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our RVW subjects I can usually share some of my own relatable experiences in one way or the other. I come to this mostly military-themed issue with zero personal frame of reference, other than having many friends and family who have served. Whether joining voluntarily or via the former draft, my admiration and appreciation are heartfelt.
On a mission to serve is our cover story on former Army combat medic, and current County Veterans Service Officer, Jenna Schmidtke. Her harrowing experiences in Iraq, as well as losing a good friend and fellow soldier, drives her today to do what she can to help vets, whether guiding them through benefits processes or simply lending an empathetic ear. Yes, ma’am.
Making life better for community, kids, and veterans, while also making history is what Carie Becker, the first ever female Exalted Ruler of the Mankato Elks Organization, is all about. Built on traditions and rituals, this somewhat mysterious order’s leadership wears jewels that are emblematic of their role. Shine on—you rule.
I admit I would have made a terrible soldier. Stamina for prolonged physical exercise isn’t one of my strong suits, and structured group activities rank pretty low on my to-do list. Plus, I cannot wear a hat of any sort, without looking
silly, much less a helmet. However, one thing I would love is the military’s sheets and blankets etiquette. If I can bounce a dime on top of a well-made bed I am a happy camper. Without the camping.
Which brings me to this issue’s “First Person” feature by former RVW writer, Grace Brandt, who joined the Air Force at age 30. She gives her day-in-the-life account of her U.S. Air Force basic training and eventual current career with them as a linguist. Among her many experiences such as lightning speed showers, silent breakfasts and constant cleaning detail, are the well-made beds that she and her fellow trainees rarely slept in, but rather on top of, lest they mess up those military corners. Tidy is as tidy does!
Forestry technician Connie Rasmussen fights fires with her own fiery passion for variety, adventure, and the outdoors. Being a firefighter was a natural progression in her career with the Minnesota Conservation Corp and eventually with the U.S. Forest Service. With her abilities and versatility she is called to help squelch fires all over the country. That makes her one hot commodity.
We draw attention to both Anna Dunker and Jessica Webster in our Salute Q&A. Webster, a technical sergeant in the Air National Guard, and Dunker, a retired logistics operator in the U.S. Air Force, share their military experiences in this spotlight.
So, you’ve got your marching orders. Whether military or otherwise, you can join, serve, help, volunteer, or at least learn about and support those who do. That’s my 10 cents worth of advice. Now, let’s see if it’ll bounce.
By BROOKE WOHLRABE
PHOTOS BY ALICE HQ PHOTOGRAPHY
Jenna Schmidtke has spent a portion of her life fighting both for the country and its veterans.
Schmidtke grew up in different areas of Faribault County. She went to Blue Earth High School and, after graduating, joined the military.
“I had always known, since I was very young, that I wanted to serve in the military. It’s just something that I innately knew I wanted to pursue as a young adult,” she said.
Jenna’s paternal grandfather served in WWII and her maternal grandfather served in peace time. She also had many cousins who served. They helped guide her in the direction she wanted to go with her military service.
Schmidtke enlisted in the Army in 2006 as a combat medic and was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She was stationed for about seven months at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas; there she received intense training.
“They crammed an EMT course into six weeks. You’re having one to two tests every week and if you fail more than two tests you’re dropped from the program,” Jenna said.
The group started off with over 500 soldiers, but graduated just 172.
After the school side of the training was done, the soldiers moved on to field training, which was combat-focused. They learned medical intervention and how to apply the skills learned in combat scenarios.
Schmidtke was stationed at Fort Campbell for about five months before they received orders to Iraq. She had just turned 21.
“I got to be 21 for about two weeks,” Jenna said with a laugh.
On a serious note, when asked if she had expected to go overseas, Schmidtke said, “I knew there was a large possibility, which my mom didn’t like too much, but it was just part of the nature of it. I knew I wanted to make a difference and I wanted to serve. Where that brought me, I was just trusting the process.”
In September 2007, Jenna’s group left for an 18-month deployment, which ended up being cut short by two months.
Schmidtke was selected to work on a line unit and was initially the only female on her squad.
“Basically, we were out in sector every day, which is the front lines. We would be in mechanized patrols, in armored vehicles, or on foot patrols. We would go to different areas depending on the incidents going on or the tips we were receiving,” she explained.
As for being the only female on her squad, Jenna said she had to earn her place. She was also an E4, which was considered lower enlisted.
“There were a couple old-school sergeants that had the demeanor that females don’t belong in infantry or belong on the line,” Schmidtke said.
She said they never mistreated her, but that she worked very hard because she knew she had to prove herself.
“I knew if I let up in my job, in my position as a medic…you can’t let up. Not in the role I held or as a female or just being in war. It’s not a time you can be lax,” Jenna said.
Despite the feelings of some, Schmidtke was part of a tight crew which called itself the “E4 Mafia.” It’s a group she’s still close with to this day.
“They were like my brothers. We just had each other’s back. It was a friendship that turned into family. You become a family unit and nothing else outside of that time matters. You’re there to take care of each other and get through each day, one day at a time,” Jenna said.
Because males and females can’t cohabitate in combat, Schmidtke had a female roommate, a senior medic, who was like a mentor to her.
Schmidtke describes Jessica Ellis as a high-spirited person who was very good, kind, and loving. She speaks of Ellis in the past-tense because Ellis died while on duty during her time in Iraq.
“It’s not the easiest thing to talk about, but she deserves to be remembered and talked about so any opportunity—no matter how difficult it is—I will always tell her story,” Schmidtke said.
While Jenna had her crew of male soldiers she was close with, she bonded with Jessica on another level. The two took care of each other.
“If she had a rough night and she needed her A bag restocked, I would know and restock her bag. If she knew I hadn’t made a meal in a few days, she’d go out of her way to make sure I would get a meal. We had each other’s back like that,” Schmidtke said.
One weekend, Jenna went out on foot patrol, looking for a tip they had received for an EFP (explosively formed penetrator).
“We were out all day long and we didn’t find anything, which was good, but also bad because the tip came from somewhere, so obviously something was happening,” Schmidtke said.
Nonetheless they were called in and able to make a meal, which Jenna said was the first time in a week she got a hot meal. At that time, Jessica was resting because she had been hit several days before.
“I went and got some food for her…and I put her A bag together for her. She woke up and was so exhausted and started to cry. She didn’t cry. We didn’t cry. It was emotional,” Jenna recalled.
She gave Jessica a little pep talk and a hug and then Jessica grabbed her bag to go out on patrol.
Schmidtke described herself as “not a hug person” before she joined the military, but the experience that she had made her understand how important it is to show affection and tell people you love them.
“They were going on recon so they were in huge armored vehicles that would search for the bombs,” Schmidtke explained.
Ellis went to the same place Schmidtke had searched earlier in the day. They went to the same checkpoint. Ellis was in a buffalo, which is a mine protected vehicle. Schmidtke explained that an IED (improvised explosive device) is a bomb whereas EFP is a charged metal plate, which makes it so hot it can splice through anything. However, if it gets inside a vehicle, it will be like a ping pong and go back and forth, tearing up everything in its wake.
“It hit her buffalo. It hit her,” Schmidtke said. She said their unit was called up to go out on recon for Ellis’ platoon. Schmidtke said she got on the line and knew something was wrong. They were later told to stand down.
“It’s all kind of blurry but after putting up a fight as an E4, I sat back and waited and I knew with every bit of my being that something was wrong. The brigade surgeon actually came and told me Jessica had been hit and that we had lost her,” Schmidtke said.
That was on Mother’s Day. Two days later, an angel flight and memorial was held for Ellis. Jenna was able to sit with Ellis’s coffin alone for a little bit to say her goodbyes.
“The dynamic I was holding as a strong, stoic female, I didn’t want to let my guard down. I didn’t want to cry or show emotion. I was nothing for quite a while. That’s the only way I could navigate through things,” Schmidtke said.
She wasn’t given the luxury of mourning because she was still on a mission and had several months left of her deployment.
She came home in December, right before the holidays. Schmidtke said, when she got home, she was a different person. She pointed out that she was college-aged and most of her peers were building memories, relationships, and life experiences, while she was trying to navigate through the most traumatic time of her life.
“It wasn’t just losing Jessica, it was a constant flow of everything I had experienced over there. In a sense I was grateful to be home, but I also felt like I didn’t belong,” Jenna said.
She said she lacks the words to truly describe how she felt, but that she just felt lost and struggled to find herself, who she was, and where she belonged.
“Trauma like this, you don’t get over it. You just learn how to live with it,” Schmidtke said.
Not long after she got back, Schmidtke learned she was pregnant. She said this further secluded her because at that time, people around her age of 21, 22, 23 mostly socialized in a bar scene but obviously she couldn’t engage in that.
“I withdrew more. I struggled with depression. At the time I didn’t realize it, but now I know what PTSD is,” Schmidtke said.
Looking back now, she said she feels that God had her on the path she was supposed to be on, though she didn’t recognize it at the time.
While she was pregnant, Jenna’s four-year contract was coming to an end and her unit was getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan. She was a sergeant at that time and had a choice to make.
“I had a sense of family and wanting to protect them and guide them, but I also had my child. His father and I were both in the military and he was going to Afghanistan,” Schmidtke explained.
She said she had to pray on it and consider if she wanted to go with and lead her soldiers, or stay and be a mother to her son. She would have left when he was eight months old. Ultimately, Schmidtke chose to stay with her child.
“My son saved me. He gave me a sense of love I have never felt,” Jenna said of her son, Jaxson.
However, Jaxson was born with some significant health problems. Jenna now knows these are direct effects of the environmental toxins she was exposed to in Iraq, and were still in her body as she was carrying him.
“That’s a journey we’re navigating through. Sometimes it’s hard not to be angry about it, but we’re strong,” Jenna said.
Once Schmidtke left the military, she enrolled in college at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, which was near Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She focused on pre-med as, at the time, she wanted to go into physical therapy with the intention of helping veterans and soldiers.
However, she found her way to her current position as a County Veterans Service Officer for Faribault County, where she’s still helping people, but on a different level. She started her role in 2016 and said that both the knowledge she gained as a medic, and the medical knowledge she acquired in school, help her in her current position.
“I find a lot of peace and joy in my role in being able to help veterans. I can relate on different levels and empathize,” Schmidtke said. She noted that sometimes people want to come in and talk about benefits, and sometimes they just want to talk. However, when it comes to herself, Jenna said she doesn’t tell her story very often, though she does make a point to tell her children about their aunt Jessica.
“I’m raising my kids to know and respect those who gave their life and those who made sacrifices. Every service member, whether they went to war or not, they were willing to, and that’s a sacrifice within itself,” Schmidtke said. A few years ago, when she was finally ready to do it, Jenna met Jessica’s mom and dad at Arlington National Cemetery. Together they saw where she was buried. Since then, over the years, Jenna has gotten closer with Jessica’s parents.
