redbuds labeled “Northern” or “Minnesota strain,” which come from seedlings specifically selected to survive through Minnesota’s brutal winters. Redbuds will grow in full sun or partial shade and will benefit greatly from regular watering. At maturity, these trees can reach 20 to 35 feet in height and width, so locate yours with that in mind. (This is one of my all-time favorite trees! You should get one.)

What you’re seeing: Mid-sized single-trunk trees practically dripping with pink or white flowers. A shade of pink ranges from light/pale to deep/ almost red. The flowers are classic five-petaled apple blossoms. Young trees can have bark tinged with gold or purple. Leaves emerge along with the flowers.

What it is: Crabapple (Malus species)

How to grow it: Crabapple trees are easy to grow as long as you purchase cultivars that are resistant to crabapple scab, an obnoxious fungal disease. They like full sun and good airflow, so plant yours in a sunny open spot. Some new crabapple cultivars have persistent berries while others are sterile, so they’re not as messy as the old cultivars were.

Note: The best time to prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs is directly after they bloom, before they set new buds for next year. Crabapples are an exception; prune them in the winter to avoid disease.

LAURA SCHWARZ New Ulm native Minneapolis-based horticulturist & writer

Now is the time to save on beautiful Lees carpet – the perfect blend of science and style combining ground-breaking stain protection and

ou know it when you see it. Those distinct chipmunk cheeks that characterize something you never want to be reflected in your own mirror—too many dermal fillers.

Dermal fillers are easy to spot when misused—we’ve all seen cringe-worthy before-and-after photos of Hollywood stars. But when expertly injected, dermal filler should imperceptibly draw out the natural beauty in your face. Instead of seeing filler, people will notice your radiant smile or bright eyes in a new way. Good fillers are invisible fillers.

How Can Dermal Fillers Help Me?

Many visible signs of aging can be traced back to loss of volume. Our lips thin, lines appear around our nose and mouth, and our cheeks begin to look a little hollow. Dermal fillers can help by replacing lost volume to accomplish the following:

• Smooth deep under-eye circles

• Lift cheekbones

• Plump lips

• Smooth lip lines

• Rejuvenate hands

• Soften the look of recessed scars

These treatments should create natural results, not artificially enhance or exaggerate features. So, before you book a treatment, you may want to consider your whole face—not just that problem spot you’re eager to treat. When we only focus on individual areas—just the nasolabial folds, for example—it can unintentionally distort your features. Instead, I recommend requesting a complete facial aesthetic assessment prior to any treatment to ensure you maintain balance and harmony in your whole face.

Remember, good fillers are invisible fillers.

What Are Dermal

Fillers and How Do They Work?

Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected under the skin to restore volume. And don’t confuse fillers with neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport. Neuromodulators relax muscles, preventing movement so the creases can’t come together. Fillers smooth, lift, and plump to support the tissue, thus filling the creases. Think “relaxed” versus “plumped.”

Collagen used to be a common dermal filler, but these days there are many options, including products that contain hyaluronic acid (e.g. Juvederm, Restylane), calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), polycaprolactone (Ellansé) and poly L lactic acid (Sculptra).

Most fillers now used are the hyaluronic acid varieties, and for good reason. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin. This

important molecule can hold a thousand times its weight in water, and it’s essential to keeping our skin hydrated and plump. However, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid as we age.

Thanks to its ability to store moisture, hyaluronic acid is used topically in creams and serums. Yet these products can’t restore lost volume—only injectable hyaluronic acid can. Once injected, dermal fillers can add to your body’s natural plumping action and replenish your body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid. (If you’re looking to naturally stimulate hyaluronic acid production in your body, as well, opt for a diet with antioxidant-packed fruits and veggies.)

One major benefit of hyaluronic acid fillers is that, when injected, they can be dissolved by a special solution in case of an adverse event or if the person dislikes the appearance. And as a bonus, most hyaluronic acid fillers are premixed with a numbing agent to make treatments as comfortable as possible. (Can I get a “yay!” for medical advancements?). Hyaluronic acid fillers last from nine to 18 months, before being gradually absorbed by the body.

