River Valley Woman September 2021

171880

Early detection saves lives.

Your birthday is a great reminder to celebrate good health by scheduling recommended cancer screenings. Our physicians and the American Cancer Society agree — early detection saves lives. A variety of routine screening options are available close to home at Mayo Clinic Health System. Contact your primary care provider to determine which cancer screenings are best for you.

BY EILEEN MADSEN Editor

If so, lucky you! And even if they don’t, most of us can claim some rural roots in one way or the other.

I grew up as a town kid, but my dad was a mechanic who fixed lots of farm equipment. I recall sitting up on a tractor tire outside his shop, pretending it was a horse. I’m bummed that I have never gotten to ride a horse, nor driven a tractor. But then again I also have not had to pick rocks, bale hay or walk beans like many of my hard-working farmer friends had to do after school and on weekends. Though riding on a bean bar looked kind of fun, I am sure any one of my classmates who had to do daily chores would have happily traded places with me and my after-school tasks of vacuuming and watching Emergency reruns. We are calling this annual issue “AGvocate!” in honor of those who advocate for agriculture in schools, speaking tours, and event venues.

While our cover feature Haley Ammann-Ekstrom is young, she’s no greenhorn. This sixth generation cattle farmer is the first female in the family to do so. A farmer, really, since childhood, Haley is passionate about helping people understand where their food comes from.

It’s not only crops and animals that are growing. Women’s involvement in ag is as

well. In the last ag census in 2019, there are 18,000 farms in Minnesota with primary female operators. This is a 65% increase over five years. Not only that, it’s women aged 35 or under that make up 30% of all young farmers, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Seems like dirt under our nails can be a fashion statement. One that says it’s time to share the road. You don’t have to be a farmer to be an AGvocate. Both Farmamerica’s Jessica Rollins, and founder of Ag Health and Safety Alliance Carolyn Sheridan, are outstanding in their fields—just not literally. Rollins uses forward thinking in her quest to tell the story of ag. While Farmamerica has highlighted ag’s history, Rollins’ goal is to increase understanding of what is on the horizon for Minnesota farmers, and to celebrate the value of modern technology. Sheridan knows firsthand, the dangers of life on the farm, as a nurse in a rural setting. With her health and education organization, she plants the seeds of safety via speaking and training sessions throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. Caps off to them both.

In our quest to cultivate a better understanding of just how involved women are in agriculture, we reached out via social media to find out “How Women Ag.” This roundup feature is just a drop in the bucket of those who responded or were recommended.

No matter where we live, ag is part of our culture. The fact that so many women are AGvocating in their own unique, and important ways is (country) music to our ears. Rock on, ladies.

STARTS WITH YOUR WINDOW TREATMENTS

The right window treatment can not only really make a difference in the look of your home, but impacts the space in other ways as well. It is an investment that will be around a while, so the pressure is on to choose the style and type.

I always recommend choosing window treatments that you love, instead of selecting something that is trending at the moment. You will be the one to look at it every day, so make sure that it is something that you will enjoy. Also, consider not only how the treatment looks, but how it is going to function and meet your needs for the room. This means you should consider factors including privacy, light control and insulation. Cordless and Motorized blinds and shades are quickly becoming standard because cords are not safe for kids and pets.

Some of the most popular shades that my clients love are:

• Woven wood shades come from organic elements of reed, bamboo grass, paper and jute. Woven woods filter the sunlight and fill a room with warmth, texture and natural beauty. Woven woods come in a variety of weaves from chunky woods to classic matchstick styles, unique strands of shimmery accents and wavy textures.

Roller and Roman shades are loved for their clean

appearance, superior functionality, artistic flair and exceptional style. A vibrant selection of color hews, true neutrals and impactful textures bring an infinite selection of design choices. Choose from an array of decorative and foundational fabrics, from sheer to opaque, or solar screens with just the right openness for your desired light control, privacy and view through.

• Transitional or Zebra Shades offer you the privacy of a window shade the softened view of a sheer and the option of raising and lowering your shades with privacy control at every level. Unique vanes transition from opaque to sheer as you raise and lower your shades for vast viewing options. Select one of the semi opaque, room darkening, or semi-sheer fabrics to softly diffuse the light.

• Sheer Shades offer the best of both worlds – beautiful views and protection from the sun. With the vanes open these stunning shadings provide up to 88% UV protection and 99% with the vanes closed.

Cellular Shades offer an expansive range of pleat sizes, fabrics, colors, opacities and textures, along with innovative lifting systems and design options, the choices are endless!

Sheer shades are beautiful and protect from the sun.

Roller Shades are classic and offer numerous choices in fabric.

Woven Wood Shades are unique and offer natural beauty.

By BROOKE WOHLRABE PHOTOS BY ALICE HQ PHOTOGRAPHY

In an industry once dominated by men, Haley Ammann-Ekstrom is taking the bull by the horns—quite literally. Amman is a sixth generation cattle farmer and, on top of that, she’s the first female in the six generations.

Her family cattle farm is in Ormsby, Minnesota, a Watonwan County town with a population of just around 130.

“It started as a feedlot in 1903. My grandpa had it as a feedlot and when my dad (David) was in high school, they converted it to a cowcalf operation and it was called Ammann Limousine, which is a breed of cattle,” Ammann said.

Ammann explained that with a feedlot there’s no babies, they just feed cattle out until they’re ready for market. She said her dad switched to cow-calf because he had more interest in it, as it’s more exciting.

Right now, Ammann said they calve in the spring and then sell them in the fall to someone who will finish them out. Between the two seasons, the cattle go to pasture and will graze grass all summer until they come home in the fall.

They have three pastures, one in Parker’s Prairie and two in Ormsby. They split the herd, with some going to each of the three pastures.

Amman grew up on the Ormsby farm but moved with her family to the city of Truman when she was a child. She joined 4-H, the country’s largest youth development organization, when she was nine years old.

Haley called it a family affair as her grandparents, father, and aunts had all been in 4-H.

“My grandma got me involved in 4-H with food and gardening and my dad asked if I wanted to show cows at the fair, too, and I walked my first cow at nine,” Ammann said.

Since she no longer lived on the farm, she had to go through hoops others didn’t have to.

“I didn’t have the privilege to just walk out the back door and do my chores. I had to drive 15 minutes to my cows twice a day and work with them, bathe them, feed them, and get them ready for the fair. It took all summer,” Ammann explained.

As she got older and was able to drive, Haley’s work became more intense because she had more independence and didn’t need to rely on her dad or grandpa to go along to help.

“It got to be a lot of work, but I think that kind of work turns you into the type of person you are,” she said.

Through 4-H Ammann saw how many paths there are in the agriculture industry—even if you don’t come from an ag background. She said there’s a job for anyone.

“My grandpa and dad never forced me and my siblings to do this. They didn’t force us to be in 4-H or to like 4-H. It’s just always been a part of me and I knew from a young age I wanted to be around cattle

and show cattle,” Haley said.

She was never able to be in FFA because her school, Fairmont High School, didn’t have a chapter until a year after she graduated in 2012. While she wishes she had the opportunity, she’s thankful for everything she learned and gained in 4-H.

“4-H teaches you that you can be a winner and a gracious loser and that’s just part of life. 4-H is a solo thing, but also a team thing. You’re the only one in the ring with your animal, but your family is your team—on the side cheering you on— that helped you get to show day,” Ammann said.

In addition to her family’s support, Haley had some friends in 4-H, but even those that weren’t, were supportive of what she was doing.

“I was never athletic. I was never in sports. I was homecoming queen and that was shocking because I had younger siblings and was just in 4-H. I was just a friend to everyone and supportive of my friends and classmates,” Haley said.

She stayed in 4-H for as long as she could, until she started her first year of college.

While livestock and agriculture were always a big part of Ammann’s life, she initially chose a different path.

“When you’re a senior, everyone’s asking you what you’re doing with your life and what your plans are. I was so freaked out and wanted to give people an answer. I had an older friend at the time who was in cosmetology and it looked fun,” Ammann said.

While Haley studied cosmetology for a while, she explained that she never wants to say she had regrets in life because she doesn’t believe in them.

“I believe that where you are in life, your decisions led you on the path that you’re on,” she said.

However, Amman said that, if she were to do it again, she would have gone to SDSU in Brookings, South Dakota, as it’s a large agriculture college. She would have pursued her livestock passion there.

“Because beauty school didn’t turn out, I was able to go to Minnesota West for two years and that allowed me to still work on my family farm, help my dad, and work at Jake’s Pizza to help pay for tuition,” Haley explained.

She graduated with an associate degree in Ag Business Marketing in 2016. She then got a full time job in the Energy Sales Department at NuWay Cooperative in 

Who is your inspiration or role model?

Amanda Radke, Ashley Judge and Gov. Kristi Noem. They’re all involved in the ag industry and grew up with or have beef. They’ve paving the way for people like me.

Favorite association you’re involved in?

Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association. You meet so many people especially when you go to conventions or work at a booth. The networking piece is big for me.

Favorite breed of cattle?

Simmental. They’re so pretty by themselves but stand out within a herd.

Favorite thing to cook with beef?

Filet mignon is my favorite cut. Medium rare is the way to go to cook it. I like cooking potatoes and cheesy broccoli with my meat.

Favorite cowboy boots?

A classic—pointed toe boot.

Favorite western show?

Yellowstone!

I BELIEVE THAT WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE, YOUR DECISIONS LED YOU ON THE PATH THAT YOU’RE ON.

 Trimont, where she had interned the two previous summers. Ammann obtained her bachelor’s degree in Ag Business Marketing from Southwest Minnesota State University in the fall of 2019.

While she was going to school, working at NuWay, and working on the farm, she also had time to meet Levi Ekstrom in the summer of 2013. Levi is also from Truman—but the two didn’t meet until later through mutual friends. They were married in the summer of 2019.

“He does not come from an agriculture background, but he helps. He and I run the cattle operation with my dad now,” Haley said.

One of them goes to the farm at least once a day for chores and, during calving season, they’re there two or three times a day. Ammann has a younger sister and a younger brother who both help out occasionally on the farm, but none of them live there.

“My father, husband, and I all work off the farm. We have full time jobs, and then we have the cattle, which is a full time job in itself,” Haley Ammann called it a family affair. said with a laugh.

With such an interest and passion for the industry, Ammann has joined several organizations, including the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, which her dad and grandpa were also involved in.

“I was taught at a young age to network and that you can never have enough connections. I’ve always been passionate about being involved,” Amman said.

She’s especially passionate about bringing back the farmto-fork movement.

“If I’m involved in the conversation, you’re hearing a real story from a real farmer, instead of things being made up for us,” Ammann said. “I don’t care if you’re organic or vegan. If you’re eating lettuce or drinking coffee, a farmer grew that. Different states grow different things and people might not get that. They think their carrots and green beans just showed up in the store but that all came from a farmer.”

Ammann said there’s a big misconception that farmers have their cattle locked in fences but, she explained, livestock farmers are some of the most passionate and genuine people around and that misconceptions hurt them.

“If we don’t have people eating meat, we can’t stay in business,” Ammann said.

Ammann said Covid was an example of how important livestock farmers are because local butchers were getting busy and meat was often sold out in big stores.

Haley feels that meat consumption will continue to increase in the future. She’s hopeful that people will buy more locally from butchers, or directly from farmers, instead of going to a grocery store.

“It really is expensive to buy from a grocery store and farmers don’t get a lot of that money. We don’t profit from the money that Walmart makes from it. People say farmers have a lot of money, but that’s not always true,” Ammann said.

Another thing Haley is passionate about is seeing the number of women involved in agriculture and livestock grow.

She’s a member of the American National CattleWomen Association. “Sometimes we get silenced and I’ve never been good at being quiet or hearing the word no. We have an important part to play, too. Women in ag are growing,” Ammann said.

Haley recently applied to be a board member for Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom. She spoke about the positive influences she had growing up and her desire to be that for someone else.

“I had great role models in 4-H, besides my family members. Seeing them make a difference made me want to make a difference. I’m fortunate I had that growing up and I think there should be someone for the next generation. If I can be that to someone, it makes it worthwhile,” Ammann said.

Aside from cattle, Ammann has a wide range of hobbies.

She likes reading, gardening, going shopping, and getting her nails done. She and her husband enjoy going to the lake with friends and her family goes to a cabin in Brainerd each summer. And, given the family business, Haley and her family are big fair goers. She still helps with judging at her local county fair, the Martin County Fair.

“I don’t think we’ve ever missed a Minnesota State Fair, except for last year,” Ammann said. “There’s so much more to the state fair than just food and rides.”

While she has a myriad of other hobbies, attending weekend cattle shows with her husband and dad might take the cake.

“We can never really get away from cattle, because we really do enjoy it. We like going to cattle shows and auctions,” Haley said with a laugh.

As for the future, Ammann said she’d like to keep the business in the family and, eventually become a full time cattle farmer and grow the herd. She bought her first pair of heifers when she was 21 and stressed that she has her own herd and her dad has his, the animals all just live together.