“I grew up a Christian but, when I was in Iraq experiencing the heartache of seeing things happen, I felt myself starting to grow hard and bitter and angry and found myself separated from God,” Jenna said However, even in the face of tragedy, Jessica’s mom has encouraged Jenna to call on God.
“She sent me the book The Shack and I read it once a year as a reset for my soul. It reminds me to forgive and to love. It has helped me so much. If I didn’t have prayer, I don’t think I could go day to day,” Schmidtke said.
Along with prayer, Jenna has also found strength and peace in working out and in running, something that Jessica instilled in her.
Jenna said that, while she may be portrayed as a strong female, she wanted to make it clear that anyone could do as she’s done.
“I was scared and I still get scared every day. The sense of being brave or having courage in the face of fear is getting through it. Make your way through it and find those pillars of strength,” she said.
Jenna tells her son that the medical struggles he faces today will put him in a place where he can help someone someday.
As for Schmidtke, she’s thankful for the job she has now, because she can take her experiences and use them to help others.
“You might be the one person to get through to help them get through it. It’s not all for nothing,” Jenna said. RVW
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Gold jewels are worn by the Exalted Ruler, and the 225 signifies the number, nationwide of when the lodge was established.
By KRISTIN SJOLIE
Life has a way of putting us in situations we did not plan for. In 2009, Carie Becker found herself as a newly single mom with Christmas around the corner, and no resources to celebrate the holiday or purchase gifts for her two small girls.
Someone at church noticed, and Christmas gifts and groceries arrived as welcome surprises. Receiving these gifts—and seeing the joy they brought her family—was life changing for Carie.
“It made me want to give back to the community. I knew I needed to be part of something,” she said. “I live by the golden rule —‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’”
A coworker at the City of Mankato, Ron Sik, unknowingly helped Carie find a way to give back. He introduced her, one event at a time, to the Mankato branch of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America. She started by attending events to help support the Elks and their work in the community.
In 2013, her participation moved into an active role in the organization. “Ron got me at a weak moment, I said yes to participating, and I have never stopped caring for this organization,” Becker said.
Ron asked Carie to become the organization’s secretary. He was moving into the Exalted Ruler position.
“Ron was always looking out for me. He knew the stipend would help me as a single mom. I went from not knowing anything about the Elks to being thrown in,” Carie said.“I was attracted to the fun events and wanted to meet new people. I consider them my second family. I love helping the community, and the stuff we do for youth.”
The Elks Organization focuses on community, youth, and veterans. An event is held every quarter, frequently in partnership with local youth and veterans organizations, and proceeds benefit the community. They also partner year-round with the Minnesota Action Council for Veterans to provide “Welcome Home” kits to veterans experiencing homelessness who are moving to their own homes. Supplies for the kits are purchased from a grant from the National Elks Veterans Association.
“Now that I have seen how this helps a veteran or person in the community, I will continue to work with other organizations to serve our community,” Carie said.
The Mankato Elks have no building of their own, though Becker sees this as a positive.
“All funds go right back to the community, not into maintaining a building, restaurant, or bar,” she said. The organization holds events and meetings at the Loose Moose Saloon and Conference Center in Mankato.
Carie’s seven-year position as secretary helped her watch and
learn the roles, meeting rituals, and community activities of the Mankato Elks. Little did she know that again life had a surprise in store for her—as her role as secretary was preparing her for a new leadership role.
She was invited by the membership to serve in the position of Exalted Ruler. Sik was the perfect mentor, with 30 years of experience in the Elks Organization, and was chosen for the installation of all the officers including herself as Exalted Ruler for this year.
“As a child, I did not want to be in the limelight. I did not consider myself a leader,” Carie said.
She grew up on a hog farm near Blue Earth, learning all about hard work and dedication. With farm duties, her parents did not have time to join organizations, so she had no experience or frame of reference in that area.
“The Elks Organization has given me the confidence to know I can be a leader,” she said.
In April 2022, Becker became the Mankato Elks Exalted Ruler, 27 years after the Elks National Organization opened membership to females, and 130 years after the founding of the Mankato Elks. This not only meant leading the organization, but also becoming the first female Exalted Ruler in the Mankato Elks history. This is a twoyear term that concludes in 2024.
“This role has given me confidence. I’ve always had a little self-doubt about public speaking,” Carie said. “My first flag day ceremony, and the public initiation, have given me the self-confidence to talk in front of a group. I’m not scared to ask someone to join the Elks. I am proud of this group.”
Getting the Elks name out there more with women in the community is one of Becker’s goals.
The altar cloth, as well as the 11thhour chime clock, are all used during the rituals of the order including the 11 o’clock toast, initiation of new members, funeral service, and memorial service.
She is a mother of two daughters, 18 and 22, who grew up learning to serve the community through helping with Elks projects.
Carie’s partner is also an Elks Lodge member who supports and encourages her success.
Carie has worked as utilities administrative specialist for the city of Mankato for 15 years. She loves to golf, which was how she first began participating in Elks events.
January
Soups for Troops, a soup cookoff held between restaurants in Mankato. Service organizations in town that serve veterans help nominate a veteran in the community to receive aservice award at this event. The previous year’s award winner presents the award.
March
Wild game tasting event, with the Order’s membership bringing in wild game.
May
Twelve $1,000 scholarships are awarded to local high school seniors planning to attend a twoor four-year higher education program.
June
Underserved youth attend camp at Nisswa, Minnesota on full scholarships.
July
Elks members walk in the Fun Days parade to raise community awareness.
Members collaborate with My Place, an organization that helps underserved youth, to host a block party.
August
Annual golf tournament at North Links Golf Course.
Mankato Backpack Program. Members distribute fully loaded backpacks to students in need of school supplies. The Beacon Grant from the Elks National Foundation of $4,500 this year.
November
Elks Wine Tasting Extravaganza—featuring wine, live music, and a silent auction. Thanksgiving dinner for the community served takeout style from The Loose Moose.
December
Community Outreach Christmas giving to youth and veterans with a Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation.
“We have a role that has not been tapped,” she said. “It’s not the ‘good old boy’ club anymore.”
In 1995, women could join the Elks, so the recruitment for the female-only part of the organization, the Does, ended. The Mankato Lodge has 131 members—16 of which are women.
“I encourage women to join — go for it. It builds your confidence, especially speaking roles. There are opportunities for mentoring other women, too. It’s also fun to get to know statewide members, and members across the United States,” Carie said. “Being a small piece of a large organization connects you.”
Members are welcome at any Elk Lodge throughout the country.
Becker also aspires to retain a solid core membership of individuals who want to participate. Recruits are invited by an Elks member to join, and are sent an application to fill out. They are asked to donate ten hours of their time each year. The lodge meets twice a month, and though members do not have to attend all meetings, attendance is encouraged to learn how the organization works and to stay current on projects and events.
“Traditions seem to have gone by the wayside in our daily lives,” Carie said. “They became viewed as restrictive or old-fashioned, and we lost some of the continuity that they bring to our lives. Looking at the current generations, and how they approach membership very differently, makes this apparent.”
The Elks Order is built on traditions and incorporates them as well as rituals into their meetings. “Without divulging too much of our order,” Becker said. “There are three Esteemed Knights, an Inner Guard, Tiler, Chaplain, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Exalted Ruler. Jewels are worn by each of the officers and each set of jewels is emblematic of their role.”
Several rituals are judged in competitions at the national level.
“The initiation is the first ritual that candidates participate in, and it leaves a lasting impression, ”Carie said.
Initiation is also the first opportunity for the officers of the lodge to express the principles of the Order: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity.
“One of the most important contributions the officers of the lodge can make is an impressive induction of a candidate into our great Order,” she said. “The flag is one of the symbols of the stations in the Elks Order, with the Pledge of Allegiance as a tradition that starts every meeting.”
She went on, “Each lodge year, we need to participate in Flag Day and perform our Memorial Service. Of all of the rituals, the 11 o’clock toast always grabs at my heartstrings. It is the remembrance of our Elks who wander no more, for our absent members.”
After her time as Exalted Leader ends, Carie will move to a trustee position for three years. This position assists the board with financial decisions, sits in on all meetings as an officer, and helps the new Exalted Ruler.
Most likely, life will have other surprises for Carie. With the leadership skills and confidence she has gained in her roles at the Elks Organization—plus living her life according to the golden rule—she will continue to carry out her passion to give back to the community.
If you are interested in attending or participating in The Mankato Elks Lodge #225 events or membership, please check out the Elks Facebook page and use Facebook Messenger to send an inquiry. RVW
When Connie Rasmussen graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato with a liberal arts degree in 2001, she had no idea that she would spend a good share of her life fighting forest fires. It was a rather roundabout route for the Bernadotte native to go from farm girl to firefighter, but she worked her way to doing just that, first with the Minnesota Conservation Corp, then with the U.S Forest Service.
A lover of the outdoors, Connie spent her first two post-college years working season-by-season with Adventurous Christians at Grand Marais. Though she started in the kitchen, she soon was taking kids camping in the Boundary Waters.
Next stop was a short-term (October 2003-June 2004) hitch with the Minnesota Conservation Corp. When her term ended, Rasmussen hooked up with the U.S. Forest Service at Superior National Forest in northeast Minnesota. She did seasonal work as a biological technician for 12 years, did volunteer work, and even worked as a nanny in the off seasons. She became a full-time employee as a biological technician in 2015, then assumed her current role as a forestry technician in recreation and the trails in 2019. She’s based out of Aurora.
Rasmussen’s firefighting training dates back to 2003 with the Conservation Corp. She’s been a militia firefighter—meaning that it’s a collateral duty in addition to her regular work.
“When additional resources are needed, those of us who are qualified can make ourselves available to jump in as needed,” Rasmussen said. “Since it’s not my primary job, I can let them know my availability. I can keep my fire gear in my work truck. If there’s a high fire danger, I can let them know my availability and qualifications and I can be called to help.”
In addition to fighting fires across northern Minnesota, Connie has been called to assist in other states, among them Alaska, California, Washington, Montana, and Oregon.
“There are different dispatch areas. The work is organized across the country—they need different resources. If you put yourself on the availability list, you don’t know where you might go,” she said. “Sometimes you’re on a 20-person hand crew, sometimes you’re in a 10-person module, or on a six-person squad.”
The work involves a lot of different jobs—order and supply to medical tent to dispatch. Things are broken down into planning, operations, and more.
Connie started as a basic firefighter, type 1, then became a fire effects monitor, keeping an eye on the sky to make firefighters aware of changes in temperature and humidity—things that affect fire behavior.
From ground work, Rasmussen has moved up to being a helicopter crew member, something she really likes.
“Different things appeal to you at different times,” she said. “I like the technical aspects of being on a helicopter crew, being up in the air, looking over the whole forest.”
Rasmussen still does ground work with prescribed burns—everything from road guard to having a drip torch to light the fire. Luckily, Connie has not had any close calls along the way, saying, “Thankfully, not anything that would shake you!”