What Should I Know Before I Book a Treatment?

Choosing the right type of dermal filler requires the guidance of an experienced provider, as well as familiarity with the variety of available fillers and their respective injection techniques. A medical professional will thoroughly evaluate any specific areas of concern, understand what you hope to get out of the procedure, and review what to expect before, during, and after the treatment to ensure the best outcome.

Dermal filler treatments usually take 20 to 40 minutes, with the amount of dermal filler needed depending on your personalized plan. You will see results immediately after treatment.

Treatment side effects can include swelling, bleeding, and bruising. Before your treatment, discontinue using aspirin, ibuprofen and supplements such as vitamin E, fish oils, gingko biloba, and ginseng since they can contribute to bleeding. Other potential post-treatment problems include lumps, inflammation, filler migration to another site, and infection. That said, dermal fillers are generally very safe when injected by a trained provider. So do your homework to ensure you get the safest and most aesthetically pleasing results possible.

Remember, Tiny Tweaks Can Make a Big Difference

You might have a punch list of issues you think dermal fillers could address or simply want to look less blah. That’s OK. A trained provider can help you decide if and how to use dermal fillers to refresh your face and highlight your natural beauty.

Subtle, nearly imperceptible, changes can make you love your face in a whole new way, and it’s completely possible when you find a trained, competent provider.

EMILY GIDDINGS, RN Giddie Skin Medspa

Sure, breastfeeding is a natural process, but it doesn’t always come easy. As a family medicine physician, I am also trained in breastfeeding medicine and belong to the Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding & Lactation Education.

I had just finished my family medicine residency the day before my son was born. The timing was definitely crazy! I knew I wanted to breastfeed, but it was very challenging and not as easy or convenient as I wanted it to be in those first months.

So, first of all, good for you for wanting to provide that awesome nutrition and immune benefits to your baby. A breastfeeding class during pregnancy is helpful. Mankato Clinic offers one as part of our OB classes. You will also learn as you go. Here’s my best advice.

Try to start breastfeeding within the first hour of life. It’s good for bonding, regulation of glucose and temperature in the baby, and helps with breastfeeding success.

Stick with it. Breastfeeding is really hard work, probably one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Reach out to lactation consultants from the hospital. You can also come to see me as I can help troubleshoot.

If it feels like your baby is constantly eating, it’s because they are. They have small bellies that don’t hold much and breast milk is digested easily and quickly. So they should be feeding every two to three hours for the

first month of life. This also helps your supply come in. Remember to take care of yourself, too. Get help from your partner, family, and friends. They can cook and clean for you while you work on feeding your baby as only you can do.

Good resources are key. Look for local baby cafés. We also have a Mankato/ St. Peter La Leche League and Southcentral Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition. Kellymom.com is also a good resource.

Check with your insurance company for a breast pump because one should be provided at no cost and others may be available for a charge. At Mankato Clinic, expectant mothers may choose a breast pump at their 36-week appointment. Insurance is billed for the pump so women should check their health plan for coverage.

Going back to work? Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. State law requires employers to provide nursing mothers with reasonable unpaid break time and a private room or other location for milk expression, other than a bathroom or toilet stall. The room must have access to an electrical outlet and in close proximity to the worksite. You should be getting a midmorning, lunch, and afternoon break to pump.

Start pumping at least once daily about three weeks before you return to work to get the hang of it and see what works well for you.

KENDRA FINN, D.O. Mankato Clinic Family Medicine Daniels Health Center, St. Peter

We have all seen the free puppies and kittens listed in the paper or to a good home on the Internet. Even though they may have been acquired at no cost, they certainly are not free for life. You may have adopted a pet from a shelter ($100 to $400) or you may have chosen to purchase from a breeder ($700 to $3,500 depending on the breed). As much as we love these fur balls, they really are money pits.

Turns out owning a dog over its lifetime—considered to be 10 years—falls in a range of $27,000 to $42,545. The average lifetime cost of owning a cat ranges from $5,000 to $23,000.

