The loss of bladder control can feel uncomfortable and embarrassing. While it is common, it does not have to be a normal part of life. Mayo Clinic Health System provides successful and safe treatment options for continence and pelvic health issues. Learn how you can take back control of your bladder – with care from pelvic health experts. Every day, for life.
Call 507-594-6955 to schedule an appointment.
mayoclinichealthsystem.org
No longer do we need to wistfully circle our grocery carts around and around the seed packet displays, so cruelly put out in stores in February. Now, rather than fruitlessly staring at pictures of gaily colored sunflowers, bachelors’ buttons, radishes and green beans, we can actually start planning this year’s growing season.
But, plants and flowers aren’t the only things being grown around us. Women are growing communities, awareness, minds, and healthy bodies. Think of our April’s GROW-themed issue as your colorful packet and each woman featured is her own virtual variety of seeds.
We are excited to showcase our third teenager on the cover of RVW, featuring 18-year-old Mankato High School senior, Indya Campbell, who lives, and gives, with intention. And she intends to make the world a better place by growing awareness of social injustice and helping those in need. She does so by being mindful about worthwhile activities for herself, teaming up with business leaders, and spearheading student organizations and projects. High marks (and fives) for effort and determination.
Community Health Program Coordinator Cindy Winters, knows how to get to the heart of what works to grow a healthy community. For nine years she, with a team of like-minded individuals, has devoted her time to the Heart of New Ulm. This multi-faceted community health program promotes safer walking, biking, downtown outdoor gathering, seating and dining areas, as well as hearthealthy eating choices at restaurants. I feel better just reading about it.
Sometimes it takes careful planning for growth to happen. And growth as big as the Jolly Green Giant sign that welcomes people to Le Sueur, is what community development director, Samantha DiMaggio, has in mind. Samantha combines her love for rural communities with her entrepreneurial skills and desire to work with others to lift Le Sueur into fulfilling its potential as the thriving, successful small city she knows it can be. That should be no tall order.
Unlike Mary-Mary, there is nothing contrary about how Deb Steinberg’s garden grows in New Ulm’s Pollinator Park, where she is one of the caretakers. I am not sure if there are silver bells and cockle shells, but there are native plants all in a row, along with bees, butterflies and humming birds. Deb’s column on the importance of pollinators goes well beyond just pretty flowers. Growing these types of plants is crucial for the proliferation of the critters that pollinate crops. Crops equal food, as well as oodles of other goodies we can’t live without. So next time you’re outdoors and something flies by you, let it bee.
I love to grow things, especially herbs and tomatoes. My basil, chives and vegetables seem almost like children—only cheaper and quieter. If I am away, I wonder what they are up to, and if they are behaving (no blighting!). Each day I peruse my tomato patch checking on its progress by asking, “who’s a Big Boy?...who’s an Early Girl?” They answer back by way of a delicious BLT.
We’ve all probably noticed some growth in our waistlines over the past few months, due to hanging around the house finetuning our hobbies of snacking and Netflix bingeing. In prior years we may not have noticed that the kitchen floor was a rather sickly color of minced ham until we spent so much time there making sandwiches of the same. Many decided now is the time to make some needed (or wanted!) changes in our surroundings. So we switched things up a bit in our SPACES pages with readers’ answers to the Facebook question: What is the best home improvement you’ve ever made? A flurry of home improvements, renovations and refreshes took place over the past several months, and you were anxious to share—many included photos. Thanks for the inspirations and ideas. Grow where you’re planted they say. So I suggest you plant yourself in a favorite chair with this issue and see what takes root.
“I think it is important to make decisions about how you spend your time based on your hope for the eventual outcome.”By KELLY DEVRIENDT PHOTOS BY ALICE HQ PHOTOGRAPHY
ndya Campbell lives her life with intention. At only 18 years old, Campbell speaks about making choices using mindfulness and a deep focus on the desired result.
“I think it is important to make decisions about how you spend your time based on your hope for the eventual outcome,” Campbell said.
Presently a senior at Mankato West High School, Indya has an impressive list of school activities under her belt.
“I try to pick activities which I feel are worthwhile to me and focused on betterment,” she said.
Even as she nears graduation, Indya continues to look for ways to impact others, her community, and society as a whole. Her most recent venture brings the movement of social justice to the youth in our community.
Moving our Futures Forward (MOFF) is a Mankato West High School studentled social justice club spearheaded by Campbell. The mission of the club is to provide access to information on social justice issues by connecting students and the community through student led projects, outreach programs, leadership lessons, and student mentoring.
Prior to the inception of MOFF, Campbell gained leadership skills from a variety of organizations and projects. Distributive Educational Clubs of America (DECA) is one of the organizations Campbell chose to dedicate significant time. DECA is a competitive business club where students compete in events that resemble real situations in the world of business. It also works to connect business leaders and the community.
“I am most proud of the Give Back a Pack project,” Campbell said.
That project sought out local businesses to donate school supplies. Its efforts yielded 60 packed backpacks and 40 pencil pouches to help families in financial need.
Beyond DECA, Indya has been involved in a variety of activities and organizations throughout her high school career. Some of these include, Project for Teens, National Honors Society, Student Counsel, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Her latest organization, MOFF, began to grow its roots in 2019 when Campbell was a sophomore.
“I decided that I no longer was accepting what I cannot change,” Campbell said, “I am going to change what I do not accept.”
By 2020, the organization was ready to bloom. The first meeting took place in March, just days before the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Campbell persisted and—in spite of the setback of not being able to meet in person—her intention of cultivating social justice projects with her peers began to grow.
“There is so much progress to be made and I didn’t want to sit back and let another generation go by,” she said.
Indigenous Peoples Day, the club’s first official event, took place last October. With support from the YWCA Mankato, the event recognized past persecutions and past and present discriminations, while celebrating the many contributions that the indigenous population has made to our history. MOFF put together booths, Native American accessories and music. Campbell hopes this will become an annual event.
A mural project soon followed.
“I was shocked to find out that Martin Luther King, Jr., had given a speech in this very building,” Campbell said, “I was more shocked that there was nothing to commemorate the event.”
King spoke in the building which is now Mankato West High School in 1961, delivering his speech entitled, “Facing the Challenges of a New Age.”
“This is a super big and amazing part of our history and I wanted to make it known,” Campbell said.
Indya discovered that another student, Ronan Corley, also believed something should be noted. The project to complete a mural began to take shape.
“I wanted it to be somewhere I knew that people would see it,” she said.
That intention landed the mural, which was completed early this year, at the entrance to the school auditorium where King’s speech took place.
What helps you grow?
Self-reflection by journaling and meditating
Who inspires you to grow?
My family because of their expectations. They all expect me to reach my potential.
What drives you?
A better tomorrow; there is always something to be done.
How do you think others grow from the things you do?
I hope I help them to be more honest with themselves and challenge them to look deeper.
What makes you a good leader?
I feel like I am a good listener and very open-minded. I have the ability to understand different perspectives
What life event has had the most impact on you?
My parent’s divorce. That was the moment I realized that everything cannot be perfect and that things are not always black and white.
Do you have a role-model?
Yes! There are many people who have inspired me.
I am a huge fan of Grace Beverly. She is a young entrepreneur with her own sustainable style brand of athleisure clothing named Tala. She is driven by mindfulness and intentional living.
How do you grow through the things you do?
Every day I become more educated and self-aware.
Why is growth important?
There is a quote I have heard that goes something like, “If you are living just to survive, you have already died.” I think one of the purposes of life is to continually strive for betterment.
MOFF presently has its sights set on growing their collaboration with the Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA). CADA’s goal of violence prevention and equality align nicely with MOFF’s intentions.
“I am excited about this because it provides an opportunity to bridge generations within our community,” Campbell said, “We need to hear youth voices.”
This linkup between MOFF and CADA ignited the development of an active interruption training. The material focuses on educating individuals on how to speak up when they witness discrimination and bias.
“It provides them with actual strategies for interrupting discrimination rather than remaining a bystander,” Campbell explained.
The training has been presented to a handful of groups, including students. Recently, Mankato West principal, Sherri Blasing, invited MOFF to present the material at a teacher’s staff meeting. 94 teachers gained the opportunity to learn ways to positively impact their students and model examples of how to intervene when faced with discriminatory behaviors.
“It was very cool to switch roles and have the students teach the teachers,” Campbell said, “Teachers have such a powerful position and understanding how to interrupt bias and discrimination is one of the easiest and most important ways to create change.”
With Indya set to graduate, the future of MOFF is in limbo.
“I do feel like the club has secured strong enough ties and connections to continue,” she said.
Her hope is that a social justice class will someday be part of the school curriculum.
“What I want most is for people to understand that social justice is not about revenge or blame, it is about equity, equality, and acceptance.” Campbell said.
Indya believes that students need to have the space to ask questions, access to experiences, and a way to garner a greater understanding of issues related to systematic oppression to help navigate and develop their own identity.
“Without this knowledge, it is more challenging to recognize how individuals can make change towards a more equitable society,” she said.
Campbell has utilized her high school career to solidify her own identity and goals. With an impressive resume in hand, she intends to continue to follow her passions and make choices that bring her closer to her desired outcomes.
“I am excited about my own potential and using it to make a positive impact on others,” she said.
Although she is presently undecided on what university to attend, she does know that she would like to major in business administration.
“I want to own my own business,” she said, “I would love to have my own gym and fitness clothing line.”
Fitness has been a long time passion for Campbell and she believes it has helped her maintain focus and energy in the projects she takes on. She has garnered notable success as a track and field athlete and has also started to cultivate a yoga and meditation practice. These activities, combined with a dedication to journaling and the support of her family, are all things Campbell credits to achieving a life lived with intention.
“Even the clothes I put on my back are oftentimes chosen with intention,” Campbell said.
For her photo shoot to accompany this article, Campbell wore custom made earrings gifted from an inspirational friend.
“They are braided sweet grass which represents earth, kindness, hope, and love,” she said.
The professional business outfit she brought came from her mother’s online boutique, Nora’s Closet, to represent the strong women in her family.
“It shows who wears the pants,” she said. Her jeans were thrifted to represent her hobby of upcycling and her sweatshirt bore the phrase, “Love Speaks Louder.”
“This reminds me that if I love myself, it is easier to love others,” Indya said.
Campbell admits that some of the recognition she has received has been unexpected and has “felt super weird.”
She said, “I have just been doing my thing and following my passions.”
Campbell intends to continue to make choices in her life from a platform of intent and love.
“We only have one life to live and there is the opportunity every day to become better,” she said, “I intend to approach all moments from a place of love.” RVW
8,500 sq ft Fitness Center
24/7 Fitness Center
Physical Therapy Services
Nutritional Supplements
Meal Prep Services
CrossFit Classes
Personal Training
The amazing all-in-one wellness and weight-loss drink! Easily kick those unwanted habits, such as energy drinks & soda consumption. Say goodbye to that coffee breath!
