River Valley Woman July 2021

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BY EILEEN MADSEN Editor

Ahhh summer!

It’s finally here with all the summery, good ol’ summertime stuff that summer brings. Boating (sun burn), swimming (chiggers), bike riding (sweat), county fairs (ill advised corn dogs and tilt-a-whirl combo), camping (wood ticks), picnics (ants), gardening (wasps), 90-plus degrees (more sweat), coolish evenings under the stars (mosquitoes)…. OK before you accuse me of seeing the lemonade glass as half empty, I assure you I actually do enjoy all of the above activities (except camping, unless camping means a cabin with indoor bathroom). Every season we have to take the good with the bad, and some of us are better at it than others. For everything, or everyone, there is a season, and summer is it for so many. Thank goodness for that as outdoor fun in the sun is not only a good time, it’s also good for our local economies, and our physical and mental health.

For all my whining, I’d love to go back to summer as a 10-year-old, with no responsibilities, no job, endless days at the beach, which was just 3 blocks from my childhood home, lots of aimless bike-riding, and seemingly no bugs. Maybe that was because my dad slathered us up with what he called “mosquito dope.” For years I thought that was the official name for insect repellent, until I suggested to my third grade teacher, who was scratching bites on her arms, that she should have put on more dope. Even a Willis Carrier (inventor of modern AC) idolizer such as myself, is breathing a hot sigh of relief that we can finally get out and enjoy a very nearly normal summer, humidity and all. Hence, we devote this Go! Do! issue to outdoor activities in the river valley, and highlight those who help make them happen.

Starting with our cover feature, Anna Thill, president of Visit Mankato. She strives to build the city’s economic might by attracting events such as conventions, tournaments and other doin’s to the area that promote tourism. The benefits of the cash infusion from visitors to the community is an economic boost to all. As the saying goes, a rising tide floats all boats and Anna helps steer the ship.

Erin Lafferty, community leader and general manager of Best Western Plus in New Ulm, knows that putting “heads on beds” is more than just offering guests at the hotel a good night’s sleep. The more heads the more revenue for the community. She’s a great sport when it comes to relationships with the town’s athletic associations, local college team events, and the area’s multiple recreational offerings that lead to lodging needs. A win-win.

It’s tee time for avid golfer Heather Tollefson. After a two-decade hiatus from the game, she rediscovered the sport when looking for something she could play in her retirement years. Talk about getting back in the swing of things—Heather is now in the top 3.8 percent of all U.S. female golfers with an official handicap of 8.1. An advocate for growing local women’s golf participation, as well as using her fund-raising skills to organize events to help veterans’ organizations in six area counties, Heather’s got drive in more ways than one.

Along with crickets, fireworks, and kids screeching as they run through sprinklers, nothing can sound like summer more than a Twins baseball game. Even if the closest you get to one is hearing it in the background on someone’s TV or radio, the sound of the fans and the announcer’s mounting excitement is contagious. But what can really pump up the jam is the organist, with that recognizable, 4-note staccato lead in that whips the fans into a frenzy. Enter Nicollet native, Sue Nelson, who takes the stage, not only as our HERstory feature, but at the organ behind home plate at Target Field. Sue, who has covered all the bases in her music industry career, has been the Twins’ organist since 1999. The team might get all the glory, but Sue is most valuable player. Summertime, and the livin’ is easy—especially when Sue and Bob Olson do all the work for you. Their spectacular gardens, which are featured on our SPACES pages, are open for anyone who wishes to take a relaxing stroll and discover a rainbow of colorful flowers and other plants. They’ll even share free splittings in the spring with anyone who can get to their curb. Grow where (someone else) has planted.

Summer activities mean something different for everyone, by all indications in our Facebook reader poll. From geocaching and sunrise yoga, to county fairs and reading a book on a swing, the days can be lazy, hazy or crazy.

Think of this issue as your local tour guide. Absorb it like sunscreen and bug spray and you’ll have all the dope to go and do this summer! No sweat.

By CHRISTINE NESSLER

PHOTOS BY ALICE HQ PHOTOGRAPHY

Travel has many benefits. Time with loved ones, new experiences, memories made. A big benefit that you might not realize is the impact your travel has on the destination you visit. Every time you travel, you are spending money that trickles down to the residents of that community.

This summer, more than ever, communities and their Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) are ready to host your travel fun, whether it is for leisure, a convention, or a tournament. DMOs such as Visit Mankato draw visitors into their communities in order to boost their local economies.

Anna Thill, president of Visit Mankato, didn’t imagine herself working in tourism when she received her master’s degree in urban planning, but she has found that tourism allows her to impact the community as a whole through economic development work and her knack for bigpicture thinking.

“I wasn’t seeking a job in tourism, but my background is in urban planning,” Thill said. “Urban planning is about macro community work and about improving the community through major systems. Economic development work through tourism is about doing just that.”

The Greater Mankato area has seen the benefits of Thill’s hard work and vision in the 14 years she’s led tourism initiatives at Visit Mankato. Thill’s charge is to lead the development of the visitor economy by attracting meetings, conventions, tournaments, and tourism to Greater Mankato. She has also been active in leadership roles for tourism across the state as the chair of the Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and as a Governor’s appointee to the Tourism Council for Explore Minnesota Tourism. 

• Visit the bison at Minneopa State Park

• Tour the area wineries and breweries

• Enjoy an outdoor concert at Vetter Stone Amphitheater

• Cheer on the Mankato MoonDogs Intercollegiate baseball team

• Ride your bike out on the many paved or mountain bike trails

• Experience the outdoor public art scene

• Fish one of the many regional lakes

• Celebrate summer at Ribfest or North Mankato Fun Days

• Feed your foodie desires at local restaurants and food trucks

• Paddle the Blue Earth River

Sarah Sanderson, North Mankato: “We love kayaking the Blue Earth River from Rapidan. It gives you a whole different look at the area and you can see waterfalls or other features that you cannot always easily access from land. We often see eagles flying overhead and look for their nests along the river. It is a pretty great experience and even our nine-year-old is able to do it.”

Biking enthusiast Shari Crocker, North Mankato: “The Mankato area has amazing road biking, trails, and gravel rides, I like how the trails connect the surrounding areas with little need to bike on busy or congested roads.”

Lisa Pottenger, Eagle Lake (coaches |the YWCA Girls Empowered And Riding Strong (GEARS) program for sixth to eighth grade girls and the Mankato Area Mountain Bikers (MAMB) middle

 The leadership opportunity with Explore Minnesota Tourism was particularly helpful in understanding how the statewide organization promotes the entire state, to learn about strategy and research used to pull tourists into the area, and to learn the best ways to communicate to local stakeholders and elected officials the importance of tourism on the local economy.

Tourism has a bigger impact on communities than most people realize. Thill describes it as multi-pronged. First, you have the short-term benefits to the community as people come through for tourism-related activities. These benefits include visitors spending money on retail, tickets, gas, lodging, and food.

“When they are here, it’s an infusion of cash in our community that then percolates its way down,” Thill said. “It’s an economic boost.”

One in five local tax dollars collected by local government comes from travel and tourism-related business. This money is used for things— such as roads, parks, safety, etc.— that improve the quality of life for residents.

The long-term impact is a multiplier effect of money spent in the community with local businesses, restaurants, and attractions. For example, wait staff who receive tips from visitors, then put that money towards groceries that purchased at a local store.

“The halo effect is super important for people to understand,” Thill said, when referencing the impact of visiting a community and then seeing the many other positive attributes while you are there. “Oftentimes, this visitation is the first date for a long-time investment.”

According to Thill, research done by Longwoods International for the State of Minnesota shows a spike of interest from a visit leads to deciding to attend college, taking a job, retiring, starting a business, or making a home in that community. All of which positively affects the community’s economy.

Over the years, Thill and her team have used many strategies to attract visitors, among them recruiting events to town such as the Senior Games and the Pheasant Hunting Opener. Thill believes, however, that her legacy will be her efforts in helping to create the Mankato Marathon, which will celebrate its 12th year this fall.

“I am very proud of that particular legacy,” Thill said, “When you get the marathon here, it takes everything you’ve got to keep that thing going. That is an event I really put blood, sweat, and tears into.”

Despite the long hours, Thill and her team have been dedicated to the races from the beginning. She knew the hard work would pay off in the long run.

school team): “The variety of mountain bike trails Mankato offers are awesome. Kiwanas is perfect for beginners, families, and kids. There is a super fun dirt pump track and an awesome jump line to add variety to the ride. Well-marked, easy to follow wooded trails, no climbing, and nice indoor bathrooms. Mt. Kato offers a range of trails from beginner/intermediate to more challenging. You will be climbing, but the view at the top is worth the climb.”

Paige Schutte, Kasota: “I love hiking out at Seven Mile Creek because you get lost in nature. A hidden gem is Triple Falls by the Kato Cycle Club where you can hike, splash in the water, and wait for kayakers. I also love Minneopa State Park for the same reason...hiking, views, and buffalo. Snowshoeing and fat tire riding or kayaking or paddle boarding at Red Jacket Park are perfect.”

The efforts to create and maintain the Mankato Marathon have been very beneficial to the community. In 2019 the race attracted 4,119 runners from 18 states. Even though 2020 was impacted by COVID-19, they saw a huge increase in out of state runners, as 32 states were represented for the virtual races. This year’s events, scheduled for October 15-16, are on pace to reach—or surpass—the numbers of 2019.

Aside from events, there are several things that make Greater Mankato stand out from other travel destinations. Outdoor adventures and the art and culture scene are among them.

“Being here in the Minnesota River Valley and talking about the trail experiences—whether it’s on land or water—you really can get into a whole new world,” Thill said of the unique topography that the Greater Mankato area has to offer. The trail system continues to make new connections throughout the region, drawing visitors from all over the country.

As for art and culture, there is an obvious appreciation for outdoor art in Mankato—with silo art high on the list. There is also an abundance of local restaurants to explore, a growing number of wineries and breweries, and an ever-blossoming music scene.

Perhaps the most significant add-on to these great opportunities in Greater Mankato is accessibility. This feature makes the area stand out from the competing amenities, events, and attractions the Twin Cities and other metro areas offer.

“It’s a super easy 15-minute commute from one experience to the next,” Thill said.

Regardless of the local favorites, there is one draw that surpasses them all.

“The most popular thing, I’ll tell you, is the bison,” Thill said. “The bison at Minneopa State Park always go through the roof compared to anything else we do.”

Not far behind, according to Thill, are wineries and breweries.

For Anna Thill, there is never a dull day in tourism. She enjoys the work and feels that her job and the organization she works for are continually evolving to stay ahead of the changing times. Keeping up with new trends and changing times are just a part of the tourism industry.

With an understanding of how many people have been daydreaming about the day they can get back to traveling and going out and about locally, Thill said, “We’re here when you're ready and the world is ready.” RVW

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eather Tollefson may have missed some good years of golfing, but she’s making up for lost time now. With golf being “one of the few things you could do” during the pandemic last year, Tollefson figures she played close to 2,000 holes in 2020. She’s been out at Shoreland Golf Club in St. Peter as often as she can this year, too.

It’s a sport that Heather learned a bit about as an elementary school student in Oklahoma— but walked away from because, as she admitted, “I didn’t take coaching real well. I put the clubs down for 23 years. In hindsight, that’s unfortunate.”

Fast forward several decades and Tollefson realized that the sports she had been enjoying—softball and volleyball—weren’t ones that she could play forever.

“I wanted something I could play in my older years. My husband, Mike, was golfing a lot and I wanted something we could do in our retirement years,” she said.

To get back into golfing, Heather went out to the driving range with Mike. He bought her some clubs late in the season and the driving range was Heather’s spot for the rest of that year.

“I knew how to hold a club and the basic mechanics—I was a clean slate. Mike suggested I take some lessons and I did,” she said.

Tollefson hooked up with Jerry Carpenter at the Le Sueur Country Club and still checks in with him now—even though he’s moved on to Faribault—when she senses a problem with her swing.

“I call him my golf coach. I’ll drive an hour to go there. I tell him, ‘Jerry, I’m broken, you have to fix me.’ Small things can change your swing—I feel it’s worth it to go get a lesson to avoid the frustration of trying to self-diagnose,” Tollefson said. “Golf is a rewarding game—but it’s also hard. It’s a game you never master, not even the pros.”

Deciding that she was ready to try out the course, Heather joined Shoreland eight years ago and still remembers the first ball she hit when she and Mike golfed with a friend.

By RUTH KLOSSNER

“We started on Hole #10 and my ball hit the edge of the green, bounced off, and landed in the middle of the driveway,” she explained. Heather’s game has come a long way since that first drive. She got “revenge” on Hole 10 two years ago—it’s the only hole where she’s had a hole-in-one!