Neither of those numbers includes any emergency veterinary visits or unforeseen complications. Of course, these numbers depend greatly on if the pet lives inside or outside, the breed, the region where you live, and any medical conditions. A large breed dog may require a higher cost as they eat more and require larger portions of medications and preventatives. Larger cities are more expensive for veterinary care, as their clinics have more overhead.

Years ago feeding a pet was fairly inexpensive as most people purchased low-cost food brands. Now days, the pet food industry is booming and you can easily spend $100 a month on pet food alone. A quick walk into the pet store can have you running for the hills with all of its options. The cost only increases if your pet requires a prescription diet. Many people spend a fortune on their four-legged companion’s food—and are eating ramen noodles for dinner. Don’t forget to add treats.

Preventative care is obviously a large portion of this lifetime cost. Both cats and dogs require annual—or every three-year—vaccines to keep them safe. They also require monthly preventatives such as heartworm medication and flea/tick preventatives. In their younger age, they need to be spayed and neutered to ensure there are no unwanted kittens or

puppies. Certain breeds are prone to ailments that can be quite costly. Allergies are, in fact, one of the most expensive medical conditions as there is a lot of trial and error and the medications themselves are very expensive. Active dogs may be prone to tear cruciate ligaments in their knees, which require a special surgeon to repair. Other costly conditions that require treatment include diabetes, urinary conditions—including cystitis, a condition related to stress—kidney failure, gastrointestinal conditions, and conditions that cause seizures. Dental hygiene is another large investment. Small breed dogs and cats are more prone to dental disease and, depending on the situation, your pet may require yearly dental cleanings.

If you’re bringing a dog home, you should be prepared to do some positive reinforcement obedience training. It is important for our dogs to learn good manners and to be taught appropriate behaviors. You also need to consider how much it will cost to get your dog groomed. A dog or cat with short hair will require very little grooming, which is extra money in your pocket.

What about when you need to leave town? You will have to pay for someone to watch your beloved pet, too.

Besides the obvious costs of pets, we also forget to think about the cost of leashes, collars, poop bags, kennels, pet bedding, toys, pooper scoopers, grooming products, scratching posts, cat boxes, and cat litter. You can spend big money on litter for your cat. Many people even need to pay an additional fee to a landlord to be allowed to live with their pets.

Of course, don’t expect your pet to pay you back with money, as they don’t even contribute with a job. The only thing you’re getting back from them is affection, kisses, a cuddle buddy, a greeting at the door, and some stinky farts. I personally think the repayment plan is fair.

NICOLE LUECK (CVT) MN Valley Pet Hospital Mankato

BY CINDY HAUGLAND tidytightwads.com

You know that moment when a thought strikes you so profoundly that you’re dumbfounded by your own insight? This happens when you’re busy doing something and ask yourself a question like, “Why do I store the blender up here where it’s so hard to reach?” or “Why did I ever decide to put the junk drawer right here where the silverware would make more sense?”

Things get super interesting when you realize you put zero thought into it, but arbitrarily picked a spot 20-plus years ago when you moved into the house and you were in a rush to get unpacked.

As all things do, habits form, time marches on, clutter builds, and most of us fail to take the minimal effort it requires to make a change that could have a ripple effect on our time and frustration.

If you have drawers, closets, or even rooms that don’t make sense, there are no rules that say you need to continue doing things that way. Just because your mom or dad did it that way or it worked well when your kids were toddlers, doesn’t mean you can’t make a change. This all seems silly, right? Yet, you all know this strikes a chord—as you smirk to yourself! What are you waiting for?

I’ve always said that your coffee cups, coffee grounds, and filters should be stored within arm’s reach of your coffee maker. If you have to cross the

kitchen once—or heaven forbid, twice—to get those items to make a pot, you need to better organize!

I have a friend whose dining room was a small room off the kitchen. They used the dining room multiple times a day but had a hard time maneuvering in the room due to its size. They had a formal living room that is much larger and was rarely if ever, used. While the room was a little farther away from the kitchen, they decided to switch the rooms. It’s been like this for years, but they have so much more room. They can even expand the table for dinner guests and have room to walk around the table. Just because a room is “labeled” for one purpose, doesn’t mean you can’t breathe new life into it.