“People may say ‘Oh, I help out with chores,’ but once you’re financially invested, it’s a game changer. You have your own money, blood, sweat, and tears invested and you take things more seriously and are more proactive,” Ammann said.

Haley said that, when she calls to order feed or pay bills, people ask if it’s for her dad—and she has to explain it’s for herself.

“To have people take you seriously, once you get to that point, you feel like you’ve made it,” she said.

Ammann’s proud of her success in the industry but, more than that, she’s grateful to do something that she truly enjoys and is passionate about.

“When you see the cattle you’ve raised and they’re thriving on pasture, and they come home healthy, that’s a win. You raised that calf from beginning to end. That’s a win in our book,” she said. RVW

171845

BACK TO SCHOOL

YOU back to

Our Himalayan Salt Room naturally rebalances the ions in your body. We are constantly bombarded with positive ions from our environment, but a session of Halotherapy can help conteract these effects and restore your natural ion balance. A short treatment in our salt room will be sure to enhance your emotional health and decrease stress.

Body Concepts is a Wellness Facility offering various forms of detoxification, stress relief, relaxation, weight loss, body toning and tightening. Taking time to detox and de-stress is vital in maintaining a properly working body. Typically, people feel better, sleep better and have more energy. Body Concepts offers an effective, safe, painless treatment process that will boost your self improvement efforts.

The Sauna Pod is a modern-day evolution of detoxification and healing in a private, safe and sanitary space.

507.381.5467

SAUNA POD

Gari Jo Jordan OWNER

DETOX RETOX REPEAT or

Pick

2 All 3 $65 $90

SAUNA POD FOOT SOAK HIMALAYAN SALT ROOM

VISIT US ONLINE OR CALL TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR PERFECT WELLNESS PACKAGE

AVAILABLE gift cards

FOOT SOAK HIMALAYAN SALT ROOM

Halotherapy, or breathing in of salt vapor, takes the healing properties of salt into the respiratory system. Dry salt therapy is a NATURAL detoxification for your airways and skin. “Halo”, coming from the Greek word for salt, Halotherapy is the use of vapor utilizing micro particles of salt to promote optimal health, wellness and respiratory hygiene.

SERVICE OR PACKAGEOnly$30 WITH ANY

Experience our all new head-to-toe contact-free massage.

A detox foot soak makes joint movement easier in the knees and elbows. Detoxification also promotes weight loss, as it rids your body of crippling chemicals and raises your metabolism to higher levels.

Visit our Facebook page for more info

Floating Relieves Stress

Floating has become the best-kept secret to safely and naturally relieve stress and anxiety. A float tank (ours are more of a float room) provides a weightless environment that when combined with pitch darkness and silence, creates sensory reduction. With the sensations of the outside world removed, your body and mind are allowed to completely relax and unplug.

A 2001 study in the Journal of the Canadian Pain Society found that spending time in a floatation tank effectively decreased anxiety and depression and increased optimism. In summary, floating takes you to your happy place.

By RUTH KLOSSNER

essica (Dornink) Rollins had nearly completed a degree in psychology at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa when she decided to do a study trip to Australia.

In spite of growing up on a farm in southeast Minnesota, it took that trip “down under” for Rollins to realize that her life’s passion was really in agriculture.

“My senior year, I did a farm stay with a sheep farmer in Australia and realized I wanted to do something in ag communications, to tell the story of agriculture. I saw a disconnect between the farm and city,” Jessica, now the executive director at Farmamerica at Waseca, recalled.

That new direction led Rollins to positions with ADM as Ag in America Senior Tour Associate; the South Dakota Pork Producers Council; Farmer, Lumpe + McClelland working with Minnesota Soybean Growers; DuPont Pioneer; and eventually Farmamerica.

Now married with two young daughters—five-year-old Ava and threeyear-old Anna—Rollins balances life as the wife of a farmer (Grant Rollins) and executive director of Minnesota’s Center for Agricultural Interpretation.

It’s no easy task, but one that Jessica relishes.

“I’m selfishly trying to do it all—balancing family life while trying to take Farmamerica to the next level of ag interpretation and experiences on a razor thin budget,” she admitted. “It keeps me up at night.”

Fortunately, Grant’s parents, Jeannie and Gregg Rollins, live just a mile from the couple’s farm in the Waldorf/Pemberton area.

“It takes a village. His mom is a huge help. I couldn’t ask for better, more thoughtful in-laws. They’re incredible,” Jessica said. “The weeks of planting and harvest, when my husband is in the field, are especially hard.”

Now approaching her five-year anniversary at Farmamerica, Rollins voluntarily reduced her role—a little—when a program director was hired.

“When I started, my role was executive director, fundraiser, program planner and executor, marketing, and communications,” she said. “That’s not uncommon for a non-profit to have its staff wearing so many hats. The board was looking for someone who could do the work, direct the work, and add to the story of today’s ag.”

The inside of the big red barn includes a display of cows and old milkers.

The 1930s farm yard was created from buildings brought to the site from two area farms. Farm animals are on display during the spring, summer, and fall.

Rollins continued, “We do a fantastic job of telling the story of ag from the mid-1850s to the 1930s, but we often didn’t talk about what’s happening today. Our big red nostalgic dairy barn was the end of the story. Ag has taken us much farther. We want people to understand the evolution of ag—and that technology in ag is a blessing, something to celebrate and embrace.”

Knowing that Farmamerica’s story had gaps, Rollins and the Farmamerica board of directors had to figure out how to fill the holes—to create a better understanding of Minnesota farmers and what the future holds.

A plan is now in place, inspired by the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. “We didn’t have anything like that in Minnesota. They mentored us through the process. We even reached out to the same design team, Split Rock Studio. We want to better utilize our square footage in the Visitor Center,” she explained.

The former visitor center gift shop will be converted into the Ag Around You Discovery Center and the building’s hallways will host more exhibits—once fundraising is complete. (See sidebar)

“It’s an interesting job,” Rollins said. “Instead of wearing all the hats I did when I started, I realized I couldn’t do it all. We hired a program director. I cut my hours and now try to focus more on fundraising, public relations, and grant writing.

She noted, “A huge part of making a non-profit successful—heck, a huge part of life in general—is building and sustaining relationships. It’s listening to the donor and the customer to provide a service or experience that makes both of those groups happy.”

It takes a team to run what Rollins noted is “the oldest non-profit that I know of.” In addition to Rollins and a program director, the staff also includes Crystal Paulson—a 22-year employee—as office manager and 

While Farmamerica’s current facilities and exhibits do an excellent job of interpreting Minnesota’s past agricultural history and accomplishments, they don’t give a full picture of agriculture today.

Farmamerica has embarked on a capital campaign to expand and renovate its existing facilities. With a goal of $850,000, nearly 55% of the goal has been pledged. Facility updates, facility expansions, and incorporation of interactive and multisensory exhibits will allow Farmamerica to complete the story and:

• Offer year-round educational programming.

• Increase visitor attendance and engagement.

• Better serve the thousands of school-age children and visitors who visit each year with more interactive, hands-on activities that explain the entire story of agriculture.

• Offer new workshops and extended learning opportunities for older students and adults.

• Attract a wider, regional audience, drawing more visitors from the south metro.

• Seek out new partnerships with complementary organizations. The current facilities will be updated to better tell the story of today’s agriculture by:

• Revamping the Visitor Center with hands-on exhibits that explore agriculture in everyday lives to better understand where food, fuel and fiber originate.

• Building the “Ag Around You” Discovery Center to explore agriculture in the world around us.

• Upgrading the feed mill to a three-season classroom and exhibit space.

• Adding an inclusive outdoor playground, accessible to those of all abilities.

Jessica Rollins

A design concept of the new “Ag Around You” Discovery Center, soon to be created in the former gift shop “silo” area of the Visitor Center.

Farmamerica utilizes 120 of its 360 acres to tell the historic story of Minnesota agriculture through interpretive historic sites, including farmsteads from two eras, a one-room school house, blacksmith shop, and country church.

The sites include:

• Prairie interpretive center

• 1850s settlement with a dugout, sod-roofed house, barn, log cabin

• Country church moved to the site from Nicollet County in 1987

• One-room schoolhouse from the township

• 1930s farmstead set up as a dairy farm, hosting livestock in spring, summer, and fall

• A collection of antique farm equipment

• Grain elevator and feed mill

• Blacksmith shop/town hall

Connecting with Agriculture

The center offers a variety of programs to help visitors connect with agriculture.

• Self-guided & guided tours on a partially paved mile-long walking path

for groups, families and individuals in summer, or by appointment in fall. A free mobile app enhances self-guided tours.

• Free school field trips, with hands-on experiences for interactive learning for over 2,000 elementary students from across southern Minnesota annually.

• Career exploration in partnership with Junior Achievement and area ag businesses to discover how personal interests can align with a future career in agriculture.

• Day camps for students of all ages to learn how food is grown and the importance of biosecurity on the farm.

• Festivals and celebrations that allow visitors to learn about agricultural while enjoying time with family and friends.

—Fall Festival, with blacksmith Wyatt Bienfang of Le Sueur

—Pumpkin Party, including an antique tractor parade

—Meat-a-Palooza, a tasting event with food and wine— and a chance to meet the people who produce it.

—Winter Charm on the Farm with snowshoes and wagon rides

—“Dirt Detectives” Family Farm Night

—Goat Yoga

Jessica Rollins in the country church at Farmamerica. The old Brighton Methodist Church was moved to the interpretive center in 1987 from Brighton Township, east of Klossner.

The old Brighton Methodist Church, moved to the site from Nicollet County, east of Klossner, in 1987.

 Gene Kuntz as site manager. Some seasonal summer help, volunteers, and three interns—two from South Central College and one from Minnesota State University, Mankato, complete the team.

With about a third of Farmamerica’s budget coming from its farmland, which is used by ag businesses for ag research, marketing grain can be demanding. Fortunately, Kuntz has an interest in grain marketing and assists in that aspect, as well as maintaining the grounds.

Farmamerica was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1978, as one of three state interpretive centers, with the other two being mining and timber.

Although state money has decreased, taxpayer dollars still fund about a third of Farmamerica’s budget.

Rollins loves the variety that the site offers. She commented, “Some days I feed livestock, some days I play with kids, some days I put on a dress and give fancy presentations.”

While moving Farmamerica forward can keep Rollins up at night, she makes time for family and likes to be outdoors with her daughters.

“We enjoy visiting community playgrounds. I tell them, ‘Let’s judge it’ to get ideas for the new playground we want to install at Farmamerica,” she said.

Rollins also enjoys flower and vegetable gardening with the girls—and goes to farmers’ markets to get what she doesn’t grow.

“Before this job, I actually had hobbies, but I love it here so much that my extra time at home is spent trying to figure out how to make things better at Farmamerica,” she said. “If I had more time, I would kayak more. My husband

and I did that before kids—we are able to do some short trips with the kids, which is rewarding.”

She added, “I love hanging out with my family. My little family and my extended family are the coolest!” RVW

our selection of boards, bread kits, festive beverage sugars, serving Holiday Gatherings, Birthday Parties, Special Anniversaries and Small Company Celebrations.

Farmamerica has been a champion in telling the story of agriculture from the 1800s to the first half of the 1900s. Future exhibits will continue that story to the present and into the future. Executive director Jessica Rollins is driving that change.

Beautiful HELLO

Evoke Neck is the industry’s first hands-free applicator designed specifically to address the neck and submental areas. The patented technology harnesses the power of RF energy to remodel facial tissue and improve its appearance.

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.

WHAT IS EVOKE?

Evoke is a revolutionary, hands-free facial remodeling platform. This noninvasive technology is an industry first, delivering hands-free thermal facial and submental remodeling. The remodeling of these areas produces results that are associated with a youthful appearance.

WHAT IS REMODELING?

Remodeling is to alter the structure; to cause living tissue to undergo structural reorganization, alteration, or renewal.

KEY BENEFITS:

Evoke’s hands-free facial applicators deliver proven bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to the cheeks, neck, and jawline. The RF energy penetrates deep into the subdermal layer, heating the Fibro Septal Network (FSN). With its ability to maintain a constant temperature, Evoke remodels the dermis and subdermal tissue to deliver more defined facial characteristics.

By CHRISTINE NESSLER

Through her experiences as the daughter of a dairy farmer, the wife of a farmer, a mother, a grandmother, and a nurse in a rural setting, Carolyn Sheridan has seen firsthand, the dangers of agriculture.

No wonder she calls herself a worrier. There is a lot to worry about. Fortunately, Sheridan is making a difference in the agriculture industry through her passion for health and her passion for education. What once worried her is now driving her to lead the way in health and safety education in the agriculture industry throughout the nation and the world.

Sheridan is the founder and executive director of Ag Health and Safety Alliance™ (AHSA), an organization with over 25 years of experience serving the agricultural population through educational programming about ag health and safety.