While the average handicap for women golfers in the United States is about 28, Tollefson ended last season at a handicap of 8.1—after being as low as 7.8 during the season. That puts her in the top 3.8 percent of all U.S. female golfers who have an official handicap.

Besides golfing in the ladies league at Shoreland the last seven years, Tollefson plays in and volunteers for charitable tournaments— especially the Last Man Club Golf Classic that raises funds for area veterans.

That all started six years ago when she was on the board for the St. Peter Veterans Memorial.

“We had a volleyball tournament and I was asked if I’d be willing to put on a golf tournament to raise money for the memorial. I’m passionate for veterans issues—and expected to do it for just one year. We’re on our sixth one now,” she said with a laugh.

The first event (and the fourth) was held at the Le Sueur Country Club but this year’s event on June 18 was back at Shoreland, as were the second, third, and fifth ones.

The initial event raised about $8,600 for the Veterans Memorial, with the second raising about $18,000 for the St. Peter American Legion for building repairs and maintenance. By the third year, a Last Man Club Veterans’ Relief Fund was started. The proceeds help keep veterans in, or return to, a stable living situation when no local, state, or federal program exists—or those funds have been exhausted.

The program helps veterans in six counties—Nicollet, Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Brown, Sibley, and Waseca—referred by local veterans service officers. To date, 59 local vets have received almost $44,000 in relief through the program.

This year’s Last Man Club tournament expected to host 168 golfers on 42 teams—with 10 additional teams on the waiting list. Many golfers come from the Twin Cities, with some from Wisconsin wanting to get in. “Usually, they have some tie to St. Peter. Signup has been full since September 30 of last year,” Tollefson said. “A full course is considered to be 144 golfers. This gets to be a lot of people on the golf course, but it’s fun. Anytime you can do something you love, it’s worth it.”

Tollefson has been a strong advocate for ladies golf at Shoreland and has started a private Facebook group—Shoreland Ladies’ Group—to allow the women to get to know each other better and to make it easier to communicate.

“We’re just shy of 70 members in the group now. There’s no formal women’s golf committee at Shoreland so this allows communication. I post information on ladies tournaments and events at area golf courses. I want golf to be fun and enjoyable for women of all ages and skill levels,” she said.

Golf is growing locally, according to Tollefson.

“I’ve seen a huge growth in ladies golf. Last year we had 22 teams, this year 30. I’m so happy to see so many ladies on the golf course the last few years. That’s the largest increase since I’ve been here,” Heather said. “We might even have more teams than the men do.”

The ladies league at Shoreland is purely recreational but Tollefson would like to get more ladies involved in tournaments. She’s thrown out some ideas for the club championship.

She explained, “I’d like to see a senior ladies flight. Some of the women are in their 70s and 80s—they shouldn’t have to compete against 18-year-olds. We can do that, if we get the participation. For the older ladies, 18 holes over two days is a lot of golf. Maybe make it nine holes to make it more enjoyable.”

Tollefson has a new appreciation for the game of golf. “When I was a kid, I didn’t realize the social aspects of golf—I’ve made so many friends by being involved in golf,” she said. RVW

With a father whose work took him all over the world, Heather Tollefson moved around a lot as a kid. Her parents grew up in Reading, Minnesota but her dad’s position as a vice president for Seagate Technology took the family from Eden Prairie to Oklahoma. It was in Oklahoma that the whole family learned to play golf when Heather was a fourth grader.

“We never lived more than five years in one place,” she said. “We were in Singapore when I was in junior high, then we were supposed to move to California in my freshman year— but came back to Minnesota instead.”

Heather later came to St. Peter for college at Gustavus Adolphus and worked at Patrick’s on Third.

“I never thought I’d say that I met my husband in a bar, but I did. Mike was playing

men’s league softball—beer ball we called it—that’s what brought him in to Patrick’s,” Tollefson said.

They didn’t start dating until after Heather finished college and moved to Arizona for work—but he soon followed there. They came back to be closer to family and Heather has worked on her own in marketing, social media, and event planning at Creative Synergy since 2002.

Heather and Mike have two children. Son Dayne, 14, has been golfing since he was five and was on the St. Peter junior high team. Daughter Maija, 17, was about eight when she started and golfs recreationally with friends.

When she’s not golfing or working, Tollefson enjoys spending time with family and friends. Mike’s work with Syngenta has taken him to Puerto Rico—where they played golf.

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By KATHERINE AUSTINSON

Erin Lafferty has come full circle.

“It was unintended and it really happened organically,” Erin said of her move back to southern Minnesota.

As an eighteen-year-old Springfield student athlete, she had been very active in her community. But after high school graduation, Erin was eyeing urban horizons.

“I was ready to change the world,” she said.

Heading to college, she really believed that she would never come back to live in this area.

Erin literally loves serving people. She was employed as wait staff at a local restaurant during her high school years. That led to her career focus on hospitality and tourism. She chose to major in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. It was the choice that gave her a degree and a trajectory.

“I wanted big cities and big hotels,” she said.

Now, as general manager of Best Western Plus (BWP) in New Ulm, Lafferty hopes that she’s making a positive impact, changing the world in her capacity as a community leader.

In the tourism industry in southern Minnesota and with her BWP team, Erin strives to give the support her teams need to be inspired to do their best work.

“I’ve been managing for over 20 years, even though I’ve been told I just don’t look old enough for that,” she said with a grin.

Erin works with a very full sports season at BWP in New Ulm. She maintains important relationships with leaders at Martin Luther College, New Ulm Basketball, New Ulm Baseball, New Ulm Hockey, and tennis and soccer associations. With Vogel Fieldhouse, a new water park, the New Ulm Civic Center ice arena, BMX skate park, Johnson Park and Turner gymnastics coming into play, there are multiple sporting avenues that have lodging needs.

“Athletic events can absolutely drive regional tourism all year round,” she stated.

Serving on the New Ulm Convention and Visitors Bureau board (CVB), Erin is happy to work closely with youth sports associations. Her work creates sales and puts “heads on beds” for New Ulm lodging facilities. It’s a win-win situation, creating revenue through the lodging tax which is funneled to new marketing for New Ulm, leading to new customers for BWP.

Erin believes that visitors experience the very best Minnesota hospitality when they travel to this region.

“We don’t need to be in a stuffy suit to provide great service. When you

walk into our town, our goal is for you to feel welcome and find that this is a place you can relax, feel at home, and at ease,” she explained.

Erin has worked in large cities and feels that metropolitan areas have a completely different environment, versus the nice small town atmosphere found in New Ulm.

While interning at the large Millennium Hotel in Minneapolis, Erin met her husband, John Lafferty, who was from southeast Iowa. Just a few years after they tied the knot, she took a three-year leave from hotel management. They moved to Omaha, Nebraska so Erin could venture into big-box retail. She found that heading up an entire product department for Target Stores was a big change. She still values the leadership and development training she received.

As time went on, Erin deeply missed the hospitality industry. This led John and Erin to settle in Okoboji, Iowa for a few years where Erin managed the Boji Bay hotel. But, as tragedy hit Erin’s parents, with the sudden accidental death of her younger brother, the couple eventually moved their young family home to Springfield.

“We were focused on our careers,” she said, “but as we had children, my husband and I decided to raise them in a small community, close to family.”

Buying and remodeling her grandparent’s empty farmhouse, with the land around it, put them next door to Erin’s parents. The kids—Kiera, 15, and Kierin, 16—have been able to spend time with both their grandparents and their parents. The two teenagers are active in Springfield Public School golf, tennis, and football, as well as showing livestock through 4-H.

Even though John’s career takes him out on the road 70 percent of the year, their 18-year marriage stays strong with a focus on family and fun. They have enjoyed road trips to Stillwater, Minneapolis, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and many other destinations. Erin and John are avid U of M Gopher fans. They love to attend hockey and football games. If Erin is working at BWP on a game day, her hotel team knows to expect her outfit to be the maroon and gold school colors that day.

Cooking is a skill Erin loves to share with family and friends. Her home-style cooking includes everything from hotdishes to stews and salads. She recently began using a smoker for meats and it has been a huge hit. 

College Sports: Erin was on the tennis team in college.

Best Mentor: From the Millennium Hotel, Dan Little. “Dan gave me opportunities. He let me know he believed in me and guided me as I took on leadership roles.”

Favorite Season: Without a doubt, autumn, because of its beautiful falling tree leaves—and football games at TCF Stadium!

What is your favorite local activity? My favorite activity to do locally would be to watch my children participate in sports and I also enjoy the performing arts and theater productions.

What would you recommend visitors as “must do’s” when visiting New Ulm?

• Schell’s Brewery and the grounds

• Hermann Monument

• Historic Downtown – shopping and dining

• Glockenspiel

• German Park

• Flandrau State Park – for the nature enthusiasts

• Brown County Historical Society – for history buffs

• John Lind, Wanda Gag and Kiesling Homes

• Way of the Cross

There is something for everyone when visiting New Ulm.

 “At home I cook with a lot of different meats and veggies,” she said

A part of Erin’s hospitality degree was to become a fully trained culinary chef. When she uses her culinary skills, she is in her element, creating entrees from new recipes with ingredients she might not have worked with before.

“And I make a mean pie,” Erin offered.

When Erin and John moved back to southern Minnesota and her family was settled in, Erin followed through on her plans to get back into the hospitality and tourism industry.

“For me, growing up in the area, I knew when I applied to TPI Hospitality, that Best Western Plus was large enough to accommodate tournaments, weddings, and conventions and had reputable ownership putting capital improvements into the building.” Lafferty said.

Because Erin had interned with BWP, she also knew it was a sustainable business offering the best possible service. TPI, and now the new Bird Dog Equity ownership, have a history of supporting their team.

“I knew I would be taken care of well as a manager,” she said.

Coming out of the pandemic, Erin says she plans to lead her BWP team to become proactive once again.

“I’m comfortable with our ownership group. We’ve gone from one crisis to another; from the pandemic to the hiring crisis. How do we become proactive? It’s by over hiring, it’s by backfilling, it’s by over-staffing, and by trying to anticipate. For our guests, they expect the same level of service as prior to the pandemic and we have a plan that provides for that,” Erin explained.

Always making a positive impact, Erin remains a loyal leader. RVW

2021 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: DR. ERIN WESTFALL

Dr. Erin Westfall is originally from Colorado and moved to Mankato in 2006 to complete her family medicine residency. Since then, she has held numerous leadership positions as a physician and educator with Mayo Clinic Health System and the University of Minnesota. Dr. Westfall is passionate about community engagement and health equity and helped develop the St. Peter Community Free Clinic.

COMMUNITY IMPACT & LEADERSHIP: DIANE HALVORSON

Diane Halvorson is the Executive Director of the South Central Workforce Council. Diane has worked for the Council for 36 years and was named Executive Director in 2007. As Executive Director, Diane has a passion and long career of developing regional partnerships to identify and address the region's workforce development needs with a focus on initiatives that address the needs of populations experiencing racial and employment disparities.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: CLARICE ESSLINGER

Clarice Esslinger has been an ESL teacher in Mankato's Adult Basic Education Program for more than 20 years. In addition to teaching English. She has facilitated parent groups and prepared newcomers for citizenship. Clarice has also served on the Mankato Area Cross-Cultural Connection Committee for many years. Helping to plan events that bring diverse populations of the Mankato community together to discuss various issues and topics.

STEAM: HEATHER CLARK-FISHER

Heather Clark-Fisher is a 2019 graduate of the YWCA's EKWL program and a 2008 graduate of Minnesota State University. Mankato. She is employed as a Commercial Interior Designer for Oleson + Hobbie Architects. She designs and manages projects such as schools, manufacturing facilities, hospitality, healthcare, and office remodels. Heather also owned and operated Salvage Sisters for 7 years which she sold in 2019. Heather has served as a volunteer for YWCA Mankato and the A.C.E. afterschool program.

RISING STAR: MARGARITA RUIZ

Margarita Ruiz is a student at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is currently finishing up her Bachelor's Degree in Applied Sociology and is active as a student senator at MNSU. She has volunteered with various political campaigns and Unidos MN (2020) as a Poder Fellow. Currently, she is working with the Jeff Brand for MN House team as a co-campaign manager. Margarita hopes to continue her work to address immigrant rights issues and issues of wealth inequities.