With 7g of added fiber, TB16 will help curb that appetite. Also promoting digestive health and regularity.
Added "nootropics" will help keep your mind sharp and focused throughout the day!
Dandelion Root, a mild natural diuretic, will help relieve some of that unwanted water weight!
Loaded with 200mg of Natural Caffeine, derived from gree coffee bean, for long lasting energy, without the crash! Energy drinks use Caffeine Anhydrous, a man-made caffeine that works immediately, but has that unavoidable crash. Not TB16!
Loaded with B-Vitamins, to give your body a sustainable, natural energy boost!
JUST ACROSS THE STREET FROM
157149
Pick 2 All 3 $55 $85
SAUNA POD FOOT SOAK HIMALAYAN SALT ROOM
VISIT US ONLINE OR CALL TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR PERFECT WELLNESS PACKAGE
Halotherapy, or breathing in of salt vapor, takes the healing properties of salt into the respiratory system. Dry salt therapy is a NATURAL detoxification for your airways and skin. “Halo”, coming from the Greek word for salt, Halotherapy is the use of vapor utilizing micro particles of salt to promote optimal health, wellness and respiratory hygiene.
SERVICE OR PACKAGEOnly$25 WITH ANY
Experience our all new head-to-toe contact-free massage.
A detox foot soak makes joint movement easier in the knees and elbows. Detoxification also promotes weight loss, as it rids your body of crippling chemicals and raises your metabolism to higher levels.
Visit our Facebook page for more info
Floating has become the best-kept secret to safely and naturally relieve stress and anxiety. A float tank (ours are more of a float room) provides a weightless environment that when combined with pitch darkness and silence, creates sensory reduction. With the sensations of the outside world removed, your body and mind are allowed to completely relax and unplug.
A 2001 study in the Journal of the Canadian Pain Society found that spending time in a floatation tank effectively decreased anxiety and depression and increased optimism. In summary, floating takes you to your happy place.
By RUTH KLOSSNER
As Cindy Winters nears the end of her time as project advisor for The Heart of New Ulm, she sees many things that the program has done to make the community healthier and safer. Winters' work with HONU was contracted by the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation to New Ulm Medical Center to advise leadership and action teams to improve community health. Cindy will assume new duties with the foundation at the end of this year—and is already working part-time with a North Minneapolis community that’s looking to learn from the things that New Ulm has accomplished.
When Winters leaves HONU at the end of 2021, the program will still be in good hands. Winters’ mentee and Community Health Program Coordinator for NUMC, Jen Maurer, will continue the program as the facilitator of the leadership team.
During nine years with the program, Winters has worked with all facets of HONU, with special emphasis on coordinating efforts with the City of New Ulm.
“We look at policies that allow people to feel safer walking and biking,” Cindy said. “New Ulm is blessed with sidewalks in almost all parts of the community. People walk and bike, but they don’t use it as a form of transportation. We want to get people to do it for that purpose. If people don’t feel safe, they won’t do it.”
The city has adopted a Complete Streets Policy that considers all people and uses—not only cars, but pedestrians, wheelchairs,
bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and commercial and emergency vehicles—and all ages.
“It’s called Eight to Eighty. If we design things for those ages, they should be accessible for everybody. The city continues to add bike and multi-purpose trails. For example, in the Cottonwood Addition, the city put in a multi-purpose trail on one side and a sidewalk on the other,” Winters said.
The city has also painted sharrows—shared use signage—on driving lanes to show drivers to expect bikes. The city has now designated 11 miles of bike routes on safer—not as heavily traveled—streets.
Walking routes have also been designated for the Safe Routes to School program and enhanced crosswalks—with zebra paint and crosswalk signs—to make them more visible from farther away at the schools.
The New Ulm bike group applied for and received a bronze level designation of the city as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists in 2017.
“Bicycling is a big tourist attraction,” Winters said. “People will pick places that allow them to do a lot of biking. The designation helps create an environment that people see as a town that allows them to do a lot of biking. When you improve the bicycle environment, you make it safer to walk at the same time.”
New Ulm has a 14.5-mile Bicycle Circle Route around the city. When MnDOT redid the Highway 14/15 “Y,” a mile-and-a-half was added
Cindy Winters grew up on a farm in northwestern Iowa, near Washta—known as the coldest spot in Iowa. After attending Buena Vista College, she worked as a community recreation director in Cherokee, Iowa, then went back to college at the University of Northern Iowa to earn a degree in therapeutic recreation.
She worked for Courage Center in Minneapolis for five years, then “met a man from Oklahoma,” Gary Winters. She told him, “I’ll meet your partway,” so they ended up in the Kansas City area.
Cindy worked on the state level for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in the Bureau of Health Promotion for 10 years. Wanting to work with a community on a local level, she saw an ad for the position with HONU and she and her husband made the move to New Ulm in 2012.
“I like challenges and to change things up. I’ve always worked in the health field,” she said. “I’m a lifelong learner. I’m also interested in leadership—how to identify and build, how to motivate others. It shouldn’t all come from me. It needs to come from the community.”
She added, “In order to have success, you have to be willing to fail. That’s your opportunity to learn.”
Part of Winters’ current job with Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation is to apply what she’s learned in New Ulm to other communities. She’s currently with HONU 20 hours a week and works from home (most of the time) with a north Minneapolis community that’s looking at what New Ulm did—to see how it can apply there.
Cindy WintersHow
you grow yourself in what you do?
I try to take advantage of leadership opportunities available in the area or through my employer. I participate in a variety of webinars and conferences and participate in networking opportunities with others doing similar work. Having worked at the state level in Kansas for many years, I have a strong network of colleagues from across the country that I can tap into for advice.
What drives you to do what you do?
I have lived in a variety of different places and have personally experienced what my quality of life is like, both physically and mentally, in communities where I didn’t have as many choices around physical activity and healthy foods. I am passionate about expanding people’s choices and giving them the information they need to make better decisions when it comes to their health. One of my favorite quotes is “The choices we make are based upon the choices that we have.” –
David R. WilliamsHow do you feel when you see your efforts publicly displayed or when you appear in various media?
First and foremost, I have not, and cannot, do this work alone. I work with a great team of individuals that represent organizations and community members. These individuals are supportive of the change and community growth. It makes me feel proud of the work we have done and it gives me hope that the community is striving to live up to its full potential. I know that many of the changes will be there for several years and improve the quality of life for many.
How do you think people grow from the things you do?
It helps them think differently about their community and what they can bring to the table. I try to give the people I work with the research and data needed to make an informed decision. I share how some of the changes have worked in other communities and what the result has been over time. I believe it gives them the confidence to know they have the ability to inform change if they are willing to invest the time and energy. Community change takes time and persistence.
What is the overall benefit to a community from your efforts?
Health and wellness have become shared values by organizations throughout New Ulm. There is a stronger understanding of how the decisions we make affect our (meaning the community) long term health.
How do you grow as a person from your activities?
I have learned to be an active listener, to think more broadly and critically, work to understand the push back, learned to give up control, and be comfortable with change. I am more willing to compromise, accept, and celebrate small steps and victories. I understand the importance of being a role model. If I’m not willing to make changes, why would I ask someone else to make them?
to the bike trail system.
“We have to think about what people will use in their everyday lives. That’s why I work on ways to make biking and walking safer. When people are out walking and biking, they interact more with others and they see things they wouldn’t otherwise,” Winters said.
HONU received a grant to purchase 25 special bike racks and worked with 22 organizations to install them around town.
Heart of New Ulm’s Downtown Action Team conducted a survey of downtown business owners to encourage social connectedness.
Research shows that social connectedness improves health by helping to decrease depression, improve self-esteem, and create a sense of belonging.
Providing residents and shoppers with more areas to sit and gather, including outdoor dining options, increases the potential that people will choose to spend more time downtown and gather.
Nine tables with benches were placed downtown to encourage people to spend more time there. Four of the tables have been wrapped with an informational covering, with the rest to be wrapped by Memorial Day. Historical plaques were also placed on benches.
The team is also planning more events—Crazy Days, women’s shopping events, etc.—to bring people downtown.
“New Ulm has a lot of potential. We have to let people know what that potential is, visualize it, and invest in it,” Winters said.
Winters also works in other areas to promote the community and raise health awareness for residents.
“Food is another big thing in managing heart disease and diabetes,” she said. “We’ve worked with restaurants so residents know that a variety of heart healthy options are on the menu, foods are prepared using healthy oils, smaller portion sizes are available, and more non-fried vegetables are on the menu.”
With social distancing and restrictions being a big part of 2020, Winters noted that Covid caused a whole new set of problems.
“We’re looking at mental health issues. We need to get resources out there. We understand how it has impacted families and individuals. We planned activities like city scavenger hikes that encourage people to walk and bike to find things. People used smart phone apps and took pictures of the sites,” Winters said.
“Programs come and go, or they run their course, but making change is long-term. We need to continue to do programs to encourage people to make those changes,” Winters said. “I work with a great network of community organizations and members that support the changes and want to see them made. They have a vision for how healthy New Ulm can be. They help make that vision come true—it takes a true community commitment to change things.” RVW
By CHRISTINE NESSLER
Over the past four years, as the community development director, Samantha DiMaggio has been an integral part of the redevelopment and growth planning of the City of Le Sueur.
A small town girl from northern Minnesota, DiMaggio has taken her love for rural communities, her personal experience as an entrepreneur, and her desire to help others, to create an environment primed for growth for a city that many drive past without notice.
But, don’t count this hidden gem of a city out. DiMaggio has big plans for Le Sueur and the passion to see it through.
DiMaggio’s career in economic development began by working for the State of Minnesota in northern Minnesota. She educated people about a work opportunity tax credit program. That position allowed her to meet with multiple business owners and to learn about some incredible northern Minnesota businesses, including a woman from Thief River Falls who made high-end bedding for people in New York.
DiMaggio was inspired by this and many other entrepreneurs.
She then transferred to the Twin Cities to work for the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for 12 years. There she learned the ins and outs of business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, and community development. DiMaggio then accepted a new challenge as a loan officer for Region 7W and 9, where she helped notable businesses such as Blue Star Powers Systems, Arctic Cat, Stearns Coleman, Geringhoff, and many others receive loans.
Always ready to further develop in her career and learn new skills, DiMaggio accepted an economic development position with the City of Shakopee. She loved working in economic development and had great success in Shakopee—including bringing Amazon and Shutterfly to the area—but wanted to work in a smaller community.
All of that led her to the City of Le Sueur.