Sheridan, who grew up on a dairy farm in northwest Iowa, recalled a particular instance when she first questioned the safety of farm operations. Her father asked the young Sheridan to help check a faulty grain auger. As he hollered from the top of the grain silo for her to turn on the auger for him, she adamantly refused. She refused even her dad’s request to get her mom to help him with the auger assignment. Young as she was, she was already attuned to the perils of farming. As she would find out, farming accidents were only a small portion of the potential dangers faced in the industry.

In her early career as a registered nurse, Carolyn worked in various capacities at Spencer Hospital in Spencer, Iowa. She provided care on the medical floor, surgical floor, and in obstetrics. She was also an active educator.

“Even as a nurse, I was the one teaching basic life support,” Sheridan

said. “I was the one going to talk at schools or to teach first aid.”

Carolyn had no intention of pursuing a career in ag until a posting in the hospital lunchroom caught her attention. The posting offered a six-week agricultural health and safety course at the University of Iowa—with the intention of trained nurses bringing the information back to their own hospitals and clinics and establishing health and safety services.

She had witnessed the risks of agriculture firsthand on the farm and in the hospital and now had the opportunity to help others through education.

Sheridan and another nurse, whose husband also farmed, attended the training in Iowa City, Iowa in 1990. After that training, they opened the first agricultural health and safety clinic in the nine-state region.

Sheridan became the director of the AgriSafe Department at Spencer Hospital. Through the position she provided services to farmers and their families in northwest Iowa and spent more than 20 years educating various groups on ag health and safety.

During that time, Carolyn and her staff developed the first ag health and safety program for Iowa Lakes Community College ag students. She also collaborated with other nurses in Iowa to develop the AgriSafe Network, of which she served as the clinical director. The development of this program—designed to address health and safety issues for college and high school agriculture students— became Carolyn’s new passion. It drove her to found Ag Health and Safety Alliance in 2017.

“My real passion is the younger generation,” Sheridan said. “I

wanted to create an organization that really spent the most of its energy and time focusing on educating the next generation in agriculture.”

She aims much of her energy on the future decision-makers in agriculture—those aged 16 to 24.

Sheridan feels that this is particularly important because, in other industries, occupations are protected by laws, regulations, and safety professionals that mandate employees wear protective devices while on the job. The same does not apply to agriculture professionals.

“We don’t tend to think of farming as an occupation,” Sheridan said. “In farming, we are responsible for ourselves.”

She wants to help people in the ag industry prevent occupational illnesses and injuries that could affect their quality of life.

Aside from students, Sheridan spends a significant amount of her time training individuals engaged in agriculture—health professionals, public health, ag educators, ag trade professionals, ag service providers, veterinary medicine, and more. Programs are customized to the audience and cover topics related to ag health and safety, including all terrain vehicles, mental health, hearing protection, pesticides, respiratory, and sun protection.

Ag Health and Safety Alliance tends to focus on the health and safety of the human body as compared to safety related to agricultural machinery.

Sheridan noted that, often times, there will be coverage in the news about farm accidents mentioning injuries and fatalities, but little is said about health in the ag industry. That is what she hopes to change.

“If you take into account chronic, long-term diseases, there are many, many more of those then there ever will be of the other things,” Carolyn noted.

The lifetime impact of those diseases also contributes to financial and emotional burden.

Ag Health and Safety Alliance allows Carolyn and her team to not only educate students across North America, but also around the globe through the Gear Up for Ag™ program. Remarkably, Sheridan and her team have instructed over 4,000 students in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Denmark, and Sweden. There are also plans in the works for additional model programs to be customized for students in Romania and Africa.

“Agriculture is the same everywhere in the world,” Sheridan said. “What makes it different is the geography, the worker, what the crops are, and the exposures.”

As a registered nurse, Carolyn views agriculture through exposure. She wants people to understand how exposures impact their bodies and what they can do to prevent long-term debilitating disease, illness, injuries, and fatalities.

“In essence, we are all the same people wanting to be healthy and safe,” Sheridan said. “Whatever exposures we have impact our body. Our bodies all work the same. It doesn’t matter if you are a farmer in Sweden or a farmer in Australia or Nigeria, we still want to protect our eyes, our lungs, our skin.”

Although Ag Health and Safety Alliance covers various topics relating to health, Sheridan is particularly passionate about education focusing on pulmonary health.

During her time in healthcare, Sheridan took care of farmers, including young farmers, who needed oxygen or had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease because of an exposure in agriculture. In the hospital she would also see patients that came in for other ailments, but had underlying comorbidity conditions relating to the respiratory system.

Having those experiences has impressed upon her the importance of routine check ups and preventative measures to ensure 

Sheridan helped to develop the first ag health and safety program for Iowa Lakes Community College. This program, along with other opportunities to educate high school and college agriculture students, was the impetus for Carolyn to found the Ag Health and Safety Alliance in 2017. (Photo Credit: Euvonne Hickey)

At the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Carolyn Sheridan helped train health and safety professionals on respirator fit testing.

Carolyn Sheridan and her team have educated thousands of people around the globe, including this program translated into Dainsh at Hong Roskilde Tekniske Skole in Denmark.

Respiratory protection: Determine the correct respirator/mask for your work environment.

Hearing protection: Wear hearing protection when noise is loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage.

Eye safety: Make sure your safety glasses meet the ANSI Z87.1 standard and are the right size and shape for your face.

Sun safety: Wear sun safe clothing and/or sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher.

 respiratory health. Sheridan relates it to going to the dentist, something most people do on a regular basis as a measure taken for good oral health.

“If you could choose between good teeth and being able to breathe,” she said, “you would choose to be able to breathe. But we don’t routinely take care of our lungs.”

In addition to focusing a lot of her programming on respiratory illness and disease, Sheridan encourages respiratory fit testing in the health care community. She also wants to help people understand the hazards of exposure, how it impacts people in agriculture and which respirator is most appropriate for their work environment.

As an educator, however, her goal is to let her students make their own decisions with the reasonable guidance she provides.

“I think people are interested in good information, but not overwhelming information,” Sheridan said.

Her students want facts that can help them and that they can relate to. She bases her presentations on prevention but is careful not to lecture. “Don’t lecture people. Give them good information and let them make their own decisions,” she said.

Sheridan’s approach to education is multi-pronged. In addition to their online educational videos, resources, infographics, and motion graphics, she provides customized training programs, in-person and online. Sheridan and her team also train other trainers to present the programs created by Ag Safety and Alliance in a way that fits their communities and countries.

What really makes the programs stand out is their commitment to personalize the content to make it relevant to whatever group they are presenting to. One of the ways they do this is with surveys that are collected and reviewed prior to any event.

“You would be more apt to pay attention,” Sheridan explained “if you

knew I was talking to you and not about some ambiguous research that somebody did.”

It’s not complicated, but straightforward. After the personalized presentation, they provide participants with the equipment they need, including safety glasses, coveralls, gloves, respirators, or hearing protection.

Sheridan joked that it goes something like this, “Here’s the information. Here’s what you can use to protect yourself and, oh by the way, you get one!”

The team then lets people know where to get more protective equipment and sets them up with the resources to be successful in protecting their health moving forward.

Ag Health and Safety Alliance keeps it fun and interactive, but the information provided is serious, well researched, and timely. Sheridan and her team continue to learn more about the important health and safety topics around the world so they can share the information through the development and delivery of their programs.

“Health and safety in the ag industry has come a long way,” Sheridan said. “But there is still a long way to go.”

Sheridan is optimistic that the next generation will model a higher level of safety to their children. Currently, she sees her college students engaging in the programs and taking an interest in sharing what they have learned with their siblings, parents and grandparents. Students will often ask for extra equipment to share with others they know.

Through her hard work, Carolyn has contributed to an increase in safety culture for agricultural occupations in the United States and around the globe. She is also molding the next generation to carry on her efforts to provide the same safety education and equipment to agricultural careers as afforded to other occupations. RVW

- Carolyn Sheridan’s advice to the next generation of Ag Professionals.

Check out www.aghealthandsafety.com/resources/ for more information.

River Valley Woman reached out to area women who work in the ag industry to tell us a little bit about who they are and how they ag.

I am a feedlot nutritionist residing near Courtland, working for Form-A-Feed Inc. out of Stewart, Minnesota. I am responsible for providing consulting and nutritional services to feedlots across the Midwest. I formulate and execute the best rations for the health and well-being of cattle. I look at poop—like willingly look at poop! I analyze feed for nutritional content and then formulate supplements that coincide with the feedstuffs available. I’m a mom, wife, and a livestock producer myself, so I understand some of the questions we have about where our food comes from and how it’s raised and how treated.

I am lucky enough to be on the farm. I grew up on near Essig. I was proud to be a farmer’s daughter and I love animals just as my dad did.  On my farm site I raise pasture hogs, sheep, both egg-laying and broiler chickens, and rent some pasture land for steers. I also have a LARGE garden—and many flowers!  To raise kids in the country is the best! My grandchildren love coming out to “Grandma’s Funny Farm!” No matter the size of acreage, it’s amazing how much food can be produced.

Growing up on a grain and hog farm has been great!  Nowadays you can find me in a hog barn daily—whether that be doing chores at my nursery barn or helping keep our wean-to-finish hog operation functioning. I check in with our growers often to make sure everything is going well. I do this to ensure that we are raising happy, healthy pork!  I also help on the grain side of things wherever I’m needed.  Working directly with my brothers and parents has been great. They have taught me how to ag, and I will be forever grateful!

I started my own operation in 2016 with my first group of bred cows. Bought my own farm in Butterfield and doubled the herd in 2017. Since then, I’ve added chickens, donkeys, and sheep. I also do contract labor at two wean-finish hog barns, and help my dad and brothers when needed on the family farm. I love this lifestyle, there is always something to do and new techniques to learn. I think the ag industry is the most important in this country and is worth improving for generations to come. It’s the best feeling knowing you help feed the world!

JERI HANSON

By being involved with FAMILY– husband and partner, Jim. Four adult and 11 grandchildren. FARMING – on our Hereford cow/calf operation which includes working with show animals, fieldwork, bookkeeper, preparer of meals, “gopher”!

COMMUNITY– church, 4-H, local cattlemen’s group, previous school board member. ORGANIZATIONS–MN Beef Council, MN Hereford Breeders, MN State Cattlemen’s and Women’s, MN State Corn Growers, GENEX. Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Beef Leadership Team, American Hereford Association.

As a young mother involved in agriculture and farming, most times my son is tagging along. Whether it’s choring the pigs, feeding the cattle, tending the bees, or volunteering with 4-H, there’s always something to do. I’m lucky to have a career in agriculture and also have the opportunity to help around the farm after work. We raise commercial pigs, Hereford and Angus cattle, and are trying honey bees for the first time this year. I can’t wait to continue to raise my family on the farm!

NORA SCHMIDT

Coming from a background in agriculture, I knew I always wanted to be involved. After work you can find me feeding or working cattle and checking on my bees. On our farm we raise registered Hereford cattle and it’s our first year with honey bees. Growing up participating in 4-H sparked my passion for agriculture, which has led me to volunteer for our local 4-H, helping kids show cattle. I enjoy being outside with the livestock and advocate for the industry any time I can.

LISA BESEMER

LAURA EISCHEN

ERIN CHRISTENSON

OLIVIA WOLLE

Having wanted to farm for over fifteen years, when the opportunity presented itself, I dove in and have been learning ever since. There so many reasons for farming that are rewarding and at times, unexpected. Teaching my children the work ethic required to farm, connecting with others in land stewardship education, handing a smiling customer a basked of fresh, chemical-free veggies—all so rewarding. That is not to say that farming is glamorous, it is hard, dirty, and at times, unforgiving work. But the connection that can be made with the earth and the community makes it completely worth the effort.

LAURIE PLATZ

My husband, Bruce, and I farm by Lafayette. We have four children; Cassidy, Jarrett, Kolbe, and Logan. I like to say farming is in my soul. I am the farm wife who’s in the field getting my hands dirty, helping with the hogs, feeding whoever is working with us, and juggling school schedules. Those are just a few things I, and all the women in agriculture, are out there doing. They’re incredible women! They know farming is truly about family, friends, neighbors, community, and most importantly God. We couldn’t do it without any of them.

CHERYL BLEESS

My business is Autumn Acres Farm. We grow over 140 varieties of unique fall produce: pumpkins, squash, corn, etc. We also offer a pick-your-own patch, hayrides, numerous children's activities, and special event days. All of our pre-picked produce is hand washed, and we take great pride in providing a beautiful and fun-filled fall destination. Our mission is to create an authentic, affordable and wholesome farm. It is my personal desire that everyone who visits leaves our farm knowing they have just experienced something special and unique. As stewards of this magnificent setting, we cherish the opportunity to share it with others each fall.