As you embark on spring-cleaning and yard projects, I challenge you to take an honest look in each room. Pause a few moments to think about the flow of the room and what you store there. Are there cupboards or closets you rarely open? Are there things you use frequently, but struggle to reach? Are there drawers filled with things you need to dig past to get what you want?

Put it on your calendar now. Make a list of what you want to rearrange. Enlist some help from others, as needed. Declutter and clean as you go. You’ll love your new space and organization flow in no time.

2020 Spring/Summer Pantone Colors (L to R, Top to Bottom): Ash (Classic), Mosaic Blue, Biscay Green, Grape Compote, Classic Blue, Brilliant White (Classic), Coral Pink, Sunlight, Orange Peel, Chive, Lark (Classic) Flame Scarlet, Saffron, Faded Denim, Cinnamon Stick, Navy Blazer.

Every year the Pantone Color Institute chooses 12 colors and 4 neutrals as the top colors for NY Fashion Week and are showcased by the designers in their runway shows. These colors trickle down and make their way into mainstream fashion. They are meant to be mixed & matched in our everyday wardrobe. We are in love with the Pantone colors chosen for this spring/summer season and you can be sure to see more of it!

Mix your favorite delicates together to create a big statement. Jewelry is the finishing piece to your entire outfit, akin to the last brushstroke on a piece of art. As seen above, we love the look of layered necklaces and bracelet stacks, with a subtle mix of textures and natural stones. These approaches to your current style are great because they’re currently trending elements with a timeless look.

Lantern sleeves, puffy sleeves, and balloon sleeves are a safe, trendworthy investment. Easy to experiment with, and a fun way to add drama to your own individual style.

When form meets function: your accessories can serve the purpose of being beautiful and functional at the same time. Not only is diffuser jewelry stylish but it also offers many benefits as it acts as an alternative to traditional perfumes. Diffuser jewelry comes in many forms including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The above items are from Naptime Aromatherapy Co. & Essence One Essential Oils.

BY DANIELLE FISCHER MARTI & JESSICA FISCHER HOFFMANN Gallery 512 Boutique New Ulm-Mankato

Our colorful Dunia earrings are crafted with raw Amazonite stones which are organically formed with no two being alike. Give your lobes some love with our hand woven Terra Skye earrings.

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Layer our hammered gold chevron Saeclum necklace with the Dunia chunky necklace to add an edge to your look.

Dalmatian Jasper stones dangle from a delicate chain for a stylish and effortless look. Our Tellus Sphere earrings are a must-have or must-gift bauble!

BY GINGER NEILON Designer + Owner Baubles & Bobbies North Mankato

The strand of Amazonite adds a complimenting contrast of textures to our rattan Tellus necklace. Stand out this spring by pairing with the Maji Lariat.

The Kamba Frame earrings are made of sustainable lucid tortoise shell acetate. The perfect statement earrings that are both classic and free spirited!

AprilMust

HAVES

1. Invisalign

Exclusive, limited time offer for Invisalign. Mention this ad to get yours today. Meet Dr. Flack and have a FREE smile consultation, Itero, digital impression and ipad photos. During your treatment receive smile whitening, edge contouring, bite equilibration and unique Invisalign swag! No metal brackets or wax to mess with. Eat and drink whatever you want while achieving optimal results! Give our office a call today to schedule an appointment. North Mankato Family Dentistry

1400 Lookout Dr. North Mankato, MN 56003 507.625.CARE (2273) mankatodentist.com

2. Borboleta Foaming Lash Bath

Formulated with moisturebinding hyaluronic acid and amino acids, this foam cleanser prevents unnecessary lash shedding by cleansing the eye lid and lash line from natural oils that break down lash adhesive. Retails for $25. Pairs perfect with Borboleta’s Angle Brush that retails for $12. Fréy Salon & Spa

429 S Minnesota Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 507.934.7399

3. SkinPen® Microneedling

This minimally invasive treatment can dramatically smooth your skin, lessen the appearance of enlarged pores and actually encourage the growth of fresh new collagen.  Plus! It does it with virtually no downtime!