She’s been involved in a number of memorable fires, however. She was on the public safety team on the devastating Ham Lake Fire in 2007. Her crew canoed out to check on campsites and people. During the Pagami Creek Fire at Ely in 2011, she drove resources to and from the airport, dropping off and picking up supplies.
There have also been memorable fires in the Boundary Waters, too, including a time that her crew camped out for 10 days.
“We were dropped off by a de Havilland DHC-3 float plane. It’s an efficient way to get crews and supplies to fires. They strap canoes to the floats. They land on a lake, you take the canoes off, and you paddle away,” she explained. “Few departments have those. We have three.”
Although there’s a lot of sweat and hard work in being a wild land firefighter, Rasmussen gets a lot of satisfaction from the role.
“Besides being out in nature and experiencing places, it’s great to be able to camp out. We camped out for a week in Idaho. It was beautiful and surreal to be dropped off to camp for a week. We were so high in the mountains—there was a cloud inversion and it looked like we could walk out on top of the clouds.”
Rasmussen also likes the camaraderie of the people she works with and the sense of doing something for the greater good.
How long will she continue as a firefighter? Rasmussen answered, “I feel that God tells us when we should make a change in our lives but, for now, I really enjoy it.”
After living in Grand Marais, Duluth, and Isabella, Rasmussen has lived in Britt, an unincorporated Iron Range community (11 miles north of Virginia), for the last three years. There she enjoys several sports. She picked up curling this past winter and is having a blast in fourperson mixed doubles.
“I landed on my face pushing off the first few times. It’s harder than I thought,” she said. “But it’s fun and it’s a lifetime sport.”
She recently joined a women’s softball team. It’s a sport she enjoyed from her days playing church league ball in and around Lafayette some years ago.
Connie also supports fundraisers sponsored by the local Soroptimist Club for the benefit of women and girls in the community.
And, as a true farm girl at heart, Connie tries to get back to her parents, Neil and Renee’s, farm at rural Winthrop, on the southern border of Sibley County, for a few weeks each spring and fall, to help with planting and harvest.
“I like it when I can drive tractor,” she said. RVW
Firefighters Connie Rasmussen and Mike Busch on their way to a fire via helicopter.
On January 6, 2021, I boarded a plane that flew out of the Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport towards San Antonio, Texas. I was leaving for Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT): seven-and-a-half weeks that would transform me from a civilian into an airman.
At 30 years old and already a college graduate, I wasn’t a typical BMT trainee. But I had always wanted to serve my country, so I left a decade-plus journalism career to enlist as a cryptological language analyst—known as a “linguist” to most people.
Our days at BMT began at 0600 when reveille played through the loud speakers in our dormitory. We’d spring up from on top of our blankets (rarely did we sleep under the blankets, since we were all terrified of messing up our perfectly made beds) to get ready. My flight, Flight 238, was on top of a four-story building, which meant that we had to get done fastest in the morning to get down to the ground level and “form up” for morning formation first. That meant we had exactly seven minutes to get dressed, hair in buns, boots laced up, before marching downstairs.
Morning formation included “singing” the Air Force Song (it was more like screaming; there was no discernable tune) and reciting the Airman’s Creed, something we all quickly learned by heart since we recited it at least twice a day. Then we’d rush back upstairs to make our beds and clean, with every trainee assigned to a certain task. I was the floor lead within the lavatory crew. (We could never call them bathrooms, since—as our Military Training Instructors/MTIs gruffly told us—there were no baths within them.) That meant I was in charge of scrubbing the lavatory floors twice a day. With 40 women crammed into one lavatory, those floors could get dirty. Even a stray hair could get us in trouble with the MTIs. Then we’d march off to the DFAC (dining facility) for breakfast. The food was actually very good at BMT, with a cafeteria set-up where you quickly rushed through the line with your tray and asked for what you wanted. The trick was enjoying it, since we only had 10 minutes to eat everything and MTIs shouted
at us to go faster the whole time. We’d sit two to a table, across from each other but not allowed to talk, staring at each other awkwardly as we crammed food into our mouths. On Sundays, we were allotted more time, and that was very special.
After morning chow, our day was packed full of training until the evening, with a break for lunch. We measured time throughout the day by meal: “Only an hour ’til lunch… Only two hours ’til dinner.” We had classes on everything from financial literacy to Air Force history to how to take apart and clean an M16 rifle. At the end of Basic Training, every trainee has to take the End of Course (EOC) exam, a 100-question exam that requires 70 percent to pass or you can’t graduate. Anything we learned throughout BMT could appear on the course, and we constantly studied for it when we had time.
Because we were at BMT in the winter, we were on the winter schedule for physical fitness, which meant we worked out at 1730. We had two types of workouts: strength and running. Running was literally just running around the track for half an hour at your own pace. Strength was more like circuit workouts led by an MTI, with plenty of push-ups and squats. At the end of BMT, we had to take a physical fitness test, with categories for push-ups, sit-ups, and the 1.5-mile run.
We’d almost always be on the outdoor workout pad, and that meant we’d still be there at 1800 when Evening Colors played. Then, we’d all stop, turn toward the flag, and salute. The first time it happened, it was awe-inspiring for me to see how the whole base froze, focused on rendering that honor to the flag. As I stood there, in sweaty workout clothes, my right arm raised in salute, my eyes welled with tears of pride. It was the first time I came out of the fog of BMT and realized just what I was working to do—to join the United States Air Force and serve my country, like I had dreamed.
After PT came a mad rush back to the dorms to shower, with only 20 minutes allotted for 40 women using 16 shower heads. I quickly earned a reputation for fastest shower, which I held with pride. Back down for dinner; back up for evening cleaning. Then the best part of the day: mail. Our MTI would distribute any letters that had been sent to us, which were precious beyond words. To be honest, I was usually too tired and busy to spend much time missing my husband, Nathan, or my family, but I did miss them when I read their letters.
In the evening, we had a little free time, but we had to be in bed by 2100. The only two trainees who were allowed up after that were on guard duty, which
During her time in Monterey, CA, A1C Brandt was selected as the winner of the Joint Enlisted Board for junior enlisted service members of all branches competing on the base.
A1C Brandt stands with the Goodfellow Air Force Base sheep mascot in San Angelo, Texas.
was a rotating two-hour shift that continued 24/7. You were only allowed to patrol the dormitory, study for the EOC, or have whispered conversations with your fellow guard. I loved night shift, despite losing two hours of sleep, because it was the only time I really got to be alone for seven-and-a-half weeks. Creeping through the dark halls, illuminated by only my little flashlight as I checked to make sure each wall locker was properly locked, I relished the peace and quiet. I graduated from Basic Training on March 4, 2021 and left for the Presidio of Monterey, California, where the Defense Language Institute is located. There, I was assigned Spanish as my target language and underwent a rigorous nine-month language course, juggling school with daily military duties. Class ran from 0800-1500, with things like morning formation, PT and other military expectations scheduled around it. After graduating on February 10, 2022, I went to Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas for a three-month linguist training course. This course usually required 12-hour days and weekend study. I graduated on May 26 and then, joined by Nathan, our two cats, and a carload of our things, we drove out to my new assignment: Fort George C. Meade, Maryland.
After a year and a half, I am finally an Operational Airman. It’s a long time to be in technical training, and it’s been difficult at times to stay motivated in class when I see the awesome things that my Flight 238 wingmen have been doing in that time, stationed in exciting places like Guam and Turkey. But I know the hard work has been worth it to become a Cryptological Language Analyst and use my skills to serve my country in this way. The struggle, the stress, and the sacrifice are worth it to fulfil my dream of becoming an American Airman. RVW
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VI PEEL
What was your role in the military?
In the Air Force I started out in aircraft structural maintenance, moved onto maintenance operation center, then to maintenance production superintendent. I then moved to aircraft maintenance production superintendent on the flight line, and ended my career in logistics operations for AFSOC.
Why did you join?
I really did not know what to do with my life and knew there was more out there than just being in Minnesota.
How long did you serve?
20 years.
Where did you serve?
Italy, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Turkey, United Kingdom, Okinawa, finishing up at Hurlburt Field in Florida.
What did you find most fulfilling?
I was able to see a completed real world mission.
What did your service teach you?
I learned how to communicate and work with different personalities and work ethics.
Did joining the military change you? If so, how?
Joining the military did change me in many ways. It let me see a lot of the world, and the different cultures that most people never see in their lifetime. In the military you have to be resilient. I was in a male-dominated career field. When you work hard and do a good job word travels, and it’s a small military. When you go to
your next base they already know about you. The most important to me was knowing that the people under me knew they could call/talk to me at anytime. Even after retiring, people are still reaching out. I enjoy helping, even if it’s just listening.
What surprised you?
How I grew to work with so many different people.
What would you say to someone considering joining?
That it’s hard work, so you need dedication, and to never give up. Know what you want and learn how to overcome anything that gets thrown in front of you. Define what you like to do and try to merge them together with a positive attitude.
What are you doing currently?
I am retired from all my hard work and all that I accomplished. I stay busy, like I was in the military, by doing and learning anything that I choose to. I just quit my job at Lockheed Martin in June was there 2 years. Had foot surgery and realized I needed to take some time off for myself. I’ll be taking a course in October to be a scuba diving instructor. I am formerly from Nicollet, Minnesota. I currently live in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Family?
Family is everything and was so much help in my life and career. If I wasn’t as lucky as I am, then I would have surrounded myself with positive people, hands down. I keep up with my parents and siblings and their families via Face Time.
What is/was your role in the military?
I am a Technical Sgt in the Air National Guard. My career field is in munitions. I am still currently serving and have been enlisted for 16 years.
Why did you join?
I come from a long family history of military members, and I appreciate the structure that the military provides. When I was young I also saw the military as an opportunity to gain a sense of purpose and be part of something bigger than myself.
Where did you serve?
I have served at the 148th FW in Duluth, and the 133rd AW in the Twin Cities. I have also had two deployments.
What did you find most fulfilling?
The cameraderie between members. I also find it very fulfilling to work in a totally different career field than I do as a civilian.
What was a challenge?
Remembering all the acronyms.
Did joining the military change you? If so, how?
It most definitely did. I gained a large amount of self confidence
and learned to be able to make a decision quickly, while also learning to accept what comes from making that decision.
What did you learn?
I learned how to be a better leader, and as a guard member I have learned how to use my civilian skills in the military even though my career fields don’t match.
What surprised you?
I have always been surprised by the camaraderie between sister branches.
What would you say to someone considering joining?
If I am talking to young people who are still in high school and they do not know what they want to do when they graduate, the military is a great place to get job experience, live independently from your parents, and serve a greater good. All while earning a paycheck.
What are you doing currently?
I am a registered nurse in home care and hospice working for the New Ulm Medical Center. Family?
I am married to my husband of 15 years with four children.