TESSA WENNER

I am an animal science college graduate who has returned home to learn from my grandfather and start my path. As a secondgeneration cow-calf producer and first-generation cattle woman, I have experienced the joys and struggles of being in the industry. From the first breath and steps of a newborn calf to weaning them, fixing fences, filling water tanks, making sure they are appropriately fed, bringing them to market, and everything in between. The ranch provides me with life lessons, constantly adapting and overcoming situations every day. Making lifetime memories with my grandfather is the best bonus.

ROSE WENDINGER

I grew up on a family-owned dairy farm, just SW of Glencoe, Minnesota. For my career currently, I work as a farm business management Instructor with South Central College in Mankato. I work with “students” who are farm families throughout southern Minnesota, and am a resource for bookkeeping, organization, transition, financial decisions and anything else that the farm family might encounter related to their farm business needs. I personally farm with my partner growing corn, soybeans, goats, sheep, and have a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle. My farming life is seen on social media as Fluffy Butt Farms.

EMILY PONWITH

I am a producer, educator, and advocate for the agriculture industry. My family grows corn, soybeans and raises cattle that we market to local customers. When not helping with farm related tasks, I am working with Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation as a Regional Curriculum Specialist. My primary role is to connect educators to agriculture based resources they can use in their classrooms. Another passion of mine is taking my Instagram community at @reallife.farmwife along on our family’s daily adventures on the farm. I want consumers to feel connected to producers and emphasize that we are just like you!

DR. JENNIFER WILSON

I farm specialty crops along with my dad at our business, Brewery Hill Christmas Trees, LLC in Le Sueur. We are a third generational farm. On our farm I work 20-30 hours/week outside of my full-time job as a 7-12 principal, with manual labor elements (herbicide/fertilizing applications, tree shearing and overall maintenance of plant management) and running machinery. I also assist in yearly planning and aid in the decision making process of which varieties of crops to plant. Managing the seasonal harvests is also on my task list. One of my biggest roles and crucial for our farm’s success includes managing long and short term business plans, maintaining accounting practices and being a part of the greater community to promote farming.

uilt as a dairy barn in the 1960s, then used for pigs until 2012, the barn on the Bruce and Laurie Platz farm now has new life as a multipurpose building. It’s located on a dead end road just west of Lafayette. While it still houses animals—horses and goats—on the lower level, the top floor has been converted into a party hall, while still having room for hay storage for those critters downstairs.

The Platz family started the barn’s conversion the year after the pigs left, first cleaning out the bottom floor and building horse stalls. Two years later, they tackled the upstairs, putting down a tongue-and-groove overlay plywood floor and applying steel to the outside of the back.

“It’s hard to believe that there were pigs in here,” Bruce commented. “There’s no smell. Having hay in it helps.”

Plans for the barn kept developing. In 2017, steel was put on the front and work started on a large deck.

With Laurie constantly coming up with new ideas, Glenn Hauser of Cedar Hill Carpentry, who did the work, could only comment, “You make my brain hurt,” as he tried to figure out

By RUTH KLOSSNER

Fun and multi-purpose. Horses and goats occupy the lower level and parties are held upstairs.

Colored lighting sets the mood at night.

There’s plenty of room to relax on the deck.

how to do what she wanted.

The lower level barn doors feature the largest barn windows most people have ever seen.

“I wanted to see out,” Laurie said. “I ordered these windows. When Glenn saw them, all he could say was, ‘They’re huge!’ Once he got them put in and the doors hung, he agreed that they look great.”

Bruce commented, “If I was going to put a deck 

Party time in the loft! After first borrowing tables and chairs, the Platzes bought what they need so they didn’t have to haul them back and forth. In the early summer, the hay that was stacked in the back right corner has been used up and the band is situated there.

The loft doors open off the spacious deck.

The old barn was showing its age before steel siding was installed in 2017. Work on the deck started next.

Bruce and Laurie Platz. Notice the large windows in the sliding barn doors of the lower level.

The front deck was built in 2017.

The barn in 2020.

Keith and Max, along with a third horse and three goats, have stalls on one side of the lower level. Laurie commented that the horses, goats, and cats are popular with the kids when there’s a party upstairs.

The Platzes built special raised tables for a food area in the front corner of the loft. The cedar roof boards provide an authentic “barn” look—something that the family wants to preserve. The boards were cleaned with a leaf blower and air hoses to get the dust and spider webs off—no power washing was needed.

The lower level of the barn looked a lot different when it was used for pigs through 2012.

Bruce and Lori with horses

Max and Keith.

By mid-summer, horse hay is piled on both sides of the back part of the barn. For barn dances in early summer— before the hay is put up—this area is used for the band.

Steel siding was put on the front of the barn in 2017, the deck was built, and new doors put on both levels.

 on, I wanted a place for people to actually sit. When there’s a dance, they can get away from the noise.”

Barn events started even before the deck was built. The Platzes’ niece, Lexi, had friends over for a dance in 2016.

“In 2018, we moved up to a live band, the Hauth Family Band,” Bruce said. “We also hosted the Vorwerk tractor drive and my family reunion that year,” Bruce said.

The next year, the graduation party for Bruce and Laurie’s daughter, Cassidy, was held in the barn, along with the groom’s supper for Lexi’s wedding.

Barn dances were on hold in 2020, due to Covid, but a niece’s bridal shower was held in the barn, along with a campaign rally for Susan Akland, and the funeral luncheon for Bruce’s dad, Joseph.

While the barn can host events in summer and fall, June is the best time as there’s the least amount of hay stacked in the corners—before new hay is added. There’s no heat or air conditioning in the loft. Insulation has been mentioned, but the Platzes feel that would take away from the beauty and historical elements of the loft.

Future use is sure to include more graduation parties as the Platz boys—Jarrett, Kolbe, and Logan—are now 17, 15, and 13. The boys look forward to enjoying time in the barn after having helped with the remodeling as well as stacking the hay for the horses each summer. RVW

Resilient. Committed. Essential.

Christensen Farms is actively hiring full time positions with benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, paid time off and advancement opportunities. If you are looking for a career opportunity and have a desire to be a part of our mission, apply today at: www.christensenfarms.com/careers.

At Christensen Farms, our essential role as food producers has never been more important. We are grateful for the local communities that keep agriculture and rural America strong, supporting one another in our noble purpose of providing food here and across the globe.

Can we be honest? A decade ago, I didn’t even know the field of facial aesthetics existed, much less what it offered. But I was so grateful to discover it when I began seeking solutions for some problematic skin. And now, I get to spend my days providing facial aesthetic treatments to help others achieve radiant, beautiful skin.

Facial aesthetic procedures are non-surgical treatments that can make noticeable, but subtle, enhancements to your appearance. They can help soften some of the effects of time and sun exposure or address problem areas to improve your skin and your confidence. Most facial aesthetic treatments fall into the following four categories: anti-aging injections, dermal fillers, laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments.

Anti-Aging Injections

Neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport are possibly the most popular way to reduce facial wrinkles. These anti-aging injections administered around the face offer a quick, simple procedure to relax the skin and soften the effects of stress and aging. Neuromodulators work by temporarily blocking the signals from nerves to the tiny underlying muscles, as the tightening of those muscles is the cause of unwanted lines. The injections take a few days to kick in and usually last a few months.

Dermal Fillers

Many visible signs of aging can be traced back to loss of volume. As we age, our lips thin, lines appear around our nose and mouth, and our cheeks begin to look a little hollow. Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that can be injected under the skin to restore lost volume and return your youthful appearance. These treatments can do everything from smoothing deep under-eye circles, to lifting cheekbones, plumping lips and even softening the appearance of recessed scars. Collagen used to be a common dermal filler, but these days there are many options, including products that contain hyaluronic acid (e.g. Juvederm, Restylane), calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), polycaprolactone (Ellansé) and poly L lactic acid (Sculptra). Fillers dissolve over time, but the effects can be visible for 12 months.

Laser Hair Removal

If you have unwanted hair on any part of your body—from your face to

your toes—this treatment can help. Laser hair removal technology safely and effectively targets unwanted hair to leave you smooth and confident. A series of 6-10 non-invasive laser hair removal treatments can permanently eliminate hair on virtually any area of the body or face. (Because the stages of hair growth are staggered the treatments are as well.)

Skin Rejuvenation

Healthy skin can make you look years younger. And skin rejuvenation treatments can give you that youthful glow by promoting collagen production and cell turnover to address everything from rosacea and acne scars to dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. You will usually need multiple treatments for best results.

• Laser Skin Rejuvenation - Treatments like intense pulse light (IPL) and broadband light (BBL) are common, non-invasive laser treatments that use light to reach damaged layers of the skin and enhance the production of collagen. They can also precisely target specific areas, such as sunspots.

• Microneedling - Microneedling techniques can stimulate your body’s natural collagen production to give you smoother, more youthful skin. This treatment can incorporate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to further promote naturally smooth, tighter skin.

• Chemical Peels - Peels are a great option for anyone looking to erase skin imperfections left over from sun exposure, such as fine wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. These treatments exfoliate the skin and dissolve the outer layers of damaged skin to restore a youthful appearance.

You may have a long wish list or perhaps are just interested in learning more about facial aesthetics. Either way, a qualified, experienced provider can help you decide how to achieve your aesthetic and skincare goals. Good luck!

Giddie Skin Medspa, Mankato MN Certified Aesthetic Injector

EMILY GIDDINGS, RN

Let’s face it, being a mom is hard. There seems to be an endless list of tasks, errands, housework and kid’s activities. This can become even more hectic if you balance a career outside the home. With so much time devoted to caring for one’s family and exhaustion setting in, finding time for self-care seems to be the first thing left out of a busy schedule.

Self-care is the practice of caring for one’s own health, well-being and happiness. It is an essential component of stress relief and wellness. Making time for yourself may feel indulgent or selfish, but that is far from the truth. Even small acts of self-care or self-kindness can go a long way in decreasing the feelings of exhaustion, burnout, stress, and even depression that busy mothers often feel. Here are some quick tips for implementing self-care: Delegate and ask for help.

• It is difficult to admit that you may need help or cannot accomplish everything on your own. An old adage says that it takes a village to care for a family, and this could not be more true. Find your village and ask for help. Accept help when offered. This may result in a few extra prized moments to focus on yourself. Don’t be afraid to say no to commitments that do not interest you or you do not have time for.

Stay organized.

• Keep a planner, calendar or list of upcoming appointments and tasks for yourself and family. Avoid stress from the unexpected, such as the school project that your child needs assistance to complete last minute. Prioritize tasks to prevent becoming overwhelmed. Start by completing the most time-consuming or less interesting tasks to get them out of the way first.

Focus on basic healthy lifestyle habits.

• Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Try for some daily physical activity each day, with a goal of 150 minutes total a week. Eat a healthy diet consisting of lean meats, low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid sugary beverages, alcohol and high-fat foods. Drink six to eight cups of water daily.

Schedule your “me time.”

• Add a “date” with yourself to your calendar and protect it. For example, schedule a fitness class, lunch with a friend or coffee with a good book. Once the date is scheduled, try your best to keep it just as you would for any other appointment.

The most important components of self-care are to be realistic and purposeful. If your schedule is hectic and chaotic, it may not be realistic to expect hours a week to focus on self-care activities. Start small with attainable expectations. For example, taking 10 minutes a day to focus on deep breathing, meditation or positive affirmations may be all that is realistic at this time. Build on the foundation you have made.

Mom’s health and well-being affect the entire family group. By incorporating self-care into your regular routine, you will become an even more amazing caregiver. You’ve got this, mom.

KRISTEN BOWE, NURSE PRACTITIONER Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System Belle Plaine and Montgomery, Minnesota

MRCI STRONGER THAN EVER

Continues its Mission Serving Individuals with Disabilities

Thanks to innovative thinking, and time to execute, MRCI is emerging from the pandemic in a strong position to help the individuals it serves to also continue thriving in life.

Coming out of an unprecedented 2020, MRCI moved away from facility-based disability services, instead offering community-based programming. The concept has been discussed for several years, but COVID-19 nudged the organization from concept to reality. The change impacts about 1,400 program participants.

In March, when the pandemic forced MRCI to close its doors temporarily, MRCI leadership got to work innovating. And what may have seemed like a barrier turned out to be a blessing.

MRCI made the decision to move its employment and life enrichment supports entirely to the communities where it operates.

MRCI CEO Brian Benshoof used to tell people that changes like these are like rebuilding an airplane while it’s flying. “With COVID, we kind of got the plane on the ground, in the hangar and rebuilt it.”

MRCI was one of the first providers in the industry to implement this community-based model. So innovative, Benshoof was invited to speak to three national industry organizations about the model.

To make the move to the community, MRCI is selling most of its buildings and transitioning its bus fleet to minivan transport.

The vision of the newest day service program is to provide personcentered experiences. Since each small group of participants has a set of wheels (a minivan), they travel to and from volunteer and other meaningful experiences across the region making smiles.