SkinPen Microneedling can be used for multiple skin concerns such as acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, enlarged pores and even stretch marks! Many people see results immediately, with the skin continuing to improve over the next several weeks.

Giddie Skin

530 N Riverfront Dr. Suite 130 Mankato, MN 56001 507.381.7723

4. Silicone Backless Bra

A Spring and Summer “Must Have“ for every woman’s wardrobe, Silicone Backless Bras and Nipple Covers!  Go ahead and wear your tanks, plunging necklines and low cut backs without the worry of unsightly bra straps. We also have a solution for those of you with the “nipping out” issue.......it may be appealing in the movies, but it’s certainly NOT appealing in real life! Grab yourself some Gel Pasties and go for a Smooth, Sophisticated look. Bella Nova Boutique 521 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.779.7444

5. Save On Fuel. Get Great Perks.

Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks® members earn discounts at the pump when they purchase designated products at Hy-Vee stores. It’s an easy way to save on gas with the groceries you regularly buy. Only Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks® members get access to exclusive deals and exciting rewards.

Hy-Vee Hilltop 2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.9070

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

6. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 Running Shoe

The Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 Running Shoe is better than ever with new features that will make this your go-to running shoe. Integrated GuideRails support a smooth transition and prevent extra strain on your knees while running. If you're looking for a cushioned running shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 Running Shoe is the one for you. With BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning, you will experience a responsive feel that takes your stride to new levels. Complete with a cutting-edge 3D Fit Print upper, you know you're getting the best of the best with these running shoes.

Scheels

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

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7. Negg Egg Peeler

The NEGG makes the once tedious task of peeling boiled eggs ingeniously simple, fast and fun! Add a little water and your boiled egg to the NEGG. Snap on the cap. Shake it a few times. Remove the shelled egg. It takes just seconds. Stop into Blue Skye Mercantile to pick one up and see how awesome they work for yourself!

Blue Skye Mercantile

237 Belgrade Avenue

North Mankato MN 56003 507.779.7076 blueskyemercantile.com

8. Scrubs, Medical Supplies & Accessories

Shop our large selection of medical equipment and supplies including stethoscopes, stockings, scrubs, scissors and more! C&S Supply has a great in-stock selection of quality uniforms & footwear. Special orders also available at no extra charge. Stop in today! C&S Supply

1951 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 507.387.1171 or 800.879.1938

9. 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

10. Tummy Tuck Leggings

Instant tummy tuck leggings that suck it all in where you need it most! Soft stretch, wide waistband and machine washable. Purchase in store or online! Laney Lu’s Boutique a division of A&W Furniture in Redwood Falls, MN. Laney Lu's Boutique

1501 E. Bridge Street Redwood Falls, MN 56283 507.644.2020 www.laneylus.com

11. Sarconi Oversized Mirror

Sarconi Oversized Wall or Leaner Mirror features a diamond-patterned wood frame coated in a distressed silver leaf finish. This oversized, rectangular mirror may be leaned or wall-mounted horizontally or vertically. Stop by Nordaas today!

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

12. Our Traveling Showroom

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

Blinds & More Window Coverings & Decor 507.380.5019 blindsandmore.org

13. 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

14. Renewal by Andersen Windows: Professionally Installed by Schmidt Siding & Window

You can be confident in Renewal by Andersen® custom replacement windows, which are backed by one of the strongest transferable warranties in the industry. Soon you’ll be saying, “I love our new windows.”

Schmidt Siding & Window expert crews install them all year round. Renewal by Andersen® windows are custom-made to fit within the exact space of an existing window. They are an easy, hassle-free way to enhance your home’s comfort and appearance without the major disruptions that often come with remodeling projects.

Schmidt Siding & Window 901 N 5th St.