“I really wanted to come and work in a rural area,” DiMaggio said. “I was excited about Le Sueur because we have a population of 4,000 people and about 3,500 jobs. We actually import workers each day, and that is amazing for a town our size.”
DiMaggio was excited to put her knowledge and passion to work in
a smaller community. She saw potential in the town.
“When you create a job in a big town, it’s great, but I really don’t think it has the same impact as it does in a rural area,” DiMaggio said. She saw an opportunity to make a big impact in Le Sueur. The city also gave DiMaggio a chance to further her experience in economic development by involving her in planning and zoning—something she was eager to learn more about.
Sam has a special place in her heart for rural communities and helping them thrive. She had witnessed the demise of her small town when companies left the community to move 20 miles down the road for incentives they were offered through the JOBZ program. That program was developed in 2004 to stimulate economic development in Greater Minnesota. JOBZ allowed local governments to provide reductions in state and local taxes to attract new businesses to their communities, or allow current businesses to expand. Although many in her town were frustrated by the companies leaving, DiMaggio thought it was interesting that companies could be lured to cities with incentives.
“They went to the town that offered the incentives,” DiMaggio remarked as she remembered the day the last large business left her small town. “Along with those businesses, the people followed to be closer to where they were working. They were building new houses and then other small businesses went there. I just saw the dominos fall because then this community had the better schools. It was sad to witness, but it was good for me to see considering where I am now.”
Next month she will have been with the City of Le Sueur for four years.
DiMaggio has had many opportunities to make an impact, including the Rural Entrepreneur Venture Program which focuses on recruiting and supporting entrepreneurs. Through this program, DiMaggio meets with local entrepreneurs and gains data in order to determine where Le Sueur’s businesses are now, compared to what could potentially happen in the future. They work to help businesses develop succession plans and prepare for the future of both the business and the community as a whole.
“When you look at what makes people want to come to your town, what makes you competitive against another towns,” DiMaggio said. “you have to ask, ‘Why pick Le Sueur over somewhere else?’”
Another part of the Rural Entrepreneur Venture program was to do an asset mapping to make sure they are aware of their assets and able to share them with their residents and those interested in visiting or moving to the community.
“One of the things we really need to do is increase our population. We’ve really been stagnant with population growth,” DiMaggio said. According to Sam, population growth affects funding for school districts and other parts of the city as well. She says it’s important to start looking at more housing options in order to support population growth.
That’s just what she’s doing. DiMaggio has been working hard on finding housing alternatives in Le Sueur to ensure there is something for every resident’s needs by factoring in affordability, along with the various stages of home ownership. According to DiMaggio, finding housing in a smaller community can be a challenge, but she strives to stay abreast of what is available in the community in order to be a resource. She also mentioned that within the city proper, there isn’t much land left for housing developments. However, with the current trend of low inventory for home sales, she has been pleased with the number of existing homes that have been remodeled and the positive effects it has had on the neighborhoods in which they reside.
DiMaggio sees the big picture for her town. She has been integral in implementing the City of Le Sueur 2040 Comprehensive Plan. It looks to the future of the city and determines where to invest in new infrastructure and what to do with current infrastructure. The
community collaboration provides not only a vision for Le Sueur, but also a framework for future developers to follow. It allows DiMaggio to assure that future growth aligns with the goals of the city.
“When people came to town, their first impression was based on the downtown, and it didn’t have curb appeal,” Sam said. “If you can’t get past that opening gate, then it all ends there.”
A big part of the comprehensive plan was the redevelopment of the current downtown area. According to DiMaggio, the number one thing to come out of the 2040 plan was to redevelop Valley Green Square Mall.
The mall was built in 1974 as a part of Urban Renewal, a program designed to redevelop aging or decaying communities. Le Sueur received federal dollars to revitalize its downtown.
“It looked amazing when it was first opened,” DiMaggio commented as she pulled out photos of the original Valley Green Square Mall and pedestrian mall.
Unfortunately, as DiMaggio pointed out, some of the beautiful features of the pedestrian mall—such as the water fountain—weren’t sustainable. As for the mall itself, times have changed with how people are shopping.
When DiMaggio first looked at the Valley Green Square Mall, 70,000 square feet of its 100,000 was vacant. All of the vacant areas lined the pedestrian mall that blocked off Main Street. After doing a downtown study, it was determined opening up Main Street was the best option for the redesign of the mall.
Valley Green Square Mall has been rebranded as Tiller and Main. The new ownership group of Tiller and Main, Building Good Downtowns, LLC, has contracted with Brennan Construction and Coldwell Banker Commercial (CBC) Fisher Group of Mankato. Brennan Construction will manage construction, while CBC Fisher Group will manage the rebranding and marketing of the building. Demolition has already begun and completion of construction is estimated for the fall 2021.
“If I believe strongly in something, I just can’t give it up,” DiMaggio said of the mall project. “I think this was one of those situations that it was a blessing that I didn’t give up. It was a beast!”
DiMaggio is now working on relocating current tenants—including an orthodontist, an eye doctor and a dentist—to the lower level
of Tiller and Main. She is also recruiting new tenants. The goal of the space is to have a Main Street feel with boutique-style retail space and an upper level with 17 new apartments. Ideally, the redevelopment of Tiller and Main will encourage growth of retail and restaurants in downtown Le Sueur. The project also includes redesigning the new streetscape to make the space usable for more downtown events.
“Samantha has been just amazing to work with,” Mike Brennan of Brennan Construction said. “She’s one of those people that stays positive. She has an amazing amount of persistence. Being positive and being persistent are exactly what it took to pull off the Tiller and Main project.”
Sam’s positivity and persistence paid off. The project was awarded the “Project of the Year” by the Economic Development Association of Minnesota.
In addition to the many roles Sam plays as the community development director, DiMaggio is an entrepreneur, something that has helped her relate to the business leaders she works with every day. DiMaggio and her husband, Joe, had an itch to own another business, after he sold the family restaurant he owned with his parents.
DiMaggio researched business opportunities and found travel was one of the fastest growing industries. As someone who loves to travel, it was a perfect fit. In 2014, they opened DiMaggio Travel Dream Vacations.
“Even before we owned the travel agency, people knew we loved to travel, so they would call us and ask for advice,” Sam said. “I was helping all of my family and friends anyway, so owning a travel agency seemed like a great fit.”
Even when traveling herself, DiMaggio can’t shake her love for economic development.
“I love being in new places and seeing what other people do and how they live,” Sam said as she recounted a funny anecdote about being in Cologne, Germany. She was excited to get a tour of the original sewer tunnels the city of Cologne used for water and septic, an excitement her husband didn’t quite understand.
But, for DiMaggio the community development side of her loves to learn about different cultures. DiMaggio and her husband even worked in the Dominican in a paper factory, a chocolate factory, and a reforestation plantation as a part of a volunteer cruise where passengers are able to work abroad.
“I tell people, when they travel, to always buy local when they get there,” DiMaggio said.
She loves to support local economies—from restaurants to street vendors—when she travels.
“We try to spend as much money locally as possible when we get to our destination,” she explained.
Although it has been a tough year for travel due to the COVID 19 pandemic, DiMaggio feels that going through those personal setbacks as a business
owner has helped her better relate to others. It makes her work harder to ensure entrepreneurs know about incentives and programs that can help them. She recently went door to door to as many small businesses as she could to make sure they knew about a county grant that could benefit them. Being able to make those personal connections is one of her favorite things about working in a smaller community.
Another thing DiMaggio loves about a smaller community is the ingenuity she sees from the business owners.
“I’ve seen smaller towns that don’t have essential businesses—like a grocery store—get creative to pull together funds to fill that need. You have to be creative and think outside of the box,” Sam said.
Obtaining funding for businesses is not always easy, but DiMaggio offers other programs including the Revolving Loan Fund program. She always finds other ways to support local businesses, among them educational seminars and networking opportunities.
“Samantha is really good about helping businesses network in Le Sueur,” Alice Fahey, a local photographer and owner of Alice.HQ, Commercial and Brand Photography, said. “It’s been great for her to host these networking events. At the events we can figure out how we can help each other grow.”
Samantha DiMaggio has been a catalyst for growth in her beloved city of Le Sueur, Minnesota. She has pushed the envelope when necessary.
“Part of my job is helping people through the fear of change,” she said. “I always tell people, I love Le Sueur, I would never do anything to hurt our community. I will ask them to take some risks, and I will ask them to step outside of the boundary, but I am really only doing it for the good of our community.”
DiMaggio has taken risks herself in her own personal growth, always being willing to accept a new challenge or learn a new skill. She’s taken her personal experiences of the challenges her hometown faced as businesses moved out and—through the challenges she faced as a business owner through a pandemic—used the lessons learned to better serve her community. She has also taken to heart the responsibility of helping the residents and businesses of Le Sueur to succeed and grow towards the vision they share for 2040.
“Everyone has different layers of success and how they define success,” DiMaggio said. “I define my success by asking, ‘did I help somebody, did I make something better?’” RVW
Email: SDiMaggio@cityoflesueur.com
Phone: 507-593-8318
Website: cityoflesueur.com/177/ Community-Economic-Development
Facebook: facebook.com/ DowntownPromotionsLeSueur
When you think of a healthy and thriving community, what comes to mind? Some people may imagine a community with great schools and opportunities for youth. Others may imagine a community with a thriving arts scene. Some may imagine a community where they can be unapologetically themselves without fear of judgment or backlash. There are many different answers to this question because we all have different experiences and values. What we have in common is that we all have a part to play in making our communities as safe and healthy as possible for everyone.
So why should you get involved and help your community thrive? Getting involved in your community can be personally fulfilling. I’m a transplant to the Mankato area and, for the first two years I lived here, it didn’t feel like home. That changed when I started attending community events, engaged with resources through my work at CADA, and learned more about the history and people in the community. Once I became more aware and connected, I started to feel more at home and developed a strong sense of commitment to this place.
Growing a healthy and safe community is an important factor in preventing all forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and bullying. At CADA, much of our work is supporting survivors after abuse. We know that violence can thrive in inequitable environments and we are committed to helping create communities where violence, harassment, and assault are not supported or tolerated. This is why we also work to prevent violence from happening in the first place. Much of CADA’s violence prevention work happens at a community level, because we know that communities and social norms impact individual behavior. If we want to create safe and protective environments, we must work with the community as a whole where improvements are needed.
By engaging in our community, we can also build a better future. By coming together, learning from one another, and cultivating trust, we have an opportunity to leave our community better than we found it. We can create a future community that we can be proud of.
How can you get involved and help your community grow?
Learn about community resources.