DISTINCTIVE DIFFERENCE: NASRA IBRAHIM

Inspired by a love for cooking Somali ethnic food and noting the community's unmet needs, Nasra Ibrahim and Harbi Hassam opened a North Mankato restaurant. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, they were approached by a metro-based agency providing funding for businesses to help feed communities during the public health crisis. With enthusiasm, they jumped on the opportunity and made a difference by giving back.

By RUTH KLOSSNER

Sue has always liked bunnies—but has developed a love/hate relationship with the live ones that destroy her plants. She’s adapted over the years and has found ways to live at peace with them. She’s incorporated non-destructive bunnies in a number of her gardens.

The

Olsons’

back yard is so peaceful and a wonderful place to pause to enjoy nature.

Sue Olson finds inspiration wherever she travels. She saw this fountain on one of her travels and found one to add to the front yard. It’s lit at night.

Bob Olson took a break from mulching long enough to pause for a photo with Sue.

Sue describes this bed as a cutting garden, with edibles and vegetables mixed in with flowers. Strawberries grow in the enclosed area and a tomato at the far end. Annuals in pots provide pops of color.

The just-planted memory garden honoring Bob’s father and Sue’s mother will take a while to fill in. It includes service berry for dad and Magnolia for mom.

Would you believe, a Cheesehead Potentilla in Bob’s Viking Garden? Sue admits to being “OCD” about labeling all the plants and uses a paint pen to put the common and scientific names on the front of metal signs, with info on size, when planted, and where acquired on the back.

Now that’s a lot of mulch—and it’s only half of what Bob had to load into a wheelbarrow and

or Sue and Bob Olson of Mankato, sharing is one of the best parts of having expansive flower gardens. The Olsons have a large, one-acre, lot above Stoltzman Road on the edge of the city limits.

Not only do the Olsons encourage people to stop and stroll their gardens, they share plants each spring when they split plantings from the gardens. They put extras on the curb out front—available free—and are thrilled when people pick them up, sometimes by total strangers.

Sue recalled a note they received, addressed only to their address. “It was a thank you for our generosity. She didn’t even know our names, only our address. It meant a lot. It’s really special when you can share—and it’s appreciated.”

From one overgrown “mess of a garden” when the Olsons moved to their home in Kensington Hills Addition 22 years ago, the Olsons’ yard is now filled with a variety of plantings.

“Bob used to roll his eyes when I said, ‘I’ve got an idea,” but now he sees the fruits of his labor. He’s my garden buddy or grunt labor,” Sue said with a laugh.

Each spring it’s more of the latter as the Olsons order mulch—lots of mulch. From seven yards when they started, the Olsons were up to 33 yards this year.

“The neighbors smile when the mulch arrives and say, ‘Summer’s here,’” Sue said. They have a contest, betting on when all the mulch will be gone.

All the beds are mulched each year to keep moisture in. 

The Olsons’ garden shed was built by one of Sue’s brothers—using plans made by another brother.

Owls under a birch tree are in honor of Sue’s dad.

Flower beds surround the patio off the back of the Olsons’ home. Noting that there isn’t a lot of blue in flowers, Sue brings blue in through gazing globes, bird baths, and other accessories.

“The garden gate is always open. I love it when people come in,” Sue Olson said.

haul to the back yard. Neighbors made friendly bets on when it will be gone.

Many of the beds have special meaning. One is a butterfly area that honors a moment after Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago.

She explained, “That was in April and, knowing what I had ahead of me, I madly went out into the gardens to prep and cleanup for the summer, because I knew that the rest of the year, not much would be done. As I worked away one evening, a butterfly—remember this is April in Minnesota—darted about at my face. When it had my attention, it landed on my shoulder, and then flitted from arm to arm as I stood there. It made me feel at peace and I knew at that moment that all would be okay with my cancer treatment. I felt as though it was a message from God. In honor of that, I have a butterfly garden of sorts.”

(Sue received the “all clear” on her cancer two months ago.)

“My gardens are what give me peace and sanity and an escape from the rest of the world, with Covid, and the world being so polarized. We all need to slow down and take the world in,” she said. “The little things are the big things. Nature is amazing.”

Bob and Sue’s latest project is a memory garden started with gifts after they lost his dad and her mother within five weeks this past year. The garden includes a serviceberry tree for Bob’s dad who was a veteran and a magnolia tree that makes Sue think of her mother whose name was Marge.

Another garden has a birch tree with owls around it in memory of Sue’s dad.

“We believe he comes back to us as an owl. The symbolism is that he was a very intelligent man,” Sue said.

The gardens are always changing and evolving as Sue gets new ideas. She’s says she is game to try anything. Annuals are intermixed with perennials to provide a pop of color as things wax and wane. Of their beautiful gardens, Sue sums up, “It’s not work when you’re doing something you love.” RVW

Her Happy Place

Sue Olson

The Olsons’ front yard is just a hint of what one will see in the back yard.

It is well known that outdoor activities, or even simply sitting in nature, can be therapeutic. We at CADA, with the victims and survivors of trauma whom we serve, along with our own staff, focus on social and emotional well-being—and nature is a part of this. We talk about multiple dimensions of wellness, including emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. For anyone, especially those struggling with mental health conditions or those who have a history of trauma, nature can have a positive impact on all of these dimensions of wellness.

Emotional Wellness and Nature

Being in nature can ease stress, anxiety, and depression. It has been found that being in nature, or even simply viewing images of nature, can reduce anger and fear and increase positive emotions. Being in nature has a way of calming our mind and increasing our focus. While in nature, we begin to focus on all the things happening around us and how those things make us feel. The breeze feels cool, the grass feels damp—these are examples of observations your mind might make. These observations and focused attention help quiet our overactive minds and is part of why being in nature can be so rejuvenating.

Furthermore, for many people, being outdoors in nature has a social component as well, as many people gather for picnics or outdoor games. This can decrease isolation and loneliness and increase feelings of connection and belonging. We certainly saw an increase in outdoor social gatherings earlier in the pandemic, and perhaps this is something we should continue to carry forward.

Physical Wellness and Nature

Physical wellness includes moving your body, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and more. One reason that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on people’s physical health is because while in nature, many people choose to do activities such as walking, hiking, or running. Of course, this kind of physical activity or exercise is good for your physical health. Doctors have even been known to prescribe outdoor activities such as forest walks or birdwatching. Because of the restorative properties of nature are well known, some hospitals and healthcare facilities have healing gardens—therapeutic outdoor spaces created specifically to increase positive health outcomes.

Spiritual Wellness and Nature

One aspect of spiritual wellness is about finding a spiritual practice that connects you to the world around you. Spiritual wellness looks different

for each person. For some, it might be recognizing a higher power through prayer. For others, a meditation practice is a part of spirituality. One way to practice spiritual wellness is to connect with the world around you through nature. Being in nature is a way to focus our attention outside of ourselves and reflect on the ways we are connected with other living beings. Instead of thinking about what happened at work, or the last news notification to flash across your phone screen, you can focus on the squirrel climbing a tree, the shapes the clouds make, or the smell of freshly cut grass. Being in nature can help us feel more connected to the world around us, which fosters a general sense of connection, including feeling more connected to our own selves and our loved ones. Beyond connection, we have a lot to learn from nature. One way some practice spiritual wellness is by paying attention to the life lessons that nature has to teach us. One example of a lesson from nature comes from a Dolly Parton quote hanging in my friend’s office. It says, “Storms make trees take deeper roots.” Nature is full of metaphors and lessons if we can slow down and pay attention.

Being outdoors is a great opportunity to take a break from screens, even if just for a short while. In the last few decades, an increased amount of time spent looking at TV or phone screens has decreased the amount of time we have spent in nature. This has had negative consequences on our health.

There are so many ways to connect with nature. You could visit a park, find a local hiking trail, garden, or watch the sun set from your front porch. It isn’t always easy to get outdoors, especially in Minnesota. Sometimes weather, work schedules, or other circumstances prevent us from being able to go outside, but there are ways to still connect with nature indoors. You can bring plants into your home, fill your home with natural scents with candles or oils, or watch nature documentaries.

So, next time you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or maxed out on Zoom meetings, set aside some time to be in nature. Spending some time outdoors connecting with the natural world can make you feel happier, improve concentration, and literally heal you. Getting outside is good for you!

KRISTEN WALTERS Development & Communications Manager CADA, Mankato

Summer in Minnesota brings some unique challenges and issues to the forefront of the legal community, which can be described through examples of Mary and Susan, neighboring property owners who don’t always get along.

Adverse Possession. Susan has recently had her land surveyed; she learned that Mary’s garden is technically on her property. Mary could bring an action in court to establish she is the rightful owner of the part of Susan’s land where Mary’s garden is under the legal concept of adverse possession if she meets all of the below factors for a continuous period of at least fifteen years:

1. Mary has occupied the land in an open manner, meaning Susan can see Mary gardening, or could if she drove by.

2. Mary has exclusively used the land like she owns it. Susan, nor anyone else, uses the land without Mary’s permission. Mary has intended to use it and intended to exclude others.

3. Susan has never given Mary permission to use a portion of her land. But what if Mary bought the land five years ago from Tanya? Mary may still have a claim for adverse possession if Tanya exclusively occupied the land in an open manner and did not have permission from Susan. Tanya and Mary don’t have to have used the land in the same way; Tanya may have used the land to practice her golf swing or play with her kids. Tanya may have simply mowed the land and cared for it, treating it as her own. The requirement is that Tanya and Mary’s time, when added together, equal at least fifteen years and has not been interrupted.

Tree Law. Minnesota law says whoever trespasses and cuts down another’s timber is liable for damages. Mary does not know where her property line is and mistakenly believes a large pine tree is on her property. The pine tree is actually on Susan’s property. If Mary removes the pine tree from Susan’s property, but “honestly believes” she was cutting down her own tree, she owes Susan damages for the value of the tree. The value of the tree is established through evidence at trial, such as the testimony of an arborist or an insurance manual that includes values of trees based on age, size, and type.

Let’s say that Mary doesn’t like Susan’s pine tree. She asks Susan to remove it, but Susan refuses because she likes the tree. If Mary knows the tree is

Susan’s and removes it without Susan’s permission, Mary now owes Susan three times the value of the tree (treble damages).

What if Mary hires Lee to cut down Susan’s annoying pine tree? Lee honestly believes that she was hired to cut down Mary’s tree, she believes she is on Mary’s property, and she removes the tree. The tree actually belonged to Susan. Mary, by instructing Lee to cut down Susan’s tree, is still liable to Susan for treble damages.

Water Rights. Mary recently installed gutters onto her house to keep her basement from flooding. As a result, more surface water is diverted onto Susan’s land. Without Mary’s gutters, this water would not have naturally gone onto Susan’s property. Susan sues Mary to make Mary remove her gutters and keep her water on her own land. Mary may keep her gutters if:

1. Mary has “reasonable necessity” for such drainage (Mary reasonably wants to keep water out of her basement).

2. Mary takes reasonable care to avoid unnecessary injury to Susan (Mary did not install the gutters to intentionally flood Susan’s basement).

3. Mary benefits by diverting the water more than Susan’s property is harmed.

4. Mary helps the water drain naturally, if it’s realistic (Mary installs a ditch rather than a gutter when they’d cost the same and a ditch would harm Susan less).

A court looks at the above factors and Mary’s actions and decides if Mary’s actions were reasonable. The factors are fairly broad, which can be great or terrible depending on if you’re Mary or Susan.

This article is not intended to be responsive to any individual situation or concerns as the contents of this article are intended for general informational purposes only. Readers are urged not to act upon the information contained in this article without first consulting competent legal advice regarding implications of a particular factual situation. Questions and additional information can be submitted to a Gislason & Hunter Attorney or to the writer of this article.

JENNIFER A. GISH Attorney Gislason & Hunter LLP

WHEREVER SUMMER FUN TAKES YOU, TAKE YOUR FAVORITE RADIO STATION ALONG

RIVERFRONT

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

SUMMER SUN + VITAMIN D

HILLTOP

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

The sun is a great source of Vitamin D during the summer months! It helps our body absorb calcium so we can build strong bones. Do you think you get enough Calcium in your diet so the sun can do the rest of the work? If not, stop by the pharmacy today and we’ll show you the best Calcium supplement for you.

166966

GRILLING TIPS

Charred Sweet Corn

INGREDIENTS

EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW BEFORE FIRING UP

How to safely turn on your grill:

For a gas grill, keep the lid raised and then turn on the gas from the propane tank. Next, turn on the gas burners on the grill. Press the auto light or ignition button

For a charcoal grill, arrange coals into a mound. Add lighter fluid to the pile of coals and light immediately. When the coals are covered in gray ash, they are ready.