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As countless Americans—and maybe even you—know, arthritis can make every step a pain. Over the years, wear and tear on the ankle, knee, and hip joints can eventually make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, and get in and out of chairs. When this pain persists despite conservative treatments such as physical therapy, occasional injections, and anti-inflammatory medications, it may be time to consider joint replacement surgery.

People are often nervous about having surgery, yet joint replacement is a very safe procedure and one of the most common operations we perform. Most important, it can be life-changing for people who have been living with chronic pain.

New materials mean artificial joints are lasting longer than in the past. And in the case of ankle and hip replacement surgery, new techniques have made recovery easier and less painful. In short: This isn’t your grandmother’s hip replacement.

How it’s done

In a joint replacement procedure, an orthopedic surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage and replaces it with parts made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or polymers. The artificial joint improves function and reduces pain. Patients are often surprised by how much better they feel,

Custom Built Homes &Renovations

507.625.7861

even immediately after surgery. Often, many people say the postsurgical pain is not as bad as what they’d been living with.

Risks

Risks with ankle, hip, or knee replacement procedures are similar to those of other surgeries. They include the possibility of developing an infection or blood clots. There is also a chance of a fracture during surgery or dislocation after surgery. And because even artificial joints can wear out, there’s a chance that the procedure would need to be repeated at some point in the future.

Recovery

Most patients are able to go home after one night in the hospital. Usually, people go home using crutches, a cane, or a walker for several weeks after surgery. Most daily activities such as shopping, driving, and housekeeping can be resumed three to six weeks after a knee replacement and six to 12 weeks after a hip replacement.

To get the most out of the procedures, patients need to stretch and strengthen their new joints. A physical therapist will help patients begin those exercises in the hospital the day after surgery. These exercises can also be done at home during recovery and are crucial to reducing swelling and getting back strength and mobility in the joint.

Results

Most people experience significant pain relief and an overall improvement in their quality of life after surgery. And thanks to new materials, artificial hip and knee joints are lasting longer than in the past—up to 30 years in some cases. Total ankle replacement is the fastest growing joint replacement surgery. New ankle implants and patient-specific surgical techniques have led to an improvement in outcomes after total ankle replacement.

To learn more about joint replacement surgery, including information on patient education classes to help decide if surgery is right for you, talk to your health care provider and visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org for more information.

TAYLOR BEAHRS, M.D Orthopedic surgeon Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato

Thinking about purchasing a home?

WITH NICOLE BANGASSER

Q: What does my credit score need to be before I can purchase a home.

There is no “one size fits all” answer for this question. We have loan products available that each cater to a different credit score range and have different requirements. For example, we have loans that provide benefits to people with excellent credit but we also have loan products that cater to people who may have had a credit struggle in the past or even recently. Each situation is different but a less than fantastic credit score is not necessarily a barrier to homeownership. Together, we can sit down and discuss your qualifications for your particular scenario. If you are unable to qualify today, we will put together a plan so that you can qualify in the near future.

Q: What is PrimeSource Funding and how do they differ from my bank?

A: PrimeSource is a local mortgage broker. What this means is that we work with many different companies and investors to provide a wide range of mortgage products to fit your needs. Traditionally, mortgages have been viewed as something you get when you hit a certain stage of your life but the landscape has changed. More and more people are purchasing homes at so many different stages of their lives. Because of this, mortgage products are available to fit a wide range of borrowers and situations. Unlike a bank, we do not do auto loans or service checking accounts, instead we specialize in only mortgages so we can bring unique perspective and products to our borrowers.

Nicole Bangasser is a Senior Loan Originator and Vice President of Marketing and Community Involvement for PrimeSource Funding. Her office is located at 1751 N Victory Drive Suite 500 in Mankato MN. Nicole enjoys helping people reach their homeownership goals through new purchase and refinance loans.

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES.

Your birthday is a great reminder to celebrate good health by scheduling a mammogram. Our physicians and the American Cancer Society recommend women have an annual breast screening beginning at age 40. Call 507-479-7307 to schedule an appointment.

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mayoclinichealthsystem.org