While building the new day service program, MRCI embraced its employment-first status, and in fact, many of the individuals we serve continued working throughout the pandemic. Deemed essential, they showed up each day ready to help area businesses meet the demands placed on them during this time. Employers that utilized MRCI in the past were asked to hire the individuals directly. Responses were positive. MRCI also took the opportunity to expand its transition services, which help these individuals move from day service to community employment when they are ready.

Along with employment and day service programming, MRCI is continuing its Client Directed Services, Minnesota Family Investment Programs (MFIP) and Embracing Aging Through Engagement (EASE) for those 55 and older.

For more information on MRCI’s Menu of Services, please call 507-386-5600 or visit mymrci.org.

It’s almost time to plant tulips but, I’ll be honest with you, tulips frustrate me. Planting them is a lot of work and the task produces absolutely no instant gratification. You dig a hole, place the bulbs, and bury them—with no noticeable results until several months later. If you manage to protect them from the squirrels for the rest of the fall and from the rabbits and deer in the early spring, you finally get some flowers—but they never last as long as you want them to. Modern tulip varieties rebloom sporadically (at best) the following years. I’m a sucker for thankless tasks, but planting tulips is too much, even for me.

I’ve always felt like tulips betray me when they don’t rebloom in the second year, but most of them really aren’t supposed to. Tulip breeding programs prioritize flower size and color over plant longevity, so it’s best if you treat most tulips as annuals. The spring after planting, tulips will flower gloriously; the following year, you will probably just find leaves and a few stray blooms.

Then, a few years ago, I discovered Tulipa praestans ‘Shogun,’ a gorgeous light-orange tulip that actually gets better with time. I was shocked, really. The plants closely resembled all of the tulips that had let me down so often in the past. However, the rabbits didn’t mow them down to the ground and they had just as many blooms this spring as they had the previous spring. I decided it was time to investigate my options for planting tulips that were truly perennial, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

Fosteriana tulips

Members of the species Tulipa fosteriana are also known as “Emperor tulips.” These tulips have the largest flowers of the perennializing tulips, and they most closely resemble the cup-shaped blooms most people imagine when they think of tulips. The plants themselves are six to 20 inches tall, and they spread about six inches wide. The flowers range from soft pinks and oranges to bright reds and yellows. The cultivar ‘Purissima’ has a white flower. They usually bloom in mid-April, and the plants reliably rebloom for several years. Some cultivars have mottled or striped foliage. Since this characteristic is caused by a (nonlethal) viral infection in the plant, the foliage patterns vary widely.

Kaufmanniana tulips

Tulipa kaufmanniana cultivars are commonly called “water lily tulips” because of their flower shapes. These tulips are usually around a foot tall, and they flower in early April. In well-drained soil with high organic matter and consistent moisture, Kaufmanniana tulips will naturalize easily, especially if you don’t disturb them. ‘The First’ is a red and white striped cultivar named for its early spring appearance, while ‘Stresa’ boasts bright petals divided into bold chunks of red and yellow. Kaufmanniana tulips can also have mottled or striped foliage.

Greigii tulips

While Kaufmanniana and Fosteriana tulips sometimes sport mottled or striped leaves, Tulipa greigii is best known for this feature. These short, yet showy, tulips always have foliage streaked with dark purple or maroon, and the leaves are also often ruffled. Greigii tulip flowers are long and narrow with jaunty pointed petals. They flower in mid-April, and they often open and close in response to the amount of sunshine available. The plants are six to 12 inches tall, which makes them perfect in rock gardens or at the front of garden borders. Flower colors include pinks, reds, oranges, and striped combinations of these. ‘Red Riding Hood’ is a popular red cultivar, while ‘Mary Ann’ flowers are a lovely blend of white and pink. Some cultivars are fragrant, too!

Species tulips

The term “species tulips” actually encompasses many different tulip species. Some, like my beloved Tulipa praestans ‘Shogun,’ are reminiscent of the well-known annual tulips. Others, like Tulipa acuminata (a.k.a. “The Fire Flame”), are eccentric and flashy, with unfamiliar floral shapes. All of these tulips are excellent for perennializing, and some will naturalize under the right growing conditions. Species tulips are usually quite small, compared to modern tulips, but their delicate blooms won’t fail to draw you in for a closer look. Last year, I planted 100 Tulipa humilis ‘Helene’ in my gardens, and I was thrilled with their clear pink petals and tidy growth habit. Specialty bulb companies like Van Engelen have a wide selection of species tulips available for mail order, and local garden centers are starting to carry them too.

LAURA SCHWARZ New Ulm Native Minneapolis-based horticulturist & writer

JORDAN, MD, FACS General Surgeon Physicians Group New Ulm

I just got my lab work from my yearly physical, and my cholesterol is high! I don’t feel comfortable starting a new medication. Is there anything I can do to bring my cholesterol down without taking medications?

Absolutely! High cholesterol can increase your risk for heart attack or heart disease. Making lifestyle changes can help bring your numbers down, and in some people these little changes may be all you need.

1. Eat for your heart

Eat the good fats, not the bad fats. “Good fats” are foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Think mackerel, salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds. “Bad fats” are found in saturated fats and trans fats. These are usually found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and most processed foods. If it comes in a crinkle bag, it’s not real food and you should steer clear to lower your cholesterol. You will also want to increase your soluble fiber. This is found in oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears.

2.

Exercise daily

Moderate physical activity will lower your cholesterol. If this seems too onerous, consider taking frequent “exercise snacks.” These are short bursts of physical activity throughout the day, which will add up over time. Consider taking a walk over your lunch hour, riding your

bike to work, or dancing in your kitchen while you make your salmon and Brussels sprouts for dinner. Keep yourself motivated by having a buddy or group to hold each other accountable.

3. Quit smoking

Just do it. Within 3 months of quitting, your lung function and circulation improve. Within one year your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker. Replace each cigarette with an exercise snack instead. You can use the money you save to take a great vacation!

4. Lose weight

Small changes add up. Carrying even a few extra pounds contributes to high cholesterol. Ditch the sodas and stick to water. Practice mindful eating habits by recognizing what you are actually feeding: is it your mind that is hungry because of boredom or anxiety? Or is it the body that is actually hungry for real food? If it’s the former, treat yourself to an exercise snack instead.

5. Drink in moderation or not at all

Too much alcohol leads to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure and strokes. In addition, alcohol stimulates the appetite causing you to make poor food choices.

Stay healthy friends!

CORINNE

A gift of land through our Keep

Growing or Acres for Good program can transform your community.

Landowners receive tax deductions and a steady income stream. Tenants rent the land and keep it in production. County continues to receive property tax payments. Minnesota communities and organizations receive rental income to support their work.

By LINDSEY LOKEN Owner of Blondies Butcher Shop Wanamingo, MN

Hi, I’m so glad you stopped by the EATS page! I'm Lindsey Loken, owner of Blondies Butcher Shop and a meat connoisseur at heart. It’s September and I know your thinking what I’m thinking. Kids are back at school, summer is coming to an end and the seasons are changing. I can relate as a mom, wife and small business owner. Being the local main street butcher, I get questions on easy, fast and healthy meal ideas all the time.

So, here is my go-to: flank steak!

I like the recipes that call for ingredients that I know I have in my cupboard, paired with quality, affordable and easy to cook beef cuts. I cringe how many times I’ve ground this cut of meat into hamburger. I’ve completely missed out for years. So, take my advice don’t miss out and try this really tasty, lean, great cut of beef. Here is how easy it is:

• Rub a ½ teaspoon of olive oil on both sides of the flank, with salt.

• Bring your grill, smoker, broiler or fry pan to a searing 400 degrees.

• This is all about hot and fast. For a medium rare, cook 4 min a side to an internal temp of 125 degrees. For a medium, cook 132 degrees.

• Once to the desired temp, let the flank rest for 10 minutes to retain its juices.

• After the rest period, slice against the grain in ¼ inch strips. Serve with your favorite potato or vegetable. If you're anything like me, you’ll pair it with a glass, maybe two, of red wine. Malbec pairs nicely with this lean cut of beef.

Note: Flank steak is naturally thicker on one end than the other. Temp check on the thicker part of the flank. If you are using kosher salt, remember it's half the strength of table salt. Season to your palate, however don’t be afraid to lay it on.

Women have always worked in a variety of industries, often silently. The agricultural industry in particular has historically been male dominated and has a deep foundation in “traditional” gender roles. The importance and extent of “women’s work” has not always been recognized, but women in agriculture today are hopeful that these tides are turning. The opportunities available to women in agriculture continue to expand, due in great part to their own commitment and passion for the work.

I had the opportunity to converse with the following panel of women in early August. We discussed their thoughts on the future of women in agriculture.

Mallory Carlson was raised on a beef cattle operation in Murdock, Minnesota. She recently graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in animal science. Carlson now works for an agricultural loan company and maintains an active role in her family’s cattle operation.

Leah Heffley grew up showing sheep with her family in Princeton, Minnesota. Heffley attends University of Wisconsin-River Falls and is pursuing a degree in agricultural business with an emphasis in crop and soil science.

Hannah Neil had her start in agriculture growing up on a beef cattle operation in Northfield, Minnesota; she attends South Dakota State University and is majoring in agricultural leadership.

Michelle Weber runs her own business as a professional livestock artist and works alongside her husband managing their cattle operation near Lake Benton, Minnesota.

I began the discussion by asking if the agricultural industry is becoming more accessible to women.

Heffley: I definitely think so—we have more options because we’re actively advocating for ourselves.

Neil: Women are realizing they have a place in the industry, and they are not afraid to reach for higher leadership positions and agriculturerelated degrees such as agricultural business, animal science, and veterinary medicine.

Carlson: I agree—when I first began taking classes at South Dakota State University, I expected to be one of few women enrolled in agricultural classes. I was surprised to find that nearly half of my classmates were also women.

Weber: I disagree. Women have always played a pivotal role in the agricultural industry. Historically, you have always seen women on ranches working alongside their brothers, fathers, and husbands to get the work done and drive the industry forward. So, while some areas of the industry may be opening more broadly to woman, others have been well established for a long time.

All panelists agreed that women offer a different perspective than men in the agricultural industry.

Heffley: Women are creative out of necessity. For example, women often have to find new methods for accomplishing tasks because the way men complete the task do not work for them. Consider veterinary medicine or livestock husbandry—women often have to come up with new ways to accomplish tasks because many physically cannot use the same method traditionally used by men.

Weber: Women in agriculture also have to be creative when it comes to entrepreneurship because they often find themselves wearing many different hats. It can be hard to operate a small business in addition to fulfilling their other roles. Many women find themselves on a ranch working with their husbands and families to support their farming operation, meaning they have to work harder to pursue their own entrepreneurial aspirations. I know many women like myself who run their own businesses in addition to being fulltime mothers and ranchers.

Carlson: Women also tend to focus more on organization and details, which are easily missed in the day-to-day operation of a ranch or a business.

Neil: Men and women bring different perspectives, but both are valuable and important to the industry.

The panelists parted by stating that the future is bright for women in agriculture as they continue to take on more leadership roles in all areas of the industry.

Neil: Women will be on the front lines, advocating for innovative and effective agricultural practices and drawing youth into the industry. Woman in agriculture have powerful personal stories that can guide others to find their own place in the industry.

Weber: Women must continue to be bold and willing to step into the various roles the industry has to offer.

Carlson: Women must keep pursuing careers in agriculture; if you are passionate about something, you should pursue it.

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

JENNIFER G. LURKEN Attorney and Partner Gislason & Hunter

This article was written by Montana Becker, a 2L at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Montana worked as a summer 2021 associate at Gislason & Hunter.

BY CINDY HAUGLAND tidytightwads.com

If there’s one phrase anyone growing up in rural Minnesota expected to hear when visiting a neighbor, relative, or family friend, it was “we should have a little lunch.” If you grew up in a farming community, chances are you were invited countless times to partake in this long-standing tradition that could be traced back to instigating our other tradition, “the long Minnesota good-bye.”

How can we say farewell if there’s a little lunch already being feverishly constructed from containers pulled from the refrigerator, cupboards, and freezer?

If this copy of River Valley Woman got passed along to you while visiting from elsewhere, and you’re unfamiliar with this concept, “a little lunch” is not to be confused with what most people consider “lunch.” And “a little lunch” almost never fell during an actual meal time. It was in addition to a meal so, yes, because we’re “Minnesota Nice” and rarely committed an indiscretion of not staying to eat…. We were likely full when the next meal rolled around.

So, what constitutes a little lunch? Well, if you were lucky, the hostess was a stellar bread baker and pastry maker, so you were presented with a plethora of delicious (hopefully warm from the oven) buns and freshly frosted cake.

