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BY EILEEN MADSEN Editorthere was a librarian, two authors, and a publisher— each with their own unique story. Stories that are part mystery, part adventure, a bit of history, and with many surprising plot twists.
We dedicate this first ever READ issue to all things books. To those who write them, publish them and otherwise are involved in how they get to us bleary eyed, sleep-deprived lovers of the written word.
Contrary to popular belief, you can judge a book, or rather—a magazine—by its cover. Taylor Library Director, Katie Heintz, has had a fondness for libraries since childhood. A self-proclaimed non-typical librarian, she is proud out loud of how libraries have changed over the years to gathering places for families and friends. Katie’s next chapter is taking on the role of head of the Culture, Recreation, and Quality of Life department for the City of North Mankato.
Before we can have bookstores and libraries, we’ll need the authors. Bookmark writers Cindy Wilson and Rhonda Buerkle for future reference.
Like many children, Cindy Wilson had a fascination with Little House on the Prairie books in grade school. But she also had a strong sense of curiosity as to what actually happened on the prairie all those years ago. In 2016, her neighborhood book club assignment to read The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder—a semi-fictitious account of the hard winter of 1880-81—made her ask even more questions. Wilson’s obsession with sleuthing out the realities of frontier life led to the publication of the Gold Award winning The Beautiful Snow, now in its second printing. Sometime you just gotta wonder, and that’s a fact. Public health professional, Rhonda Buerkle, had a dream to be published. Although she does technical grant writing for her job, it was her daughter’s stuffed animal, Woofy, who convinced her to make him the subject of her children's book series, Woofy Toofy. With guidance from other pros in the field, Rhonda not only realized her dream of publishing three books about the adventures and travels of Woofy, the concept was played out in real life as a workshop production at Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont. When Rhonda sets her mind on success, she’s not kidding.
The publisher is not just a footnote in the process of getting a book into the hands of the reader. Owner of Minnesota Heritage Publishing, Julie Schrader, started her career as a hobby researching family genealogy. Submitting her findings to some Minnesota organizations that were compiling their own county books, she subsequently became the project director for Heritage of Blue Earth County, which led to writing and publishing her own books about the Mankato area and eventually to owning her own company. And the rest is history.
Our Facebook poll of RVW readers’ fave books runs the gamut from self-help and non-fiction, to classics and science fiction. My favorite books tend to lean towards young adult fiction. Not only because I am perhaps just that immature, but that was the time I felt so much— wonder, hope, conflict, unrequited love, and a sense that one’s future was an open book, so to speak. Hence, my life of petty theft began.
Two books I have in my possession today I stole from my hometown library in 1970—although I try to justify it as a rescue mission. Back in the day there were checkout cards inside the book where you signed your name, and I saw that over the course of a few years, I was the only one who took out Beverly Cleary’s Luckiest Girl, and Game of Danger by Lois Duncan. I guess I will have to live with my guilt, but I hope no one adds up the library fines.
Shhhhh! While libraries are great places to absorb information, we should not keep quiet about the fact that libraries are more than books. Not only do they have computer areas, kids programs, art displays, and videos, they can also be architectural marvels. Our SPACES pages feature three best-kept-secret river valley libraries with stories that shouldn’t be. New Ulm Public Library boasts a whimsical Wanda Gag statue in front of its austere Brutalist architecture, while inside you’ll find a three-level, modernist look. Blue Earth County Library’s Kasota Stone block style building was built around a pile of rocks that serve as a fountain, soothing patrons as they read or research. Head to St. Peter for some high-ceilings and art glass wow factors. The newest of the three libraries, due to the tornado that leveled the previous one in 1998, was made possible through a very generous donation by a local couple.
This issue is a real page turner, and we'll all read happily ever after. The end.
By KELLY DEVRIENDT
PHOTOS BY ALICE HQ PHOTOGRAPHY
Some people know exactly what career they are looking to create for themselves; many spend a lifetime trying to figure it out.
Katie Heintz, on the other hand, found her calling seemingly by accident. However, accidents are rarely without any warning, and Heintz most definitely kept herself open to fall into exactly what she was meant to do.
Born and raised in upper North Mankato, Heintz recalls summers biking to the library with her sisters.
“I have such fond memories of the library,” she said, “Everything there was such a positive experience.”
Like many, she refers to the reading challenges and how rewarding it was to devour books.
Later, Katie decided to spread her wings a bit and moved to Minneapolis where she attended Minneapolis Technical College. Yet, her home town beckoned and she eventually graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in communications.
“I really had no idea what I wanted to do with that degree,” Heintz said, “I just knew I needed an education.”
Katie came across a part-time job opening at the Taylor Library in North Mankato. Remembering all the joy the library had brought her as a child, she decided to apply. She was offered the job and, with a bit of a leap of faith, accepted the opportunity.
“I would have never thought that job would have morphed into this,” Heintz said.
Today, Katie is the Director of the Taylor Library in North Mankato and has been in this role for five years. She has spent a total of 10 years as a library employee. Beyond that, she heads up the Culture, Recreation, and Quality of Life Department for the City of North Mankato. This is a new department for the city that oversees the new swim park at Spring Lake Park, the library and its programs, as well as Caswell Park sports.
Katie does not see herself as what many would still consider a typical librarian.
“When I tell people that I am a librarian, they respond with ‘But you’re so loud,’” she said.
This non-traditional librarian personality trait is what Katie feels helps make her excel at her job in a time when libraries are evolving.
“I can talk to anybody, and I love to learn about their families and what they are reading,” she said.
Heintz describes the old perception of a library as being quiet and where people are expected to be relatively silent.
“We don’t shush people anymore,” she explained, “We want the library to be a place where people and families can gather.”
Today’s libraries are full of kids playing, puzzles being put together, and people gathering to share their love of reading and community. Of course, the library also remains a place of study, research, and reading.
The past few years have inevitably brought challenges and Heintz and her team were able to rise to the occasion to continue to engage with their community. Taylor Library continues to offer curbside pick-up for those who remain cautious due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemics peak, books were mailed to patrons with the help of grants and scholarship programs. These funds also allowed the team at Taylor to personally reach out to senior citizens who, for them, the library was a primary space for socializing. To support families at home, Katie and her team put together make-andtake crafts, which averaged a pick up rate of 125 per week.
Presently, there is a slow return of people coming into the library to check out materials. Obviously, Katie sees this as an enormously good thing and finds inspiration in the interactions.
“Books create moments; they help you feel connected with others, they build imagination, and force you to be present in the moment,” she said.
With this return, Heintz and her team are once again focused and excited to offer community programs.
Katie describes herself as a people person who loves bringing others together. She also encourages her staff to develop and share ideas for new programs.
“I like to push the staff here to not be afraid to fail,” Katie said, “We won’t know if we don’t try.”
What is your favorite book genre?
Historical fiction
What was your favorite book when you were a kid?
Charlotte’s Web
Have you ever not finished a book? If so, why not?
Oh yes, all the time! If I can’t get into a book, it is time to move on.
Who is your favorite author?
Diane Chamberlain with Fredrik Backman in a close second. I really could go on and on….
How much time would you say you spend reading?
I have twin three-year-olds so not nearly as much as I would like, but I spend a lot of time reading picture books and I also listen to audiobooks.
What is the most popular program at the library?
We have so many great programs. Right now, our adult craft nights are very popular. Our Music in the Park series is always a hit and is one of my favorite events that we put on.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I would love to own a bookstore!
Do you ever read on a device?
I see the draw and it is convenient, but for me I enjoy turning pages and using a bookmark. I do listen to audiobooks, although having the actual book and looking at it up on the shelf or on the bedside is such a sense of comfort; it is like looking at an old friend.
Top five favorite books
Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
A Man called Ove by Fredrick Backman
The Lake House by Kate Morton
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal
A prime example of that is the Pumpkin Walk at Benson Park. The team had no idea how many people would contribute and be interested, but they decided to give it a go and if it flopped, they just wouldn’t do it again the following year.
It most definitely did not flop; 125 carved pumpkins were dropped off and 300 people walked through. It is now one of their most attended community events.
“I love planning these bigger events and seeing the joy it brings to the community,” Katie said.
This go-for-it attitude, coupled with her out-going personality, has made Katie a unique and essential contributor to the North Mankato community. Amy Hunt has known Heintz for almost 10 years and works as the Bookmobile librarian, and sees Katie as forward thinking. “She knows how to make people feel comfortable,” Hunt said, “Beyond that, she works hard to find new ways for the library to stay relevant.”