Oil the Grill: On a cool grill, you can use non-stick cooking spray to grease the grates. For a warm grill, use tongs to dip a folded paper towel in cooking oil, then brush over the grill grates.

Room Temperature Steaks: Let steaks come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly.

Pat Meat & Seafood Dry: Patting steaks dry removes moisture and allows them to get a good sear (yes, even if they’ve been marinating). If there’s too much moisture on the surface, the steaks will steam instead of sear. This trick also applies to poultry and seafood.

Shape a Better Burger: Press a thumb print into the center of the patty. When the burger cooks, it will puff up to the right level, without creating a domed shape.

Use Tongs to Turn Brats: Use tongs to turn your brats on the grill. When you use a fork, you risk piercing the casing and allowing juices to leak out.

How to Grill Pizza: When grilling pizza, grill the dough on both sides first, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Top with your favorite toppings and cook over indirect heat to bake your pizza.

Let It Rest: Let your meat rest for about 10 minutes after cooking. This will allow all those yummy juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making for a more tender and flavorful meal.

Freeze Soaked Skewers for Later: Presoak skewers in fresh water for 30 minutes. Use what you need and place the rest in a freezer bag. Next time you grill with skewers, just pull what you need out of the freezer and they’re ready to go.

Grilling Veggies Three Ways: When grilling veggies—especially smaller ones—use skewers, a grill pan, or wrap them in foil. These methods will prevent vegetables from falling through the grates.

Enhance the Flavor of Grilled Peaches: When grilling peaches and other stone fruits, adding black pepper and vanilla enhances the natural flavor. Just make sure the grill is clean before grilling fruit.

5 ears Hy-Vee Short Cuts sweet corn

2 tbsp. Gustare Vita olive oil

1/2 c. Hy-Vee unsalted butter, softened

2 clove(s) garlic, minced

1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped

1 tbsp. fresh parsley, plus additional for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1 Preheat a charcoal or gas grill for direct cooking over mediumhigh heat. Brush corn with oil. Grill 10 to 12 minutes or until slightly charred, turning often.

Combine butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley in a small bowl. Serve charred corn with 1 tablespoon Herb Butter and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 300 calories, 25g fat, 13g saturated fat, 0.5g trans fat, 50mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 20g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 6g sugars, 0 added sugars, 4g protein. Daily values: 6% iron, 0% vitamin D, 2% calcium, 6% potassium.

There is nothing like experiencing love for a pet. They provide us with entertainment, can give us strength, can make the best friends, cause a great deal of frustrations and can be the best lovebugs. But these lovebugs are open to all kinds of little “bugs” and they aren’t the kissing kind.

Who doesn’t love a kitten or puppy with big roly-poly bellies? That is until you find out that belly is full of roundworms! It is not uncommon for these spaghetti like creatures (without the meatballs) to move into little puppies and kittens bellies. They can get these from mom in utero or they can get them from drinking mom’s milk. Other intestinal parasites include hookworms and whip worms. Another easy way to pick up these creepy little critters is by ingesting their eggs after consuming rodents, birds, earthworms or even other’s infected feces. These nasty critters live in your pet’s intestinal track feeding off of your pet’s nutrients. Most of the time you don’t even know they are there until too many move in and there is no space left in the inn. The adults move out and are finally spotted in your pet’s feces or even vomit. Severe and untreated infestations can cause very serious problems. Your fur baby may not show any symptoms or you may notice weight loss, a big belly, vomiting, diarrhea, scooting, poor hair coat or lethargy. Besides your basic worms, they can also pick up a couple other different parasites all of which share the same possible symptoms.

Coccidia is a different type of parasite that dogs can pick up from infected soil in the environment. Cats are more likely to get it from ingesting an infected rodent.

Giardia is a parasite that also hitches a ride from contaminated soil or water or from ingesting someone else’s infected feces. This parasite causes watery diarrhea that has a rancid smell.

Tapeworms are those segmented worms (they look like grains of rice) that are often found on the anus or in the feces. Unlike the other parasites these come from fleas. The flea carries tapeworm eggs and is swallowed while grooming themselves or ingesting a flea from a host such as a rodent or bunny. The eggs hatch in your pet’s belly and grow to an adult size before being evicted.

If you’re not grossed out yet, these intestinal parasites can all be “zoonotic,” meaning we can get them from our pets! Picture your dog lying in your bed or your cat walking across the countertop. All it takes is for you to ingest a tiny, invisible egg suddenly you are sharing a parasite in your very own body! Did you know that in people roundworms migrate to the eyes? Even though these parasites have your skin crawling, they are easily treated. All you need to do is drop off a very small amount of

poop (an M&M size, no need for a whole sample) for your veterinary clinic to inspect. There are different dewormers based on the parasite that is identified. Giving a monthly heartworm preventative can help reduce severe infestations.

Not as invisible but equally creepy and sneaky are blood thirsty ticks. There are many kinds of ticks but the most concerning is the deer tick. This little bugger can be found right in our backyard! All it takes is one un-noticed bite and the disease spreads through your pet’s blood stream. It sets up home in your beloved pet’s joints causing swelling and lameness as well as targeting their kidneys. Symptoms can include a disinterest in food and shifting leg lameness. We can also get Lyme Disease but only from the tick as it cannot be transmitted directly from our pets. Cat’s rarely get Lyme Disease as they groom themselves an obsessive amount, often removing the tick before they even bite. Lyme Disease and other tick born diseases are diagnosed by a blood test and are treated with a long bout of antibiotics. Lyme Disease itself can be prevented by vaccinating your dog with the Lyme vaccine as well as giving a monthly preventative that kills the tick and stops the transmission. (Fun fact- black flies, often called gnats, leave the same scary rash with a ring and bullseye in it, similar to the bullseye rash in people. These often appear on the inside of the thighs and belly.)

Fleas have many life cycles and are easily contagious from pet to pet. The good news is there are monthly preventatives (only certain ones cover all life stages of the flea). Getting rid of fleas in your home can be quite costly and will require treatment of EVERY pet in the home.

Out of all the nasty critters your pet can pick up, mosquitos take the cake! One bite from a mosquito infected with heartworm disease can be deadly if not treated. That tiny state bird can carry a microscopic worm that passes into your pet through a single nip. The worms attack the heart, lungs and other organs. By the time you notice respiratory distress, fatigue, and disinterest in food or weight loss the worms have already multiplied to hundreds. Heartworm is diagnosed with a blood test. Treatment in dogs is not only very painful but VERY costly. In fact, if you would spend the roughly $10 a month on the preventative for your dog’s life span, you still wouldn’t touch the cost of treating it! The worst news is, there is no treatment for cats. So before you say “my pet never goes outside,” please consider that even Flash himself cannot shut a screen door fast enough to keep one of these little buggers out.

Now that you know what these little monsters can do, please talk to your veterinarian about preventatives, vaccines and frequent testing for your pet’s lifestyle. Let’s do what we can to squash these critters and keep our pets healthy.

NICOLE LUECK, CVT MN Valley Pet Hospital Mankato

ue Nelson has a job that any sports enthusiast would love.

A Nicollet native who now lives in Roseville, Nelson not only attends every home Minnesota Twins baseball game—she’s the instigator that gets Twins fan revved up and into the game.

The Twins organist since 1999, Nelson’s iconic melodious lead-in of “dun-dun-dun-dun” can turn silent fans into cheering fanatics ready to implore their local heroes to mount a late inning rally.

Sue also plays “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in the middle of the seventh inning, and adds “God Bless America” on Sundays.

When the Twins changed address in 2010, Nelson made the move from a Metrodome center field box to the Target Field piano bar. She now plays from the terrace level, above home plate.

With the pandemic keeping fans away from the stadium in 2020, music wasn’t needed so Nelson had the year off. She’s thrilled to be back this year.

Nelson’s playing location in the Twins Pub is unique, in that only two major league stadiums have organists out in the open where they can visit with fans as they play. Most are tucked away in press boxes. Many people from Sue’s home area stop by, as well as musicians she’s gotten to know over the years.

Kids especially enjoy their visit.

“Little children are excited because they can look out and it’s open. Anybody can come in,” Nelson said. “Many people want to be here for ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game.’”

Nelson noted, however, that she always has to be thinking of two things at once, as there’s constant chatter on the headset she wears.

“I have to watch the field and play—and I can’t use music because I have to keep an eye on the action. I have to know when the DJ will do his thing so I know when to play,” she explained.

Although the organ that Nelson plays is old—very old— Nelson loves it.

By RUTH KLOSSNER

“It sounds like Twins baseball. There aren’t a lot of old organs like it around…it just sounds like the Twins,” she said.

Nelson plans to play as long as she can—though she wouldn’t mind having somebody to fill in now and then. It’s hard to find someone, though, as it’s not a full-time job and, as she said, “You only play one song!”

Nelson has loved baseball as long as she can remember, but her rise to becoming the Minnesota Twins organist came through another sport. While working for Wondras Piano and Organ in the Twin Cities in 1981, Nelson was approached by the Minnesota North Stars organist who said that he needed someone to take his job with the hockey team.

Nelson tried out, got the job—and stayed with the team until it moved to Texas in 1992.

Although she’s made it her life, music didn’t always play that big a role. Born north of New Ulm, Sue moved to a farm at Nicollet with her family when she was two. After attending Martin Luther High School at New Ulm, Bruns graduated from Immanuel Lutheran High School in Mankato.

A Farmers Union Talent Show at Nicollet launched Sue’s musical career. Sue and her sister Jeannie took first and second place and, Nelson remembers, “We liked the applause.”

The next step came during college in Mankato. She got a job at Steward Organ Studios. Sue dusted pianos, answered the phone, and soon was playing piano and organ. It wasn’t long until she was playing on Lowell Steward’s Tuesday and Thursday afternoon show on KEYCTV and playing organ in grocery stores.

“I was so terrifically bad. I was a piano player. There was no sheet music for organ. It wasn’t good,” Sue recalled.

During this period, Nelson also played at the Tropicana Club in New Ulm, an experience she’d rather forget. The Lowry organ there was bad and it was very cold. 

When the Minnesota Twins occupied the Metrodome, organist Sue Nelson played from a centerfield box. The old organ moved with her to Target Field.

 Sue then moved to Fairmont where she worked at Steward’s store and played at the White House in Blue Earth, the Orchid Inn in Sleepy Eye, and the Town House in Ormsby. Then she took a job in a piano bar, Lake Aires at Fairmont, where she improved her skills.

“That’s where you really learn,” she said. “People requested songs. You had to do them in the right key. I had to play them to get good tips!”

The music store also worked all the county fairs—as many as nine a year.

“I loved that. You got people singing,” Nelson recalled.

In 1970, Sue moved to the Twin Cities to work for Wondras Piano and Organ.

“They sold the kind of organ I like, Gulbransen,” Nelson said. From there, Nelson’s performing career was

Twins organist Sue Nelson and her seven grandkids looked out the piano bar window high above home plate. She plays from the bar during games.

You can find collagen products in countless forms: topical creams, ingestible supplements and even injectables. But what exactly is collagen, and why are we so obsessed with keeping it in our bodies?

Collagen is one of the most important proteins in our bodies. It supports our skin like a skeleton, giving our skin the firmness and elasticity to move and function healthily. Collagen represents over 25% of our bodies’ total proteins and is found in all essential structures, including bones, tendons, ligaments and skin. But it’s collagen in the skin that hogs the limelight (and gets most of the products!) because collagen keeps our skin looking young. And who doesn’t want that?

Our skin naturally produces collagen daily—however that production depends greatly on your age and habits.

Collagen production naturally declines as we age, beginning around age 30. At first the decline is barely noticeable, but loss increases exponentially as we age. And when collagen decreases, wrinkles increase because our skin loses its elasticity and tautness.

How to Get Your Best (Collagen-Filled) Skin

Our habits—good and bad—also influence collagen production. If skin is healthy, it repairs itself and makes new collagen as needed. When everything is humming along, our collagen-making cellular gizmos called fibroblasts can pump out new collagen and a wrecking crew of enzymes break down and whisk away the old collagen. This collagen give-and-take keeps skin looking smooth and young.

But things like ultraviolet rays, smoking, pollution, stress and other factors can wreak havoc on our skin by producing free radicals which break down collagen fibers. Excessive sun exposure, for example, reduces fibroblasts’ collagen factories, causing a flimsier collagen layer, and overstimulates the wrecking crew so it then clears out healthy collagen.

Thankfully, there are things we can do to help our bodies maximize healthy collagen production. First, do what you can to minimize or avoid those damaging factors: cover up when in the sun or use broad-spectrum SPF 30+, stop smoking (or don’t start!), try to avoid exposure to pollution and reduce stress as much as possible. Then, identify a plan to improve your body’s overall health so your body can build healthy skin.