Where is the local food shelf? Where can you take donations? Where can you volunteer? It’s good to know what work is happening in your community so you can find out where there are needs, how you can get involved to fill those needs, and where to direct people who are in need of certain resources. By looking at what kind of work is being done by nonprofits, organizations, and clubs in the community, you can understand the priorities and needs of a community.
Learn about other people’s experiences. While we live in the same community as many other people, our experiences are often very different. How someone experiences a community can be affected by a myriad of things—race, income level, what neighborhood they live in, whether they’ve experienced violence at home, whether or not they live with a disability, and much more. When you’re engaging with your community, a good question to ask is, “Whose voice are we missing?” Whether you’re at a PTO meeting, city council meeting, or a community event, it is important to see who is missing and try to figure out what barriers might be keeping others from being able to show up.
Know who the change makers are.
Who writes your workplace policies? Who sets the priorities of the city government? If you know who is making changes, you can know who to approach to make your concerns heard. Change makers can be anyone—elected officials, faith leaders, government officials, or coaches. A change maker is anyone with decision-making power or someone who is using their resources to create change.
Find your passion.
Once you know what resources and systems already exist in your community, you can see where you fit in. There are so many causes out there and so many priorities that need support. Perhaps you’re passionate about local art, literacy, or making sure everyone can put food on their table. There are a multitude of ways to give back and support your community through a cause you’re committed to. You can volunteer your time, donate, share information about your cause through social media or an event, or advocate for policy change. There is no wrong way to get involved.
When looking at factors that promote safety and reduce violence, community plays a huge part. In communities where individuals have their basic needs met, have supportive school and social environments, and there are few barriers to accessing resources, we see increased levels of safety and security. If all of us take small steps to improving our community, we can create large-scale change.
KRISTEN WALTERS Development & Communications Manager CADA, Mankato
This month we are featuring our Facebook poll, which asked readers to share the home improvements that made the most positive impact on their homes and lives.
Peggy: A bathtub with jets.
Angela: Upgrading the gross old outdated bathrooms! Refinishing the original hardwoods is a close second.
Sara: My hubby built a fire place, and is currently adding shelving and we LOVE it!
Tami: It’s a toss-up between kitchen remodel and screened-in porch. The kitchen is so much more functional now and beautiful. And we live on that porch in the spring, summer and fall.
Linda: Adding grab bars in the
Trish: Replaced two walls of paneling with vinyl planking. My favorite update so far!
bathrooms including in the shower/tubs too. All guests appreciate them. Plus, toddlers are not hanging on the TP holder to balance getting on and off the toilet.
Patti: New garage doors and outside lights. Made a world of difference!
Mary: Kitchen remodel. Drawers were falling apart and very outdated. Now it is open huge island and beautiful. Much more relaxing when working in the kitchen.
Lynn: Remodeled our bathroom, took out the tub and put in a walk-in shower.
Jackie: Paint. I’d like to redo my kitchen (not cabinets though!) and
new floors but it’s only 10 years old and lots of other people like it, but I need a bigger island. I sound like a spoiled brat but when it’s just me and my kids typically eating a meal together, that’s where we gather. I’d love to open it up more!
Melanie: All new windows
Cathy: New windows and front door.
Jackie: New kitchen and dining room Addition to a rambler style house (so amazing) and a double sink counter in the bathroom.
Dinah: Our four-season porch addition! It is the coziest room where the whole family gathers. Lots of good sunshine, and a calm place to escape from the craziness of life.
Jenna: Landscaping!
Alan and Roberta: Addition in 2019 with new master bedroom, walk in closet, new master bath, new guest bath, sunroom, full kitchen remodel and new flooring throughout. New two-stall attached heated garage. The original structure was built by my grandparents in 1957. We will spend our retirement years here.
Kristin: Painting the exterior!
Merna: We added a year ’round sunroom in 2008.
Sara: Everything! But my kitchen is my favorite with our bar that was featured in your magazine in June 2019, a close 2nd.
Kari: Put on an 850 sq. foot addition so we now have a family room, an expanded kitchen, and a master bedroom suite! I love my house now!
Deb: Replaced our south side of the house deck with a four-season sunroom.
LuAnn: The kitchen. Opened it up to the dining area and added much needed seating and storage. Best decision ever.
Suzanne: New kitchen flooring—we had carpet in the kitchen when we moved in. We also redid our entry way looks much brighter and bigger than before!
Crystal: This open closet area is so much more accessible now and gets used every day.
Allysa: I bought a rundown farm house and put new metal roof and vinyl siding on it last
Shirl: Gas fireplace. Coziest thing ever in Minnesota winters!
Suzanne: For us, on our previous home, it was the gutter helmet. I no longer had to tell my husband, “The gutters are clogged again! Rain is pouring over them.” He hated that. I also didn’t have to worry about him falling off of the ladder, while making sure our health coverage was up to date.
Ashley: We switched to steel roofing. I will NEVER go back to shingles!
Kathy: Replaced our popcorn ceilings. So much work, but it is amazing what a difference that makes!
Kathryn: Removed a living room window and installed it with a patio door. It is so bright and makes the room look bigger.
Julie: We remodeled our whole walk-out basement, putting in kitchen/bar, new fireplace, bathroom, and a patio. This was the fall before Covid hit. We have used it almost every day since. I never went down there before that. Great for entertaining but best of all, for just us.
Heather: Removed carpet, installed vinyl plank flooring. Easier to clean!
Laura: New flooring in my office/craft room!
Amber: Kitchen remodel! It needed to be done as it was an outdated farm kitchen. It’s amazing how much happier you are when you are in a space that you love.
Judy: New backsplash. RVW
Sheila: New front door and steps also got a cement driveway.Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Myranda Pfarr. I am 27 years old and have been running River Valley Groom & Spa in Morton since 2016.
What is the nature of your business? River Valley Groom & Spa is a full-service dog grooming salon, plus a boutique for pet lovers that includes gourmet bakery dog treats, dog and cat supplies, plus gifts for pet lovers, and a line of custom pet-lovers apparel for people.
Why did you go into this field? I always knew that I wanted to work with pets from an incredibly young age. At first, I investigated vet tech school and toyed with the idea of becoming a veterinarian. I toured a few schools but decided that I didn’t want to work with the sick animals. I really liked the idea of grooming and making them clean, giving them cute haircuts and making them feel pretty. So, I did some research and found a local dog grooming academy, toured, and applied and was accepted that day! After a year of school, a full time job and lots of traveling, I got my degree and relocated to Morton from Circle Pines, Minnesota in the fall of 2015. I opened up shop the summer of 2016. Dog person or cat person? While I love both, I tend to favor cats over dogs. I own three cats and three dogs.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I love the flexibility and being my own boss. I have pride in owning and running my own business and the freedom that I have to run it my way and truly made a dream into a reality.
What is the most challenging? At first the startup was the most challenging. It was scary to open in a new town that I knew nothing about. It was hard at first getting word out to potential clients and getting people to know that I was here. The first year we had a grand opening and one person showed up. I had a lot of long days sitting around without any customers, but was always open. I really wanted to give up the first year, but I am glad that I stood my ground and stuck it out, I would not be where I am today if I hadn’t. In small towns people always want to know what is going on and—as the weather got nice— people would start spending more time outside and a few people wandered in to check it out. Another local groomer got a little too busy herself and started spreading word of my business as well. I find that my will and determination to make this business work, and word of mouth from my awesome clients, has really made this small town business succeed. I will forever be grateful and consider myself very blessed to have a job that I love so much.
What was your first pet and pet’s name? She was a Siamese cat named Sassy who lived to the healthy age of 16.
If dogs or cats could talk what do you think they would say? I’d like to think they’d thank me for taking such good care of them. It would be cool if they could talk and tell me about their life, but if dogs could talk I’d probably never get any work done. I feel like they would tell us how much they love us and appreciate all that we do for them. My cats would probably just tell me they need to be fed when there clearly is food in their dish because, God forbid, it be any less than seven-eighths full.
If you could do any other job other than what you currently do, what would it be? If I could do anything, I’d run a large dog boarding facility. I always wanted a giant facility, almost like a hotel for dogs— with custom and even themed suites for dogs and plenty of space for them to run. It would have an indoor and an outdoor dog park, a training facility, and a grooming salon added on, of course. That would be my dream job for sure.
RIVERFRONT
410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507-625-1107
HILLTOP
2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 507-625-9070
Practicing safe medication storage while at home and on-the-go is important to ensure the safety of you and members of your family.
Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe:
Put medicines up and away out of children’s reach and sight.
Children are often curious and put things in their mouth. In the blink of an eye they can get into something that could hurt them.
Put medicines away every time.
Never leave a medication out even if you are going to give it again in a few hours.
Always close the child protective cap until it is locked and secure.
medication safety.
Teach children what medication is and why a parent or trusted adult should be the only one to give it to them.
159838
NEED AN ACTIVITY TO KEEP LITTLE HANDS BUSY THIS SUMMER?
Whether it’s large or small, inside or out, a garden can be a magical place for a child. It only takes a few days for sprouts to appear, and a handful more for plants to take shape. And the best part? Your child will be growing healthy, delicious food while learning countless lessons that he or she will use throughout life, including:
RESPONSIBILITY — Regular care and upkeep are essential for a successful garden.
MATH, SCIENCE, & FINE-MOTOR SKILLS — From counting seeds to filling pots to measuring seed depth, a garden is full of teachable moments.
When it comes to deciding what to plant, consider what you and your child like to eat and what will grow well in your space.
If you are planning an indoor garden (or are looking for low maintenance options), put these fruits and vegetables at the top of your list. These plants are self-pollinating, meaning they don’t need help from bees or wind to produce fruits or vegetables.
HERBS BASIL CILANTRO DILL MINT OREGANO PARSLEY + MORE
INGREDIENTS
1/3 c. Hy-Vee walnuts, finely chopped
1 c. packed basil leaves (about 2 oz)
1 c. packed spinach leaves (about 2 oz)
1/2 c. Hy-Vee finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. Hy-Vee kosher sea salt
red pepper flakes, optional
2/3 c. Hy-Vee Select extra-virgin olive oil
1 2 3 4
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place walnuts on an ungreased baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes; remove and set aside to cool.
In a food processor or blender, combine basil, spinach, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes, if desired. Cover and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add oil and process until thoroughly combined.
Nutrition facts per serving: 110 calories per serving, 11g Total Fat, 2g Saturated Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 5mg Cholesterol, 115mg Sodium, 1g Total Carbohydrates, 0g Dietary Fiber, 0g Total Sugars, 2g Protein.
LETTUCE MICROGREENS POTATOES RADISHES SCALLIONS SPINACH STRAWBERRIES TOMATOES
Pesto adds a taste of Italy to sandwiches, pizzas, pastas and even eggs.