C. S. Lewis famously said, “I wrote the books I should have liked to read.”
Katie Roiger began writing stories as a middle schooler when she couldn’t find an adventure story about princesses AND pirates at her local library. Her first efforts weren’t exactly Chronicles of Narnia caliber, but the habit was formed.
She scribbled her way through various jobs as a librarian, a city municipal worker, a diamond grader, and a bookseller, before finally becoming a freelance writer and editor. She lives in rural Minnesota with her husband who likes to ask, “But THEN what happened?,” after they finish reading a novel together, and their one-year-old son who thinks that board books are delicious.
“When I was a kid, combing through my local library’s shelves at least once a week, my favorite stories were about the unlikely heroes: The ones too small, too plain, too quiet, and too unpopular, but who surprised others— and themselves— by following their passions to places they never expected,” said Roiger. “Only the Brave, my first novel for young adults, was born from a short story I wrote in high school about just such a character, whose unlikely partnership with her crabby older neighbor led to one amazing summer.”
“Once I met my now-husband, and his family of military friends, I knew I wanted to turn that short story into something that anyone who enjoys books about humor, courage, and hope would enjoy,” she continued. “It was a long time in the works, but I’m happy that Victoria is finally here. I hope she reminds her readers that bravery takes many shapes.”
Victoria is pretty sure she’s going to have the worst summer in history. It’s bad enough her agonizing shyness keeps her from making friends her own age, but now that her beloved older brother is deploying to Afghanistan, she’s prepared to spend her vacation alone. That is, until an accident forces her to get a job working at her crabby neighbor’s ice cream stand on the shores of Lake Superior. To her surprise, Mr. Poller’s grouchy company turns out to be the very thing she needed to take a chance on the new kid on the block, solve a puzzling mystery, and come to terms with what it really means to be brave.
Submitted by Fox Pointe Publishing
RIVERFRONT
410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507-625-1107
HILLTOP
2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 507-625-9070
With the school year fast approaching, it’s time to get back to planning for our upcoming busy schedules. Staying organized can help alleviate a lot of stress so let your friendly Hy-Vee Pharmacists help you stay organized when it comes to your prescription and over-the-counter medication needs.
Hy-Vee Pharmacy offers a repeat refill program that will automatically fill your prescriptions ahead of time so they are ready when you are. You can receive a phone call, text message, or email to let you know when your order is ready so you never have to worry about running out again! It is important to stay on top of your medication therapy because not taking your medications as directed by your doctor can be costly to both you and your health.
Let your Hy-Vee pharmacy team help you stay organized with all of your medication needs!
200513
When grilling pizza, you can cook it on a baking stone or directly on the grate. To use a baking stone, simply preheat the grill with the stone directly on the grate, then carefully lay your crust onto the stone. To grill the crust directly on the grate, start with all your ingredients (sauce and pre-cooked toppings) nearby. Brush one side of the crust with olive oil and lay gently on the grill. Brush the other side of the crust with olive oil, close the lid and let the crust cook for a couple of minutes. Open the lid, flip the crust, add your toppings, then close the lid and let the pizza finish cooking. It’s important any meat such as raw sausage is cooked before adding to the pizza. Even raw onions and raw green peppers turn out better if they’ve been sautéed in advance.
Here are a few more tips for making pizza on the grill:
• Make sure your grill is hot and clean. You’ll want the grill on medium heat, which is hot enough that the dough starts cooking immediately on contact, but not so hot that it burns on the outside before cooking on the inside. To test the heat of your grill, hold your palm about 4 inches above the grill grate. If you can count to 5 before you need to pull your hand away, your heat is right.
• Work with smaller rounds of dough instead of one giant pizza. They’re not only easier to stretch out, but are also easier to transfer and flip.
• When stretching out dough, make sure you get it as even as possible to avoid burning some spots while others remain uncooked. Sometimes using a rolling pin is really the best way to ensure an even thickness.
• Prepare all your ingredients ahead of time and have them by your side at the grill. Once that dough hits the grill, you won’t have time to run back to the kitchen.
• For toppings, consider cheeses like mozzarella, Cheddar or Monterey Jack as well as chicken, bacon, artichokes, roasted red peppers, thin slices of pepperoni, prosciutto, any grilled veggies and chopped tomatoes.
1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4-inch thick 3 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
½ medium red onion, cut into 3/4-inch wedges
4 tbsp. Gustare Vita olive oil, divided
1½ tsp. Hy-Vee kosher salt, divided ¾ lbs. Hy-Vee True Chicken breast tenders
2 (6.5-oz. each) pkg. Hy-Vee pizza crust mix
1/3 c. Hy-Vee all-purpose flour
1 c. hot water
6 tbsp. Gustare Vita pesto, divided
1 c. Hy-Vee shredded Italian blend cheese
1 tsp. Hy-Vee lemon pepper seasoning
Fresh basil, for garnish
1 Brush grill grates and a grill wok or vegetable grate with cooking oil.
Preheat grill and wok for direct cooking over high heat.
On a large baking sheet place summer squash, tomatoes and onion; coat with 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil and season with 1 tsp. kosher salt.
On a separate baking sheet, place chicken and coat with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Decrease grill heat to medium-high.
Grill chicken tenders for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Grill vegetables in wok about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and slightly charred.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl stir together pizza crust mix, flour and water until combined. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 1 minute. Cover and let rest about 5 minutes. Divide dough in half. On lightly floured surface, roll out each half to roughly a 13-by-9-inch oval. Brush each side with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and place on baking sheets.
Transfer pizza dough to grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until underside is golden brown and charred. With a large spatula, turn dough. Working quickly, spread 3 tablespoons pesto over each oval almost to edge. Arrange grilled vegetables and chicken over pesto. Top with cheese and lemon pepper seasoning. Grill until underside is golden and charred, about 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Garnish with basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 180 calories, 10g fat, 4.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 30mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 14g total carbohydrate, 5g dietary fiber, 2g sugars, 0 added sugars, 14g protein. Daily values: 10% vitamin A, 2% vitamin C, 6% iron, 20% calcium.
April Graff, MS, RD, LD Hilltop Dietitian 507.625.9070
AGraff@hy-vee.com
You Betcha!By RUTH KLOSSNER
Danielle Marenco definitely bought a “fixer-upper” when she acquired a 1931 brick house on Lafayette’s Pioneer Avenue nine years ago. The house was in rough shape, with “used and abused” berber carpet throughout and a roof that made the house uninsurable.
Marenco’s first order of business was to order a dumpster and to start tearing things out, including rigged electric heaters and all that carpet. Beneath the carpet she found good hardwood floors that could be restored.
“We started with all the little things that had to be addressed, before the bigger projects,” Danielle said. “There were the things that add up, roofing, water softener, water heater.”
Buying the vacant house through a foreclosure, Marenco got the house “as is” and took the risk of having to fix and repair. With the help of family and friends—including her father and step-mother Scott and Jorja Bleess, and mother and step-father Phyllis and Chuck Schilling—the work got done over time. Together they made it a home for Danielle and her sons, Dominic, now 14, and Jamison, now eight.
Over the last few years, Marenco made a list of “now projects” and “future wants” and started on them. Next door neighbors Jim and Jorja Langhoff and their business, Lafayette Lumber, have been very helpful, along with contractor Al Guggisberg and his team.
The kitchen project underway. Cabinets installed during a 1980s or 1990s renovation were sanded down and painted white, with new doors to be installed when they arrive.
Out of necessity, the bathroom was the first room to be re-done as Danielle said there was no way to get the rust off the old tub. New tile and countertop were also needed.
Danielle Marenco comes from a military background and believes in giving back through the American Legion. She was influenced, early on, by her grandfather, Franklin Rieser, carrying the flag in parades. Her father, Scott Bleess, served in the National Guard. Her brother, Jeffrey Bleess, is a Sergeant First Class in the Special Forces, stationed in North Carolina.
Danielle served two years in the active Army, working in supply chain management at duty stations in South Korea and Fort Hood, Texas.
She is getting involved in Legion activities, both through the Lafayette American Legion and through 100 Miles for Hope. Participants walk, run, cycle, row, canoe, or do other activities that total 100 miles to raise money for disabled vets and military families. Danielle has a goal of $500 by the event’s conclusion.
Since leaving the service, Marenco completed a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and now works as a dislocated worker councilor at Career Force with the State of Minnesota, working with business layoff in Region 9.
Danielle Marenco bought the 1931 brick house “as is” and has been “picking away” at renovating the home.
Marenco spruced up the landscaping around the house and has it looking good, even in this summer’s drought.
Two corner cupboards and the arch will remain when Marenco continues her renovation projects.
After the floors, an update of the bathroom was the first project—installing a tiled floor, new tub and surround, and new countertop and backsplash.
The kitchen is nearing completion, with new appliances, countertop, and backsplash. The cabinets were sanded and are being painted white.
Marenco draws the line at keeping things as near to original as possible.
“What’s original is staying,” she said. “I’m a purist that way. It may not mean anything to anybody but me, but I want things to be historic.”
The dining area has two built-in corner cabinets and an archway leading to the living room—all of which will stay as Marenco continues renovation. New—historically correct— windows are on the list for next year. That’s a project that has Jim and Corey Langhoff at the lumber yard scratching their heads. Marenco also plans to restore the home’s interior woodwork to its original color by sanding and applying clearcoat.
Outdoor work is also underway, including new windows and doors on a shed and applying steel siding, along with putting in a patio. RVW
We have all heard of the fountain of youth. Supposedly, this mythical place grants eternal life to those who find it. While that place may not exist, there are treatments that come close, like PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy. This cutting-edge procedure is helping people reverse the signs of ageing and improve overall skin health, and it’s becoming more and more popular each day. Not only does it help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it also improves the overall tone and texture of the skin. So, if you are looking for a non-surgical and minimally invasive way to achieve a more youthful appearance, then PRP therapy may be right for you!
If you didn’t already know, collagen is a protein that is responsible for your skin’s structure and youthful appearance. Essentially, as we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Enter PRP therapy, a fairly simple procedure that uses one’s own blood, making it completely natural and free from synthetic fillers or toxins. PRP therapy can help to improve collagen production and overall skin health. This treatment stimulates collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin. Moreso, it can help to improve the overall health of the skin by reducing inflammation and improving circulation.
PRP therapy is a popular treatment for the face, but can also be used to treat other parts of the body. The platelets in your blood contain growth factors that can help to improve the appearance of your skin. Meaning, it can be used to treat a variety of cosmetic concerns, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. This also includes other areas of the body that are affected by ageing, such as the hands, neck, and chest. Plus, PRP therapy can be used to treat hair loss.
The treatment involves taking a small sample of blood from your arm and placing it in a centrifuge, which spins the blood and separates the platelets from the other cells. Then, the platelets are injected into the areas of your face where you’d like to stimulate cell regeneration, healing, collagen production, and other improvements. The whole process takes about an hour, and there is little to no downtime afterwards. Some may experience slight bruising at the injection site or minimal discoloration while the skin heals.