Katie’s demonstrated abilities played a direct part in her falling into the expanded role as head of Culture, Recreation, and Quality of Life Department for the City of North Mankato. One of the goals of this position is to engage the community and create programs. Heintz definitely has a proven track record of leading a team to make this happen. Moreover, there is a lot of overlap in the two roles.
“We are seeing the same people at both places so it makes sense to bring the two worlds together,” Katie said.
Michelle Zimmerman is the Children’s Librarian and has worked with Katie for 10 years. Zimmerman sees Heintz as a strong and fair leader, who sets an example for all.
“If she thinks something can be done, she works at it until she achieves it,” Zimmerman said.
This also includes making others happy. Zimmerman also stated, “Katie has a huge heart and would do anything to make sure others know they are loved.”
A community that feels valued and supported thrives. Heintz desires to create spaces and develop programming which contribute to this sense of community and belonging for all ages.
“We love our library,” Katie said, “We want people to know that everyone is welcome.” RVW
Being an author wasn’t something Rhonda Buerkle always thought was attainable, but it’s something she was able to become. The Glencoe-based woman published her first children’s book, Woofy Toofy, in December 2020. Buerkle grew up in the small town of Gibbon.
“I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up. I loved biology and medicine,” she recalled.
But on the other hand, Buerkle also loved books and reading from a young age, and was a regular in her community’s public library.
“I’ve had my nose in a book since I was four years old. My mom would read to us when my dad was in the barn before dinner and I would be correcting her. I was four,” Buerkle said with a laugh.
Still, she headed off to college and earned a degree in Community Health from St. Cloud State and, later, a master’s in Health Science from Minnesota State University in Mankato.
She worked in public health “forever” and is currently the executive director of McLeod Alliance in Hutchinson and is also co-owner of a small business, Generations Homecare Services in Sibley County. There, the goal is to keep seniors in their own home as long as possible. They’re trying to get it launched post-Covid. A large part of Buerkle’s job includes grant writing.
“I write all the time,” she said.
This is true. By day, Rhonda does more structured, technical grant writing, but in her free time, she writes about what her daughter Ryley’s stuffed animal, Woofy, is up to.
“I had been writing for a long time and it was always my dream to be published,” Buerkle explained.
She said she’s had three or four adult fiction books started, but had never considered writing children’s books.
“Then I was getting ready for my daughter’s graduation party and I noticed all of the pictures had Woofy in them. It was a lightbulb for me,” Rhonda said.
So, she started sketching out ideas for those books but struggled at first with getting everything to flow. That was six years ago.
“I contacted a couple of publishers in the metro and got too discouraged, because of the price, and I couldn’t find an illustrator,” Buerkle said.
By BROOKE WOHLRABEShe let it drop for a few years. Then as 2020 arrived and the pandemic hit, Buerkle was determined to finish the book in the free time that year brought. She saw an article in the paper about another local children’s author and connected with him and he became her mentor.
“He pointed me in the direction of an editor,” Buerkle said.
That was June 2020. Rhonda said the night after she found an editor, one of her good friend’s from college called to inquire if she was still looking for an illustrator.
“She said her daughter was getting really good so I told her to send some samples over. I started crying because I could just see it pulling together,” Buerkle said.
Lane Kennedy was 17 when she illustrated Woofy Toofy. Her mother, Miranda— Buerkle’s friend—did the layout for the book.
Buerkle also wrote a grant to the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council to help fund the first book.
“It just kind of all clicked into place,” she said.
Buerkle went the self-publishing route and got the first copy of her book in December 2020. While she was ecstatic to see the finished work, she was even more excited to present it to her daughter, whom the books are based on.
Rhonda said her daughter knew she was writing again and that she had found an editor, but she didn’t know what the focus of her mother’s book was.
“When it was done, she was gone for two weeks in Montana skiing, so I had to wait until she got back. It was torture,” Buerkle said.
Once her daughter got back, they met up before she had to go back to college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
“I gave it to her and said, ‘Here’s your graduation present.’ We were in the parking lot of Target, of all places, when she opened it up. It was so sweet,” Rhonda said.
Rhonda’s sister was there and recorded the moment which Buerkle said was an amazing experience.
In addition to Ryley, Woofy is of course the star of the series. Ryley has had the stuffed wolf since she was two years old. It came from a store called Canelakes in Virginia, Minnesota.
“We stopped in to get a treat and she just fixated on this little stuffed wolf. She bargained for it. Twenty-two years later, he goes where she goes,” Buerkle said.
Now Ryley is 24 and living in New York City, along with Woofy.
After the first book came out, Buerkle began working on the next one. She said it takes her about six months to finish a book. Woofy’s Big Adventure came out in August 2021 and recaps a family trip to Europe when Ryley was eight.
The third book, which will come out later this month, tells the tale of Woofy on the farm that Rhonda’s parents live on in Gibbon.
Buerkle said she’s not sure how many more Woofy books will come out. It’s likely she’ll do one more where Woofy heads to the Big Apple and that might be the last one. But that doesn’t mean Buerkle will be done writing.
“I would really love to finish some of my other stories. They come when they want to and then you go from there,” she said.
As for her writing process, Buerkle said she’s “old-school” and has notebooks all over the place.
“Whenever I have an idea pop into my head, whether it’s in the middle of the night or if I’m in my office or in my car, I’ll pull over and jot it down,” she said.
While grant writing is cumbersome with paperwork, Buerkle said she still enjoys it and the rewards that come from it, but that it’s different from the other writing she does.
“Writing is my therapy and my downtime. It’s pure joy for me,” she said.
However, Rhonda admitted that she never expected her writing to take off like it did.
“It was a love letter to my kids. It truly was. It’s taken off and people love it,” she said.
Rhonda has done book signings and readings for families and children, and loves hearing kids ask where Woofy is going next. She’s also donated books to the library in her hometown of Gibbon and in Glencoe.
“Books are meant to be shared,” she said.
Last summer, a local director Buerkle knows contacted her and asked if she’d be interested in using the first book as a children’s workshop. It was held in November at the Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont.
“It was surreal to see a little kid playing me and my daughter. It was crazy,” Buerkle said.
Since the success of the first one, more workshops will be taking place this summer in Glencoe and Hutchinson. Rhonda is excited to bring the arts to rural Minnesota.
“I love giving kids the opportunity to do something in
in no particular order
Little Critter by Mercer Mayer
Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
the arts and bringing my love of it to them,” she said.
Buerkle is not at all competitive when it comes writing and pursuing getting a book published, which is often a long and difficult process. Rather she encourages her friends or anyone who wants to write, to just do it.
She has gotten together with other children’s authors and said it’s all about supporting and encouraging each other. She suggests people find some mentors or other writers interested in getting together and giving each other feedback. She extended the invitation for anyone with questions to email her at rhondabuerkle73@gmail.com.
Rhonda also appreciates the support of her family, which includes 13-year-old son Cooper.
“He thinks his mom is famous,” Buerkle said with a laugh. “Your mom is just having fun, she’s not famous. This has been my dream and I can’t tell you how many times I cried over the last two years because I can’t even believe how awesome it’s been. I would encourage anyone to go for it.”
If the opportunity presents itself, Rhonda said she would love to write full time. The books are available at Amazon and some are available in various places in Minnesota—Gibbon, Bemidji, Olivia, and Chanhassen. Rhonda would like to see them available in Mankato as well.
Buerkle said there’s a publishing company in the metro that’s interested in republishing the books, in hard cover, under their name. Rhonda would also like to do a box set of the first three books.
“Who knows? The sky is the limit,” she said. RVW
Schrader knew the key to a successful self-published book was making sure it was of professional quality with impeccable editing. She already had experience in writing and editing, but as a self-published author, Julie then had to learn how to file for copyrights, register for International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) and obtain permission for use of illustrations or photographs for her book. Working with local printers on timelines, estimates, layouts and graphic design work were also a part of the learning curve. Schrader was up for the challenge and appreciated having control over her own project.
People took notice of what Schrader had done as a self-published author. She was approached to help others who wanted to do the same thing. With what she learned through her self-publishing experience, she was able to consult with other local authors, who shared her passion for preserving local history, by helping them to self-publish. One of Schrader’s clients is local author Bryce Stenzel. Stenzel, who has authored nearly a dozen books, attributes much of his success to Schrader.