Anything that increases oxygenation and blood supply to collagen will make our skin healthier. So, when you hit the gym and prioritize clean and healthy eating—especially food rich in antioxidants and vitamin C—you’re taking strides toward better collagen production and healthier skin.

What Topical Products Can Improve Collagen?

If a healthy lifestyle doesn’t give you the collagen-filled results you’re looking for, there are topical treatments that can help.

• Retinoic acid and retinol are vitamin A-derived products that “turn on” cells involved in collagen production. But these products can be irritating, so use only every other night when you begin and only use a pea-size drop for your entire face.

• Antioxidant products, like copper peptides, and vitamin C can neutralize damaging free radicals and extinguish inflammation in your daily skin care regimen.

• Products including vitamin C can stimulate healthy collagen production.

• Serums including growth factors can stimulate fibroblasts and stem cells to encourage new cells and collagen.

After your morning wash you would apply your vitamin C, peptide and/ or serums before your daily moisturizer and sunscreen; at night after your wash you would insert your serums and/or antioxidant products, then retinoic acid product before your moisturizer.

Which Professional Treatments Boost Collagen?

The topical products listed above offer effective and easy treatments, but they require consistency and months to see results. Professional treatments, on the other hand, take collagen building to the next level and offer rapid results. (However, you may need three to four treatments to see optimal results. A quality provider can help you decide which treatment is best for you!)

• Fractionated laser treatments, such as Fraxel, can target multiple fibroblast receptors and stimulate collagen. These treatments cause microscopic, controlled “injuries” in the collagen layer. The body then repairs these injuries by making beautiful new collagen.

• Professional microneedling works in a similar way. Tiny puncture wounds on the surface of the skin jump-start the healing and collagen-building process. This procedure can be coupled with platelet rich plasma, a natural product, for better results.

• Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane, are a commonly chosen option. Along with plumping wrinkles from below by supporting tissue, these products prompt skin cells to increase collagen production to maintain the new, improved structure.

So, whether you are a 30-something noticing initial collagen loss or a sixtysomething with a growing collection of wrinkles, there are steps you can take today to improve your skin for tomorrow and for years to come!

EMILY GIDDINGS, RN

Giddie Skin Medspa, Mankato MN Certified Aesthetic Injector

Being self-employed has some benefits: You get to choose your own hours, you don’t have to count “vacation days” and you’ll never worry about getting downsized. On the other hand, you’re truly on your own – there’s no employer-sponsored retirement plan and no benefits package. So, if you’ve recently started a business or become a “gig worker,” possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what can you do to get on the road to financial security?

Call ADARA at 507-519-4016 if you:

There are several steps you can take, including the following:

• Establish a budget . When you’re self-employed – and especially when you’re first starting out – you need to keep tight control over where your money is going. So, establish a budget and stick to it.

• Open a retirement plan. As a self-employed individual, you can choose a retirement plan, such as a SEP-IRA, a SIMPLE-IRA or an “owner-only” 401(k). When your earnings are limited, you can contribute modest amounts to any of these plans, but when your income rises, you can boost your contributions. While these retirement plans have some things in common, including tax-deferred growth of earnings, they differ in other areas, such as contribution limits, and one plan may be more suitable for you than another, depending on whether you have employees. You may want to consult with a financial advisor to determine which plan is best for your needs.

• Build an emergency fund . When you work for a business or other organization, your income is predictable – but that’s usually not the case when you’re self-employed. And when your earnings are uneven, you can be vulnerable to financial stress when you face an unexpected expense. To help protect yourself from these threats, try to gradually build an emergency fund containing a few months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account.

• Pay down your debts . Some debts, such as loans to help your business, may be unavoidable – and even productive. But other debts, especially those that can’t be deducted from your taxes and carry a high interest rate, are far less useful, so you may want to set up a repayment plan. With your other expenses, you might not be able to whittle these debts down as fast you’d like, but, over time, your efforts can pay off.

• Put money aside for taxes. Because no employer is withholding taxes from your paychecks, you will likely have to make quarterly estimated payments. Plus, you’re responsible for all your Social Security taxes, which, if you worked for someone else, would be split between you and your employer. To make sure you’ve got enough money available to pay your taxes, you might want to set up a special account – one that’s not used for any other purpose.

• Get proper insurance. Depending on the nature of your work, you may or may not need some type of business insurance, but if you have a family, you should certainly consider the need for life insurance, and you may also want to consider disability insurance.

Self-employment can be quite fulfilling – and you’ll find it even more rewarding when you make the right financial moves.

JENNIFER SEYS Financial Advisor

Edward Jones, Member SIPC Mankato

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

By TINA M cCLAIN

Summer is here, and I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. Hi, my name is Tina McClain owner/creator of Inspire Health & Wellness. I am a certified life coach/diet wellness coach and teach healthy meal prep classes.

In summer we like to make quick and easy meals that are also healthy. Shrimp and mixed veggies are easy, quick, and a flavorful hit. They can be sautéed in a pan on the stove or thrown on the grill in a grill basket for when you do not want to heat up the house.

Line a grill basket with foil

Add raw, peeled, tail-on shrimp

Add approx. 1 tablespoon of butter-flavored olive oil

1 teaspoon of Tina’s grilling seasoning (pepper, salt, garlic, dash of nutmeg)

Grill shrimp just until pink but not too done

Just before it’s done, add in all your favorite vegetables: cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, onions, zucchini or anything that you love. Sauté the veggies until they are heated and tender, but not soggy. Serve with a side salad for a cool refreshing supper on the patio. To amp things up a bit, add in flavored olive oils, spices, or a squeeze of fresh lemon/lime.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy cool, fresh and healthy vegetables. Use this opportunity to work on the main eight causes of cravings.

1. Not choosing to eat primary foods. This may mean being dissatisfied with a relationship, exercise routine, you are bored, stressed, uninspired by your job, lack of spiritual practice, or to fill a void in your life.

2. Water. Lack of water can send the message that you are thirsty and on the verge of dehydration. Dehydration can manifest as hunger, so the first thing to do when you get a craving is drink a full glass of water.

3. Yin-Yang Imbalance. Certain foods have more yin qualities (expansive), while other foods have more yang qualities (contractive). Eating foods that are either extremely yin or extremely yang can cause cravings.

4. Inside coming out. Often, cravings come from foods we have recently eaten, foods eaten by our ancestors, or foods from our childhood. A clever way to satisfy these cravings is to eat a healthier version of ones’ ancestral or childhood foods.

5. Seasonal. The body craves foods that balance the elements of the season.

6. Lack of Nutrients. If the body has inadequate nutrients, you will have odd cravings.

7. Hormonal. Oh, those beautiful hormones, when women experience menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, fluctuating testosterone and estrogen levels may cause unique cravings.

8. De-evolution. When things are going extremely well in your life, sometimes self-sabotage happens. We crave foods that throw us off, thus creating more cravings to balance ourselves. Remember, if you do not have balance in your life in all aspects, cravings and overeating will occur. Have a plan, be prepared, and above all, enjoy the life you have created. Learn balance for your life and have a great summer!

T ina McClain

TO GRILL

While things are opening up and COVID restrictions are mostly a thing of the past, many are still planning to stay close to home this summer. Not to worry— there are lots of ways to make the most of where we are. There are plenty of new, fun, and interesting adventures you can plan and not spend a ton of money. Here are some ideas for a fun staycation:

Parks! Grab the hand sanitizer and explore the parks in your own community, or pick some other communities and find some new places to play.

Water Party! Let your kids plan a water party with sprinklers, water guns or balloons, and kiddie pools. Try placing the sprinkler under the trampoline or swings for added fun. Check out Pinterest for more water games. Stock up on Popsicles and other cool treats, or make your own.

Trails! Head to a local, county, regional, or state park and do some hiking, biking, bird watching, photographing, geocaching, swimming, or picnicking.

Movie Marathon! Rain in the forecast? Watch a movie series with your kids.

Treasures! Get into geocaching or create your own treasure hunt for the kids.

Pinterest Party! Pick a fun craft and an interesting treat to try. The kids will love crafting and making yummy treats.

Tea Party! Invite teddy bears, pets, or grandparents to join in the fun and break out those “fancy” plates, pickle dishes, and tea cups and have a grand time. Bake cookies and make finger sandwiches. Make some homemade dog treats in the shape of fancy cookies.

BY CINDY HAUGLAND tidytightwads.com

City Scavenger Hunt! Make a list of interesting places to explore that incorporate learning fun for the kids. For example, in Hutchinson we have a City Art Sculpture Stroll, Little Free Libraries, Children’s and Historical Museums, and a Center for the Arts. What do you have in your community to explore?

Explore Minnesota! You don’t have to leave the state to find lots of wonders that work well for a day trip. Visit the Explore Minnesota website for tons of ideas and get out and hike, fish, boat, bird watch, bike ride, paddle board and more.

Fondue! Use all those fresh veggies this summer to fondue. Borrow pots from friends if you need to and have one for oil, one for cheese, and one for chocolate.

Garden Party! Set up a fancy dinner to “dine in the vines” or in your backyard or garden. Use table linens, fancy dishes, and fresh flower centerpieces.

Rock Hunting! Paint rocks to hide or hit the parks and trails hunting for them.

Fish! Kids still fish free in Minnesota, and there’s plenty of shoreline around here to go fishing for the day. You can just get a single day license if you wish.

Swim! Find an area beach, a place to spread out, and go for a swim. Make it a challenge to explore a new beach each weekend.

Disc Golf! With free courses popping up all over, you can give this sport a try.

Get creative and find some fun things to do this summer. It doesn’t have to cost a ton or require travel to have a memorable, relaxing summer with your family.

ROSE Boating with friends and family on the lake. Grilling outdoor meals and bonfires.

ALAN Sunday afternoons in the Schells Biergarten with live music. Simple pleasures are the best.

CATHY Going for a ride on the Harley with my husband. Enjoying great food at places like Redwood Falls, Lake Crystal, Mankato, St. Peter, Madelia & Searles.

MARY Going to grandson’s baseball games!

AMBER My boys and I love exploring waterfalls in our area. Some are further than others, but it makes a great day trip! Minneopa Falls and Minnemishinona Falls, Mankato. Red Rock Falls County Park. Ramsey Falls in Redwood Falls. Mound Creek County Park. We look forward to more adventures this summer!

VIKKI Camping and going to Minneopa Falls and seeing the buffalo.

CINDY Sitting on the swing at Sunset Apartments in New Ulm and reading a book.

LISA I love walking the trails through Waseca County Courthouse Park, it’s always so peaceful. As a family, we love to visit the Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm and listen to live music while eating their yummy pizza!

KRISTA Live music outdoors anywhere Vetter Stone, Music on the Plaza, Schells Biergarten in New Ulm. Winery Visits with friends that start in the daylight and roll into the evening—Morgan Creek in Cambria, Indian Island Winery near Janesville, Chankaska Winery in Kasota, Next Chapter Winery in New Prague, Vintage Escapes Winery not far from New Prague...maybe a weekend wine wander.

PATTY Have all my 4Hers working with their animals and going to the fairs with them!

LANA Biking on the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail with our grandchildren!

LISA Riding my Buddy scooter.

JULIE Sunrise Yoga at Hermann Park!

THERESA Kayaking and soaking up the sun on the lake!

JESSICA Golf, hiking at Flandrau State Park.

TONIA Exploring Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls.

ASHLEY Golf and fishing!

NANCY Redwood golf course.

JACKIE Outdoor Volleyball tournaments.

BRIANA Visiting Plum Creek Park (plumcreekpark. com) in Walnut Grove.

BY NICOLE PANKO HEAT The Studio, Mankato

1 2 3 4 5 6

Be concert-ready

Clear Crossbody Handbag with pebbled faux leather trim, zip top closure and removable shoulder strap with adjustable hardware and with gold chain detail. Choose from Black or Nude.

Lake hair, don’t care!

• Start with a loose wave in your hair

• Section out face-framing pieces and clip them out of the way

• Using a tail comb, section off a triangle from your temple to your crown, meeting at a center part

• Using an elastic, tie the section of hair and pull it apart to your liking

• Repeat on the other side and voila!

Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray

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Fur – All Over Grooming Collection

Radiant, soft skin and hair, everywhere. A collection to keep every inch of hair and skin on your body hydrated, smooth, and ingrown-free. Oil, cream and scrub!!

Bright Blonde Sun Lighting Mist

Extend your vacation and gradually lighten your blonde hues with the heat of the sun! This natural blend of lemon and chamomile will illuminate highlights while offering moisture and UV protection. It’s beach hair, but better!