We know what it’s like to have so many options, and not know where to start or what to choose. The good news is that this procedure is safe enough to be combined with other treatments, such as microneedling or laser resurfacing, to further improve results. This can be a great option if you want to get the most out of your appearance or you are already committed to other treatments but want to give your skin something new to try.
Whether you’re looking to turn back the clock on your appearance, or simply enhance your natural beauty, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy may be the perfect solution for you.
Scoop-neck tees, backless sundresses, and swimsuits all have one thing in common: they bare more skin than usual, which can be embarrassing when you’re plagued with body acne.
But there’s no need to cover up because of acne on your chest or back. Acne is a skin condition that nearly everyone deals with at some point in their lives. It’s caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells that block your pores and leads to an abundance of a bacteria called propionibacterium acne. As a result, your skin becomes inflamed and whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples form.
Unfortunately, acne has no boundaries. It’s more common for teenagers, but it can affect people of all ages and about equally between men and women. Acne also can appear anywhere you have oil glands in your skin, so it can occur on your back, face, stomach, or chest.
Body acne isn’t the result of poor hygiene. It’s not caused by dirty skin and can actually be made worse with harsh soap or chemicals and rough scrubbing. While body acne can be irritating, painful, and embarrassing, various treatments and lifestyle changes relieve this common skin problem.
These are the bare facts about body acne, what causes it, and how it’s treated.
Causes
A number of factors can cause or worsen body acne, including:
Certain medications. Examples include corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium.
Hormones. Hormonal changes related to puberty and pregnancy can cause your glands to produce more oil and lead to more acne.
Diet. Some studies suggest that skim milk, chocolate and foods high in carbohydrates can worsen acne. Rather than restricting these foods completely, limit your consumption, if desired.
Stress. When your body is under stress, it produces hormones called androgens that affect various parts of the body, including the skin. In the skin, these hormones may stimulate hair follicles and oil glands, leading to more inflammation and development of acne.
Oily skin or hair products. These can add even more oil to your skin and contribute to pores getting clogged.
There are many treatments available for body acne that can help avoid skin scars, make acne less noticeable, and lower the emotional stress it can cause.
Typical treatments for body acne include:
• Over-the-counter scrubs and creams. Choose gentle scrubs and specially formulated noncomedogenic creams that don’t clog pores. Body washes that include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can provide some relief of mild inflammatory acne. Avoid coarse or rough body scrubs, since they’re too harsh for sensitive skin.
• Topical medications. Examples of medications applied directly to the skin are benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and antibiotics.
• Oral medications. These include antibiotics or isotretinoin, which is a powerful acne medication.
• Physical treatments. These range from laser or light therapy and dermabrasion, which removes the surface layers of skin.
You can relieve body acne by making dietary and lifestyle changes, such as:
• Avoiding triggers, like oily skin products, stress, or certain medications.
• Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
• Showering after activities that cause you to sweat.
• Avoiding tight clothes, clothes that cause friction against the skin, and nonbreathable sports or activewear that traps sweat. Cotton is a good material for workout clothes because it wicks away moisture.
• Limiting irritating products that may cause acne to flare.
• Using gentle cleansers, such as Cetaphil and Vanicream, especially if applying prescription retinoids or stronger topicals that can overly dry out and irritate the skin.
If you think you have body acne, you should seek care. Your health care provider can determine how severe your case is, recommend the best treatment and possibly refer you to a dermatologist. If an initial treatment doesn’t produce results, your provider can help find a solution that works best for you so you can don skin-baring clothing without a care.
Mornings seem to be the definition of hectic and rushed, with no time to spare. With the approaching school year right around the corner, this will be even more evident.
Breakfast is known as the most important meal of day for a reason, and it sure lives up to its name. Breakfast serves as the foundation of our day by providing us energy that is used to power us through.
Breakfast should not be forgotten, ignored, or skipped by any member of the family. Keep in mind, a big three-course sit down breakfast is not necessary—or feasible. Instead, breakfast on-thego is a great option.
While these breakfast ideas require a little planning and thought the night before, the reward of a quick and nourishing meal in the morning will be well worth the effort.
Breakfast on-the-go options include overnight oats, yogurt parfaits, peanut butter and banana sandwiches on whole wheat bread, berry protein smoothies, frozen pancakes or waffles, breakfast burritos, and hard-boiled eggs. Here are some easy morning recipes for your next chaotic morning.
Berry Protein Smoothie
Blueberry Oat Pancakes
1/2 c. rolled oats
1 single serving of vanilla Greek yogurt
1/2 banana
1 egg
1/2 tsp. baking powder
Water as needed
Almond Flour Pancakes
2 c. almond flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 c. mashed banana (approx. 2 medium)
3 eggs
Milk to desired consistency
• Preheat skillet to medium heat (350° F).
• Combine almond flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda.
• In separate bowl, whisk mashed bananas and eggs until combined.
• Add dry to wet ingredients.
• Pour pancake batter on heated skillet to desired size.
• Cook on one side until bubbles form, then flip.
• When done, let cool and freezer for later use.
• When desired, pop in the toaster to reheat for breakfast.
1 serving container of Greek yogurt of choice
Berries of choice
Granola
Any additional toppings
• Form repeating layers with Greek yogurt, berries, and granola. Include any other toppings of choice (chia seeds, flax seeds, slivered almonds, grapenuts, etc.).
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
1/2 c. milk of choice
1 T nut butter of choice
1 c. frozen mixed berries or blueberries
1 T ground flaxseeds
• Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend. Store overnight in the refrigerator.
Make Ahead Breakfast
Burritos (serves 8)
1 c. diced potatoes (1 medium)
1/2 c. diced onions (1/2 medium)
1 c. diced bell peppers
8 eggs, beaten
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. black pepper
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
8 (8-inch) whole wheat flour tortillas
• Spray skillet with cooking spray, cook potatoes for 6-10 minutes over medium heat.
• Add onions and peppers to the potatoes. Cook 3-4 minutes until potatoes are browned.
• Blend all ingredients in a blender.
• Pour onto a greased and heated skillet.
• Cook until bubbles form on the top, then flip.
• Remove from heat when done, let cool.
• Place in freezer bags and store in freezer for later use.
• Remove from freezer and place in toasted when desired.
• Top with fresh blueberries.
• Add beaten eggs to the skillet. Cook 4-5 min over medium heat until no liquid is left.
• Stir in garlic powder and pepper.
• In each tortilla, use about 2 T of cheese and 1/2 c. of egg mixture in each tortilla. Roll. Serve immediately or freeze for later.
• If freezing, wrap each burrito in plastic wrap and place in freezer bag in the freezer.
• When reheating, wrap damp paper towel. Heat burrito for 3-4 minutes in the microwave.
1/2 c. rolled oats
1/3 c. vanilla Greek yogurt
1/3 c. water or milk of choice
2 tsp. chia seeds or flax seeds
1 tsp. honey or maple syrup
• Stir and combine all ingredients in a glass jar the night before. In the morning, add toppings of choice (peanut butter, granola, berries).
I was recently diagnosed with diverticulitis. It was so painful and seemed to last forever! I’m only 52, and now my doctor is telling me I need another colonoscopy. I just had one two years ago, and everything looked fine. Why did this happen to me? How do I prevent this from happening again? Do I really need another colonoscopy?
Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of the diverticula of your large intestine. Diverticuli are little pouches of the wall of your colon that form in places where the wall is weakened, usually due to a small artery penetrating the wall resulting in a small bulge. Because the wall is weakened in this area, inflammation of the diverticuli can cause a rupture of the wall leading to a localized infection, or sepsis if the infection cannot be contained by the body. Diverticulitis is usually managed conservatively, meaning in an outpatient setting with a course of antibiotics. It is becoming more frequent, and can be prevented with behavioral modifications.
The typical presentation of diverticulitis is left lower quadrant abdominal pain and fevers. Lab work and sometimes a CT scan is ordered by your provider to confirm the diagnosis. Most cases of uncomplicated diverticulitis are treated as an outpatient with oral antibiotics. In some cases, diverticulitis can be associated with an abscess, and admission to the hospital for interventional treatment may be necessary. In extreme cases, emergency surgery may be indicated.
The progression from a normal colon wall to diverticulosis and subsequent diverticulitis is not completely understood, but is likely attributed to a combination of factors including diet, genetics, lifestyle, and the microbiome. The typical “western diet” (high in red-meat, processed food, high-fat dairy) is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing
diverticuli. Following a diet that is high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is protective. If you aren’t ready to make the jump to a plant-based vegetarian diet, consider trying a more “plant-forward” approach. Fill over half of your plate with vegetables and remainder with whole grains, and have more meat-free meals.
Regular exercise is also protective against developing diverticuli. Engaging in 20-30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every day is enough to keep your bowels regular and keep the colon healthy. Increasing daily fiber intake also helps maintain bowel regularity, aim for 23 grams per day. Ride your bike to the local farmers market and pick up some local produce for your new “plantforward” meal prep.
Smoking and obesity are two factors that will increase your likelihood of having diverticulitis, moreover they will increase your likelihood of having a complication from the diverticulitis. Meaning, you are more likely to require procedural intervention, abscess drainage, prolonged hospital stay, or even surgery to treat the disease. Quitting smoking is always a good idea, and think of all the money you will save. You can use it to buy a new bike to ride to the farmer’s market to pick up the local produce for your meal prep.
If you have had complicated diverticulitis, you may be at risk of having an occult cancer in the colon. The colon should be evaluated by colonoscopy once the acute infection has resolved. Most practitioners will want to wait six to eight weeks to make sure things have healed before performing the colonoscopy. The bowel prep is often the hardest part, but is worth the investment in your health. Prevention is key when it comes to making strides against colon cancer.
Stay healthy, friends!
One of the most simple ways to feel put together is a stack of beautiful bracelets! Mix & match textures, colors and designs for interest and personalized style! Our top picks: Frank Designs
Artifacts by Jess
Stone Beads, Pura Vida.Is there really anything better, as a child, than outdoor play and bedtime books? Bug lovers and mud pie makers will love this garden kit and critter catcher. For the book lover, pick books that will spark their interest in reading with interactive play. The Peek Inside Series is one of our favorites!
With every Olita Italian Leather Goods Collection we keep versatility and quality as our top priorities! For you, that may mean you use the Ellen tote as your work bag and beach bag! Or maybe the Mini Zip Wallet in your purse or as a wristlet. The Bria conveniently converts from backpack to side sling bag! Style Tip: Choose colors that make you feel HaPpY! Even if they don't match every outfit!
Everlasting Candles are a combination of art and beauty. The best part? They burn clean and soot-free! Simply light the stainless steel "candles" and enjoy hours of clean burning ambiance. Talk about the perfect gift! Olita Gifts and Goods is proud to be the very first store in Minnesota to carry them!