Julie Schrader never intended to write a book or own a publishing company, but her interest in history snowballed into a career that has made a big impact on the Greater Mankato area. Her passion for history has pushed her to share her wealth of knowledge with others.
In the early 1980s, Schrader was researching family genealogy as a hobby. She was encouraged to submit her findings to various Minnesota counties that were compiling county history books at that time. Subsequently, she became the project director for Heritage of Blue Earth County, published in 1990. While researching at the Blue Earth County Historical Society for that publication, she became particularly fascinated by the history of the Red Jacket Valley area south of Mankato, and wanted to share her findings with others.
This led to her first book, the History of the Red Jacket Valley. The book was of local interest and didn’t require a large run at the printer, so in true entrepreneurial spirit, Schrader decided to self-publish her first book.
“So many interesting things happened in the Red Jacket Valley that I never knew about, and I thought it would make a nice little book, but the only way to do it was to self-publish,” Julie said. Minnesota Heritage Publishing was born.
“ Without Julie's knowledge and expertise, as well as her unwavering faith in me as an author, I would have never been able to publish any of my books,” Stenzel said. “I did not have the connections in the publishing world to make my dream of publishing my own books a reality.”
Schrader and Stenzel have also partnered on projects. They include cowriting The Boy in Blue: Blue Earth County’s Civil War Memorial. Schrader was the first person Stenzel called when he was looking into reforming the original Boy in Blue Memorial Committee with the intent of recreating Mankato's oldest war memorial, located in the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood.
“Julie is the classic representation of the term, ‘community volunteer,’” Stenzel said. “Her passion for history is evident in all she does.”
Schrader has also drawn attention to Greater Mankato’s rich history and literary significance through her work to raise awareness of beloved Mankato author, Maud Hart Lovelace.
Julie was first introduced to Lovelace’s work by a friend who understood her love of history. She encouraged Schrader to read the Betsy-Tacy collection of books which are based on Lovelace’s childhood adventures with her best friend and next-door neighbor, Frances ‘Bick’ Kenney. The stories of Betsy (Lovelace) and Tacy (Kenney) are set in Deep Valley, a fictional town based on Lovelace’s hometown of Mankato in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
“Even though the books are fiction, they are based on fact,” Schrader said. “I was shocked at how much of Mankato I could pick out of the books, and I wanted to learn more about those people and places.”
Julie marveled at the detailed descriptions of historical significance such as experiencing the first telephones or first automobiles. According to Schrader, many towns are not as lucky to have such detailed depictions of their past.
“That is our history, and we should be proud of that,” Julie said. “People need to know they can read about it in those books and feel what it was like to live in that period right here in Mankato.”
Several of Schrader’s projects have been directly tied to Lovelace. Julie wrote Maud Hart Lovelace’s Deep Valley, digging into the history revealed in Lovelace’s books. She later wrote Discover Deep Valley as a guidebook for anyone hoping to visit the local landmarks tied to the characters of Betsy and Tacy.
Julie’s growing interest in Maud Hart Lovelace led her to become active in The Betsy-Tacy Society, an organization with the mission of promoting and preserving Lovelace’s legacy. In her time as the executive director and volunteer for the society, she helped to get the childhood homes of Lovelace and Kenney restored and listed as National Literary Landmarks. The homes, along with Schrader’s guidebook, provide a step back into the past and draws BetsyTacy fans from around the country and world.
As a tribute to Lovelace, Schrader started the Deep Valley Book Festival. Running for the seventh consecutive year, it is the largest literary festival of its kind in southern Minnesota and draws participants from around the country. The event gathers authors, illustrators, and literary organizations to share their work with the public. It offers literary development through workshops, speakers and panel discussions.
A two-part event, the virtual experience was held on March 5 and featured such Minnesota authors as Lorna Landvik, author of Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons and Rachael Hanel, author of the memoir We’ll Be the Last Ones to Let You Down. The upcoming literary expo, scheduled for October 2022, provides participants with hundreds of books of all genres, various programs, book signings, and even a young writer and artist competition.
“Julie has worked tirelessly for years promoting the literary arts in Mankato. She recognizes this area’s rich literary heritage, and she has a mission to connect readers and writers,” Hanel, who also serves as a committee member of the festival, said. “It’s so important to have literary events outside of the Twin Cities area, and the Deep Valley Book Festival fills that need."
To date, Schrader has written, co-written, edited, and published nearly 40 books. Her love of history and her passion for sharing it with others has raised awareness of what is so special about our little corner of the world.
She is now turning her attention to her own projects and scaling back from publishing other authors. Although she says she is taking a little step back, this mover and shaker will continue to bring value to her community through her writing and her dedication to raising awareness of local history and treasures. RVW
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace
Authors: Faith Sullivan
Jennifer Chiaverini
Allen Eskens
Lorna Landvik
Like many girls, Cindy Wilson was fascinated with the Little House on the Prairie books when she discovered them in grade school. She was especially intrigued by the cover of On the Banks of Plum Creek, with a picture of a barefoot Laura Ingalls Wilder running across the prairie.
To this day, Cindy still remembers having the book in her school desk and peeking at it all day, slightly lifting the lid of her desk to take a look.
“I had no idea at the time where that would lead. That book led me to the rest of the Little House books—then I wanted to know more about the real, historic people,” she said.
She added, “I was always interested in frontier history. I was curious about the history behind the novel. Family and area history became my escape when I needed respite.”
It wasn’t until decades later that Wilson would really dig deep into that history. It started somewhat by accident.
“I had my neighborhood book club read The Long Winter in October 2016. I knew they’d ask questions, comparing the novel to reality,” she said. “That really set things in motion.”
Over the next year, Wilson spent a week each at the state historical societies in Pierre, South Dakota and in St. Paul, digging through newspapers and microfilm to learn all she could.
“I was mostly still feeding my own curiosity—what was that winter really like, in a historical perspective? The Long Winter is a novel, but I wondered how it compared to the real winter of 1880-81,” she said.
During the next year-and-a-half, Wilson spent a lot of time caring for her mother who had dementia, but found her research to be a good escape.
“It got to be that I needed something that I could escape into. I took all those things I had harvested and turned them into a book. It became my way to keep myself grounded,” Wilson explained of her historical publication, The Beautiful Snow. “It was my sanity—but also kind of scary, outing my private fascination with Laura Ingalls Wilder. I worried—putting the book out there was like outing my private world.”
However, Wilson received good advice on how to handle her trepidation.
“Another author told me, ‘Hold it loosely. If you get praise, hold it loosely and do the same thing if someone attacks you. People will review your book on want they want it to be, but it is what you want it to be.’”
While people who have read The Long Winter may wish to see it as accurate, Cindy feels that the novel, and her historical account can exist side-by-side.
By RUTH KLOSSNER
The Hard Winter of 1880-81 started with the first blizzard in mid-October and the storms kept coming through early April. Wilson has found many similarities between the novel and the history; she’s also found that Wilder embellished others for the sake of the novel.
“The weather—it was a hideous winter, maybe not as extreme as the novel, but darn close,” Wilson said. “The storm began in October. Fuel ran out for a lot of towns when the railroad couldn’t get through. Blockades at Sleepy Eye took out two railroad lines to the west.”
The biggest difference Wilson found was the perception
of the railroad’s effort. While Wilder’s novel indicates that the railroad gave up and abandoned the towns, Wilson noted, “That was perfect in a novel, but, in reality, the stories of how they tried to keep the tracks open are worthy of historical fiction.”
By January—a month before the worst storms hit—the railroad companies had already spent the equivalent of $1.8 million to try to open the tracks, paying shovelers to dig out the closed cuts.
In spite of those heroic efforts, no trains got through until early May.
“I’m having a blast exploring history,” Wilson said. “I like to sleuth and figure things out. I became obsessed with the newspaper records.”
The Beautiful Snow was published on February 7, 2020, the anniversary of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s birthday.
Wilson expected to embark on a book tour soon after but—within weeks—Covid turned the world upside down.
“I had many bookings, but only one happened before everything was shut down,” Cindy said.
That didn’t stop the new author. Husband Ray set up an area for Cindy to do online events—using the dining room table as her home base. The positive side, Wilson noted, was that she was able to expand her territory, by not having to drive to far off locations.