Morpheus8 combines the power of micro-needling and RF (radio frequency) to penetrate deeper into the skin than any other microneedling device allowing it to stimulate collagen production to truly contour and transform different parts of the body. The result – a smoother and sleeker appearance.
Quick 10-minute treatments that work beneath the surface & temporarily reduce the underlying muscle activity that causes moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines in adults.
Versa® injectable hyaluronic acid gel fillers can be used to correct age-related volume loss and moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. It can also be injected into the lips for lip augmentation and for correction of the fines lines around the mouth.
This next generation Hydrafacial will not only make your skin feel clean but make it glow! Take your traditional facial to the next level. The skin wave uses vacuum suction to extract clogged pores and remove skin cells as well as hydrates the skin utalizing serums to treat specific skin issues. Inflamed skin will be calmed while acne and oily skin will be improved.
Evolve is the next generation in skin remodeling that maximizes skin tightening and body contouring results! It harnesses the power of RF energy to remodel skin and improve its appearance. With Evolve, you can get both skin contraction and adipose tissue reduction with a single treatment.
• RESHAPE YOUR BODY
• TIGHTEN SKIN
• REDUCE CELLULITE
• IMPROVE BODY SHAPE
• NO DOWNTIME
• SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES
• PAINLESS, COMFORTABLE TREATMENT
• QUICK TREATMENT THAT TAKES 30-60 MINUTES (CAN BE DONE OVER LUNCHTIME)
WHAT IS EVOLVE?
Evolve Tite allows you to reshape your body with a quick and easy nonsurgical treatment. It is an innovative non-invasive solution specifically designed to reduce the unsightly appearance of loose sagging skin. We can tailor treatments to address your specific needs so the end result is a slimmer appearance with zero downtime. We are able to treat multiple body areas simultaneously leaving you with a more natural, better looking you.
Evolve Tite is a safe and effective procedure used to reduce texture irregularities in lax skin and provide a natural firmer appearance.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Using clinically proven radiofrequency technology, Evolve Tite stimulates collagen production and provides the ultimate in customizable body contouring. Evolve Tite was developed based on the clinical success of the proprietary A.C.E. (Acquire, Control and Extend) technology. This technology targets deep within the skin to ensure that no areas are under or over-treated. This allows us to maximize results and provide consistent outcomes to our patients.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT PROCESS? HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
Most patients need 3-8 treatments over 3-8 weeks with 1 treatment per week to achieve optimal results. Each treatment takes approximately 30-60 minutes. Gradual improvements in the treatment area can be seen following the first few treatments. During your consultation, we will be able to provide you with a customized treatment program to help you achieve your specific desired results. 159823
you wonder if you can grow a pollinator garden in your yard, the answer is yes. Even a small backyard space can be one of the best sites to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. A pollinator garden is a garden that is planted predominately with flowers that provide nectar or pollen for a wide range of pollinating insects. The greatest reason to have a pollinator garden is to attract nature’s beauty to your own property but also to help stop the decline of pollinators.
Did you know that many populations of bees and butterflies are in a severe decline? The decline has been attributed to the loss of habitat and increased use of insecticides. Agriculture is directly dependent on pollinators, especially bees, for producing more than one-third of our food products. Planting native plants to attract pollinators can ensure that we don’t live in a world without apples, blueberries, strawberries, chocolate, almonds, melons, peaches, pumpkins, or the wildlife that depend on pollinator-derived fruit and seed.
The Monarch butterfly is a great example of severe population decline. Monarch butterflies are becoming less common and people are afraid they will disappear forever. One of the reasons for the decline was the eradication of milkweed. Now people are planting milkweed, which is the only food the Monarch caterpillar eats. A pollinator garden with milkweed will attract the beautiful Monarch butterfly. (It is the State Butterfly of Minnesota!) We can help save it and other pollinators by establishing quality pollinator habitats. Thousands of backyard gardens can make a big difference in stopping the decline of pollinators.
So how can I grow a pollinator garden? To create your pollinator garden, there are five basic steps.
PLAN your garden. How large an planting area do you have? How much sunlight will there be? Different pollinator plants like different conditions. Some need six hours of sunlight while others can survive in shady spots. What is your soil like? How well drained is your site? Do you have a water source to water your new seedlings and plants? What variety of plants will provide a food source throughout the growing season for immature and adult butterflies and bees? Do some research online, at your library, or at a gardening center. Many local nurseries sell native plants which will attract the most pollinators. For a list of nurseries selling native plants go to www.dnr. state.mn.us/gardens/nativeplants/suppliers.html.
PREPARE your site. Remove sod and/or weeds. Rake area to provide a smooth surface to plant. Another method is to lay cardboard down over the lawn area where you want the garden, cover it with mulch and water regularly. The following spring the area will be ready to be planted by making holes in the mulch/cardboard for started plants.
PLANT seeds or started plants, also called transplants or plugs. Plants will respond quicker than seeds. Native plant seeds often require special treatment such as moist refrigeration in order to germinate, so it can be a good idea to plant seeds in the fall. Scatter seeds by hand on the soil surface, lightly rake them in and pack it down with your feet.
PREVENT the spread of weeds and allow sufficient sunlight to reach your pollinator plants. Water as needed.
PATIENCE is required! It will take a year or two for your garden to be established and bloom.
A great way to learn more about pollinators is to visit the New Ulm City Pollinator Park. The park has a wonderful variety of pollinator plants and educational signage along the walking path. Some of the plants at the park are Meadow Blazing Star, Butterfly Milkweed, Heath Aster, Prairie Coneflower, Golden Alexander, Wild Bergamot, Fragrant Hyssop, Blue Vervain, Prairie Clover, Swamp Milkweed, Rattlesnake Master, Prairie Smoke and Common Milkweed. The Pollinator Park is located at 2250 N. Broadway, New Ulm.
I am happy to say that after the development of the New Ulm
Pollinator Park, several schools, businesses, and home owners have planted their own pollinator gardens and are learning the importance of pollinators first hand. Future plans are in place to officially declare New Ulm a Pollinator Friendly City and to highlight six undeveloped park areas that support pollinator friendly habitat for the public to explore.
The New Ulm Pollinator Park started with a simple monarch butterfly project at our local preschool. We were studying the monarch’s life cycle and I happened to find a few monarch caterpillars on some milkweed in a field, and brought them to our classroom. Soon the caterpillars transformed into chrysalis and we “patiently” waited the 10 to 12 days for the butterflies to emerge. While we waited, I researched where we could possibly take a field trip to release the butterflies near a field of flowers, so they could feed and build up their strength for their upcoming migration to Mexico. After a few failed ideas, I was offered the possibility of utilizing an undeveloped park area in New Ulm.
Ultimately, the New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission and the New Ulm City Council unanimously approved the undeveloped park area to be designated as a Monarch Butterfly Preserve and Pollinator Park. With the help of two local DNR specialists and a grant from National Pheasants Forever Youth Pollinator Habitat Program, we were able to design and prep a planting area and purchase over 1,000 native pollinator plants. A June volunteer planting day included some of my preschool students and their parents. Over 75 volunteers of all ages helped plant the native flowers and grasses. A new hiking trail has been added below the main pollinator garden. Volunteers remove undesirable plants and add new plants every year.
New Ulm Pollinator Park just after planting the native plants. The flags are to mark where the plants are so that we didn't pull them as a weed. Preschool students stomping milkweed seeds into the ground like the bison did many years ago. (I'm in the center of photo spreading the milkweed seeds)My journey began in my small town local diner, where I was strictly in charge of buttering toast. I was 14, but hired because my dad “knew someone, who knew someone, who knew the owner.” These were small town rules, after all. I was quickly pushed to work the line where I failed miserably and learned what it felt like to be fired from a job. But what they truly failed to do was teach me the skills necessary to be successful. The resentment still burns almost 20 years later. Little did I know, my journey to prove them wrong would start right then and there.
It wouldn’t be until I worked in a group home, helping clients focus on rehabilitation and life skills, that I would find my passion for teaching. I worked with both physically and mentally disabled clients, assisting them with daily life skills—hygiene, budgeting, finances, and meal planning and preparation. After this experience, I made it my mission to ensure everyone had the opportunity to be successful, independent individuals.
Over the last eight years of teaching, I have done just that. Unlike other general education classes, many of my students enroll in my courses each year of their high school career. I get a front row seat to watch them enter as timid freshmen and leave as confident seniors. I don’t expect many to continue into culinary degrees, but rather utilize the skills I teach and apply them to any job. As they leave my classroom, they become masters of time management and effective communicators, with the ability to work cooperatively as a team member. The ability to cook is not only a survival skill but an added bonus to their future dating profile. I help my students by giving them the recipe to success that I did not get from my employer, oh so many years ago—the opportunity to fail, learn, and grow.
Yield: 14 large cookies
(The extra step of chilling is a practice of patience, but it’s totally worth it)
1½ sticks unsalted butter
½ c. packed brown sugar
½ c. sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 T whiskey
Into a heavy bottom pan, heat butter over medium heat, stirring as necessary. Cook until butter begins to brown. Strain butter to remove any remnants.
Into the bowl of your stand mixer add butter and sugars. Beat until smooth and combined.
Add egg, vanilla, and whiskey. Beat until combined.
Add flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Beat until combined.
1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
½ tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/8 tsp. kosher salt
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Fold in chocolate chips.
Using a large cookie scoop, scoop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. Cover with plastic wrap and transfer to refrigerator to chill a minimum of four hours to overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for approximately 11 to 14 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire baking rack to cool completely.
(I’ve been keto the last two years and have spent many hours in the kitchen creating recipes my non-keto family and I can enjoy. This is, by far, our family favorite.)
CRISPY SHRIMP
½ c. coconut or almond flour
1/4 c. powdered Parmesan cheese
1 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
Salt & pepper to taste
1 lb. shelled raw shrimp, deveined large
DIRECTIONS
Thaw shrimp. Pat completely dry. Add flour, powdered Parmesan cheese, soda, salt and pepper to a shallow bowl. Mix to combine. In another bowl, whisk eggs. Batter shrimp from egg to flour mixture. Air fry (or shallow fry) for 10 minutes or until tops are brown. (If cooking in the air fryer, spray the tops with cooking spray)
BANG BANG SAUCE
(The longer it sits, the better it gets. Add additional sambal and sriracha for an extra punch)
1/4 c. mayo
1 tsp. Sriracha
1 tsp. lime or lemon juice
2 tsp. sugar or sugar substitute
½-1 tsp. sambal oelek (Thai chili paste)
Mix and chill.