Minnesota summers are the best! Be sure to protect that gorgeous face...in style, of course! We love a cute hat for a lunch date or day on the lake. This braided rope sun hat also has an adjustable tie inside to help customize the fit. How great is that?!
Yep, you read that right! You only need ONE of these Universal Frost Buddies for ALL of your beverage needs! Bottles, Cans, Skinny Cans. Bonus: it can even be used as a tumbler if you add the lid!
JILL HASS Founder and Owner Olita Gifts and Goods St. Peter/Hutchinson
Is there anything better then mutts and burgers outside? Sprinkle in some cold beers, outdoor bands, and good company, and you have yourself a great patio set up. But that oasis could easily turn into an inferno when you have a dog that likes to turn the band into a sing-along or treat other guests like they are there for fight club. When, if ever, is your dog ready for patio visits?
Just as with everything in life, there are rules that need to be followed to keep everyone safe.
• Keep your dog leashed. It should not be anyone else’s responsibility to watch your dog, and, of course, there are people who don’t enjoy dogs (crazy, I know!).
• Of course, you need to have a dog that knows where the bathroom is SUPPOSED to be. Not being in control of your faculties is frowned upon in dogs, just as it is in people, so peeing on tables and chairs is not acceptable.
• All four paws on the ground. This includes table surfing and jumping on guests. This can be easily trained by making sure your dog can sit and stay, even when excited.
• No back-up—or lead—singers. Everyone is looking for a good time but, oddly, this does not include vocals from your dog. Remember, guests who do not care for dogs should not be uncomfortable eating on the patio.
• Your dog should know how to relax. This may be easiest by training them how to relax on a certain location, like a yoga mat or a rug. This is something you can practice at home and then move the mat to different location to work on relaxing with distractions. You could do this by rewarding his body on the mat with small, frequent treats.
• It would be smart to bring treats to reward good behavior, a bowl for water, and seek out some shade. Dogs can quickly get overheated on hot concrete and having something that breaks the sun would be much appreciated.
• Not so much a rule, but it’s always a great idea to be aware of the patio layouts and even who is there. If it looks like a really busy place, this might change your mind about visiting the patio that day.
• Your pet should be friendly. As much as we would like to control everyone from interacting with our pet, some people surprise us. If you have a dog that is not particularly fond of people, a public place may cause some anxiety and fear.
On the flip side, if you are visiting a patio, you should also be aware that the pet has some rules of their own. Most pets would rather not be bothered while they are eating, drinking, or chewing on a tasty bone or toy—no more then you want to be touched while you are munching on some zitti. If you ask to pet a dog and the dog avoids your eye contact, walks away, or starts yawning or licking its lips, they would rather you keep your hands to yourself. Just because they are there, doesn’t mean they love to be touched by strangers, no more then you would like to be rubbed by strangers. Not all dogs prefer to be social.
If your dog suffers from anxiety and it can’t be walked down the street without lunging, barking, and pulling, it would prefer to stay home. If it gets overly excited when seeing people or other dogs, you should work on teaching it to calm down and relax on a mat. If you have a dog that jumps at the table, work on having them keep their bottom on the ground. All of these things can be trained but they do take time. Of course, just because they do this well at home in the living room, does not mean they won’t need extra practice out in the community. Practice in other settings and always be your dog’s advocate.
Be sure that you and your dog are both ready for patio etiquette. Practice relaxed behavior, bring the appropriate supplies, and have a sober ride home just in case karaoke goes late into the night.
River’s Edge Hospital uses state-of-theart equipment to provide a variety of laboratory clinical testing to diagnose, monitor and prevent disease. And for your convenience, Direct Access Testing (DAT) is available so you can receive commonly asked for tests without an order from your physician. No appointment necessary!
When most people think of strength training, they envision a power lifter completing a 400-pound squat, or maybe a cross-fitter performing various versions of a pull-up. People think strength training is reserved for elite athletes, when in reality strength training can and should be for everyone.
What is strength training?
Strength training is any exercise that requires a moderate to high level of effort to complete, with the goal of building strength. Strength training includes simple weight-bearing exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups and squats, as well as free weights, machines, or working with resistance bands.
Why should I do strength training?
Strength training has many benefits. In addition to strengthening muscles, strength training helps increase bone density and strengthen connective tissue. Building strength can also boost metabolism to help the body burn more calories and maintain a healthy weight. Above all, strength training can lower your risk for injury and offer a better quality of life.
But I already stay active…
Many people are good at staying active in their daily life with chores around the house or maybe daily walks to get their step counts. While these are both helpful in maintaining average daily activity, you may be missing out on the benefits that a separate and dedicated strength training routine can provide. The higher demands of strength training are important for building and maintaining strength that we need for our daily lives. Being and staying strong at a younger age will help you stay active and independent later in life.
Where should I start?
Physical activities to strengthen your muscles are recommended at least two days a week. Activities should work all the major muscle groups of your body—legs, hips, back, chest, and arms. Two to three sets of eight to 12 repetitions, working the muscles to the point of fatigue, is usually sufficient for each muscle group.
While traditional barbell weight lifting is strength training, starting with simple variations of body weight activity can count as strength training as well. Many smartphone apps are available to help people exercise in their living room with
little to no equipment. If you do want to attend a gym, weight machines can be a great way to start. These machines tend to be safe and are a good way to increase load and resistance for various muscle groups if you are not confident using free weights.
But I don’t want to bulk up…
Occasionally, physical therapists hear the misconception that strength training will make a person bulk up and gain weight. In reality, a lot more goes into adding muscle mass and weight gain than just performing strength training.
Maybe you’re a runner whose primary goal is to participate in a 5K or 10K. Many people may choose to train by simply progressing running distances and times. However, strength training can help you work towards these goals. Strength training allows you to greatly improve your strength and muscular efficiency without “bulking up.” For most people, adding a few pounds of muscle mass may even lead to improved running performance and injury prevention. Consult with your primary care provider before beginning a new exercise program. Consulting with a physical therapist or certified fitness professional is also recommended to learn safe techniques.
To have your event listed, please email Ruth Klossner at cowladyruth@gmail.com by the 5th of the previous month. Listings are generally for events that are free to the public, or are fund-raisers. Listings will be published as space allows and at the discretion of the editor.
Now thru Sun, Aug 7
• Ribfest, Riverfront Park & Vetter Stone Amphitheater 309 W Rock St, Mankato. Info: 507-3893000 or vetterstoneamphitheater.com/events-and-tickets/ ribfest.
Fri, Aug 5
• State Park Events, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax. Archery, 4-5:30 pm; Wild About Wildlife, 7-8 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.
Fri, Aug 5 & 19
• Summer in the Pavilion, Minnesota Square Park, St. Peter, 7-8:30 p.m. Info: stpeterchamber.com/event/summer- concert-series/2022-07-08/.
Fri, Aug 5 & 19, Sept 2, 16 & 30
• Schell’s Summer Series, Schell’s Bier Garden, New Ulm, 6-8 pm. Info: cvanasten@schellsbrewery.com, Facebook or schellsbrewery.com/.
Fri-Sun, Aug 5-7
• Upper Sioux Community’s Pezhutazizi Oyate Traditional Wacipi Powwow, 2511 565th St, Granite Falls. Info: uppersiouxcommunity-nsn.gov or 320-564-3853.
Fri-Sun, Aug 5-7 & Thurs-Sun, Aug 11-14
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. 7:30 pm Thurs-Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: 507-332-7372 or director@paradisecenterforthearts.
Sat, Aug 6
• State Park Events, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169. Archery 1-2:30 pm, Geocaching 4-5 pm, Waterfalls of the Minnesota River Valley 7-8 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us
• Chamber Golf Tournament, Golf Course, 651 S O’Connell Ave, Springfield, 11:30 am. Info: springfieldmnchamber.org/ chamber-golf-tournament/.
• Social Security (& Taxes) 101, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 6-7:30 pm. Info: 507233-8307, cfleck@newulm.k12. mn.us or newulm.ce.eleyo.com/.
• Arctic Plunge Beach Party Street Dance, Lamplighter Bar & Grill, 214 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, 5-9 pm. Info: 507-354-2185. Info: lamplighternewulm.com/event/ arctic-plunge-beach-party/.
Sun, Aug 7-Sept 4
• Music at Schell’s Bier Garden, 1860 Schell Road, New Ulm. 1-4:30 pm. Info: schellsbrewery. com or egleisner@schellsbrewery.com.
Mon, Aug 8-29
• Monday Night Concerts, German Park, New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: knuj.net/event/monday-nightconcerts-in-german-park-newulm/ or Facebook.
Mon, Aug 8 & Wed, Aug 24
• Senior Driver Refresher Course, CAST Sr Center, 600 N German St, New Ulm, 1-5 pm. Info & registration: 507-354-3212, castnu@ newulmtel.net or communityandseniorstogether.org.
Tues, Aug 9-Sept 27
• Henderson Classic Car Roll-ins, downtown, Henderson, 5-8 pm. Info: hendersonrollin@gmail. com or hendersonrollin.com.
Wed, Aug 10
• Friends in the Kitchen, CAST Senior Center, 600 N German St, New Ulm, 11 am-12-30 pm. Info: communityandseniorstogether. org, 507-354-3212 or castnu@ newulmtel.net
• LTC (& Taxes) 101—Little Known Strategies to Fund Long-term Care, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 6-7:30 pm. Info: newulm.ce.eleyo.com/, 507-2338307 or cfleck@newulm.k12. mn.us.
Wed, Aug 10 & 17
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop, CAST Sr Center, 600 N German St, New Ulm, 10-11:30 am. Info & registration: 507-4589687, castnu@newulmtel.net, or communityandseniorstogether. org.
Wed, Aug 10 & 24, Sept 7
• Car & Bike Night, Main Street, Lafayette. Info: Dave’s Place of Lafayette 2022 on Facebook.
Thurs, Aug 11
• 11@7 Concert Series, Central Park-Downtown, Owatonna, 7-8 pm. Info: 507-451-7970, oacct@ owatonna.org or visitowatonna. org.
• Music in the Park, City Park, Winthrop, 6:30 pm. Info: 507-647-2627 or chamberwinthropmn@gmail.com.
Thurs, Aug 11-25
• Concert in the Park, Central Park, 430 2nd Ave NW, Faribault, 7-9 pm. Info: visitfaribault.com/ calendar/.
Thurs, Aug 11, 18, 25 & Sept 1
• Alive After 5, City Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, 5-7:30 pm. Info: citycentermankato. com/city-center/things-to-do/ alive-after-5/.
Thurs-Sun, Aug 11-14
• MN Senior Games, Minnesota State University & various other locations, Mankato. Info: mnseniorgames.com.
• Eggstravaganza, Gaylord. Info: 303-944-4640, eggstravaganzaparade@gmail.com or exploregaylord.org/category/ upcoming-events/.