By the summer of 2021, Cindy was able to do some in-person events, including one at the Brown County Historical Society in New Ulm. After doing a few in fall, Wilson had to shut down to have both knees replaced—but was back on the road, doing six presentations in a two-and-a-half week period early this year. She’s been as far west as Pierre, Sioux Falls, and Yankton, as well as Marshall.
“Being out there as an author is a new experience,” Wilson admitted. “Never would I have imagined, even a few years ago, that I’d be doing public speaking for a living. In my ‘native habitat,’ I am an observer and quiet, not one to be out front where the attention is. It’s stressful but, oddly, I love doing the speaking events. I’m enjoying the energy of people interacting and sharing their own stories.”
Cindy has two major bookings coming up. She is looking forward to her first foray “into the railroad crowd,” May 19-22, at the Chicago & Northwestern Historical Society Conference in Mankato. In July, she’ll speak at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association’s Conference in Vermont, near the boyhood home of Wilder’s husband, Almanzo Wilder.
The Beautiful Snow is in its second printing of 3,000 copies. The first printing sold out in nine months. The book received a Gold Award for Midwest History in the Independent Publisher Book Awards.
Wilson has a website, TheBeautifulSnow.com, which includes an events page where Wilson maintains a schedule of currently-booked events, along with descriptions of the four presentations she gives.
She also has a Facebook page on which she publishes daily articles from 1881 newspapers on the day they were published.
When she’s not sleuthing history, Wilson is an art quilter, creates wall hangings, and also enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and travel. During the pandemic, she also started cello lessons via Zoom.
She currently has another manuscript in the works. It’s related to the construction of the railroad line from Tracy out to the Missouri River. RVW
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When the pandemic shut down Cindy Wilson’s in-person book tour, husband Ray set up an area for Cindy to do online book events. Even now, she does some programs online.
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice (and the trilogy it begins, and the follow-on trilogy). But The Witching Hour is my favorite book ever, and one I revisit every few years despite being nearly 1,000 pages long. Anything and everything written by authors Allen Eskens and William Kent Krueger. Both are fantastically gifted at mysteries with deep heart and soul.
Prayers for Sale and The Diary of Mattie Spenser are my favorites by Sandra Dallas, but all of her books are a delight. They are historic fiction set in Colorado.
Veiled in Smoke, Shadows of the White City, and Drawn by the Current by Joycelyn Green. This “Windy City Saga Series” follows one family through the Great Chicago Fire, the Columbian Exposition of 1893, and the Eastland Disaster, all set in Chicago. Well researched historical fiction that takes you to the time and place.
Two books set in Dakota Territory in the late 1800s: May B by Caroline Starr Rose is a novel set in verse; it is brilliant. The Girl Who Moved to the Town That Wasn’t There by Susanne Fuller is a novel that recreates the founding of a small eastern Dakota Territory town, by using the newspaper accounts of the time to bring things to life.
Books that still make me think, years after reading them: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. This book is a fascinating look into how tiny changes can orchestrate giant changes in destiny. An interesting exploration. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. A beautiful story of a man and his dog, seen through the eyes of the dog. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. It made me laugh while reading and I still giggle when thinking about it.
Beneath the Same Stars by Phyllis Cole-Dai. An insightful and sensitive treatment of a very difficult moment in Dakota history.
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. This was her first novel, and some of her phrasings are so beautiful that I stop reading and just re-read a phrase over and over, because they are so beautifully crafted.
Plagued by Fire: The Dreams and Furies of Frank Lloyd Wright by Paul Hendrickson. As a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright and his realm of architecture, I loved this book. It explores and theorizes on many aspects of Wright’s life and trajectory.
The Llama Llama series by Anna Dewdney delightful! The playful rhymes and illustrations make these books terrific for toddlers, young children, and older readers who enjoy whimsy. I collect them for the sheer joy of reading them aloud and doing so with the exasperated Mamma Llama voice or the irritated little Llama Llama voice.
Looking for a book, an audio book, a magazine, a newspaper, or a computer to use to get on the internet? How about steeping yourself in soothing surroundings and diverse architecture? You only have to go as far as your local library to find what you’re looking for.
Our river valley area is fortunate to have great libraries in beautiful spaces—in both our larger cities and smaller towns. Let’s take a road trip to three—New Ulm, Mankato, and St. Peter. Each has a unique story.
The present New Ulm Public Library was built in the 1970s to relieve the space pressures the original library building—right next door—was experiencing. Contracts for construction were let in 1974. Architect for the project was Gene Flynn, with construction completed by Heymann Construction of New Ulm.
The new library was dedicated February 12, 1976 with Walter Mondale, then a U.S. Senator from Minnesota, as the featured speaker.
The three-level building is of Brutalist architecture—a modernist style with both ideological and aesthetic standards. The structure is 22,000 square feet of floor space and was built at a cost of $1.2 million. A separate children’s area is on the upper level on one side of the layout.
The Blue Earth County Library in Mankato opened in April 1977 and was built on part of what had been Front Street, when the roadbed was moved slightly and reconstructed as Riverfront Drive. The library was the first building to be part of Mankato’s urban renewal project. It was done by Kagermeier Architects.
The 38,000 square foot Kasota Stone block style building has a unique feature—it was actually built around a pile of rocks! The boulders were brought in from Minneopa State Park (Seppmann Mill area) before the walls were put up. The rocks are the focal point of a fountain donated by the Mankato Foundation. In addition to its aesthetic value, the fountain helps with noise reduction.
As library director Kelly McBride noted, “We definitely notice it when the fountain isn’t on. The acoustics are awesome in this building.”
Like the New Ulm library, the Mankato library has a separate children’s wing. It’s kept busy with all kinds of activities—tutoring, Lego club, arts & crafts, and a lot more.
“Libraries aren’t the quiet space anymore,” McBride said with a laugh. The library has several outdoor sculptures and one outdoor patio at this point. Another patio—on the children’s wing—will be added soon. Indoor renovations will be made on the adult side this year, with similar plans for the kids’ wing in 2023.
St. Peter Public Library was built out of necessity, after the old library and its contents were destroyed by the March 29, 1998 tornado that ripped St. Peter apart. The library managed in a pair of FEMA trailers for four years, until plans for and construction of a new building could be completed.
The new public library was built next to the city’s new community center and is connected to that building.
The library was made possible, in large part, through the generous support of the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation which paid for the building and many interior items, including furnishings. Insurance money covered most of the new materials—books, media, and computers. The Schmidt Foundation continues its support each year.
The new 14,653 square foot library was dedicated May 6, 2002. A 20th anniversary celebration will be held on May 6 this year, with an open house from 4 to 7 p.m.
Library supervisor Brenda McHugh reported that about 40,900 patrons walked through the library doors in 2021. “It would be staggering to think of the numbers using our services online,” she added. RVW
The computer area on the main level of the New Ulm Library includes a large painting created by Del Iron Cloud for the 150th anniversary Dakota Conflict Commemoration and the 75th anniversary of the opening of the first New Ulm Public Library. It was unveiled February 26, 2012.
A pair of Lions—one on each side of the steps by the Broadway entrance—were donated to the New Ulm Library about 2016. They were test sculptures by the artis that made the Hermann Monument Lions. The small note posted on the railing next to this one is a play on words, “Read Between the Lions.”
The main desk in the center of the New Ulm Public Library. Notice the metal sculpture on the wall above and to the right.
A look at part of the “Reflections of New Ulm” metal sculpture by Jerry Amon and permanently mounted on the wall near the center desk in the New Ulm Library. It was donated by members of the community in 1976.
The upstairs children’s area in the New Ulm Library offers stacks of books on one end and this spacious reading area on the other.
A sculpture of Wanda Gag, designed and created by Jason Jasperson, faces Broadway. It was donated to the New Ulm Public Library by the Wanda Gag Monument Committee in 2016.
A reading area and stacks on the top level of the New Ulm Library.
An overall view of the New Ulm Public Library, taken from the top level.
Junior books are on the stacks on one side of the library, adult books on the other.
Brenda McHugh is the library supervisor and Joey Schugel the director of recreation and leisure services for St. Peter.
The spacious children’s area of the St. Peter Library.
“Strands of Knowledge” by artist Bob Vogel hangs over the entry of the St. Peter Library. It was donated by the Friends of the St. Peter Library and dedicated November 29, 2018.
The openness of the architecture of the St. Peter Library provides a lot of natural light.
A fireplace and comfortable chairs provide a great space to curl up with a good book in the St. Peter Library.