JALAPENO SLAW
½ c. sour cream
¼ c. heavy whipping cream
¼ c. chopped cilantro
1-2 tsp. lime/lemon juice
1 jalapeno, minced
3 green onions, sliced
Salt & pepper to taste
1 bag coleslaw mix
In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients, except coleslaw mix. Add your coleslaw mix to the dressing mixture. Toss. Chill.
QI’m having a lot of gas and bloating from the foods that I eat. By the end of the day, my stomach looks like I am pregnant and the gas smell is terrible. I’m so embarrassed. What can I do? Is there something wrong?
AThere is nothing wrong with you and you are completely normal. This is very common, and you are not alone. Toots and farts are super fun and hilarious when we were in middle school, but at some point they stop being a source of pride and accomplishment. The gas we experience is produced by the bacteria in your colon. They feed off the carbohydrates (sugars, starches, fibers, etc) in your diet. Most of the gas you produce is odorless (hydrogen, methane). When the colon bacteria are fed sulfates, they produce a stinky sulfur smell.
In order to decrease the amount of gas the colon is producing you will want to manage the amount of these sugars and fibers in your diet.
What is normal?
The number of times gas is passed during the day can be as low as seven in females, and as high as 20 in males. Men pass more gas than women. This is a surprise to no one. An average is about 10 to 13 passes per day. Beer drinkers and heavy meat eaters have more odorous gas, likely due to the sulfur. This is also a surprise to no one who has been to Oktoberfest or Wisconsin.
Plant Fiber
There are two main types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in liquid, is not processed by colon bacteria, and therefore does not create colon gas. It is a really important material because it pulls water into the colon, creating a bulkier stool and promoting regular bowel movements. The other type is soluble, which dissolves in liquid. Soluble fiber is digested by colon bacteria and produces gas. The recommended total fiber intake per day is 25 to 35 grams. If you are feeling super gassy, cut back on soluble fiber.
Insoluble fiber
These are the bulking agents. A “normal” stool should be the consistency of peanut butter, and the caliber of a hot dog. If you are passing rabbit pellets, you likely need more water or a bulking agent. Foods that are high in insoluble fiber are whole wheat bread, wheat bran, nuts, popcorn, brown rice, vegetables and fruits with skins, etc.
Soluble fiber
These are a source of food for the good bacteria in your colon which leads to many health benefits (including decreasing your risk of colon cancer). But they also produce the gas, so moderate your intake if the bloating is terrible. These include oats, citrus, beans, beets, psyllium, apples and pears.
Sulfate
The more you eat, the stinkier you become. Sulfur is a necessary element in our diet, but too much can clear the room faster than green grass through a goose. Foods that are high in sulfur include almonds, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, dried fruits, prunes, raisins, and beer. There are only two amino acids that contain sulfur and they are found in every meat product. You may want to consider cutting back on these.
Prebiotics
Sulfide producing bacteria cannot survive in an acidic environment. The trick is to make the environment of the colon more acidic by taking a pre-or pro-biotic. Prebiotics are found in foods; probiotics can be found in foods or supplements.
JORDAN, MD, FACS General Surgery Physicians Group of New Ulm
Last year gardening hit an all time high, as novice gardeners upped their game and took their efforts to a whole new level, while beginners jumped in to give gardening a try for the first time. With budgets tighter and people spending more time at home, gardening was a natural activity—and plants, seeds, soil, and supplies flew off the shelves. This spring is anticipated to be another big gardening season, but be careful that the costs of gardening don’t outweigh your efforts.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planting, avoid buying all your plants in one, big early spring shopping spree. In Minnesota, we can still get blasts of cold weather and some plants don’t do well with that. If you have to replant, you’re not saving money or time.
Keep your eye out for local non-profit organizations doing plant sales. Often you can put in an order, get some great prices due to the bulk order, and help your local community fundraising efforts in the process.
BY CINDY HAUGLAND tidytightwads.com
Before buying a bunch of tomato crates and trellises for your beans, shop swap sites like Facebook Marketplace for cheap, used items like these. You could also post on social media asking connections if they have some they aren’t using.
Garage sales, thrift stores, and estate sales are great places to pick up supplies like garden hoses, shovels, pots, hoes, and more.
Make your own rich soil by mixing in some sand and fertilizer. If you compost, even better.
Don’t have room for four or six plants that come in a pack? Not sure how you’d plant all those seeds before they get old? Plan ahead with your gardening friends to divide up plants and seeds so you’re not wasting.
Shop year-end clearance. Once the prime planting season is over, gardening centers and greenhouses will deeply discount leftover plants. If you have the space, buy up leftovers and grow your garden later in the season.
Consider joining a local gardening club or online group to ask questions and get help if struggling with pests, weeds, or other issues. It can be a great source of information to help you keep your plants alive and healthy.
Don’t have space for a garden? Consider a community garden plot. Many communities have these. Or ask a farming friend for a small space at the end of a field, or offer to co-garden with a friend who has a massive garden and would love the help.
Here’s to a beautiful, much awaited spring and wonderful growing season!
Spring is always the season that gets us back on track to work toward our fitness goals and get into good shape after what typically is a long winter. As we have all spent more time at home this past year, many of us would like the ability to work out at home as well as at the gym or outdoors. If you are thinking about what type of exercise equipment to invest in, let’s ask some questions and talk treadmills.
What is your goal? Why invest in a treadmill?
It is important to have a goal in mind when picking out equipment. It may be that you are trying to lose weight or improve your full or half marathon time. Maybe you just want to feel better and have more energy. If you don’t have a goal, a treadmill can become a clothes rack in a hurry!
How are you going to use the machine? Are you looking at your own pace, or do you want the machine to keep you guessing? Most treadmills have built in programs that will automatically change the speed and incline. This can be very beneficial for interval training.
Are you looking to walk or run?
The larger the motor, the faster the belt on the treadmill can move. If you are looking to walk, you can get by with a smaller motor. If you want to run or even sprint, you will want a larger motor.
What factors will be determining your purchase?
Price: You will want to find a treadmill that fits your fitness needs and budget.
Time: Maybe you need something high intensity to get a quick workout.
Space: You may have a small space, or a low ceiling where you need the machine to fold up when not in use.
Who will be using the treadmill?
In most cases, it isn’t just one person using the equipment, so it is
important to consider the needs of everyone who will be using it. If it will be used by several people, you will want to invest in a treadmill that is more durable and long lasting. Many treadmills have weight capacities. This is a great way of determining the durability of the unit. Typically, the higher the weight capacity, the more durable the machine will be. The warranty will reflect this as well.
Do you have any current or previous injuries that may influence your decision?
Maybe it is a new injury that you are trying to rehab, or possibly one from the past that continues to cause discomfort. Potentially, an elliptical or even a recumbent bike is a better option depending on the injury.
Try before you buy.
I strongly encourage people to try the equipment before you make the decision to buy.
Lastly, don’t forget the other aspects of fitness.
It is a great idea to mix in some weight training into your cardio workouts. Also, remember to follow up with a good recovery routine. Foam rollers and percussion massages are a great way to make your body feel better post work out and can also help with your warm up.
Treadmills are one of the most versatile exercise machines you can buy. They are very easy to use, and there are many options so you can choose the one that works best for the space you have. Whether you are just starting to work out, or you are an avid runner, treadmills offer versatility for all ages and abilities.
The year 2020 nudged a lot of newcomers into hobby gardening. I noticed that many of my garden consultations this past year were with people who hoped to learn the basics of gardening—what to plant, how to water, how to optimize plant health, etc. If you’re one of these people, welcome! We, the experienced gardeners, are happy to extend our grubby fingers in the spirit of salutation. It’s a forgiving hobby, so try not to stress if you haven’t quite figured things out yet. We all make mistakes, we all kill plants, and we all get smarter with practice and time.
One of the best and worst things about gardening is that everything is nuanced. It’s difficult to make blanket statements about how you should garden because there are so many variables that affect plant growth. Still, there are certain guidelines that can help you succeed. Let’s discuss some answers to the Frequently Asked Questions that I run into most often.
How should I water my plants?
Watering, like most factors in gardening, is heavily dependent upon the weather. It also depends on what you’re planting, what kind of soil you have, and what condition the plant was in when you planted it. Learn about your plants to find out which ones prefer consistent moisture and which ones will thrive in dry soil. Then, pay attention to the soil you’re planting in. Sandier soils will allow water to drain through quickly, so you’ll have to water more frequently than you would for clay soils, which hold water for much longer. High organic matter in your soil will also help maintain moisture.
For transplants and new plantings, it’s best to water every day for the first week, especially when the weather is hot and dry. The second week you can decrease to every other day, and in the subsequent weeks you should water a few times each week, again depending on heat and rainfall. When you water, think about how deep each new plant’s roots are; you want to reach those roots with the water. This means that you shouldn’t just sprinkle water across the top of the ground. Instead, allow the water to thoroughly soak the soil. If you’re unsure how much water has penetrated the ground, dig a small hole where you’re watering and observe how far down the soil is saturated.
Do I have to follow the recommended plant spacing?
Most plants come with recommended measurements for spacing them away from other plants, which can help you anticipate that plant’s full size at maturity. This factor is most important to consider when you’re
planting trees and shrubs, which are difficult to transplant once they’re established. With perennials and annuals, however, the suggested spacing distances are a little more flexible. If you’d like your garden to be lush and full in a short period of time, you can plant herbaceous plants closer than recommended. However, as everything grows together, you’ll probably have to transplant some or most of your plants to create additional space.
Plants that are too crowded can be more susceptible to fungal diseases, as there’s less air flow available. Large plants can also steal resources from and cast shade upon smaller plants, so the recommended spacing will help prevent some of these issues.
Why didn’t my new plant produce flowers?
There are many reasons why a new plant doesn’t flower. In my experience, it’s common for plants—especially woody ones like trees and shrubs— not to flower during the first year or so after we plant them. Transplanting can be tough on trees in particular, which might not flower for several years after planting. They tend to spend their energy establishing roots and generally maturing before they can flower and fruit.
Otherwise, excess shade, drought stress, and poorly-timed pruning can all inhibit flowering. Make sure you provide optimal growing conditions for all of your plants, especially when it comes to light and water. When it comes to pruning, research when and how your plants bloom before going crazy with the shears. Some plants only bloom on the previous year’s growth, so pruning at the wrong time removes the potential flower buds.
Do I need mulch?
Yes and no. While mulch is certainly optional in gardens, it will help you maintain more moderate levels of weeds and moisture availability, which can be really helpful for a novice gardener. I like to recommend two to three inches of finely shredded hardwood or pine bark mulch, especially in new gardens. The mulch will suppress weeds, insulate the ground from temperature extremes, and conserve water around plant roots. In gardens with trees and shrubs, be careful to leave space between each plant’s woody trunk and the mulch itself, as it can harm plants to bury their trunks in mulch.