Fri, Aug 12
• State Park Events, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169. Volunteering at Minneopa, 10-11:30 am; Wildflower Hike, 1-2 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us
• Dr. Bob’s Scholarship Scramble Golf Tournament, Crow River Golf Club, 915 Colorado St NW, Hutchinson, 2 pm. Info
& registration: hegrenes.org or hegrenesfamilyfoundation@ gmail.com.
Fri, Aug 12 & Sept 9
• Chicken Dinner, American Legion, 600 Co Rd 20, Lake Crystal, 5-7 pm. Info: lakecrystalchamber.com/events.
Fri & Sat, Aug 12-13
• Blue Collar Festival, Teepee Tonka Park, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Info: bluecollarfestival.com
Sat, Aug 13
• Babysitter Training—ages 10 & up, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 9:30 am-1 pm. Info: 507-233-8307, cfleck@ newulm.k12.mn.us or newulm. ce.eleyo.com/.
• 5K Beer Run x Schell’s Brewery, New Ulm, 10 am. Info: cvanasten@schellsbrewery.com or unation.com/event/9365874.
• Minnesota River Paddle, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 9 am-2 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us.
• Minnesota Garlic Festival, Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson, 10 am-5 pm. Info: mngarlicfest.com or jerry@ sfa-mn.org
Sat, Aug 13 & Sept 10
• Unique Classic Cars Roll-in, 2015 Bassett Dr, Mankato, 9 am-2 pm. Info: uniqueclassiccars.com/ our-events.
Mon, Aug 15
• Youth Focused First Aid Training, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 1-2:30 pm. Info: 507-233-8307, cfleck@newulm. k12.mn.us or newulm.ce.eleyo. com/.
Tues-Sun, Aug 16-21
• U.S.-Dakota War Commemoration Events, Brown Co Hist Soc Museum, 2 N Broadway, New Ulm. Info: browncountyhistorymn.org, 507-233-2621 or education@browncountyhistorymn.org
Thurs, Aug 18
• Singing Hills Chorus Summer Singalong, School Sisters of Notre Dame, 170 Good Counsel Dr, Mankato, 10-11 am. Info: singinghillschorus.org.
• Lifelong Learner Series—What’s Blooming, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 12-1;30 pm. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@ neycenter.org.
• Medicare 101 Presentation, CAST Sr Center, 600 N German St, New Ulm, 10:30-11:30 pm. Info: communityandseniorstogether. org, 507-354-3212 or castnu@ newulmtel.net.
Thurs, Aug 18, Sept 1 & 15
• Cruisin on Pine & 99, downtown, Nicollet, 5-8 pm. Info: facebook. com/pineand99/.
Fri, Aug 19
• Monarch Butterfly Tagging, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 10-11 am. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us.
Fri & Sat, Aug 19-20
• BCHS Popcorn Wagon, 2 N Broadway, New Ulm, 10 am-5 pm. Info: 507-233-2621, education@browncountyhistorymn. org or browncountyhistorymn. org.
• MACT Fast Fest, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Info: mact. net/?page=mact-events/fastfest-2022-1898.
Fri-Sun, Aug 19-21
• Sleepy Eye 150th Anniversary & Summerfest, 4th Ave NW, Sleepy Eye. Info: 507-794-4731, sleepyeyesummerfest.com or secofc@ sleepyeyechamber.com
Fri-Sun, Aug 19-21 & Sept 9-11
• Savannah Sipping Society Production, State Street Theater Co, 1 N State St, New Ulm. 7Fri & Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: 507-359-9990, or info@statestreetnewulm.org or statestreetnewulm.org/.
Sat, Aug 20
• Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah, Bender Park & Hummingbird Garden, Henderson, 9 am-4 pm. Info: 507-665-6570 or Facebook.
• The Grand Art Heist Fundraiser, Grand Center for Arts & Culture, 210 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, 5:30-9 pm. Info: thegrandnewulm.com, 507-359-9222 or grandnewulm@gmail.com.
• Pork Chop Fry, Conservation Club, 46045 471st Ln, Nicollet, 5-8 pm. Info: nicolletconservationclub.com.
• Classic Car/Vintage Antique Tractor/Vendor Show, Oak Street & 1st Ave, Sleepy Eye, 12-3 pm. Info: 507-794-2161 or kathykrenz@gmail.com.
Sat, Aug 20 & Sept 10
• Shop the Lot, City Lot at 2nd N & Broadway, New Ulm, 10 am-3 pm. Info: Facebook.
Fri, Aug 26
• State Park Events, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169. Archery 4-5:30 pm, Bird Ecology 7-8 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us
• Big Hitter Classic, Country Club, Glencoe, 1 pm. Info: glencoechamber.com/annual-events-2/.
Fri-Sun, Aug 26-28
• Pioneer Power Show, 34605 265th Ave, Le Sueur, 7 am-5 pm. Info: pioneerpowershow.com/ show.html or Facebook.
Sat, Aug 27
• Lafayette Lions Hog/Corn Roast, Fire Hall, Lafayette, 4:30-7:30 pm. Info: 507-240-0048.
• Lafayette Fire Dept Street Dance, Main Street, Lafayette, 8 pm. Info: Facebook.
• State Park Events, Flandrau State Park, 1300 Summit Ave, New Ulm. Archery, 1-2:30 pm; Digital Photography, 4-5 pm; Minnesota State Parks, 7-8 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.
Sat, Aug 27 & Sept 17
• Mick Sterling Memphis and the Meantime, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, 7:30. Info: app.arts-people. com/index.php?ticketing=pcfta.
Sun, Aug 28
• Hilltop Happenings, Hilltop Hall, 206 First St N, Montgomery, 4 pm. Info: wendyzaske@yahoo.
com or HilltopHall.wordpress. com
• River Valley 100, Mankato. Info: rivervalley100.com.
• Fall Festival, St John’s Church, 18241 1st Ave, New Ulm (Searles), 10 am-1:30 pm. Info: Facebook.
• Outdoor Service with Mary Kavan, Bernadotte Church Park, 34120 515th Ave, Lafayette, 9:30 a.m. Info: 507-240-0048.
Fri, Sept 2
• State Park Events, Flandrau State Park, 1300 Summit Ave, New Ulm. Archery, 4-5:30 pm; Flandrau State Park Story, 7-8 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us.
Sat, Sept 3
• State Park Events, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax. Archery 1-2:30 pm, Geocaching 101, 4-5 pm; Minnesota State Parks, 708 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us
Sun, Sept 4
• State Park Events, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169. Archery, 1-2:30 pm; Nature Hike, 4-5 pm; Wild about Wildlife, 7-8 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us
Thurs-Sat, Sept 8-10
• Citywide Garage Sales, Springfield. Info: springfieldmnchamber.org/.
Fri-Sat, Sept 9-10
• Fall Citywide Garage Sales, Hutchinson. Info: explorehutchinson.com/join-the-chamber/chamber-events-happenings/.
Sat, Sept 10
• Hermann Fest, Hermann Heights Park, 10 Monument St, and Harman Park, 101 N Garden St, New Ulm, & Harman Park (101 N Garden St), 11:30 am-9 pm. Info: hermannmonument.com.
• LTC (& Taxes) 101—Little Known Strategies to Fund Long-term Care, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 9-10:30 am. Info: 507-233-8307, cfleck@newulm. k12.mn.us or newulm.ce.eleyo. com/.
• New Ulm Municipal Band Concert, Harman Park, New Ulm, 6 pm. Info: sites.google.com/view/ newulmmunicipalband/home or 507-794-7913.
• Human Foosball Tournament & Block Party, 500 Block of South Front St, Mankato, 12-5 pm. Info: mankatounitedway.org/human-foosball.
• Drew’s Crew 5K Colorfest Run/ Walk, Harman Park, 101 N Garden, New Ulm, 10:30 am. Info: 507-766-4310 or DrewsCrew.org.
• Jay Allen—Music for Memories, downtown, Gibbon, 7-11:30 pm. Info: jayallenofficial.com.
• State Park Events, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169. Geocaching 101, 9-10 am; Digital Photography, 11 am-noon. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.
Saturday, August 27
Lafayette Fire Station Music Starts at 4:30 p.m. Serving 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Concert by Lafayette Band, 6:30 p.m.
Fire Dept. Relief Assn. Street Dance
8:00 p.m. Music by Schell’s Angels
This ad sponsored by: Joe Maidl Realtor & Auctioneer, Community Insurance Agency, Carl Oswald
• Classic Car Day, Mulberry & Hwy 169 St. Peter, 8 am-noon. Info: facebook.com/ 200175
Wed.-Sun., Aug. 3-7
• Sibley County Fair, Arlington. Info: 507-964-5698, secretary@sibleycountyfair. com or sibleycountyfair.com
• Meeker County Fair, Litchfield. Info: 320-583-8291 or meekerfair.com
Wed.-Fri., Aug. 10-12
• Renville County Fair, Bird Island. Info: 320-365-3242, renvillecountyfair@gmail. com or renvillecountyfair.org
Wed.-Sat., Aug 10-13
• Cottonwood County Fair, Info: 507-831-0023 or cottonwoodcountyfair.org
Amboy Farmers Market
• Amboy City Park, Main & North State St. Thurs 4:30-6:30 pm, JuneSept. Info: 507-317-7436, maryleeteubner@gmail.com or Facebook.
Arlington Farmers Market
• Community Center Parking Lot. Mon. 4-6 pm, June 20-fall. Info: 507-327-6601, Facebook or cityhall@arlingtonmn.com cityhall@ arlingtonmn.com.
Bongards Farmers Market
• St. John’s United Church of Christ, 12984 Co Rd 51, Norwood Young America. Wed. 3-6 pm, June-Sept. Info: 612-710-0508, bongardsmarket@gmail.com or bongardsmarket.com.
Buffalo Lake Farmers & Flea Market
• City Park on Hwy 212. Sat, 8 amnoon, Jun.-Oct. Info: Facebook or renvillecountymn.com.
Faribault Farmers Market
• Central Park, 430 2nd Ave NW, Sat, 7 am-noon, Jun-Oct 8. Info: visitfaribault.com/calendar/.
Gaylord Farmers Market
• 5th & Main Ave. Wed. 4-6 pm, JunOct. Info: 507-232-3497 or FarmersMarketGaylord@gmail.com.
Glencoe Farmers Market
• 11th St and Greeley Ave. Thurs. 3-6 pm, mid Jun.-Oct. Info: 320-8643650, sally@glencoechamber.com or glencoechamber.com.
Hutchinson Farmers Market
• 25 Adams St SE. Wed. 2:30-5:30 pm and Sat. 8 am-noon, June-Oct 29. Info: 320-234-5652 or jpage@ ci.hutchinson.mn.us
Lake Crystal Farmers Market
• Collis C-Store parking lot. Fri 2-5:30 pm, Jul-Oct. Info: 507-630-1215.