Pucker up, buttercup

With a subtle sheen finish, our creamy satin lipcolor features a soft luscious feel and medium-to-full buildable coverage. Infused with the perfect blend of shea butter and oils to leave your lips feeling silky, moisturized, and kissably soft. The ideal start to your night after a day in the sun.

When I think of summer, I think of plants. This is mostly because I’m such an avid gardener, but it’s also because I, like many Minnesotans, spend as much time outside as possible in the summer. I love hiking, camping, boating, biking, socializing, and lounging outdoors, and most of these activities put me in close proximity with the natural world and its flora.

As we all enjoy our summer recreation, let’s all think about plants— especially the plants in the forests, prairies, parks, and countryside that make up our great state. Human recreation often affects the natural world in negative ways: we can easily harm trees or wildflowers, disrupt natural patterns of animal feeding and plant reproduction, or spread invasive species. Plants like poison ivy can harm people, too, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings while hiking or camping. Instead of battling nature this summer, let’s find ways to treat plants with the respect and caution that they deserve.

Hammocks

Cloth hammocks with adjustable straps have recently become wildly popular for camping and general summertime lounging. When hanging hammocks from trees, there are a few simple guidelines you can follow to protect trees from having their vascular systems compressed by the weight of hammocks with humans inside. Trees use their vascular tissue to transport water and nutrients, so abiding by these recommendations truly helps keep them alive.

First, only use thick-barked trees to hang hammocks. This means birch trees are totally off limits. The trees in question should also be at least eight inches in diameter, as smaller trees have much thinner bark. Only hang your hammock with straps that are at least one inch wide; never use rope. (The straps help displace the weight across the tree’s trunk.) Finally, when choosing a location for your hammock, protect the vegetation on the ground, too. You can do this by hanging your hammock over ground that has already been impacted by foot traffic or that won’t be affected by your walking on it, such as rock or sand.

Hiking

Minnesota is home to so many interesting and accessible hiking trails, which makes hiking one of my favorite pastimes no matter what season it is. Spring and summer are especially satisfying because there are usually wildflowers blooming. I love flowers, and it’s often tempting to pick a few wildflowers as I pass. However, picking wildflowers is not sustainable for the overall health of our natural ecosystems. Wildflowers provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and small mammals, and even small changes to wildflower supply can have disruptive effects for the ecosystems they support.

For the same reasons, it’s best for native plants if hikers and campers stick to the existing well-traveled paths and campsites rather than

forging their own pathways through nearby vegetation. Most plants cannot tolerate even light foot traffic, so visitors should travel only on trails or durable surfaces such as rock, gravel, or dry grasses. Also—hopefully it goes without saying—but please pack out your trash when you’re out enjoying nature.

Poison ivy

The poison ivy plant is native throughout Minnesota, so it’s likely that you’ll encounter it while you’re out adventuring. This vining, trailing shrub thrives in a wide variety of habitats—full sun to partial shade, dry to wet soils, dense woodlands to open roadsides. The plant’s compound leaves each have a long stem with three pronounced leaflets, hence the adage “leaves of three, let them be.” Unfortunately, aside from having three leaflets, there are few other characteristics that all poison ivy plants share. The leaves themselves can be smooth, toothed, rounded, pointed, glossy, dull—usually a varied combination of these.

If you’re regularly spending time in wild places, it’s really beneficial to learn to identify poison ivy plants. Once you know what they look like, they’re much easier to avoid altogether. Poison ivy’s noxious oil can spread via clothing, tools, and other objects, so be sure to wash these items well if they come into contact with the plant. Although pets are usually unaffected by poison ivy, they can be vectors for spreading poison ivy to humans. If you come into contact with poison ivy, wash yourself thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible.

Invasive species

This column isn’t long enough to dive into invasive species, the role that summer recreation plays in their spread, and the resulting devastation to native plants and their habitats—but I’d like to encourage you to do some brief research if you’re a boating, camping, or bonfire enthusiast. Boating is a common transportation mode for aquatic invasive species, including zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and spiny waterfleas. Campers, trailers, and firewood can easily harbor stowaway gypsy moth egg masses, especially when humans move these items in and out of northern quarantined counties such as Lake and Cook. Moving firewood throughout the state can have the unintended consequence of spreading the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect that destroys ash trees.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a comprehensive guide to invasive species at dnr.state.mn.us/invasives. Please visit this site for more information about invasive-species-free summer recreation!

LAURA SCHWARZ New Ulm Native Minneapolis-based horticulturist & writer

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED

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

Now thru Sun, Jul 11

• North Mankato Fun Days, Wheeler Park, North Mankato. Info: Facebook.

Fri, Jul 9

• All You Can Eat Chicken Dinner, American Legion, Lake Crystal, 6-8 pm. Info: lakecrystalchamber.com.

Fri, Jul 9, 16, 23 & 30

• Band Concerts, Mini-park, downtown Lafayette. Info: lafayettemn.com/city_of_lafayette or 507-228-8241.

Fri-Sat, Jul 9-10

• Madelia Park Days, Watona Park, 711 Dill Ave SW, Madelia. Parade 7 pm Fri. Info: 507-642-8822, 888-941-7283 or chamber@ madeliamn.com.

Fri-Sun, Jul 9-11

• Farm City Funfest, downtown, Winthrop. Parade Sun 2 pm. Info: 507-647-2627, chamberwinthropmn@gmail.com or Facebook.

Sat, Jul 10

• Mayer Rising Community Festival—Car, Cycle & Tractor Show & Swap Meet, 413 Bluejay Ave N, Mayer, 9 am-2 pm. Info: Facebook, 612-991-0518 or crafts@ mayercarshow.com.

• Festag Days Livestock Show, Old Mill Park, Minnesota Lake, 10 am. Info: minnesotalake. com/7-2/ or Facebook.

• Rivers Edge Art & More Fair, Watona Park Old, Co Hwy 9, Madelia, 9 am-5 pm. Info: visitmadelia.com/event/riversedge-art-more-fair/.

• Watona Park Blues Festival, Watona Park Old, Co Hwy 9, Madelia, 11:30 am. Info: visitmadelia.com/event/watona-park-blues-festival/.

• POUND (Cardio Drumming Class), Tennis Court, Winthrop, 8:30-9 am. Info: 612-986-5709 or jennifer.isaac@gfwschools.org.

• International Festival, Central Park, 430 2nd Ave NW, Faribault, 10 am-3 pm. Info: visitfaribault. com/calendar/.

GO. BE. DO. CON NECT.

• Garden Tour and Luncheon, Faith Lutheran Church & Hutchinson area, 10 am-3 pm. Info & tickets: faithlc.com or wendym@faithlc.com

• Top Truck Takeover Tournament, Bobbing Bobber Brewing Company, 900 Hwy 15 S, Hutchinson, 11 am-8 pm. Info: foodtruckmn.com, therealwheresmyfoodtruck@gmail. com or 320-583-1385.

Sat, Jul 10 & 24, Aug. 14 & 28

• Unique Classic Cars Roll-In, 2015 Bassett Dr, Mankato, 2 pm. Info: Facebook or uniquemankato. com/.

Sat, Jul 10-mid-Oct

• Riverwalk Market Fair, Bridge Square at Division St & 4th St, Northfield, 9 am-2 pm. Info: riverwalkmarketfair.org or info@ riverwalkmarketfair.org

Sun, Jul 11

• Summer Get Together Salad Luncheon, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 240 Cleveland Ave, Green Isle, 10:30 am-12:30 pm.

• Outdoor Service with The Norells, Bernadotte Church Park, 34120 515th Ave, Lafayette, 9:30 a.m. Info: 507-240-0048.

• Veteran’s Resource Event, Franklin Rogers Park, 601 Reed St, Mankato, 12-3:30 p.m. Info: mac-v.org/upcoming-events/.

• Alpensterne, Schell’s Bier Garten, New Ulm, 1-4:30 p.m.

• Extravaganza, Village of Yesteryear, 1431 Austin Rd, Owatonna, 12 pm. Info: Facebook.

Mon, Jul 12

• Concert in the Park with the Wendinger Band, German Park, 200 N German, New Ulm, 6:30 pm. Info: 507-359-8347 or parkandrec@ci.new-ulm.mn.us.

• NCHS History Hangout Virtually—Five Governors from St Peter, Zoom, 10 am. Connect: us02web.zoom. us/j/82950406700. Info: 507934-2160 or info@nchsmn.org.

• MVL Annual Golf Classic, Country Club, New Ulm, 11 am. Info: mvlclassic.givesmart.com, kmatzke@mvlhs.org or 507-2338662.

Mon-Wed, Jul 12-14

• Festag Days, Minnesota Lake. Parade Wed 7 pm. Info: minnesotalake.com/7-2/ or 507-4623277.

Tues, Jul 13

• Healthy Seniors of Steele Co. Golf Classic, Country Club, 1991 Lemond Rd, Owatonna, 11 am. Info: healthyseniors@healthyseniorsmn.org or 507-774-7648.

Tues, Jul 13-Oct 5

• Classic Car Roll-in, downtown, Henderson, 5-8 pm. Info: Facebook.

Wed, Jul 14 & 21

• Municipal Band Concert, German Park, 200 N German, New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: 507-359-8347, parkandrec@newulmmn.gov or newulmmn.gov.

Thurs, Jul 15-Aug 12

• 11 @ 7 Concert Series, Central Park, Owatonna, 7-8 pm. Info: 507-451-7970 or oacct@owatonna.org.

Thurs, Jul 15-Aug 19

• Concert in the Park, Central Park, 430 2nd Ave NW, Faribault, 6-9 pm. Info: visitfaribault.com/ calendar/.

Thurs, Jul 15 & 29, Aug 12

• Music in the Park, City Park, Winthrop, 6:30 pm. Info: 320583-8223 or roepkemarlene@ gmail.com

Thurs, Jul 15 & 29, Aug 12 & 26

• Cruz IN Lake Crystal 2021, Marston Park, Main St, Lake Crystal, 5-8 pm. Info: Facebook or lakecrystalchamber.com/events.

Thurs, Jul 15-Sept 30

• Bands & Burgers, 416 Main St, Madison Lake, 6-9 pm. Info: 507243-4343, fun@luckyluremadlake.com or Facebook.

Thurs-Sat, Jul 15-17

• Crazy Days, Hutchinson. Info: business.explorehutchinson. com/events/details/crazy-days-30245.

Thurs-Sun, Jul 15-18

• Bavarian Blast, Fairgrounds, 1212 N Franklin St, New Ulm. Info: bavarianblast.com/, info@ bavarianblast.com or 507-2334300.

• FunFest 2021, Gibbon. Info: Facebook.

• Tator Tot Days, Eagle Lake. Parade Sat 1 pm. Info: Facebook.

Fri, Jul 16

• Alexander Faribault House Open House, 12 NE 1st Ave, Faribault, 4-6 pm. Info: visitfaribault.com/calendar/.

Fri-Sat, Jul 16-17

• Good Thunder Sesquicentennial, City of Good Thunder, 5 pm Fri-late Sat. Info: Facebook.

Fri-Sun, Jul 16-18 & 23-25

• LTO Production— Frumpled Fairy Tales, Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr, Owatonna, 7:30 pm. Info: littletheatreofowatonna.org/.

Sat, Jul 17

• Adult Spelling Bee, Spring Lake Park Swim Facility, No Mankato, 7-9 pm. Info & registration: amilia.com/store/en/city-of-northmankato/api/Activity/Detail/.

• POUND (Cardio Drumming Class), City Park, Gibbon, 9 am. Info: 612-986-5709.

• New Ulm Girls Fastpitch 8U Jamboree. Info: newulmgirlsfastpitch.com.

• Rockin’ on the Hill, 145 Good Counsel Dr, Mankato, 5 pm. Info: Facebook or rockinonthehill. com.

• Tator Days Rib Cook Off, American Legion Post 617, 100 N 3rd St, Eagle Lake. Info: 507-3277787.

Sat-Sun, Jul 17-18

• Flying Dutchmen Flat Track Practice School, Club Grounds, 20513 110th Ave, New Ulm, 10 am. Info: 507-354-2024, 507-3542306 or FDMC1@comcast.net.

Mon, Jul 19

• Concert in the Park with Molly & Sunny Boy, German Park, New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: 507-359-8347 or parkandrec@ci.new-ulm.mn.us

Wed-Sun, Jul 21-25

• Antique Automobile Club of America 2021 Grand Nationals Zenith Award Selection, New Ulm. Info: aaca.org/ or business.newulm.com/events/ details/antique-automobile-club-of-america-40916.