The north side of the St. Peter Library faces toward a large park area, complete with playground equipment. The library is connected to the Community Center, left side of photo.
Looking over the main part of the Blue Earth County Library from the fountain area.
The Blue Earth County Library was built around the large boulders that were moved in from Minneopa State Park. The fountain around the rocks helps with noise abatement.
“Reading Magic,” a sculpture by Julie Jones, won the People’s Choice Award in the first City Art Walking Sculpture Tour in 2011. It was purchased by the City Center Partnership, to be placed on the Main Street side of the Blue Earth County Library.
Blue Earth County Library director Kelly McBride.
Artist Marian Anderson’s large painting of “Maud’s Deep Valley” was presented to the Blue Earth County Library March 9, 1980. It hangs in the entry to the children’s wing.
This spacious kids’ area is great for story hours and other play activities at the Blue Earth County Library. Plans are to build a fenced terrace just outside the glass area on the right.
The kids’ wing of the Mankato library has several play areas for kids, including this farm set-up.
The “Frozen Chosen” Korean War Monument, sculpted by Tom Miller, is on the corner of the building, on Main Street side of the Blue Earth County Library.
The Blue Earth County Library is open and airy, with computer stations, along with the book stacks.
RIVERFRONT
410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507-625-1107
HILLTOP
2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 507-625-9070
Practicing safe medication storage while at home and on-the-go is important to ensure the safety of you and members of your family.
Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe:
Put medicines up and away out of children’s reach and sight. Children are often curious and put things in their mouth. In the blink of an eye they can get into something that could hurt them.
Put medicines away every time.
Never leave a medication out even if you are going to give it again in a few hours.
Always close the child protective cap until it is locked and secure.
medication safety.
Teach children what medication is and why a parent or trusted adult should be the only one to give it to them.
[ [ [ [ 2 1 3 4
START WITH MILD-TASTING FISH. Develop a taste for fish. Tilapia, swai, and cod are good choices. They have a mild, somewhat sweet flavor and pleasant aroma. They flake easily and can be prepared in numerous ways. Other mild seafood to try include crab chunks and shrimp.
PREPARE WITH A FAVORITE FLAVOR.
Swap out traditional protein sources in your favorite dishes with fish. Try fish tacos, shrimp stir-fry or pesto salmon with cheese tortellini.
SAUCE IT UP.
Cocktail sauce, ranch dressing or tartar sauce may help ease you into liking the flavor of fish.
ADD CRUNCH.
Fish with a crunch may have more appeal. Try topping fish with crushed crackers, chopped nuts, bread crumbs or cereals (like corn flakes).
If you’re not eating fish or seafood at all, aim for one time per month. Once you get that down, try for twice per month, then once per week, with a goal of 2 to 3 servings each week.
When choosing fish and seafood, make sure that it has been caught or farmed safely, providing for its long-term viability and minimizing damage to the environment or other sea life. At HyVee you can rest assured that 100% of our fish and seafood is a Responsible Choice.
2 small zucchini, and/or summer squash, cut into ½-inch slices
4 oz. Hy-Vee Short Cuts asparagus spears, cut into 2-inch lengths
¼ c. Hy-Vee Select olive oil, divided Hy-Vee salt, to taste
Hy-Vee ground black pepper, to taste
2 tsp. fresh parsley, and/or basil, plus additioinal for garnish
4 (5-to-6-oz. each) fresh or frozen skinless halibut fillets
½ c. Hy-Vee panko bread crumbs
¼ c. Hy-Vee Select crumbled Mediterranean herb feta cheese
Lemon wedges, for serving
1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add zucchini and/or summer squash and asparagus to pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with herbs.
Rinse fish; pat dry. Place in pan with vegetables. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Combine panko, cheese, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle mixture on fish; press slightly. 2 3
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until fish easily flakes with a fork (140 degrees). If desired, sprinkle with additional herbs. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 350 calories, 18g fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 75mg cholesterol, 300mg sodium, 14g total carbohydrate, 1g dietary fiber, 2g sugars, 0 added sugars, 32g protein. Daily values: 8% iron, 10% vitamin A, 8% calcium, 20% vitamin C.
April Graff, MS, RD, LD Hilltop Dietitian 507.625.9070
AGraff@hy-vee.com
Many people have experienced emotional eating at some point in their lives. You don't always eat to support what your physical body needs, you feed your emotions. Eating when feeling certain emotions can replace the emotional void and create a false sense "fullness." The core area of concern is not feeling powerless over emotional eating, it's feeling powerless over your emotions.
Emotional hunger can never be satisfied with food. Emotional overeating can make you feel good, but afterwards, you are left with feelings of guilt, shame, and powerlessness. Often the guilt may lead to circular dieting. Diets don't fail because you have lack of willpower or control, they fail because your emotional needs are not being met. When you ignore these emotions, they continue many times with an unhealthy eating pattern.
The differences between emotional hunger and physical hunger
Emotional hunger
• Comes on suddenly
• Crave certain foods
• Not satisfied with fullness
• Feel guilt or shame
Physical hunger
• Comes on gradually
• Open to eating any food
• Feel full and can stop eating
• Don't feel bad
The answers are within you if you dig deep to learn about what triggers your emotional eating for comfort. Ask yourself, "Am I feeling stressed or anxious? Is this a habit stemming back from childhood? Is my social environment affecting my choices? Am I feeling bored or empty inside?" Numbing yourself with food can feel as if it helps to avoid emotions that may be uncomfortable to feel and acknowledge.
Acknowledging what you are feeling and taking action steps will break the cycle that is no longer serving you. Acknowledging your feelings and taking steps to healing can give you a healthy feeling of empowerment and confidence. You deserve to feel great, emotionally and physically. When your body is nurtured and supported, you’re better prepared for life's inevitable curveballs. Exercise, sleep, and healthy nutrition can help get you through times of stress, leaving less trips to the fridge.
• Finding a coach, mentor, or counselor can help you discover your emotional eating patterns and root cause.
• Surround yourself with encouraging friends who share your values, leaving you feeling uplifted and supported.
• Show yourself love by doing activities you enjoy.
• Make time for yourself to decompress, journal, and relax every day, even if it's just five to 10 minutes.
Feeling your feelings is more effective than feeding them. Notice when you have the trigger to eat when you are not hungry. Take a few moments to pause and notice what emotion is coming up for you. Name the feeling without judgment. Is it boredom, anxiousness, or loneliness? When you are able to name what your feeling is, you are able to work through it.
Your feelings are a beautiful transparent window into your interior world. They should not be buried with food or other fillers. Feelings help you to uncover your fears, explore your desires, understand your frustrations, and define what makes you happy. Find your happiness within.
ANGELA BASSETT-SWANSON Licensed Clinical Social Worker Psychiatry & Psychology Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato
Performances held at SAINT PETER HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER; tickets can be purchased ONLINE beginning April 1, 2022. Please visit www.mankatoballet.org for information. Ticket prices are: $15 Adult and $12 child (12 and under). Children 2 and under are free, but must sit on a lap. Online ticketing fee applies. Tickets are non-refundable, but may be exchanged to a different day or time by contacting MBC directly.
Cooking seafood at home isn't nearly as tricky as you might think. People often tell me they’re intimidated by cooking seafood, and I understand where they’re coming from. They worry that it will turn out undercooked and make someone sick, or overcooked and it will be rubbery, or that the fish will fall apart when they flip it, or fill the house with an off-putting smell. I’m here to tell you that seafood is actually really easy to cook. It’s just a question of timing. You can cook a piece of fish in less than 15 minutes; the trick is to believe how fast it cooks and not do what many people do, which is think, “Maybe I’ll give it a little longer, just in case.” Do that, and you’ll be disappointed with the chewy, dry result. Fish is done when the color turns from translucent to opaque (white) or has reached 140 °F to 145°F internal temperature.
If you buy fresh seafood, use it the same day or freeze within two days. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Rinse in cold water, drain and pat dry.
To get you started, try one of these three cooking methods that eliminate the guesswork:
Heat oven to 425°F. Spray a baking sheet or shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Place fish on baking sheet in a single layer; season as desired.
Bake uncovered, 10 minutes per inch of thickness or until fish is done.
This technique results in food that’s crisply tender. Seafood best suited to this technique includes fish fillets, shrimp, bay scallops, and slipper lobster tails. Firm fish, such as cod or halibut, may also be cut into strips and stir-fried.