Any self-respecting hostess likely had one of several fillings from which to construct a sandwich that likely included:

Real butter (none of that hydrogenated margarine mumbo jumbo)

Ground beef sandwich spread (made from last night’s meal of roast beef and potatoes)

Sloppy Joe’s or BBQs (you decide which term was appropriate)

Spam or deviled ham spread (because new-fangled cultural options found their way too many rural pantries)

Lunch meat and cheese (jackpot if it included pickle loaf or olive loaf)

Along with sandwiches and cake, you likely had pickles and a variety of cookies and bars to choose from that were made up ahead of time to be ready just in case someone stopped by for a little lunch.

And, of course, a pot of hot coffee always miraculously materialized—some good and some really watered down to barely colored water. There were no lattes with oat milk in those days, so you likely had plain coffee, with cream or a sugar cube to dissolve into your cup.

If you’ve read this story, smiled, and recounted a few memories, you’re likely well-versed in rural Minnesota farm culture, and it’s been a pleasure keeping this incredible tradition alive. Thank you for reliving some wonderful memories as we celebrate women in ag and all they’ve done for families and communities through many generations!

Now, are you ready for a little lunch?

Against our wishes, summer is coming to a close and we all have to go back to a school year filled with unknowns, crazy schedules and lack of sleep as we stress about juggling our family and jobs. But this year might be more stressful because if you are like millions of families, you have brought home a new dog during the pandemic. Some of these dogs have NEVER been left alone and have relished in family being home most of the time. Now with family members going to school and work in person, away from home, these changes can cause some dogs (on occasion, cats) to become very anxious and stressed. Many of us humans will also become stressed with the new schedule, but humans are far more equipped to process and cope with stress than are our pets.

Maybe you don’t just see these changes in your pet this time of year, but instead have noticed them in your pet all year round. Maybe you don’t know what to look for. Anxiety can be very frustrating for owners and very exhausting for our pets. Cats will show very subtle signs of anxiety. They may become more vocal, they may start vomiting or eliminating inappropriately or they may just act more clingy. Cats tend to show more anxiety when their owners are home, where as dogs will show anxiety in the moment.

Dogs’ anxiety can come across in many ways. If you live in an apartment or have your windows open, you may get complaints that your dog is barking and crying. Out of frustration and fear of the consequences, owners will often fit their dog with a corrective collar. The problem with this solution is although it may quiet your dog, their underlying fear and anxiety still exists and has now (more than likely) increased. Anxiety can be silent suffering as well, such as pacing, panting, shaking, drooling, or hypervigilance (very alert). You may come home and find that your dog had an accident or maybe destroyed the blinds (at least now you don’t have to dust them), doors, rugs or wood trim. Regardless of the symptoms shown, the suffering and toll on the body remains the same.

Separation anxiety is triggered when a pet becomes separated from their guardian or someone they are attached

to. They truly feel like the world is ending when they aren’t with these people. Some dogs are triggered by cues such as blow drying your hair, putting on certain clothes, yelling at the kids for the third time to get dressed, grabbing keys or putting on shoes. Some dogs put so many cues together that they become anxious when the alarm clock goes off! These dogs often begin pacing, panting, shaking or become super clingy, sometimes even trying to sneak out the door with you. Of course, destructive behavior is what makes people worry the most as it cost money. By this point, the anxiety is out of control and NEEDS to be addressed before they hurt themselves.

Not every anxiety falls under “Separation Anxiety.” There are other forms of anxiety such as generalized anxiety, confinement anxiety and departure anxiety. The type of anxiety and how you choose to approach it, depends on what symptoms you are noticing. For example, generalized anxiety often presents as aggression on walks or when people come over.

Anxiety medication can be super helpful in many situations. Many people are resistant to using medications to treat anxiety. When a dog comes in limping, we take a radiograph and may find out that the leg is broken. We have no problem convincing the owner to give pain medication. Yet, when a dog suffers from anxiety we often struggle to convince mom or dad to medicate even though their body and quality of life could be suffering. However, even medications alone will not solve your problem.

Without behavior modification, medications are just a band aid. Simple things such as changing your routine, offering a puzzle toy before leaving, changing how you return home and structuring your interactions with your pet can all be helpful. One of the biggest contributors to our pet’s anxiety is the inconsistent interactions and the lack of feedback we give them. The first thing to work on to improve this communication is asking your dog to sit for every interaction such as receiving his meal, going outside or for getting up on furniture. This takes the guess work out, and your dog learns that polite sits are a great way to effectively communicate with you.

Going back to school can be stressful enough (how many stores did you have to go to for those Ticonderoga number 2 pencils?). Try and make things a little easier on your pet by (ordering those pencils on Amazon) recognizing the signs of anxiety, and acting on them before things get out of control.

If you are struggling, please reach out to your veterinarian for help.

NICOLE LUECK, CVT MN Valley Pet Hospital Mankato

Whether you’ve sent the kids back to school or you’re coming up for air after a busy summer with family, friends, and travel, September is a good time for women to check in with themselves. Ask yourself, “how are you feeling?”

Women are really good at taking care of others and ignoring our own health.

One of the best ways to set yourself up for good health is to schedule your well-woman visit. Well-woman visits with your primary care provider are recommended every year. Make a quick call to your clinic to see when you are due for your annual check-up.

A physical exam is an important part of a well-woman visit and we may recommend routine screenings for cancer, such as a mammogram for women over age 40—and earlier for women at a higher risk for breast cancer.

It may also be time for a blood test to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This simple test can help us catch cholesterol issues or pre-diabetes early when there’s still time to prevent health conditions that can affect your quality of life.

This visit is much more than a physical exam. We also address your mental health. Are you feeling depressed or anxious? Are these feelings keeping you from living your life and doing things you used to enjoy? Let’s face it, our world has been off balance lately and that affects all of us in different ways. Be honest with your primary care provider because we can help.

We also want to talk with you about your health, health history, and life. You may have noticed some changes in your health habits. Remember, you can always get back on track. We can help you set realistic health goals that make sense for you and your lifestyle. Your goals can include healthy eating, physical activity, better sleep, and quitting smoking.

Summer is often filled with barbecues, ice cream treats, and a few more cold beverages than usual. When it comes to healthy eating, start by adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal. It’s a great time to enjoy veggies from the garden and farmers’ markets. Don’t expect to change all of your eating habits overnight. When we deprive ourselves, we tend to fail. That’s why setting realistic goals that you can achieve is so important.

Your primary care provider can also help you set physical activity goals. September is a good time to get outside and enjoy walks in your neighborhood, parks, and trails. Above all, move in ways that bring you joy. Walking, dancing, swimming, yard work, hiking, biking, yoga, playing with the kids! Find ways to move more and sit less.

With the days getting a little shorter, you may want to look at your sleep habits. Good sleep hygiene, such as unplugging from electronics 30-60 minutes prior to bed time, can make a big difference. You may find it a lot easier to wind down and fall asleep when you skip the social media scroll before bedtime. Healthy sleep is essential for physical and mental health. Be well!

KENDRA FINN, D.O. Mankato Clinic Family Medicine

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED

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

Sat, Sept 4

• State Park Events, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169. Become a Bison Ambassador, 1 pm; Nature Hike, 4 pm; State Parks, 7 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.

• The Art of Spinning, Historic Kiesling House, 220 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: browncountyhistorymn.org, 507-233-2621or education@ browncountyhistorymn.org.

Sat, Sept 4 thru mid-Oct

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

Sun, Sept 5

• Swan Lake Paddle, Nicollet Bay boat ramp on Swan Lake, Nicollet, 9-11 am. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us

Tues, Sept 7-Oct 5

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

Thurs, Sept 9

• Music in the Park—Bullypulpit Bluegrass, Wheeler Park, No Mankato, 5:30-7:30 pm. Info: Facebook.

Thurs, Sept 9-30

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

Thurs, Sept 9 & 23

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

Thurs-Sat, Sept 9-11

• Land Castle Summer Extravaganza, Winsted. 4:30 pm Thurs to 11 pm Sat. Info & tickets: Facebook or landcastlesummerfest.com.

Fri, Sept 10

• Church of Cash, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-3327372 or info@paradisecenter-

GO. BE. DO. CON NECT.

forthearts.org.

• Fluff and Puff Pillow Cleaning, Turner Hall, 102 S State St, New Ulm, 7:30 am-3:30 pm. Info: 507-276-5798 or cdsteinhaus@ newulmtel.net.

Fri, Sept 10 & Oct 8

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

Fri-Sat, Sept 10-11

• Fall City Wide Garage Sale, Lake Crystal. Info: lakecrystalchamber.com.

Sat, Sept 11

• Annual Pork Chop Dinner, Cedar Mills Gun Club, 62841 140th St, Hutchinson, 5-7:30 pm, free dance follows. Info: Facebook or 320-587-7852.

• HermannFest, Hermann Heights Park, 10 Monument St, & Harman Park, 101 N Garden St, New Ulm. Info: hermannmonument. com or newulm.com/visitors-community/things-to-do/ festivals/hermannfest/.

• Southern MN Autism Ride, Thunder Bar & Grill, 453 Main St, Good Thunder, 11 am-7 pm. Info: Facebook.

• Brew Fest, Steele Co 4 Seasons Centre, 1525 S Elm Ave, Owatonna. Info: Facebook or owatonnanow.com/.

• Mini Cheer Camp for grades 3-5, Big Gym, High School, New Ulm, 9 am-noon. Info, cost & registration: alewandowski@newulm. k12 or 507-233-8307.

• 5k Colorfest Drew's Crews, Harmann Park, New Ulm, 11 am. Info & registration: RaceEntry. com or 507-220-8121.

• Hops for Habitat, Steele Co Four Seasons Centre, 1525 S Elm Ave, Owatonna, 3-7 pm. Info & cost tworivershabitat.org.

Sat, Sept 11 & 25

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

Sat-Sun, Sept 11-12

• Rock Bend Folk Festival, Minnesota Square Park, 224 W Elm St, St. Peter, noon Sat to 7 pm Sun. Info: rockbend.org or rockbendfolkfestival@gmail.com.

• St. Anastasia Fall Festival, 460 Lake St W, Hutchinson. Info: stanastasia.net/ or parishadmin@ stanastasia.net.

Sun, Sept 12

• New Ulm Lions Club Fly-In Breakfast, Municipal Airport, New Ulm, 7 am-12-30 pm. Info: 612-501-2719 or bbschir@comcast.net.

• St. George Harvest Festival Pickup Meal, Parish Center, 63128 388th Ln. New Ulm. Info: 507246-6008 or st.georgeharvestfestival@gmail.com. Pre-order: holycrossafc.weshareonline. org/2021STGHFEST.

• TCF South Central MN Walk to Remember, German Park, 200 N German, New Ulm, 1 pm. Info: 507-359-2737, tcf-sc-mn.org or tcfsouthcentralmn@gmail.

Mon, Sept 13

• NCHS History Hangout Virtually—Nicollet County Schools, Zoom, 10 am. Connect: us02web.zoom. us/j/82950406700. Info: 507934-2160 or info@nchsmn.org

Thurs, Sept 16

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

• Lifelong Learner Series— Fall Foliage Tour, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 12-1 pm. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org

Thurs, Sept 16 & Sat, Sept 18

• Inspired Fall Decorating Workshops, Brown Co Museum Annex, 2 N Broadway St, New Ulm. 6-7 pm Thurs or 10-11 am Sat. Info: inspirednewulm@gmail. com or inspirednewulm.com.

Fri, Sept 17

• Leaderfest, Turner Hall, New Ulm, 8 am-4 pm. Info & cost: eventbrite.com/e/leaderfest-tickets-164909058433 or chamber@newulm.com.

Fri-Sat, Sept 17-18

• Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival & Taste of Hutchinson, Library Square Park, Hwy 15, downtown Hutchinson. 10 am-6 pm Fri, 9 am-4 pm Sat. Info: info@explorehutchinson.com

• Crow River Habitat for Humanity Barn sale, 310 Hwy 7 E,

Hutchinson. 9 am-5 pm Fri, 9 am-4 pm Sat. Info 320-587-8868 or Katris@crhfh.org

• Friends of the Library Fall Outdoor Book Sale, Public Library, 50 Hassan St SE, Hutchinson. 10 am-6 pm Fri, 9 am-4 pm Sat. Info: 320-587-2368.

• Fri-Sun, Sept 17-19 and Fri-Sat, Sept 24-25

• ‘Drop Dead!’ by Paradise Community Theatre, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. 7:30 pm Fri & Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: 507-332-7372 or info@paradisecenterforthearts. org

Sat, Sept 18

• Totally Autumn Craft Show, Steele Co Four Seasons Centre, 1525, S Elm Ave, Owatonna, 10 1m-3 pm. Info: Facebook.

• Fall Festival & Shopping Extravaganza, Shady Oaks Campground, 340 Fairgrounds St, Garden City, 10 am-4 pm. Info: https://blueearthcountyfair.org/ node/434.

• Rice Co Hist Soc Fall Flea Market, 1814 NW 2nd Avenue, Faribault, 8 am-2 pm. Info: visitfaribault. com/calendar/.

• AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk, Sibley Park, Mankato, 9-11 am.