• Crazy Days, New Ulm. Info: 507233-4300 or chamber@newulm. com.

Thurs, Jul 22

• Party in the Park. Sleepy Eye, 5-8 pm. Info: 507-794-4731, Facebook, secofc@sleepyeyechamber.com or sleepyeyechamber.com.

Thurs, July 22, Aug 5 & 19

• Cruisin on Pine & 99, Main Street, Nicollet, 5-8 pm. Info: Facebook.

Thurs-Sat, Jul 22-24

• City Wide Garage Sales, St. James.

Thurs-Sun, Jul 22-25

• Glad Days, Cologne. Info: Facebook or colognegladdays. com/2016-events.

Fri, Jul 23

• Watonwan County Relay for Life, Fairgrounds, 604 1st Ave S, St. James, 4:30 pm. Info: 507-2361231 or samijo.helmersnelson@ cancer.org.

• Pie Social by First Lutheran Church, Community Center, Lafayette, 5 pm.

Fri-Sun, Jul 23-25

• Mudville Days, Lafayette. Info: 507-228-8910.

• Orange Spectacular, McLeod Co Watonwan County Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson, 8 am. Info: orangespectacular.com or dgrams@frontiernet. com

• Little Shop Of Horrors, State Street Theater, 1 N. State St, New Ulm. 7 pm Fri-Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: statestreetnewulm.org.

• Kolacky Days Czech Festival, Memorial Park & Downtown, 500 5th St SE, Montgomery. Info: 507-953-0094, Facebook or kolackydays@gmail.com.

Sat, Jul 24 & Aug 28

• Shop the Lot Crafts, 2nd N & Broadway, New Ulm, 10 am-4 pm. Info: nucve.com or Facebook.

• Lafayette City-wide Garage Sales. 8 am-2 pm. Info: 507-2761912.

• Biker Breakfast, Harley-Davidson, 2704 W Airport Dr, Faribault, 9-11 am. Info: visitfaribault.com/ calendar/.

• Maker Fair Minnesota, downtown New Ulm, 9 am-2 pm. Info: 507-340-1721, 507-340-1720, or makerfairmn@gmail.com.

• Gus’ Station Car Show & Fundraiser, Steele Co Hist Soc, 1700 Austin Rd, Owatonna, 8 am-12 pm. Info: Owatonna Gem Days on Facebook.

• Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Litomysl Annual Summer Festival, 9946 SE 24th Ave, Owatonna, 10 am-3 pm. Info: 507-5832784.

• Hot Dog Days, downtown, 1st Ave, St. James, 10:30 am-1 pm. Info: stjmnchamber@gmail.com or discoverstjamesmn.com.

Sat-Sun, Jul 24-25

• Minnesota Pottery Festival,

Masonic W River Park, 1003 Les Kouba Pkwy NW, Hutchinson. 10 am-5 pm Sat, 11 am-4 pm Sun. Info: mnpotteryfestival.com.

Mon, Jul 26

• Concert in the Park with Schell’s Hobo Band, German Park, New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: 507-359-8347 or parkandrec@ci.new-ulm.mn.us

Mon-Fri, Jul 26-30, Aug 2-6 & 9-13

• Beauty & the Beast JR Theatre Camp, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Info: 507-332-7372 or info@ paradisecenterforthearts.org.

Fri Jul 30

• Dirt Detectives—Family Farm Night, Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca, 5-8 pm. Info: Facebook.

• Hometown Golf Challenge, Crow River Golf Club, Hutchinson, 11 am. Info & registration: info@ ExploreHutchinson.com or 320587-5252.

• Chad Greenway’s Day to REACH Camp, High School SR Knutson Field, Hutchinson, 9:30 am-3 pm. Info: chad.harlander@isd423.org.

Fri-Sat, Jul 30-31

• FleaJUNKtion, Junction Hwy 169/I-90, fairgrounds, Blue Earth, 9 am-6 pm. Info: ad below, 507525-7800 or Facebook.

Sat-Sun, Jul 31-Aug 1

• Rustic Mamas’ Market, Fair Square, Owatonna, 9 am-4 pm. Info: facebook.com/therusticmamas.

Sun, Aug 1

• Summer Garden Tour, Bailey/ Lewer House, 401 NE 2nd Ave, Waseca, 11 am-5 pm. Info: 507835-7700 or info@historical. waseca.mn.us.

Mon, Aug 2

• Concert in the Park Series with The Misfits, German Park, New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: 507-359-8347 or parkandrec@ci.new-ulm.mn.us

Mon, Aug 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

• Music in the Park, Library Square, Hutchinson, 6:30-8 pm. Info: Facebook, riversongfestival. org/about-riversong/music-inthe-park/ or 503-807-9442.

Tues, Aug 3

• National Night Out, Lafayette. Info: lafayettemn.com/city_of_ lafayette or 507-228-8241.

Tues-Thurs, Aug 3-5

• Farmfest, Gilfillan Estate, Morgan. Info: ideaggroup.com/ Farmfest or Facebook.

Wed, Aug 4

• Chamber Golf Scramble Fundraiser, Golf Course, Madelia. Info & registration: 507-642-8822.

Thurs, Aug 5

• Youth Focused First Aid Training, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 1-2:30 p.m. Info & registration: newulm.ce.eleyo. com/, 507-233-8307 or cfleck@ newulm.k12.mn.us

Thurs, Aug 5, 12, 19 & 26

• Alive After 5, Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, 5-7:30 p.m. Info: 507388-1062, citycentermankato. com/city-center/things-to-do/ alive-after-5/ or admin@Citycentermankato.com.

Wed, Aug 4

• Madelia Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Scramble Fundraiser, Golf Course, Madelia. Info: visitmadelia.com/event/ chamber-golf-outing-2 or 507642-8822.

Thurs, Aug 5

• First Thursday Downtown, Central Park & 100/200 blocks of Cedar Ave, Owatonna, 5-8:30 p.m. Info: Facebook.

Thurs, Aug 5 & Sept 2

• Makers Market, Prentice St, Granite Falls, 4-7 pm. Info: exploreminnesota.com/event/ makers-market/25163 or graniteareaarts@gmail.com.

Fri-Sun, Aug 6-8

• Wacipi Days, Granite Falls. Info: uppersiouxcommunity-nsn.gov.

Sat, Aug 7

• U of M & SROC Reunion, Farmamerica Visitors Center, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca, 9 am-4 pm. Info: wasecachamber.com/ events/details/u-of-m-and-srocreunion-new-date-12732.

Sun, Aug 8

• Closing Service, St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Lafayette,

10:30 a.m. Info: 507-228-8298 or stgregory@holycrossafc.org.

Mon, Aug 9

• NCHS History Hangout Virtually—The U.S. Dakota War, Zoom, 10 am. Connect: us02web.zoom. us/j/82950406700. Info: 507-9342160 or info@nchsmn.org.

• Concert in the Park with Larry Mages & the Mages Family Band, German Park, New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: 507-359-8347 or parkandrec@ci.new-ulm.mn.us

Thurs, Aug 12

• Meat-A-Palooza, Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca, 6-9 pm. Info & cost: 507-835-2052, Facebook, farmamerica.org/meat-apalooza/ or info@farmamerica. org.

Thurs-Sun, Aug 12-15

• MN Senior Games, Mankato. Info: mnseniorgames.com or Facebook.

Fri, Aug 13

• All You Can Eat Chicken Dinner, American Legion Post #294 Lake Crystal, 6-8 pm. Info: lakecrystalchamber.com/events.

Fri-Sun, Aug 13-15

• Into the Woods by Protean Players, State Street Theater, 1 N State St, New Ulm. 7 pm Fri-Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: statestreetnewulm.org.

Sat, Aug 14

• Relay For Life of McLeod County, Masonic W River Park, Hutchinson, noon-midnight. Info: Facebook.

Mon, Aug 16

• Concert in the Park with the Original German Band, German Park, New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: 507-359-8347 or parkandrec@ ci.new-ulm.mn.us

Fairs & Farmers' Markets

Farmers'

Arlington Farmers Market

• Community Center Parking Lot. June 21- fall. Mon. 4-6 pm. Info: 507-327-6601, Facebook or cityhall@arlingtonmn.com.

Buffalo Lake Farm & Flea Market

• City Park on Hwy 212. Jun.-Oct., Sat., 8 am-noon. Info: 320-3891006 or renvillecountymn.com.

Fairfax Farmers Market

• 1st St,. SE of Hwy 19. Mid-JuneSept., Tue. 4-6 pm. Info: 507-4267281 or renvillecountymn.com.

Gaylord Farmers Market

• 5th & Main Ave, Jun-Oct, Wed. 4-6 pm. Info: 507-232-3497.

Gibbon Farmer’s Market

• Hwy 19, Jul.-Oct., Thurs. 3-5:30 pm.

Glencoe Farmers Market

• 11th St and Greeley Ave. Mid Jun.-Oct., Thurs., 3-6 pm. Info: 320-864-3650, sally@glencoechamber.com or glencoechamber.com.

Hector Farmers Market

• CRC C-Store, intersection Hwy 212 & Co Rd 4. Jul.-fall, Wed. 3-6 pm. Info: 320-848-2195 or renvillecountymn.com.

Hutchinson Farmers Market

• 25 Adams St SE. May 22-Oct 30, Wed. 2:30-5:30 pm and Sat. 8 am-noon; Info: 320-234-5652 or jpage@ci.hutchinson.mn.us.

Lake Crystal Farmers Market

• Collis C-Store parking lot. JunOct, Fri, 2-5:30 pm. Info: 218-3304874.

Litchfield Community Market

• VFW Parking Lot, 915 E Hwy 12. May-Oct. Thurs., 2-5:30 p.m.

Madelia Community Hospital’s Farmers Market

• Drew Ave, May-Oct., Wed. 4-6 pm. Info: mchospital.org.

Madison Lake Farmers Market

• Lindburgh Park, 300 7th St, May 15-Oct. Sat., 9 am. Info: mlfm2014@yahoo.com.

Mankato Farmers Market

• Best Buy Parking Lot, 1805 Ad -

ams Street. Early May- end Oct., Sat. 8 am-noon. Jun.-Oct., Tues & Thurs., 3:30-6 pm. Info: 507-3829337, manager@manktatofarmersmarket.com or mankatofarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Markets County Fairs in our Area

WASECA COUNTY FREE FAIR

Morton Farmers Market

• City Hall parking lot on Hwy 19, downtown. Mid Jun.-fall, times vary. Info: 507-697-6912 or renvillecountymn.com.

New Prague Farmers Market

• Carbone’s parking lot, May 8- Oct., Sat. 9 am-noon. Info: Facebook, ajbisek@bevcomm. net or 952-201-5759.

New Ulm KNUJ Radio

Farmers Market

• Cash Wise Foods, Hwy 14 W. June-Oct., Thurs. 2:30-5:30 pm. June 29-fall, Sat. 9 am-noon. Info: Facebook.

North Mankato Farmers Market

• 1920 Lee Blvd., upper No. Mankato. June 7-Oct. 18; Mon., 3-6 pm. Info: northmankato. com/farmers-market.

Olivia Farmers Market

• City parking lot, 9th St & Fairview, 2 blocks S of stoplight. Jul.-Oct., Thurs., 1:30-5:30 pm. Info: 320-522-1043 or renvillecountymn.com.

Olivia United Acres

Farmers Market

• Memorial Park on Hwy 12. MidJune.-Oct., Mon & Thurs., 12:305:30 pm. Info: 320-522-10430699, eda@renvillecountymn.com or renvillecountymn.com.

Owatonna Farmers Market

• Central Park. May-Nov. 3, Sat., 7 am-12 pm. Info: visitowatonna@gmail.com

St. James Farmers Market

• Plaze De St. James; Wed & Thurs. 3-5:30 pm. May-mid-Oct. localendar.com/public/stjameschamber.

St. Peter Farmers Market

• Hwy 169 & Myrtle St. Jun.-Oct., Tue. 3-6 pm & Sat 8:30 am-noon; Info: 507-304-3946, Facebook or stpfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Winsted Farmer’s Market

• Winsted Avenue, May-Oct., Sat. 7 am-12 pm. Info: WinstedChamber.com.

• Wed-Sun, July 14-18. 409 8th Ave NE, Waseca. Info: wasecacountyfreefair.com/ or 507-461-0314.

WATONWAN COUNTY FAIR

• Thurs-Sun, July 15-18. 35164 11th St S, St. James. Info: watonwancountyfair.com/home.html or watcntyfair@gmail.com.