Heat 1/4-inch oil or butter in a nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
Fish may be dipped in milk or beaten egg and then breaded.
Cook fish 4 to 5 minutes per side (per inch of thickness) or until done.
Almost any boneless fish fillet or steak is suitable for microwaving.
Spray a microwave-safe dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cut fish in half and arrange in dish so thick center portions are to outside of dish. Place in a single layer with a small amount of liquid.
Cover with plastic wrap. Cut a few vent holes in the wrap.
Cook fish 3 minutes per pound on high power, turning fish once during cooking.
Season after cooking.
There are so many reasons to eat fish and seafood. It is a lean source of protein, full of omega-3s and low in fat. The USDA’s My Plate nutrition guidelines recommend making fish or seafood the main protein on your plate at least twice a week. It’s often pretty inexpensive. And most important, it’s delicious once you know what to do with it. Luckily, now you do!
Why do I keep getting hiccups, and how can I make them stop?
Our bodies are so weird, aren’t they? They make strange sounds, leak strange fluids, grow hair in undesirable places, and don’t conform to the shapes our minds have decided are ideal. They creak, crack, toot, and squeak at most inopportune times; and in the case of hiccups, they may not stop for a while. Let’s unlock the mystery behind hiccups.
Hiccups are caused by an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. As the muscle contracts, it pulls air into the chest and is followed by a rapid closure of the vocal cords producing the “hic” sound. Most of the time they resolve in a few excruciating minutes. Triggers include carbonate beverages, booze, over-eating, stress, sudden temperature changes, or chewing gum.
Chronic hiccups
Hiccups that persist beyond 48 hours can be maddening. Chronic hiccups can be caused by irritation or damage to the nerves that innervate the diaphragm. Irritation can be caused by a hair or something else in your ear
that touches your eardrum, heartburn or reflux, a sore throat, or laryngitis. Extremely rare causes for prolonged hiccups can include tumors, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, or stroke.
Risk factors
Men are more likely to develop long-term hiccups than women. Other risk factors include mental or emotional distress, anxiety, insomnia, or other metabolic imbalances. Some people develop hiccups after general anesthesia or abdominal surgery.
Because hiccups are caused by spasms of the diaphragm, taking a deep breath and holding it for a count of ten can prevent the involuntary contractions from occurring. You can try to gargle with ice water or breathe into a paper bag as well. If you are struggling with chronic hiccups, you may need to see a doctor to determine the etiology of your symptoms. If hiccups persist despite medication, nerve blocks with anesthesia may be necessary.
Stay healthy, friends!
My name is Tami Anderson. I am married with two children, a grandchild and one on the way. I work at Rasmussen University as an admissions advisor and take pleasure in helping people enroll in college and make a change in their lives. I love to garden, bike, hike, travel, and spend time with friends and family.
As for my relationship with cooking, I never liked cooking or baking growing up. I always wanted to be doing something outside, especially when my mother tried to teach me. As I grew older and started a family of my own, that changed, and it became a challenge to make things better each time. Who wants to eat food that doesn’t taste yummy? I now use cooking and baking as an outlet for extra energy. We try many different types of foods and decide what we should keep for the future. It doesn’t hurt that I grew up eating great foods and sweets.
This ties to my love of gardening. Planting seeds with my family and tending to them while they grow is fun! I really enjoy the fruits of my labor. It always tastes 10 times better when it’s from the garden. My garden isn’t very big, so I try to buy my vegetables from the farmer’s market if I didn’t plant them myself.
I chose to write about carnitas because I studied in Mexico for three months and really enjoyed the culture and food. I have always tried to replicate the carnitas that I enjoyed, but never had the authentic recipe. This is as close as I have found to what I tried. Now, I need to learn how to make queso.
4 lb. pork shoulder/butt
1-2 diced Jalapenos – I always start with one but if you like more heat add a second
1 large white onion – diced
2 oranges – juiced
2 limes – juiced
3-4 cloves of garlic – minced
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup chicken broth
Rub
2 tsp. of salt
1 tsp. of black pepper
2 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tbsp. Oregano
1 tsp. Chili Powder
1 red onion sliced thin
¼ head of a cabbage sliced thin
¾ c. white wine vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. water
2 tbsp. sugar
1. Rinse and dry pork. Mix rub ingredients together and apply evenly over the pork shoulder/butt. You can use a pork roast but the fat from the shoulder/butt gives it more flavor.
2. Place the pork (fat cap up) in the slow cooker and top with jalapeno, onion, garlic, and squeeze over the juice. On the side, add chicken broth, and bay leaves.
3. Cook on low for 10 hours or high for 7 hours.
4. An hour before the pork is complete, pull out the bay leaves and then shred pork with two forks. Let cook the remaining hour. I like to skim off the fat on top and pull off the fat cap before shredding.
5. Pull out some of the shredded pork and add some oil to a pan and fry the pork to give it some crisp pieces.
6. Drizzle a little of the juice over the crispy carnitas and serve on tortillas or plain egg white wraps.
We used both plain egg white wraps and taco tortillas for the carnitas. The plain egg white wraps are for people who are gluten free. We topped the tacos with meat then added cabbage, red onion, jalapenos, sour cream, and salsa. You can add guacamole as well, but my husband doesn’t appreciate guacamole, so we did not add it. You could even pickle the cabbage or onions to enhance flavor.
The oversized look is a fun play on the 80s trends that we love today.
BY LINDSEY NELSON Marketing Manager Drs.A rose-gold frame with European crystals are sure to add just the right amount of sparkle to any outfit.
Karen, an optician at Drs. Akre and Clark, loves to bring an extra sparkle to her outfit with this rose gold
If you’re looking for fashion forward, Jimmy Choo will not disappoint.
an oversized brown frame fading to clear, with hints
Having multiple pairs of glasses is a great way to keep your wardrobe fresh and fun.
Food is vital for life and, in some pets, it shows! In fact, a 2020 study showed that 59% of cats and 55% of dogs were overweight in the United States. This seems crazy but, when you think about how humans are the ones who control their food, it becomes obvious that we show love with food.
Of course, it is recommended that we feed a measured amount of food based on the label on the bag but, did you know those labels are based on highly active dogs? The majority of us who are just trying to get through a work week, raising kids, running errands, and trying to catch up on the latest TV show everyone is talking about at work—are not exercising our pets enough or maybe even at all. The pets in our home are not burning the calories that the physically fit pet on the bag is. To help keep pets at a healthy weight, your pet should be eating a life stage appropriate food and measure a little less then what the bag recommends.
The bowl matters! Say no to plastic bowls as it’s a great source of bacteria. The best option is stainless steel bowls that say they are “dishwasher safe.” Did you know that the average pet bowl gets washed maybe once every one to three months? The amount of bacteria that can be found in these bowls is enough to haunt your dreams (right there with those mites that
3 John 13-14
live in your eyelashes) but includes E.coli and Listeria! Wash your bowls at least once a month, but daily is even better. Also, keep in mind your senior pet may have different needs such as elevated bowls to keep the pressure off its neck. Deep chested dogs (such as German Shepherds, giant breeds, etc.) also benefit from these elevated bowls as it allows them to suck less air. There are even special bowls for brachiocephalic breeds that are elevated to decrease gas sucking and help with breathing. Busy bowls are great for those pets who eat their food too fast. There are also various time feeders on the market, some of which are microchip activated, to allow the pet with a certain microchip the ability to access the food. No more stolen food from their housemate! Puzzle toys can really spice up meal time! Think of how much mental stimulation we get every day—sometimes even more then we want. Our pets are not getting enough mental stimulation and all that unused energy goes into “naughty” behaviors or anxiety. There are so many of these toys on the market to pick from and some you can even make yourself. Kongs are the most well-known. You can fill them with peanut butter, canned food, yogurt or sweet potatoes and freeze. A quick search on Amazon or any pet store will give you a variety of puzzle toys to provide your pet with mental stimulation.
For cats, you could use egg cartons and, for dogs, you could use a muffin tin. These toys should be used with caution when you have other pets in the home that have shown food aggression in the past. Again, remember to wash these toys frequently to cut down on chances of bacteria.