Litchfield Community Market
• North end of park on 4th Street. Thurs. 1-5:30 pm, May-Oct. Info: Facebook.
Madelia Farmers Market
• Church of Christ parking lot. Wed. 3:30-6 pm, June-Oct. Info: facebook.com/madeliafarmersmarket.
Madison Lake Farmers Market
• Lindburgh Park, 300 7th St. Sat. 9 am, June-Oct. Info: Facebook or mlfm2014@yahoo.com.
Mankato Farmers Market
• Best Buy Parking Lot, 1805 Adams St. Sat. 8 am-noon; Tues & Thurs. 3:30-6 pm, June-Oct. Info: 507382-9337, manager@mankatofarmersmarket.com or mankatofarmersmarket.com.
New Prague Farmers Market
• Carbone’s parking lot. Sat. 9 am-noon, June-end of Oct. Info: Facebook, ajbisek@bevcomm.net or 952-201-5759.
New Ulm Farmers Market
• Cash Wise Foods, Hwy 14 W. Thurs. 2:30-5:30 pm, June 23-Oct; German Park, Sat. 9 am-12 pm, June 25-fall. Info: Facebook,knuj.net/ farmers-market/ or 507-359-2921.
North Mankato Farmers Market
• 1920 Lee Blvd., Upper No. Mankato. Mon., 3-6 pm. June 6-Oct. 17. Info: northmankato.com/farmers-market.
Owatonna Farmers Market
• Central Park. Sat., 7 am-3 pm, June-Oct. Info: Facebook
St. James Farmers Market
• Plaze De St. James; Wed & Thurs. 3-6 pm. June-Oct. 8. Info: 507-3753333 or stjmnchamber@gmail. com.
St. Peter Farmers Market
• Corner of Mulberry St & Minnesota Ave, Tue. 3-6 pm & Sat 8:30 amnoon, June 4-Oct. Info: 507-3043946, Facebook or stpfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Wed.-Sun., Aug. 10-14
• Brown County Free Fair, New Ulm. Info: 507-354-2223 or browncountyfreefair.com
• Carver County Fair, Waconia. Info: 952-201-9585 or carvercountyfair.com
• Nicollet County Fair, St Peter. Info: 507-934-2684 or nicolletcountyfair.com
Mon.-Sun., Aug. 15-21
• Martin County Fair, Fairmont. Info: 507-235-9576 or mnotherbigfair.com
Tues.-Sun., Aug. 16-21
• Steele County Free Fair, Owatonna. Info: 507-451-5305 or scff.org
Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 18-21
• McLeod County Fair, Hutchinson. Info: 320-587-2499 or mcleodcountyfair.com
• Le Sueur County Fair, Le Center. Info: 507-357-6500 or lesueurcountyfair.org
Thank you from all of us for your continued support!
Thank you from all of us for your continued support!
BEST AUT OB ODY SHOP
BEST AUT OB ODY SHOP
Thanks again! We arehumbled and very emoji-tional.
Thanks again! ar umbled and ve
3. Evoke Face
1. Renewal by Andersen Windows: Professionally Installed by Schmidt Siding & Window
You can be confident in Renewal by Andersen® custom replacement windows, which are backed by one of the strongest transferable warranties in the industry. Soon you’ll be saying, “I love our new windows.” Schmidt Siding & Window expert crews install them all year round. Renewal by Andersen® windows are custom-made to fit within the exact space of an existing window. They are an easy, hassle-free way to enhance your home’s comfort and appearance without the major disruptions that often come with remodeling projects. Schmidt Siding & Window 901 N 5th St. Mankato, MN 507.625.6412 schmidtmankato.com
2. Cupcake Watermelon
This watermelon wine is bursting with juicy, freshly cut melon flavor. Each sip is fruity and light-bodied with a touch of sweetness and refreshing effervescence on the finish. Enjoy chilled. Shop MGM Wine & Spirits today! MGM Wine & Spirits
Mankato
201 Victory Dr. 507.625.2420 North Mankato 1755 Commerce Dr. 507.387.2634 St. Peter 100 N. Minnesota Ave. mgmwineandspirits.com
Evoke Face is the industry’s first hands-free applicator designed specifically to address cheeks and jowls. The patented technology harnesses the power of RF energy to remodel facial tissue and improve its appearance.
The Skin Clinic Medspa 235 Belgrade Ave. North Mankato, MN 651.226.3704
mankatomed.com
4. Holland Bar Stool
Shop our selection of Holland Bar Stools featuring high quality plating grade steel with an oven baked powder coating to resist scuffing, chipping, and peeling.
C & N Sales 1840 Commerce Dr. North Mankato, MN 507.387.7986
cnnsales.com
5. Parasol Octavia Cellular Shades
Take your window coverings to the next level with Parasol Cellular Shades. Offering an additional inner cell that adds superior energy savings and enriched, true color even in harsh sunlight. Call Blinds & More today!
Blinds & More Window Coverings 507.380.5019 blindsandmore.org
6. EMSCULPT NEO
The first and only FDA cleared non-invasive body shaping procedure that provides simultaneous fat elimination and muscle building in a combined 30-minute session. Multiple treatment applications including abdomen, buttocks, arms, calves & thighs. Can treat BMI up to 35!
Giddie Skin 530 N Riverfront Dr. Suite 130 Mankato, MN
507.381.7723
giddieskin.com
7. Detox Today
A detox foot soak makes joint movement easier in the knees and elbows. It’s an alternative medicine option for people who suffer chronic lymphatic and bone pain. Detoxification also promotes weight loss, as it rids your body of crippling chemicals and raises your metabolism to higher levels.
Body Concepts LLC
1615 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507.381.5467 bodyconceptsmankato.com
8. Healthy, Vibrant Rejuvenated Skin
Skin Essentials offers DERMALINFUSION®, an advanced skinresurfacing treatment that simultaneously exfoliates, extracts & infuses skin with condition-specific serums for an all-inclusive treatment in one step to improve skin health, function and appearance with no downtime. Call Skin Essentials & schedule a free consultation.
Skin Essentials, Mankato Clinic
1400 Madison Ave. Suite 400A Madison East Center Mankato, MN 507.625.6599 skinessentialsmankato.com
9. Nurse Mates Align
Experience the comfort of proper alignment. Stylish, Supportive, Slip-Resistant and Fluid Resistant. The Align™ Series by Nurse Mates. Shoes that Make you Feel Good. Light Weight at only 7 Oz. The #1 Shoe for Nurses. Get a pair today. C&S Supply
1951 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507.387.1171 or 800.879.1938 candssupply.com
7.
10. Save On Fuel. Get Great Perks. Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks® members earn discounts at the pump when they purchase designated products at Hy-Vee stores. It's an easy way to save on gas with the groceries you regularly buy. Only Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks® members get access to exclusive deals and exciting rewards.
Hy-Vee Hilltop 2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 507.625.9070
Hy-Vee Riverfront 410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507.625.1107
CADA advocates and staff serve survivors and our community with empathy, compassion, fierceness, and a deep ocean of knowledge. Survivors of relationship abuse and sexual violence deserve someone who can walk with them through challenging times and someone who believes them. This is what a CADA advocate does. Whether working in our shelter, in our Mankato office, in Waseca, or another community we serve, advocates are the first point of contact for survivors—many of whom have never told another person about what they’re going through.
So, what does an advocate DO every day? To answer that question, we chatted with Sam Lee, one of our Blue Earth County Advocates. Sam Lee has been an advocate at CADA for nearly three years. As a community advocate, Sam Lee works with survivors daily to provide emotional support, safety planning, and connects people with resources.
A large part of Sam’s job is legal advocacy. She attends court hearings on behalf of survivors, helps with protective orders, and helps survivors talk with law enforcement, prosecutors, and others in the justice system. Sam Lee also facilitates support groups and connects survivors with therapy services.
There is no typical day in the life of an advocate; every day looks different because every survivor has unique needs.
“Like any job, some days are busier than others. But on a ‘typical’ day, I can expect to start my day by returning calls from survivors who left messages after hours,” Lee explained. “CADA gets notified when a perpetrator of domestic violence is going to be seen for a bail hearing, and advocates go to those hearings and then notify victims of the outcomes.”
Lee said a lot of her time over the last few weeks has been trying to help survivors find housing or shelter. More often than not, CADA’s shelter is full, and advocates work with survivors to help them find somewhere safe to go.
In an average week, Lee sees about four or five survivors in-person and talks to more than 10 survivors on the phone. Many of these appointments are scheduled, but advocates also try to be available for walk-ins. A normal week also comes with administrative tasks like answering emails, attending staff meetings, and documentation.
When asked about what parts of her work she enjoys the most, she talked about connecting with community partners. She enjoys building relationships with attorneys, county workers, and other service providers.
“The better the relationship between advocates and community partners, the more safe clients feel, and that’s really important to me. I’m able to build a bridge with partners, so it is safe for survivors to walk across,” she explained.
Lee said there are a lot of misconceptions about our work. She explained that many people think CADA only helps women, but in reality, CADA serves all survivors— women, men, youth, non-binary folks, and people in same sex relationships. Furthermore, a lot of people think CADA only helps victims who have already left an abusive relationship.
“We meet people where they’re at whether they stay or leave the relationship, they can still count on us,” stressed Lee. “Having someone they trust and who supports them is sometimes what gives someone the strength to get through a bad situation.”
Lee believes in the power of advocacy. As a survivor herself, she explained that she never knew there was someone she could turn to for help. She understands how important it is that people know there are people out there who will believe them and help them get back on their feet. Lee has known a lot of survivors who assumed abuse was just a normal part of life.
“Educating people about what abuse looks like is important, so someone doesn’t fall through the cracks and believe that’s what they should expect from life,” she said.
Bearing witness to the trauma and violence people experience daily can take a toll on advocates mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Working in this field comes with a lot of difficult emotions.
Lee reflected on processing complex emotions saying, “I try not to suppress those feelings. I try to acknowledge the feelings and allow myself the silence needed to name those feelings. That helps me problem solve how I’m going to take care of myself so I can address the root cause of what I’m feeling.”
Depending on the situation, Lee can plan to take time off, spend time with family, or spend time doing things she loves.
We are so grateful to Sam Lee and all the advocates and staff at CADA who serve survivors and our community. The incredible impact CADA advocates have is beyond words!
YOUR PRODUCT OR BRAND
Jim Headington has always considered himself active. Constant pain in his hip significantly decreased his quality of life. He made an appointment with Dr. Kyle Swanson at the Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic in Mankato and had hip replacement surgery at River’s Edge Hospital in St. Peter. Today Jim is enjoying the active lifestyle he had before joint replacement.
“I go entire days without thinking about my hip.”
JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY IMPORTANT CHOICE, EASY DECISION
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• Hip & Knee Replacement
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Plus, River’s Edge Hospital is top rated for patient experience!