• Multi-Cultural Fiesta, parking lot behind Community Bldg & CCF Bank, St. James, 4-9 pm.

• Citywide Garage Sales, Winthrop. Info: 507-647-2627 or chamberwinthropmn@gmail. com.

• Waseca Marching Classic Parade & Competition, Jr/Sr High School Stadium, Waseca, 12 pm. Info: wasecamarchingclassic. com.

Sat-Sun, Sept 18-19

• Flying Dutchmen Flat Track Race, Club Grounds, 20513 110th Ave, New Ulm, 12 pm. Info: flyingdutchmenmotorcycleclub.com, Facebook, 507-354-2024, or jamiem@ newulmtel.net.

Sun, Sept 19

• New Ulm Area Wedding Show, Civic Center, 1212 N Franklin St, New Ulm, 11 am-2 pm. Info: 507233-4300, chamber@newulm. com or Facebook

• Walk to End Alzheimer's, Foundation Building, Fairgrounds, Owatonna, 9 am-12 pm. Info: alz. org/WALK.

• Family Fun Day, Destiny Christian Church, 2515 Harvest Ln NW, Owatonna, 9 am-1 pm. Info: destinycc.org or facebook.com/ destinyowatonna/.

Thurs, Sept 23

• Family & Friends CPR, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 6:30-8 pm. Info & cost: newulm. ce.eleyo.com, 507-233-8307 or cfleck@newulm.k12.mn.us.

Fri-Sat, Sept 24-25

• Fall City-wide Garage Sales, Nicollet. Info: nicollet.org/.

Fri-Sun, Sept 24-26

• OktoberFest, Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Info: Facebook.

Sat, Sept 25

• Chamber Golf Tournament, Golf Club, Springfield, 9:30 am. Info: springfieldmnchamber.org, 507-723-3508 or spfdchamber@ newulmtel.net.

• New Ulm Lions Diabetes Walk, New Ulm Civic Center, 1212 N Franklin St, New Ulm, 8-10 am. Info: nudbwalk.com, bbschir@ comcast.net, 507-354-8940, or 612-501-2719.

• Feather Pillow Cleaning by American Legion Auxiliary, Days Inn, 1000 Hwy 7 W, Hutchinson, 7 am-1 pm. Info: jeannerayelderly@hotmail.com

Sat, Sept 25 and Oct 2 & 9

• BCHS Vintage Popcorn Wagon, 2 N Broadway New Ulm. 10 am-5 pm. Info: browncountyhistorymn.org or 507-233-2616.

Sun, Sept 26

• Tea for Cancer Foundation, Best Western Plus, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info & cost: 507-766-2477 or 507380-8716.

• Hilltop Happenings, Hilltop Hall, 206 First St N, Montgomery, 4 pm. Info: wendyzaske@yahoo. com or HilltopHall@wordpress. com.

Tues, Sept 28

• Chamber Golf Outing, Le Sueur Country Club, 12 pm. Info: lesueurchamber.org.

Thurs, Sept 30

• Lifelong Learner Series—Out of

This World: Astronomy Exploration, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 7-8 pm. Info & registration: 507357-8580 or info@neycenter.org

• American Red Cross Blood Drive, Ridgewater College Lobby, 2 Century Ave SE, Hutchinson, 9 am-2 pm. Info: student.life@ ridgewater.edu.

Fri-Sat, Oct 1-2 & 8-9

• Oktoberfest 2021, downtown New Ulm, 10 am-5 pm. Info: newulm.com/visitors-community/things-to-do/festivals/oktoberfest-3/.

Fri-Sat, Oct 1-2 & Sat, Oct 9

• CraftoberFest during OktoberFest, 1st St N between Broadway & Minnesota, 12-5 pm Fri, 10 am-4 pm Sat. Info: nucve.com/ or newulmevents@gmail.com.

Sat, Oct 2

• Deep Valley Book Festival, Loose Moose Saloon & Conference Center, 119 S Front St, Mankato, 9:30 am-3 pm. Info: deepvalleybookfestival.com/tickets or Facebook.

• Babysitter Training for ages 10 and up, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 9:30 am-1 pm. Info & cost: newulm.ce.eleyo. com/, 507-233-8307 or cfleck@ newulm.k12.mn.us.

• German-American Day Parade, Glockenspiel start, New Ulm, 11 am. Info:

• Grape Stomp & Oktoberfest, Morgan Creek Vineyard, 23707 478th Ave, New Ulm, 11 am-6 pm. Info & cost: morgancreekvineyards.com/stomp/, 507-947-3547 or martimcv@aol. com.

Sun, Oct 3

• Craft & Vendor Fair Auxiliary Fundraiser, VFW Post 950, Mankato, 10 am-3 pm. Info: Facebook@VFWAuxiliary950, 507-327-8177 or goldieauxvfw@ gmail.com.

Thurs, Oct 7

• Film Series at Home—Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, youtube.com, 7 pm. Info: 507934-2160 or info@nchsmn.org

Fri, Oct 8

• Octoberfest with Crow River Habitat for Humanity, Bobbing Bobber Brewing Co, 900 Hwy

15, Hutchinson, 6-10 pm. Info & tickets: 320-587-8868 or Katris@ crhfh.org

Sat, Oct 9

• Maker Fair Minnesota, Nicollet Co Fairgrounds, 400 W Union St, St. Peter. 9 am-4 pm. Info: makerfairmn@gmail.com or makerfairmn.com.

• Craft Fair & Garage Sale, Our Lady of Good Counsel, 170 Good Counsel Dr, Mankato.

• Live2Lead, Owatonna Country Club, 1991 Lemond Rd, Owatonna, 8 am-3 pm.

• Schell's Oktoberfest, 1860 Schell Rd, New Ulm, 10:30 am-5 pm. Info & cost: schellsbrewery.com/ events/annual-oktoberfest/.

Tues, Oct 13

• Heartsaver CPR/AED First Aid Certification Course, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 6-9 pm. Info & cost: newulm. ce.eleyo.com/, 507-233-8307 or cfleck@newulm.k12.mn.us

Sun, Oct 17

• Memory Quilt Class, Washington Learning Center, New Ulm, 1-5 pm. Info, cost & materials: newulm.ce.eleyo.com/, 507-2338307, cfleck@newulm.k12.mn.us

Thurs, Oct 21

• Lifelong Learner Series—Time Travel to 1850: Homestead Tour, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, 12-1:30 pm. Info & registration: 507-3578580 or info@neycenter.org

Sat, Oct 23

• HOPE—NUMAS Haus Annual Fundraiser, Event Center, New Ulm, 6-9 pm. Info: numashaus. org or kdiehn@numashaus.org.

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

Relationship abuse happens everywhere; it happens in big cities, in suburbs, on farms, in rural communities, and in small towns. CADA provides services to victims and survivors of relationship abuse and sexual violence throughout a nine-county region in south-central Minnesota. Many advocacy organizations that are not located in a major metro area provide services in a range of locations – from small rural communities to bigger towns and cities. For example, CADA has offices in Mankato, New Ulm, Blue Earth, St. Peter, Fairmont, Waseca, and St. James. CADA, and other organizations similarly located in both metropolitan and rural communities, advocates understand the unique experiences of survivors in rural communities.

There are notable differences in providing advocacy in Mankato versus St. James, for instance. Social norms, differences in available resources, and other factors impact how a survivor may experience and navigate relationship abuse in a rural setting.

One social norm or common value that can impact a survivor’s experience in rural areas is the idea that individuals should be self-reliant and that personal or family matters should be kept private. This can lead to social isolation and a reluctance to reach out for help. On the flip side, too little privacy in a small town or rural community can also be a problem.

“Everyone knows everyone,” in a small town. While this feeling of community and knowing your neighbors is often a very positive attribute of living in a small town, it can present a barrier for someone experiencing relationship abuse. For one thing, it is likely that the victim and abusive partner share a social circle and that many people the victim may turn to for support also know their partner. In a small town, there is rarely an opportunity for anonymity. It is very common that police officers, doctors, social service professionals, or lawyers know both the survivor and abusive partner. One thing that almost every victim or survivor of relationship abuse fears is how they’ll be judged or whether people will believe them if they find out about the abuse. In a small community, this fear of stigma, judgment, and gossip is a looming reality that may prevent a victim from reaching out to acquaintances or the community for help.

In Minnesota, the metro area (Minneapolis and St. Paul area) has over ten victim service organizations, while in greater Minnesota, most

communities have one, if any, local victim service provider. Often in greater Minnesota, a survivor may have to travel long distances to connect with an advocate or someone who can help. Even if there is a local advocate, it is not uncommon that the survivor knows or is acquainted with the advocate, which can make reaching out for help intimidating or uncomfortable.

Living in a rural community makes accessing resources challenging. Aside from advocacy services, other resources that many victims and survivors may utilize include public transportation, food shelves, free or low-cost legal aid, public assistance, low-cost healthcare, or mental health services – these services are just harder to come by in small towns or rural communities. Geographical isolation is a problem victims and survivors may face when living in a rural area. Abusive partners may use this against a victim by limiting their access to phones or transportation. There may literally be nowhere to go and no one to turn to for help. Furthermore, in remote locations, long response times for emergency services are a dangerous reality.

Finances are almost always a reason a victim or survivor can’t leave, delays leaving, or returns to an abusive relationship. This holds true in rural communities, however, poverty looks different in rural areas than it does in metropolitan areas. There are fewer living-wage jobs, it is harder to access financial assistance or resources, and there are fewer options for affordable housing. For victims and survivors involved with farming, the complexity of a family’s finances may present unique challenges. Money is less fluid and may be tied up in farm equipment or complex assets. A farm may rely on a survivor’s labor, and they will likely not get a paycheck for that work like with most jobs. A survivor may be reluctant to leave an abusive relationship knowing that the farm or business may suffer as a result.

If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse or sexual violence, know that there are people out there who can help. No one should have to navigate abuse or trauma in isolation.

KRISTEN WALTERS Development & Communications Manager CADA, Mankato

ELEVATE YOUR BRAND WITH PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS

Abby Frey shares her journey from dreaming of her own business to seeing ownership of Generations Boutique in St. Peter become a reality, at age 19.

“It has always been my dream to have my own business. My first steps started when I was around 13 years old when my grandma bought me my first sewing machine (yes, I asked for one). I would design and sew new clothes, alter clothes I already had, and make jewelry. I created my own “store” in the basement of my parents house called “Abby’s Closet” —catchy, isn’t it? Granted my grandma was the only person who shopped at my “store,” but my passion was consistent and I knew I wanted to have my own store(s) some day.

With some coaching from business-minded people around me, I was encouraged to take business classes, finance classes, and anything that would prepare me for becoming an owner and also help figure out if this is really what I wanted to do. One class that had a big impact on me was the Entrepreneurship class in high school. I was chosen to be the CEO of this one- semester opportunity. My team created a company called Fleur-de-cals where we designed, sourced, priced, and sold fleurde-lis (our school logo) stickers during lunches at school. We created the necessary departments in the company, and each of us students had a specific role. What I learned were lessons of great teamwork, process timelines, ordering quantity, time to market, how to be a good leader, and the basics of owning your own business.

My first grownup job was at Generations Boutique, I started three years ago when I was 16. From the first day on the job, I knew this is what I wanted to do. For those that are not aware of how a boutique differs from many clothing stores, it’s the frequency of clothing turns and the non-common variety of clothing the customer will see each week. If something sells out, there is no guarantee there will be back in stock to replace that item. If you like something, you better buy it when you see it. As mentioned, the lines of clothes and accessories are continually changing based on the boutique owner’s vision of what the market place has to offer, what the customer base will buy, what will keep the store fresh and unique, and what will bring value to each customer. My goal is to fill the limited rack space with things you won’t find anywhere else, keep everything in the store at a great price, and most importantly make each customer look and feel amazing with the clothes and accessories they purchase from my store.

I graduated from Saint Peter High School in 2020 and went to Mankato State University for my first year of college. I lived in the dorms my first semester, during the COVID pandemic. Although it is not the fault of the college, my first year was not awesome. As I explored what options I could create for myself, I asked Chelsie, the current owner of Generations Boutique at that time, if I could do

an internship at the store and learn how to run a clothing store. I wanted to learn about buying cycles, accounting, pricing models, sourcing, and how to be a valued sales person. To my surprise, she was looking to exit the business and offered me the store. A recommendation to all: start your (people) networking early. I presented the opportunity to my uncle and we walked through the process of business valuation, all things legal, financing, and the business model to take over the store. We bought a business!