REDWOOD COUNTY FAIR

• Thurs-Sun, July 15-18. 201 N Dekalb St, Redwood Falls. Info: 507-627-2801, redwoodcountyfair.com/ or Facebook.

RICE COUNTY FAIR

• Wed-Sun, Jul 21-25. 1814 2nd Ave NW, Faribault. Info: ricecountyfair.net/, 507-332-2470 Facebook.

BLUE EARTH COUNTY FAIR

• Thurs-Sun, July 22-25. Garden City. Info: blueearthcountyfair. org or info@blueearthcountyfair. org.

FARIBAULT COUNTY FAIR

• Wed-Sat, July 28-31. 235 Midway Rd, Blue Earth. Info: 507-3407539 or faribaultcountyfairweb@ gmail.com

SCOTT COUNTY FAIR

• Wed-Sun, Jul 28-Aug. 1. 7151 190th St. W, Jordan. Info: 952-492-2436, fairofficestaff@scottcountyfair.com or scottcountyfair.org.Bottom of Form

FREEBORN COUNTY FAIR

• Tues-Sun, Aug 3-8. 1105 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea. Info: freeborncountyfair.com, 507-373-6965 or freeborncountyfair@gmail.com.

SIBLEY COUNTY FAIR

• Wed-Sun, Aug 4-8, 801 W Chandler St, Arlington. Info: sibleycountyfair.com or secretary@ sibleycountyfair.com.

MEEKER COUNTY FAIR

• Thurs-Sun, Aug 5-8. 1230 N Armstrong Ave Litchfield. Info:

320-761-2841 or www.meekerfair.com/.

DAKOTA COUNTY FAIR

• Mon-Sun, Aug 9-15. 4008 220th St. W, Farmington. Info: 651-4636900 dakotacountyfair.org/.

COTTONWOOD COUNTY FAIR

• Wed-Sat, Aug 11-14. 1840 8th Ave, Windom. Info: cottonwoodcountyfair.org/ or Facebook.

NICOLLET COUNTY FAIR

• Wed-Sun, Aug 11-15. 400 West Union St, St. Peter. Info: 507-9342684, 507-931-5816 or nicolletcountyfair.com.

BROWN COUNTY FREE FAIR

• Wed-Sun, Aug 11-15. 1201 N State St, New Ulm. Info: Phone: 507-354-2223 or info@browncountyfreefair.com.

CARVER COUNTY FAIR

• Wed-Sun, Aug 11-15. 501 West 3rd St, Waconia. Info: 952-4422333, carvercountyfair.com or Facebook.

RENVILLE COUNTY FAIR

• Thurs-Sat, Aug 12-14 . 500 Main Street, Bird Island. Info: renvillecountyfair.org or 320-365-3242.

MARTIN COUNTY FAIR

• Tues-Sat, Aug 17-21. Co Rd 39, NW Fairmont. Info: 507-2359576, martincountyfair@gmail. com

STEELE COUNTY FREE FAIR

• Tues-Sun, Aug 17-22. 1525 S Cedar Ave Owatonna. Info: 507451-5305, scff.org or Facebook.

LE SUEUR COUNTY FAIR

• Thurs-Sun, Aug. 19-22. 320 S Plut Ave, Le Center. Info: 507-3576500, info@lesueurcountyfair. org, or lesueurcountyfair.org.

McLEOD COUNTY FAIR

• Thurs-Sun, Aug 19-22. 840 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson. Info: 320-587-2499 or mcleodcountyfair.com.

QI’ve always struggled with social anxiety. Now postpandemic, crowded places make me even more anxious. I know friends will want to get together now that restrictions have eased, but I’m having a really hard time engaging with people again. What can I do?

AThe masks are off in most places, and exposing your naked face to the world feels about as awkward as one of those dreams where you forget to put pants on before school. For others, losing the mask feels as liberating as taking your bra off after a long day of work. There isn’t a “correct” way to experience the stress associated with a world-wide pandemic. Much like processing grief, we all respond to the trauma in a very personal way. You have to find what feels good. Engaging in meaningful relationships is something that promotes longevity, and contributes to our resilience to handle stressful times. But that engagement will look different for everyone post-pandemic. Give yourself some emotional space to process the brave new world we are all navigating. Here are some tips to try:

Focus

on the present

A lot of people with social anxiety rely on having “safe topics” of conversation to avoid awkward pauses and silence. Coming out of lockdown, some of us have been spending a lot of time with our dogs and not everyone wants to hear about the various outfits we’ve made them wear for our entertainment. Focus on the present and find what you can do to put you more at ease in the moment. You don’t have to be perfect, or meet anyone’s expectations. You do you.

Explore specific situations that are triggering

Identifying triggers is especially helpful when taking steps toward finding solutions to manage them. Perhaps public speaking events, job interviews, or just giving your dinner order at a restaurant send your heart racing. Noticing how you are responding to these events can help you manage your reactions.

Take small steps

Maybe the Minnesota State Fair isn’t the best first-post Covid experience for you if you are avoiding crowds. Maybe instead, grab a few friends and a picnic basket and listen to some live music in the park. You could have a “garden party” where everyone brings a different ingredient they’ve grown and you grill up a feast. Start small, see how you feel, and if it isn’t working do something else.

Challenge negative thoughts

Chances are you are focusing on potential negative outcomes of social interactions. You may worry that you might say something offensive, may call someone by the wrong name, spill something on yourself, trip and fall,

or curse out loud. (I’ve done all of these more often than I care to recall). These things happen and can certainly lead to short-term discomfort, but try to keep things in perspective. Small social blunders can be funny stories to share later. We are all human and can share in our blunders. Talk with a therapist, counselor, or spiritual advisor

Therapy is always a good idea. Just checking in with a trusted advisor is helpful. Sometimes putting the concerns into words provides enough emotional space to power through.

Stay healthy, friends!

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

It may seem hard to believe, but there is a lot of truth behind the idea that happiness is a choice. Although genetics and life circumstances play a role in your level of happiness, there are steps you can take to help increase your enjoyment of life.

It’s unrealistic, of course, to snap your fingers and decide to be happy. But if you bring consciousness, gratitude, and even frivolity to your day, you’ll likely feel more joyful.

So how can you do that?

Take a few minutes to reflect on these questions to find ways to boost your happiness:

1. What are some things that you might be able to reconnect with that bring you joy?

2. How can you stay focused on tasks when life continues around you?

3. How can you find newness or freshness in everyday life?

4. What would it look like if you put yourself first instead of making everyone and everything else a priority?

5. When is the last time you spent time immersed in nature?

Now make a commitment to yourself to find happiness in each day. Use this list to get started:

• Make a list of activities you used to enjoy but have given up in recent years. Choose one to reconnect with and dedicate at least two weeks to it. See if this activity makes you happier and consider making time for it again.

• Spend at least 10 minutes per day outside. Pay attention to the trees, grass, water, breeze, or whatever else surrounds you.

• Consider things that have made you happy and unhappy in the past. Make a list and let that list help guide your path to happiness.

SISSY YANG Nurse practitioner, Family Medicine Mayo Clinic Health System, Faribault

JulyMust

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The FSA 56 delivers STIHL performance and exceptional value. It features an adjustable shaft to fit different user heights for enhanced comfort. Its AutoCut® head feeds out new line with just a tap on the ground. And you can trim the length of five football fields on a single charge – that’s up to 0.31 miles. Come shop our large selection of STIHL single charge products today.

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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

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Evoke Neck is the industry’s first hands-free applicator designed specifically to address the neck and submental areas. The patented technology harnesses the power of RF energy to remodel facial tissue and improve its appearance. Schedule your consulation today! Mankato Med and Skin Clinic1603 N Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 651.226.3704 mankatomed.com

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Minnesota summers were made for splashing! Families love to head to the lake, fill up the baby pool in the backyard, or spend the afternoon at the water park. As we enjoy lazy summer days, stay alert when it comes to water safety.

The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages one to four. Water attracts curious toddlers and many drownings occur when children are not supposed to be swimming, but have access to water. That’s why it’s so important to empty baby pools after each use. And backyard pools should be enclosed by a fence at least four feet high with a locked gate. Keep toys out of the pool area so children aren’t tempted to break in during non-swim times.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these tips to keep children safe: A supervising adult with swimming skills should be within an arm’s length of infants and toddlers in or around water to provide constant “touch supervision.” With older children and better swimmers, focus on the child and don’t be distracted by other activities. Assign a water watcher, an adult who will pay constant attention to children in the water. If you are the water watcher, put down your cell phone, avoid other activities, supervise even if there are lifeguards, and switch off with another adult for breaks.

Avoid using alcohol or drugs around the water, especially when supervising children. It’s very easy to get distracted at parties and cookouts at the beach, lake, or poolside.

Never leave children alone or in the care of another child while in or near pools, spas, open water, or bathtubs.

Know how to recognize signs of distress and respond to trouble. Parents, caregivers, and older children should learn CPR and safe rescue techniques. Use life jackets near lakes and rivers. Children should always wear life jackets when in, on, or near lakes and rivers. Parent-child swim classes, beginning as early as age one, can help reduce the drowning risk of children ages one to four. By their fourth birthday, most children are ready for swim lessons and can usually learn basic water survival skills such as floating, treading water, and getting to an exit point. By age five or six, most children in swim lessons can master the front crawl. Remember, swim lessons do not make kids “drown proof.”

Teenagers

Drownings rise again during a child’s teen years when they are unsupervised. And teens tend to feel invincible which makes them more likely to take risks, overestimate their skills and underestimate dangerous situations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these tips for teenagers:

Set the rule for your older children to swim only where there are lifeguards. Make sure your teenager knows to never swim alone and urge them to use the buddy system.

Teach your children to always enter the water for the first time feet first and to follow posted “No Diving” signs.

Talk to your teens about the dangers of alcohol and drugs around the water. Explain that alcohol is a leading risk factor in teen drownings. That’s why they must stay sober on the water.

Have a fun and safe summer.

KELLY BRYAN, DO Mankato Clinic Pediatrics

ASK CANDEE: BUY or BUILD?

Should I buy an existing home or build a new one?

It’s definitely a seller’s market, and the shortage of homes for sale can make the search for a new place frustrating for home buyers. Many are having to make lightning-fast decisions about making offers and are often competing against multiple prospective buyers on a property. Some have lost out on homes multiple times. This can make building a home an attractive option. Building can eliminate the stress of competing with others for a home. If you are a part of the process from the ground up, you’ll be able to personalize the layout and finishes to suit your tastes and the needs of your family. Newer homes tend to have lower maintenance and energy costs, and let’s be honest; who doesn’t love the freshness and newness of a new place? Despite the many benefits of building, there are also some challenges to consider. When you build a home, you’ll have to purchase land, decide on your floor plan and finishes and will most importantly, make sure you stay within you budge. Building a home also takes an average of seven months, but this can vary greatly depending on things like weather and availability of construction companies. Whatever you decide to do, just be sure to stick to a price you know you can afford!

Do I need a real estate agent to build a home?

While you may find hiring a real estate agent to be helpful when you are building a new home, it is not necessary to work with an agent to successfully close on your new construction home. An agent can however, help make the process less stressful for you. Real estate agents are often familiar with builders in the area and can help you choose the right builder for your needs and budget. They can help you find a building lot if needed and can take care of negotiating the price and extras for you as well as handle the paperwork involved in the closing process. Most people in our area find they are able to work directly through the builder without an agent’s assistance, but this is a choice that is best left up to the buyer depending on their situation and comfort level.

Is it less expensive to buy or build a home?

There is a common misconception that building a home is the most expensive option. However, depending on where you build and the features of your home, the price can actually be fairly comparable. According to the National Association of Home Builders’, the average new home costs $296,652 to build as compared to the average price of an existing home at $269,039 according to Zillow. These numbers can of course vary considerably depending on

the market, price range and area where you are planning to build. No matter which option you choose, it’s important to do your research and decide on the route that works best for your situation. Your real estate agent would be more than happy to help you talk through your options!

We would like to build a home, where do we start?

The first and most important step when you are considering building a home is to calculate your budget and what you can afford. This will need to include everything from the lot you plan to build on to the size, finishes and furnishings of your home as well as landscaping on the property. Once you have your budget and down payment ability determined, you’ll want to meet with your banker and talk about getting qualified for financing. You’ll also want to start researching builders in your area and looking at lots where you might like to build. Some builders have their own developments and others will build on any lot you purchase. Interview a few different builders about the price ranges and styles of homes they typically build. As always, if you need any advice or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your real estate agent!

CANDEE DEICHMAN REALTOR® CENTURY 21 Atwood

Joint Replacement Surgery Important Choice, Easy Decision

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