One of the down sides about our busy lives can be our constantly changing schedules. Just like kids, a lack of structure and routine can easily create a lot of anxiety in our pets. There was a study several years ago where they looked at three groups of cats in a controlled setting. For the first group, they turned the lights on at 6 am each morning and offered food. These cats were social with no litter box avoidance. For the second group, they started turning lights on a half hour later and offering food. They found these cats started vocalizing and fighting with one another. In the third group of cats, they turned the lights on at various times and offered food at various intervals after the lights were on. These cats started vocalizing, fighting amongst themselves, and started peeing outside the boxes. Now relate this to when you decide you want to sleep in on a Saturday morning and your pet is singing the song of their people outside the bedroom door. Again, this is where those timed feeders can be helpful to provide consistent feeding times. Schedules are super important in your pet’s world.
Just as life can cause distress in schedules, it can also lead to grazing in pets. This is fine, until it’s not. The best choice is to train your pet to eat on a reliable schedule. You do this by offering the food for a portion of time—maybe 15 minutes—and then removing their access to it, until the next meal, which should occur twice a day. Once a day feeding is difficult on the pet’s digestion. When was the last time you wanted to only eat once a day?
Overall, we hold a lot of control over our pet’s food. We need to be mindful of schedules, amounts, and “plates” they are using. In the end, every snack you make, every bite you take, every meal you bake, they will be watching you.
Snuggling up with your children to read a couple books before bedtime is a wonderful way to end the day and bond as you turn pages and enter silly worlds where pigeons want to drive the bus; trains, cars and animals talk; and mermaids are real.
Children’s books make reading fun, but they also prepare babies to talk, boost vocabulary, increase attention span, and get children ready to read on their own.
According to the National Center on Early Childhood Development, infants’ brains prepare to speak months before they say their first words. To help prepare their brains to speak, children need to hear language. Reading helps their brain connect the words to pictures of things in their world. Babies love the slow, exaggerated sing-song voice, often called “parentese,” that we naturally use with babies. Books and nursery rhymes encourage this cadence. Once children learn to talk, reading books aloud to them can help expand their vocabulary.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org offers these tips on reading with children:
• Run your finger under the words as you read to show your child that the print carries the story.
• Use funny voices and animal noises. Do not be afraid to ham it up! This will help your child get excited about the story.
• Stop to look at the pictures; ask your child to name things he or she sees in the pictures. Talk about how the pictures relate to the story.
• Invite your child to join in whenever there is a repeated phrase in the text.
• Show your child how events in the book are similar to events in your child's life.
• If your child asks a question, stop and answer it. The book may help your child express her thoughts and solve their own problems.
• Keep reading to your child even after he or she learns to read. A child can listen and understand more difficult stories than he or she can read on her own.
• Once your child begins to read, let them read out loud to build confidence. Help them with words and stop if you notice early signs of frustration. Above all, give your child lots of praise.
• Set aside time every day to read together. Bedtime stories are a great way to wind down after a busy day and get ready for sleep.
• Leave books in your child's room for him or her to enjoy on her own. Make sure the room is reading-friendly with a comfortable bed or chair, bookshelf, and reading lamp.
• Read books that your child enjoys. After a while, your child may learn the words to his or her favorite book. When this happens, let your child complete the sentences or take turns reciting the words.
If you struggle to find time to read with your child, it’s OK. Do your best. Consider asking older siblings, cousins, or grandparents to read to little ones. And no need to buy new books. Borrow books from the public or school library, or Little Free Libraries—those outdoor bookcases around town. Thrift stores and garage sales are loaded with books at low prices too.
The Mankato Clinic Children’s Health Center also has a Reading Nook generously stocked by The Creative Company. Youth patients may take home a book of their choice at each appointment.
Happy reading!
AMY DEEHR, DO Pediatrician Mankato Clinic
To have your event listed, please email Ruth Klossner at cowladyruth@gmail.com by the 5th of the previous month. Listings are generally for events that are free to the public, or are fund-raisers. Listings will be published as space allows and at the discretion of the editor.
Fri, Apr 1
• 3D Printer Kickoff Program, Public Library Meeting Room, New Ulm, 3:30-4:30 pm. Info: newulmlibrary.org.
Fri & Sun, Apr 1 & 3
• Crow River Singers Spring Concert, Peace Lutheran Church, 400 Franklin St SW, Hutchinson. 7 pm Fri, 2 pm Sun. Info: info@ hutchinsonarts.org or hollymd55@hotmail.com.
Fri-Sun, Apr 1-3 and Thurs-Sat, Apr 7-9
• ‘Boeing Boeing’ by the Paradise Community Theatre, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. 7:30 pm except 2 pm Sun. Info: 507-332-7372, info@paradisecenterforthearts or paradisecenterforthearts.org.
Sat, Apr 2
• Dad’s Belgian Waffles, Community Center, 310 2nd St N, Brownton, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
• Gustavus Jazz Home Concert with Adolphus Jazz, Bjorling Recital Hall, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 1:30 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.
• New Ulm Park & Recreation Spring Garage Sale, Civic Center, 1212 N Franklin, New Ulm, 8 am-12 pm. Info: 507-359-8347 or lizm@newulmmn.gov.
• Celebrate Me Week Gala, Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, 5 pm. Info & tickets: gala.campcmw.com/.
• Stand Up Comedy Night with Sam Ellefson, High School Auditorium, Hutchinson, 7 pm. Info: business.explorehutchinson. com/.
• Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Reopening, 27 N Broadway, New Ulm, 10 am-2 pm. Info: 507-7664115 or Bonnie@theubls.com
• Digital Photography, Flandrau State Park, 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm, 10 am. Info: 507-3848890 or scott.kudelka@state. mn.us
Sat, Apr 2 & 9
• Spring Wildflower Hike, Minneo -
pa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 1 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us
Sun, Apr 3
• The Choir of Christ Chapel & The Lucia Singers, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 2 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.
• 100 Women Who Care, Turner Hall, New Ulm, 6-7 pm. Info: 100women-newulm.org or info@100women-newulm.org.
Mon, Apr 4 & 11 and Fri, Apr 15
• Miss Myra & The MoonShiners Concert, CrossPoint Church, 1215 Roberts Rd SW, Hutchinson, 7 pm. Info: hutchinsonconcert.weebly.com/.
Thurs, Apr 7
• BCHS Lunch & A Bite of History: ‘History from the Balcony: Community Theater in New Ulm,’ State Street Theater, 1 N State St, New Ulm, 12-1 pm. Info: 507-2332621 or education@browncountyhistorymn.org.
Fri, Apr 8
• Murder at Tax Time, Best Western Plus, 2101 S Broadway, New Ulm, 6 pm. Info: 312-550-7868, murders4fun@gmail.com or murders4fun.com.
• Lifelong Learning Series— Forecasting with KEYC’s Joshua Eckl, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, noon. Info & registration: 507357-8580 or info@neycenter.org.
• Hunting Heritage Banquet, American Legion, St. James, 5:30 pm. Info: discoverstjamesmn. com.
Fri, Apr 8 & May 13
• Chicken Dinner, American Legion, 600 Co Rd 20, Lake Crystal, 5-7 pm. Info: lakecrystalchamber.com/events.
Fri-Sat, Apr 8-9
• Prairie Piecemakers Quilt show, Event Center, 301 20th St S, New Ulm. 9 am-6 pm Fri, 9 am-4 pm Sat. Info: Facebook or newulmquiltshow.com.
Fri-Sun, Apr 8-10
• New Ulm Spring Boutique Weekend, New Ulm. Info: facebook. com/events/638777744062139.
Sat, Apr 9
• Kinship Radio’s 13th Annual Day for Women—‘Nice,’ Hosanna Lutheran Church, 105 Hosanna Dr., Mankato, 7:15 am. Info & registration: kinshipradio.org or 800-810-5559.
• Fields of Grace Youth Ham Bingo, Fire Station, Lafayette, 6 pm. Info: 507-766-6327.
• Le Sueur County 4-H Horse Project Tack Swap, Fairgrounds, 350 Plutt Ave S, Le Center, 10 am-2 pm. Info: Facebook.
• Nicollet County Pheasants Forever Banquet, Johnson Hall, 400 W. Union, St. Peter, 5 pm. Info: Facebook.
• Trinity Lutheran School's Annual Carnival, 301 4th St, Nicollet, 11 am-3 pm. Info: Facebook.
• Geocaching 101, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, 10 am. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.
• Habitat for Humanity Brewfest, Steele County Four Seasons Centre, 1525 S Elm Ave, Owatonna. Info: visitowatonna.org/ calendar-of-events/.