Reprinted courtesy of Northern Gardener magazine
E-mail Ruth Klossner at cowladyruth@gmail.com by the 10th of the month. Listings are generally for events that are free to the public, or are fundraisers. Listings will be published as space allows and at the discretion of the editor.
Fri, Apr 2
• Buffalo Lake Lions Fish Fry, Fire Hall, Buffalo Lake, 11 am-7 pm. Info: Facebook.
Sat, Apr 3
• Spring Fling Crafts, Best Western, New Ulm, 10 am-4 pm. Info: nucve.com.
Thurs-Sun, Apr 8-11
• Grackle Days, Winthrop. Info: cityclerk@winthropminnsota. com or winthropnewskari@ gmail.com.
Sat, Apr 10
• Courtland Rec 70th Annual Fish Fry Takeouts, Community Center, Courtland, 11 am-7 pm. Info: Courtland Rec on Facebook.
• Bingo, Legion Friendship Hall, Nicollet, 4 pm. Info: American Legion Post #510 on Facebook.
Mon, Apr 12
• NCHS History Hangout
Virtually—Nicollet County Flood, Zoom, 10 am. Connect: us02web.zoom. us/j/82950406700. Info: 507934-2160 or info@nchsmn.org.
Thurs, Apr 15
• Lifelong Learner Series— Mosses, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 12-1 pm. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org.
Sat, Apr 17
• Bird Island Craft & Gift Expo, Ballroom, Bird Island, 9 am-3 pm. Info: Facebook.
Sat, Apr 17 & May 15
• Cannon Valley Farmers’ Market, Rice County Fairgrounds, Faribault, 1-4 pm. Info: cannonvalleyfarmersmarket@ gmail.com or Facebook.
Sun, Apr 18
• Lafayette Fire Department Drive-thru Ham Dinner, Fire Hall, Lafayette, 10:30 am-1:30 pm. Info: Facebook.
Tues, Apr 20
• History Book Club, Public Library meeting room, New Ulm, 12-1 pm. Info: newulmlibrary.org.
Thurs-Sat, Apr 22-24
• Courtland City Wide Garage Sale. Info: hulk0017@umn.edu.
Fri-Sat, Apr 23-24
• City-wide Garage Sales, Nicollet. Info: nicollet.org/.
Fri-Sun, Apr 23-25
• KOWZ Home and Rec Show, Steele Co 4 Seasons Centre, 1525 S Elm Ave, Owatonna. 3-7 pm Fri, 9 am-5 pm Sat, 11 am-3 pm Sun. Info: kowzfm.com/ homeshow.html.
• Pioneer Power Swap Meet & Flea Market, 6 mi E of Le Sueur, Co Rds 16 & 33; 6 am-5 pm daily. Info: Facebook or pioneerpowershow.com.
Fri-Sun, Apr 23-25, Apr 30-May 2
• LTO Production—The Gin Game, Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna, 7:30 pm Fri & Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: littletheatreofowatonna.org.
Sat, Apr 24
• Spring Bash Craft Show, Civic Center, 900 N Gilman Ave, Litchfield, 10 am-4 pm. Info: Facebook or sunriseeventsandcraftshows. com.
Sun, Apr 25
• Omelet Breakfast, Legion Friendship Hall, Nicollet, 8:30 am-12:30 p.m. Info: American Legion Post #510 on Facebook.
• Super Sausage Supper Sunday Take-outs, St Mary's Church, 417 S MN, New Ulm, 4-7 pm. Info & place order by Apr 11: 507-2766466 or tberanek@newulmtel. net.
Mon, Apr 26
• Mystery Book Club, Public Library meeting room, New Ulm, 6:30-7:30 pm. Info: newulmlibrary.org.
Tues, Apr 27 & May 25
• Beer & Hymns Facebook Live, 6:30-8:30 pm. Info: facebook. com/riverofhopehutchinson/, office@riverofhopehutchinson. org or 320-587-4414.
Sat-Sun, May 1-2
• The Nerd by the MLC Forum, German Park Amphitheater,
200 N German St, New Ulm, 2 & 6 pm Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: mlc-wels.edu/forum/2019-2020/ or laabser@mlc-wels.edu.
Wed, May 5
• Cinco De Mayo Celebration, Plaza Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant, New Ulm, 5:30-8:30 pm. Info: plazagaribaldinewulm. com/, 507-359-7073 or ocampo@newulmtel.net.
Fri-Sat, May 7-8
• City Wide Garage Sales, Henderson, 8 am-8 pm Fri, 8 am-noon Sat.
• Rummage Sale, Centennial Lutheran Church, 701 Locust St, Henderson. 8 am-8 pm Fri, 8 am-noon Sat. Info: 507-2483834 or marjorose@frontier. com.
Mon, May 10
• NCHS History Hangout Virtually—Nicollet County Military Story, Zoom, 10 am. Connect: us02web.zoom. us/j/82950406700. Info: 507934-2160 or info@nchsmn.org.
Thurs, May 13 & 27, June 10, 17 & 24
• Cruisin on Pine & 99, Main Street, Nicollet, 5-8 pm. Info: Facebook.
Sat, May 15
• Citizens Bank Minnesota Race 2 Raise 5K, parking lot behind bank, 7:45 a.m. Info & registration: bit.ly/ CBMNCommunityInvolvement sseifert@citizensmn.bank.
• Spring Flea Market, Rice Co Hist Soc, 1814 NW 2nd Ave, Faribault, 8 am-2 pm. Info: https:// rchistory.org.
Sun, May 16
• Just for Kix Dance Recital, Steele Co 4 Seasons Centre, 1525 S Elm Ave, Owatonna. Info: visitowatonna.org/calendar-ofevents/.
Some of these events are tentative. Check ahead to see if they are being held and what COVID requirements must be met.
If cats could talk, they would not! Millions of people share their homes with cats. If you have lived with a cat, you are not a stranger to their crazy and perplexing behavior. We like to think that cats are just being annoying but, in all reality, they are communicating with us more than we realize. Instead of English, they use aggressive sign language (purr say). Even their most annoying behaviors have meaning. Do any of these sound familiar?
Cats have 32 muscles in each ear to help them ignore you. Unlike dogs, most cats could not care less that you want their attention, unless you are busy. As humans, we take offense to this as we are obligatory social creatures. Cats could take or leave social interactions and neither affects their lifestyle. Cats don’t care how they get your attention—positive or negative. If they want it, they will get it. If they don’t, you’ll be left talking to yourself…again.
You’re trying to eat dinner and your cats are all over the counter top. Cats often like to be on high places, and this includes the countertops. Countertops usually provide a great view of the space, and usually have a great view to the outside world as well. This is a natural behavior, but displeases many humans. If you don’t want them on the counter, be sure to provide a space that has the height, the visual appeal, and the comfortability—while making the countertop less appealing. The more appealing you make this space, the more they will want to be in it and the less they will want to be on the counter.
Cats have the power to figure out the exact place we will sit so they can cause the most inconvenience. They like warm laps and to be social, but not necessarily affection. Since cats don’t communicate verbally, it is up to us to read their body language. When cats are done being petted, their ears will go back, their tail starts to flick—this is not “wagging”—and they might blink slowly to communicate, “Stop! Or I will bite.” When we miss their communication or think it’s funny, we get ourselves hurt and put our kitty in a uncomfortable situation.
If you have had a cat, there is no doubt you have tripped over it more times than you can count. It is the worst when it’s on the stairs. Although this may seem devilish, it is really all for attention and in some cases for play. Does their bowl have food in it? Do they want to play? Cats should play interactively with a human at least twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes. They tend to be the most active in the evening and morning. Wand toys with feathers and ribbons are the best forms of interactive play and allow the cat to hunt, pounce, and jump. We also recommend keeping your cat on a schedule to create predictability.
The expensive family heirloom should probably not be close to the edge of the table as cat’s love to clear their path. It’s common nature for a cat to take the longest path across a room and knock any obstacles out of their
way. Their paw pads are very sensitive and touching things with them provides a lot of feedback about the item (is it eatable?). Besides being exploratory, the behavior is also often reinforced by the owner and can be done in just plain fun.
Cats vocalize in many tones. Singing the song of their people outside of your closed bedroom door at 3 a.m. is nothing short of annoying, but what does it all mean?
• Meowing is all-purpose; often a greeting.
• Chirps and trills are how a mother cat tells her kittens to follow her. Aimed at you, it probably means your cat wants you to follow them, usually to their food bowl. If you have more than one cat, you’ll often hear them converse with each other this way.
• Purring is usually a sign of contentment but can also be heard when they are in pain.
• Growling, hissing, or spitting indicates a cat that is annoyed, frightened, angry, or aggressive.
• A yowl or howl tells you your cat is in some kind of distress.
• Chattering, chittering, or twittering are the noises your cat makes when they›re sitting in the window watching birds or squirrels. It usually translates to excitement—or they may be contemplating snack time.
Why do cats always need to cough up hairballs on the most expensive rug in the home? Hairballs are common for cats. To be fair, cats don’t really “cough” up hairballs, but they vomit them up. This is not concerning unless it’s frequent. Frequent hairballs should warrant a veterinary visit to discuss potential underlying conditions. As far as the location, you can’t blame them for wanting to be comfortable while they vomit.
Destructive behavior or peeing outside the box is often described as “spiteful” behavior. It really means they are not getting something from the environment that they need. Not using the litter box means there is something about the location, the setup or a relationship in the home that is causing distress/fear. If your cat is making it to the box but not using it, there is something wrong with the box. If your cat is not making it to the box, there is a reason why. Neither behaviors are spiteful and do have various reasons for why they occur. Scratching on furniture should be directed to a cat tower and rewarded while making inappropriate scratching pieces less exciting.
Cats are fun, entertaining, and peculiar. It is foolish to try to explain their worth to those who don’t appreciate them. They are excellent companions, but are often misunderstood. Instead of casting human emotions on them, let’s love them for just being cats.
A healthy, active lifestyle can help you maintain weight and prevent health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and high blood pressure. If you have a family, it’s important to keep them healthy and happy, too. But raising your family isn’t always easy. You are busy and so are your children.
There are some simple ways to create healthy habits and smart choices for your family early on.
Here are a few tips to help you and your family be healthy and happy:
Exercise.
During commercial breaks or between Netflix episodes, have a friendly competition to see who can conduct the most push-ups, hold a plank the longest, or perform the most jumping jacks. Play is good for your family’s health.
Forgive.
Admit mistakes to your children and ask for forgiveness. By modeling this behavior, it can improve your health and well-being while teaching kids to let go of grudges and bitterness.
Manage portions.
Offer fruit and vegetables at every meal. Don’t force kids to eat the fruit and veggies, but rather have them available. Be sure to model healthy eating. Your kids are watching.