One of our recent new ideas for the store is “GB Private Shopping.” It’s my job, it’s my passion, and it’s really fun for me to open new clothing ideas for women that they may not see for themselves. The event is by appointment and takes place outside of normal business hours. The perfect mix of people may be a group of friends, a generational family (grandmothers, moms, daughters), or coworkers getting ready to head back to the office. The experience starts with each person providing some basic information such as size, maybe upcoming events, or what look you are going for. Don’t worry if you can’t come up with anything more than your size, I have you covered. Then, while we are enjoying each other’s company, I go create two (or more) accessorized outfits for each party member. Then, we do our own fashion show. It’s a fun event, and it’s amazing the reactions you get when your friends see you wearing things you simply wouldn’t see yourself in. GB Private Shopping is for those who want the group shopping experience to be focused on them. I’ll also be keeping a picture book in store, along with online for those that participate.

Fashion Advice:

Already this August, I spent time in LA and Las Vegas visiting various marketplaces. Some fall fashion trends I have been seeing are corduroy jackets, flare jeans, and knee high boots. Having plain t-shirts/ basic outfits and adding accessories to dress it up or down is a good staple in everyone’s wardrobe. I have also purchased over 500 pieces of name brand/ designer singles from one of the LA marketplaces. What does that mean? It means, there is only one piece of that clothing created. These dresses, tops, and pants are stunning, they are well made, and no one else will ever have what you are wearing.

Lastly, an upside of staying and working at home this past year has allowed us to wear comfortable clothes again. Fashion does not mean you need to give up comfort. I see clothes that are fashionable and comfortable and work for both outdoors activities as well as casual lounging.

As in the name, we have clothes for all generations of women. We carry sizes from XS to 3XL, and make it our goal to have something for every shopper. I look forward to everyone stopping by the store, even if just to say “hi.”

Oh, my favorite quote? “ Life is a party, Dress like it ”

~ Audrey Hepburn

Abby's mother Amy, grandmother Sharon, and Abby Frey

INTO CA$H FALL

There are many perks to the digital age. It’s more convenient than ever to shop online and have nearly everything you need delivered right to your door, sometimes within hours of ordering it. For many people, online banking is another convenience that many people rely on. Gone are the days of having to wait in line for a bank teller to process your deposit or wait until the end of the month to balance your checkbook when the printed bank statement arrives. Let’s face it, banking online is pretty handy.

Research shows there can be social-emotional disadvantages to so much virtual and digital engagement. As the global pandemic forced people to be physically isolated from one another for extended periods of time, even introverts have begun to feel lonely, disconnected, and crave inperson interaction!

So much of valuable banking is relationship building and that can be hard to do online or even over the phone. Believe it or not, there are benefits to knowing a real banker in real life who works at a real brick and mortar bank. There comes a time in most of our lives when we need financial advice or more specifically a loan. There are times that judging someone solely on their credit score may be a misleading indicator of that person’s liability. That is when it really helps to know your banker! An established relationship with a banker means they understand your situation, your liability on paper, and they also understand the details behind your situation. This is especially true for farmers who are cash poor on paper but have a lot of assets like farmland and equipment. On paper, some farmers may look like a liability to bankers who are not experienced with agriculture finances. This is why having an established relationship with a banker key to your financial success.

In some ways, choosing a bank or a lender is like looking for a life partner! Both parties are searching for a trustworthy, understanding listener who knows when to laugh and is willing to provide knowledgeable guidance when needed. When your entire business and legacy are at stake, not just any banker will do.

Bringing a personal connection and first-hand understanding of their business to the conversation is essential for a good banker-customer relationship. You can’t gain this trust by simply sitting behind a bank desk analyzing numbers and shuffling papers.

One of my favorite parts of my job as an ag lender is getting to know my clients. I can understand our farmers on a more personal level than many bankers because I grew up helping on my family’s crop and livestock farm near Good Thunder. I worked alongside my dad, my mom, and my older brothers sometimes in the field, sometimes in the pig barns, and sometimes in the kitchen. No job was off limits, no job had a gender bias on our farm; if there were idle hands nearby, they better start working on the next farm chore.

This carries through to my life and my work today. I am always busy, whether at work, spending time with my husband and three daughters, or volunteering on numerous community boards. My colleagues would say I am not a traditional banker, I am a total extrovert, I love people, and I’m straight-forward.

It’s a joy getting to know our clients and their business. I enjoy the challenge of helping our farmers and ag business customers solve problems today as they plan for the future of their business. It’s a privilege to sit across from farmers at their kitchen table for business expansion conversations and just to shoot the breeze.

I love farmers! They’re the most dedicated and hard-working people I know.  They’re doing right by their family and feeding the world. Even when commodity prices are low and they’re not making money, farmers still plant and harvest a crop, they still care for their livestock, not just to provide for their family, but to provide for their communities and the millions of people around the world who rely every day on the 2 million American farmers for their food, clothing, renewable fuel and thousands of other by-products. When you’re looking for a bank, look for one with bankers and lenders who you connect with, who understand you, your goals, and your business.

VERONICA BRUCKHOFF Vice President, Business Development, Ag Lender Profinium, Mankato

SeptemberMust

1. Evoke Face

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

1603 N Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 651.226.3704 mankatomed.com

2. Basin Basin brings the relaxation of a spa to your home. With a refreshing line of sweetly scented bath bombs, scrubs and soaps that will help relieve your daily stresses. Scents range from Serenity or Electric lemonade and even Florida Sunshine, something to fit every mood. You can find Basin products at your Mankato Hy-Vee’s. Hy-Vee Hilltop

2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.9070

Hy-Vee Riverfront

410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.1107

3. Deluxe Stadium Chair

For comfort at any sporting event or concert, make sure you have the best seat in the house. Lightweight and easy to carry, use this seat to cushion bleachers and benches. Stay comfortable and cool with the three extra inches of width. Get yours at Scheels today! Scheels River Hills Mall 1850 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.386.7767 scheels.com

4. Emsculpt Neo

The first and only FDA cleared noninvasive 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 to 35!

Giddie Skin

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

5. Ready for Fall?

It's that time of year to get your yard cleaned up and ready for fall. STIHL's gas or battery powered chainsaws and blowers are ready to get the job done. Stop into C&S Supply, where we not only sell the equipment we service it as well.

C&S Supply

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

6. 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 56001 507.381.5467 bodyconceptsmankato.com

7. Memory Bears

Save memories with Memory Bears made from garments from past days or something saved from a loved one who has gone on ahead of us. Any fabric that is connected to your memories is well suited for a Memory bear. The wonderful part of turning that special garment into a bear is that you can have it out to display or just hold and cuddle it. Visit us online to learn more about our memory bears.

Pins and Needles

Alterations

728 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507.625.5163 katobears.com

2.

3.

4.

1.

8. Somfy Motorized Blinds

Motorized blinds & shades appear at the touch of a button and disappear when you don’t need them. These custom professionally installed blinds & shades give you the convenience to easily manage room lighting and privacy. Contact Blinds & More today to schedule your FREE consultation.

Blinds & More Window Coverings

507.380.5019 blindsandmore.org

9. 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 56001

507.625.6599

skinessentialsmankato.com

10. BioShield® UV Disinfection Sanitizer

Harness the instant neutralizing power of Ultraviolet Light to virtually eliminate all unhealthy microorganisms in your pool in a matter of seconds. Cut your chlorine usage in half while “zapping” unwelcome guests like COVID, Giardia and E. coli and other harmful waterborne pathogens that can cause Recreational Water Illnesses.

Sawatzky Pools and Spas

433 Belgrade Ave. North Mankato, MN 56003

507.388.3624

sawatzkypools.com

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

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

“I love our new windows.”

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

Schmidt Siding & Window 901 N 5th St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.6412 schmidtmankato.com

Caring for your family can bring joy to your life. If you are caring for your parents and children, this can become complex. As your parents age, their needs and abilities change. If you’ve started to consider the next best move for Mom, Dad or another senior loved one, we have guidance on trigger moments that signify it may be time to talk about a plan.

Here’s a list of significant changes that could indicate your parents may currently or soon need additional support such as home care, decluttering help, financial advising, or assisted living:

• Difficulty keeping up with finances. Observe stacks of unpaid bills or late notices.

• Changes in personal hygiene or housekeeping that indicate parents are having trouble with personal grooming or housework.

• Your parent repeats themselves often in the same conversation, seems confused, highly emotional or exhibits unusual paranoia. This could be caused by medications or other more serious cognitive issues.

• Excessive shopping through TV or online outlets, or an unusual interest in online sweepstakes that require their personal information, phone numbers, addresses, social security or banking information.

• Your parent is extremely isolated due to loss of a spouse or loss of personal mobility.

• Numerous safety concerns in the home, such as heat, air conditioning, leaks, crumbling plaster, trip and fall hazards, steep stairways, loose carpeting and outdated electrical.

• Health concerns: disorganized medications, spoiled food in the home, lack of healthy food items, infestations or mold.

• Recent diagnosis of a chronic health condition that requires a variety of care services provided by multiple practitioners.

If you noticed any of the trigger moment changes above, it may be time for your loved one to consider rightsizing or a move that benefits their health condition. Here are five tips to help you prepare them to “Rightsize” for whatever comes next.

Help your loved one get rid of items that belong to other people. Quite often, the first place you can begin to clear is where other people’s items gather. Have they held on to your childhood furniture and keepsakes or stored items for family and friends? If your answer is yes, start clearing those items. Contact family members and friends to find out if they want their items back or no longer have use for them.

Dispose of broken and outdated items. In most cases, broken items are no longer useful or functional, but a hazard. Items like chipped or broken decorative items can be especially harmful depending on the material the item is made of, the paint used to decorate it, or if the item has sharp or jagged edges. Be sure to discard these items to clear room as well as for safety. Also consider discarding well worn, old, holey, or torn clothing, bed linens, and towels as well as chipped or broken dinnerware.

Start the process by identifying items your loved one absolutely loves and needs. After deciding what items are needed to live safely and comfortably, such as a bed, place for clothes or eating utensils, you can then consider which items they love most that are not essential to daily life or comfort.

Be patient and prioritize the well-being of everyone involved. In a world driven by immediacy, we often want instant results. Remember that “Rightsizing” is a process that works best with a plan and lots of patience. This is a conscious decision to set the next phase of your life for comfort and healthy living. If the process exceeds what your family can do comfortable, consider hiring experts.

For every milestone in our lives, we use space differently. Quite often, embarking on new territory can be both exciting, and in some cases frightening. Having open and honest conversations with your loved ones about the next steps in their life can ease some of the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding this topic.

DOUG LAMOUREUX Owner Caring Transitions of Mankato

What is a patio home?

You may have come across patio homes in your search for a new place. While you may have assumed “patio home” is simply a description for a home that contains a patio, that is not the case. In fact, sometimes a patio home doesn’t have a patio at all! Patio homes are often part of a community of patio homes and while they vary in size, most are a single level of living space and they typically don’t exceed more than one-and-a-half stories. Patio homes do not include a basement and don’t have stairs in the main living area. Similar to a townhome, when you purchase a patio home you own the entire property, including the land underneath the home, the property’s exterior and it’s nearby structures like fencing, grass, driveways and porches or patios. Patio homes are often a part of a homeowner’s association (HOA) which takes care of things like exterior home maintenance, lawn care and snow removal for a monthly fee.

What are the pros and cons of buying a patio home?

As with any home purchase, there are positives and negatives to the type of home you choose. When

considering a patio home, some of the pros to consider are a lower price point, single-level living, no stairs, little to no yard work and less housekeeping. In addition, some patio home communities offer extra amenities like clubhouses, walking trails or other community spaces, and most patio home communities are located in close proximity to shopping and entertainment options. The cons to owning a patio home can include being too close to your neighbors, paying HOA fees and having less living and storage space than you would in a more traditional home.

Who typically buys patio homes? Most patio homes are on one level and don’t include stairs, so they can be great for those who are aging and don’t want to worry about navigating multiple levels of a home. The lack of stairs and access to everything on one level can also be convenient for those who experience mobility issues. Due to their more compact size, patio homes are great for empty nesters, retirees and couples who don’t need as much space as a traditional home provides. Because an association generally takes care of lawn care, snow removal and

outdoor maintenance, a patio home can also be great for those who are too busy or are physically unable to manage those things and don’t want to have to worry about it. Patio homes are generally very popular for those who are downsizing, and many 55-plus communities have them.

Is a patio home right for me?

A patio home may be perfect for you depending on your life stage as well as your needs and wants. The best way to determine if you should consider a patio home is to contact your real estate agent and they can help you think through the pros and cons of patio homes and how those relate to your individual situation. An agent can also help you find patio homes that are available in your desired location. If you don’t know who to call, you can just #AskCandee at 507-327-5006 and I’m always happy to help!

CANDEE DEICHMAN REALTOR® CENTURY 21 Atwood

Joint Replacement Surgery Important Choice, Easy Decision

165172

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

• Over 5,000 successful hip, knee and other orthopaedic surgeries

• 245 years of combined orthopaedic surgery experience

• 1 of 6 hospitals in the nation accredited as a hip and knee replacement center of excellence

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

Learn more at OrthoEdgeMN.com

Recognized for Being the Best!

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

• Hip & Knee Replacement

• Shoulder Surgery

• Spine Surgery

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