Be proactive with health care.
Stay on top of well-child visits. These appointments track your children’s growth, behavior, sleep, eating, and social development.
Get quality sleep.
Sleep is an essential element of success for children. Aim for an early bedtime and a consistent routine of winding down—with no screen time. Remember, sleep-deprived children usually don’t slow down. They wind up.
Explore new things.
Make a list of activities you’d like to try together and hang it somewhere the whole family can see.
Build strength.
Incorporate strength and flexibility into your family’s physical activity plan. This can be as simple as stretching during commercials or doing calf raises while brushing teeth.
Find joy.
Find something to laugh about with your family every day. Laughter reduces stress and anxiety.
Spend time with loved ones.
Instill the importance of forming strong relationships by being kind to your loved ones. Kids will learn that giving—not receiving—can create real happiness. Schedule regular virtual time with loved ones who are not in your household.
Kick addictions.
Make screen time a privilege that is allowed only after chores and homework are completed. Limit screen time to less than two hours per day and keep screens out of your children’s bedroom.
Reduce stress.
Search online for free videos about yoga for children and families, or try incorporating deep breathing into your children’s bedtime routine. Children experience stress and anxiety just like adults do.
Show gratitude.
Create a gratitude jar and encourage everyone to put a note in the jar each day with something they are grateful for. When you are all at the dinner table, take time to read them. Open your heart to gratitude and acknowledge suffering during challenging times.
If you find yourself struggling to get your family on board, remember that modeling healthy behaviors is a good place to start. You may not be able to make your family change, but you can start on your own wellness journey. Once they see the changes you are making, chances are they will want to jump on board, too.
CLASSES WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW ANY COVID-19 GUIDELINES PUT FORTH BY THE STATE OF MINNESOTA THAT ARE RELEVANT AT THE TIME OF CLASSES.
Mankato Ballet Company offers a wide variety of summer sessions and classes for all ages and styles of dance. These can be a great way for new students to try MBC for a few weeks. 159634
To register for classes or for more information go to www.mankatoballet.org
1. 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
The YETI Roadie 24 Cooler is a hard-sided cooler that withstands tough conditions. This YETI cooler is 10% lighter, holds 20% more, and performs 30% better thermally than the predecessor, the Roadie 20. Designed with height, the YETI Roadie 24 allows wine bottles and 2-liter bottles to stand upright, preventing spills. Your food and beverages will stay cold for several days. Get yours at Scheels today! Scheels River Hills Mall 1850 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.386.7767 scheels.com
This adorable 3-piece set features an all over racecar print henley top, sleeveless bodysuit, and cuffed shorts. Pair that with the Wautomobile and the Roadway Bib and you'll be all set for spring. Shop Bumbelou today.
Bumbelou Mankato
405 N Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001
507.594.9072
Bumbelou New Ulm
5 N Minnesota St. New Ulm, MN 56073
507.594.9072
bumbelou.com
The Skinwave combines an aqua-delivery system, skin revitalizing solutions and Hydrogen therapy for a multi-dimensional skincare treatment. The Skinwave facial is the ultimate compliment to brighten, improve vitality and tone in all skin types. Schedule your appointment today. Mankato Med and Skin Clinic
1603 N Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507.382.8356
mankatomed.com
5.
Many curly girls find that hair picks tend to slide down from low density hair due to their weight. During the drying process lift the hair by evenly rotating Pik Me Up™ around the perimeter of the scalp. Using Pik Me Up™ adds even volume with maximum root lift and a quicker drying process as it releases the wet hair of it's own weight. For a 2nd/3rd day root lift refresh, wet the Pik Me Up™ with water and insert into the roots. Retail $30. Fréy Salon & Spa
429 S Minnesota Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 507.934.7399
6.
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
7. Rose Gold Sunless Mousse
Are you wanting a beautiful Bronzed Tan without the skin damage, cost and time of tanning booths? You need our new Rose Gold Self-Tanning Mousse! Created by a Spray Tan Expert, this is the BEST EVER in sunless tanning. No Orange, No streaks, No goofy lines... just Beautiful, Soft, Bronzed Skin. Get your Summer Skin On! Now available at Bella Nova Boutique. Bella Nova Boutique
521 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001
507.779.7444
8. 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
9. Ahhhh… the Gift of Relaxation!
A Body Concepts gift card is a special way to treat someone you care about. It’s the perfect way to help your sister, daughter, mother or friend, realize the importance of “me time” through hot yoga, floatation therapy, foot soaks, salt room, sauna and more. Body Concepts LLC
1615 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.381.5467
bodyconceptsmankato.com
10. TB16
The amazing all-in-one wellness and weight-loss drink! Easily kick those unwanted habits, such as energy drinks & soda consumption. Say goodbye to that coffee breath! Kato Athletic Co. is Mankato’s exclusive retailer. Kato Athletic Co.
1522 N Riverfront Dr. Suite 120
Mankato, MN 56001
507.508.0509
11. 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. Mankato, MN 56001
507.625.6412 schmidtmankato.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. BioShield® UV Disinfection Sanitizer Harness the instant neutralizing power of Ultraviolet Light to virtually eliminate all unhealthy microorganisms in your pool in a matter of seconds. Cut your chlorine usage in half while “zapping” unwelcome guests like COVID, Giardia and E. coli and other harmful waterborne pathogens that can cause Recreational Water Illnesses. Sawatzky Pools and Spas 433 Belgrade Ave. North Mankato, MN 56003 507.388.3624
Did you cancel your annual check-up in 2020? You’re not alone. And we understand. Your healthcare provider will be happy to see you no matter how long it’s been.
You can rest assured that medical clinics have extra precautions in place to ensure patient safety. It’s time to get your healthcare back on track.
Annual check-ups are the easiest way to stay healthy and up-to-date on routine cancer screenings. Screenings are tests to find cancer before symptoms show up. Common screenings include regular mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap tests. These are the best methods to detect cancer in its earliest stages when it’s easiest to treat.
Here’s how your annual check-up can improve your health.
At your annual check-up, also known as a well woman visit, you may be screened for cervical cancer. Pap smears are recommended every three years for women age 21-29 to screen for cervical cancer. From age 30 to 65, the preferred screening method is a Pap test combined with a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every three to five years.
These screenings can actually prevent cervical cancer because we can detect abnormal cervical cell changes, known as pre-cancers. We can treat the abnormal cells before they become a cervical cancer.
Beginning at age 40, the American College of Radiology recommends that women of average risk should get annual mammograms which can find breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most successful. For women with a higher risk for breast cancer, your primary care provider may advise mammograms earlier.
Mammograms are not a one and done. Annual mammograms allow us to compare your breast tissue from year to year and look for changes.
If you’re 50, it’s time for a colon cancer screening. Many people delay this screening, but a colonoscopy is better than cancer any day.
From age 50 to 75, the U.S. Preventive Task Force recommends colonoscopies every 10 years or sooner for those with risk factors or a family history of colon cancer. Talk about risk factors and your family history with your provider to see if screening should begin before age 50. And if you have African American ancestry, please talk with your provider about being screened at age 45.
While a colonoscopy is the best at preventing colon cancer, by removing polyps and other pre-cancerous lesions, you may consider a FIT test, which is a stool screening test. A FIT test is completed annually, and may take the place of colonoscopy.
At your annual check-up, we review your overall health, including your medical history, family health history, medications, and mental health. We can discuss your risks for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Your provider may recommend a simple blood test to measure your cholesterol and blood sugar. Most healthy adults should get their cholesterol checked every four to six years. Your cholesterol and blood sugar numbers can help us determine if steps are needed to lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
This is another great opportunity to discuss stress, behavioral health, and self-care. It’s important to take care of your mind and body. These are rough times and everybody could use a little support.
Your annual check-up also helps you and your primary care provider to get to know each other better. It’s so important to establish trust and comfort with your healthcare provider.
So, stop worrying and schedule your annual check-up. Your provider will be happy to see you.
You are definitely going to want the help of a real estate agent to sell your home, especially in this market! Because there is generally a shortage of homes on the market, properties are moving very quickly. Hiring a real estate agent means you won’t have to be the one to deal with the many, many requests you may get for home viewings and calls with questions from prospective home buyers at all hours of the day and night. An agent can take care of all of the logistics of setting up home tours at days and times that are acceptable to you. No need to feel awkward while someone is touring and making comments about your home design choices! An agent will give the tours while you are away and provide you with feedback afterwards. A real estate agent can also help you filter through the interested parties and make sure prospective buyers are actually qualified and can afford to buy your home. Price negotiations can also be tricky to navigate, and an experienced real estate agent can help you avoid making costly mistakes and ensure you are getting what your home is truly worth. On the flip side, a real estate agent has the local market knowledge to make sure you are pricing your home accurately so that it will sell in a timely manner.
A seller’s market is when demand for homes exceeds the supply of homes for sale on the market. In other words, there are many people out there looking for homes, but there are not enough homes available for sale for all of the prospective buyers to purchase. Since there are fewer homes available for sale, sellers tend to hold the advantage. In a seller’s market, homes generally sell very quickly, and buyers often compete with each other in order to purchase a property. This means sellers can raise their listing price and often end up with multiple bids, sometimes even above the original listing price of their home. Sellers in this market also have an advantage when it comes to purchase agreement terms like the closing date and closings costs. Whether you are a seller or a buyer, your real estate agent can help you navigate a seller’s market and negotiate to either get you the best sales price and terms on your home sale or assist you as a buyer to craft an offer that is more likely to be accepted by a seller receiving multiple offers.
How much do I need for a down payment to purchase a home?
While a 20% down payment was once the standard and is still a great goal, many homebuyers today are able to work with their lenders to purchase a home with 5% down or less. Many homebuyers, especially first-
time buyers, simply don’t have a 20% down payment saved, and with home prices rising this has become even more challenging. In fact, homebuyers who financed their home put down an average of 12% of the purchase price, according to National Association of REALTOR®’s 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. To get an accurate answer to this question based on your own financial situation, you will want to visit with a mortgage lender. If you’re not sure which mortgage lender to use, your agent will be happy to give you a few recommendations!
How long does it take to buy a home?
From the time you begin searching for a home to closing on your purchase, buying a home generally takes between 10 to 12 weeks. Once you have made an offer on a home and it is accepted by the seller, the average time to complete the transaction and get you the keys to your new home is about 30 to 45 days under normal market conditions. Well-prepared buyers who pay cash can purchase properties even faster than that. In hot markets with a lot of sales activity, buying a home could take a little longer because the parties involved in the sale (appraisers, inspectors, lenders) are busier and may take longer to complete their parts of the transaction.
CANDEE DEICHMAN REALTOR® CENTURY 21 Atwood