Sat, Apr 9 & May 14
• Made Rights @ The Legion, American Legion, 13 S Minnesota St, New Ulm, 10:30 am-1 pm. Info: 507-354-4016.
Sun, Apr 10
• St. Mary’s CCW Palm Sunday Brunch, 417 South Minnesota St. New Ulm, 9:30 am-12:30 pm. Info: Facebook or 507-276-1838.
Mon, Apr 11
• 55+ Driver Refresher Course, CAST Senior Center, 600 N German St, New Ulm, 1-5 pm. Info & signup: 507-354-3212, castnu@ newulmtel.net or newulmseniors.org.
Sat & Sun, Apr 16-17
• Geocaching for Easter Baskets, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. 10 am & 1 pm Sat, 10 am Sun. Info & registration: 507-357-8580 or info@neycenter.org
Thurs-Fri, Apr 21-22
• Faith Lutheran Church Rummage Sale, 335 Main St S, Hutchinson. 2-7 pm Thurs, 8 am-6 pm. Fri. Info: 320-587-2093 or office@faithlc.com.
Thurs-Sun, Apr 21-24 & Apr 28-May 1
• LTO’s ‘Something Rotten,’ Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. 7:30 pm Thurs-Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info: littletheatreofowatonna.org/ or 507-451-0764.
Fri, Apr 22
• Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, Turner Hall,
New Ulm, 6-9 pm. Info & tickets: 507-766-4115, MMHF@Newulmtel.net, or MNmusichallof fame. org.
• United Way ‘Perfect Pairings’ Fundraiser for Youth Activities Scholarship, Country Club, New Ulm, 5:30 pm. Info & cost: unitedwaybrowncountyarea.org.
• Mick Sterling Presents Billy Joel, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-332-7372 or info@ paradisecenterforthearts.org
• ‘Rock & Roll Revue,’ The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca, 5:30-10:30 pm. Info & tickets: 507-835-7700.
Fri-Sun, Apr 22-24
• Pioneer Power Swap Meet, 34605 265th Ave, Le Sueur, 6 am-6 pm. Info: 507-934-5841, julieb5841@gmail.com or pioneerpowershow.com/swapmeet.html.
• ‘The 39 Steps’ Mystery, State Street Theater, 1 N State St, New Ulm, 7 pm Fri & Sat, 2 pm Sun. Info & tickets: christina@ statestreetnewulm.org or statestreetnewulm.org.
Sat, Apr 23
• Spring Fling Craft Fair & Silent Auction Fundraiser for Hanska Community Library, Community Center, Hanska, 9 am-2 pm. Info: 507-439-7323 or libtbh@tds.lib. mn.us
• Jaycees Casino Night, Days Inn, Hutchinson, 6:30 pm. Info: info@hutchinsonjaycees.org or hutchinsonjaycees.org/product/ casino-night/.
Sat, Apr 23 & May 28
• Biker Breakfast, Harley-Davidson, 2704 W Airport Dr, Faribault, 9-11 am. Info: visitfaribault. com/calendar/.
Sun, Apr 24
• Omelet Breakfast, Legion Friendship Hall, Nicollet, 8:30 am-12:30 p.m. Info: American Legion Post #510 on Facebook.
• Fire Department Fundraiser Breakfast, American Legion, St. James, 9 am-12;30 pm. Info: discoverstjamesmn.com.
• Hilltop Happenings, Hilltop Hall, 206 First St N, Montgomery, 4 pm. Info: wendyzaske@yahoo. com or HilltopHall.wordpress. com.
• Percussion Ensemble Spring Concert, Bjorling Recital Hall,
Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 3:30 pm. Info: 507-9337013.
Wed, Apr 27
• Mayday! Peace Conference, Gustavus Adolphus College, Christ Chapel, 800 W College Ave, St Peter, 10 am-8 pm. Info: gustavus.edu/events/mayday/.
Fri, Apr 29
• Handbell Ensemble Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.
Fri-Sat, Apr 29-30
• Citywide Garage Sales, Nicollet. Info: nicollet.org/.
Fri-Sun, Apr 29-May 1
• Bethlehem Academy Spring Production ‘Clue,’ 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, Apr 30
• Spring Garage Sale, Public School Gym, Nicollet, 8 am-1 pm. Info: Facebook, sue.boddy@isd507.k12.mn.us or isd507. k12.mn.us/page/2509.
• MLC Children's Theatre—'The Elves and the Shoemaker,’ Martin Luther College Auditorium, 1995 Luther Ct, New Ulm, 3 &
7 pm. Info & tickets: mlc-wels. edu/forum, 507-233-9114 or laabser@mlc-wels.edu.
• Gustavus Campus Band & Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 2 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.
• Gustavus Chamber Winds, Gustavus Wind Symphony & Gustavus Wind Orchestra Spring Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 4:30 pm. Info: 507-9337013.
• Group Center Hike, Flandrau State Park, 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm, 10 am. Info: 507-3848890 or scott.kudelka@state. mn.us.
• Bison Ambassador Training, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi W of Mankato off Hwy 68/169, 1 pm. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us
• Authentic Italian Spaghetti Dinner, Hunters Ridge Community Church, 850 School Rd SW, Hutchinson, 4:30-7 pm. Info: mndawn62@hotmail.com or huntersridgecommunitychurch. org.
Sun, May 1
• Erika A. Rodriguez Benefit Silent Auction, American Legion, St.
James, 11 am-2 pm. Info: discoverstjamesmn.com.
Mon, May 2
• Honor Choir Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.
Mon-Sat, May 2-7
• Gaylord Citywide Garage Sales. Info: jackie@marklundstrom. com, 507-237-2966 or exploregaylord.org/2022/02/gaylord-city-wide-garage-sales/.
Thurs, May 5
• Cinco De Mayo Celebration, Plaza Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant, New Ulm, 5:30-8:30 pm. Info: 507-359-7073, ocampo@ newulmtel.net or plazagaribaldinewulm.com/.
Fri, May 6
• Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.
Fri-Sat, May 6-7
• Rummage Sale & Lunch during Henderson Citywide Garage Sales, Centennial Lutheran Church, 701 Locust St, Henderson. 8 am-7 pm Fri, 8 am-noon Sat. Info: 507-248-3834 or marjorose@frontier.com.
Sat, May 7
• Choral Showcase, Christ Chapel,
Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-9337013.
• Craft & Vendor Fair, American Legion Post 37, 229 W Nassau St, St. Peter, 9 am-1 pm. Info: 507934-6435. 507-934-6435.
• Southern Minnesota’s Fruhlingsfest, Brown County Fairgrounds, 1201 N State, New Ulm. Info: Facebook or www. newulm.com/fruhlingsfest/
• Maple Syrup Fun Run, River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault. Info: visitfaribault.com/calendar/.
Thurs-Sat, May 12-14
• Springfield Citywide Garage Sales. Info: springfieldmnchamber.org/.
Sat, May 14
• Citizens Bank Minnesota Race 2 Raise 5K, Back parking lot, New Ulm, 5:45 am. Info: 507-3543165, sseifert@citizensmn.bank or Facebook.
• Hot Dog Days, 1st Ave S, St. James, 11 am-1 pm. Info: discoverstjamesmn.com.
Thurs, May 19
• Gustavus Choir Home Concert, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-933-7013.
This April marks the 21st anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This is a time to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse, and to have community-wide conversations about how we can all work to prevent sexual violence. Sexual assault is extremely pervasive, affecting nearly one in three women and one in four men.
Sexual violence is a term that encompasses all types of unwanted sexual contact, from harassment to abuse to assault and violence. Today, lots of sexual violence can happen online. Unfortunately, there are many ways someone can be bullied, threatened, or harassed through a screen. Some examples of sexual harassment online include:
• Sextortion – the practice of extorting money or favors for someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity
• Revenge porn – revealing sexually explicit photos or videos of a person on the internet, typically by a former partner, without the individual’s consent
• Doxxing – online harassment that involves revealing someone’s personal information – name, job, address, etc. and exposing it on the internet
• Child porn
• Posting unsolicited explicit content or images
• Coordinated bullying or harassment campaigns against an individual
Every April, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center hosts a campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This April, the theme of the campaign is Building Safe Online Spaces Together. We all spend a ton of time online and in front of screens, whether we are in Zoom meetings, working, scrolling through social media, or connecting with our people. There are ways that we can all promote safety and respect online.
How can YOU build safe online spaces, help prevent sexual violence, and support survivors through your online activity?
Consent isn’t just necessary when talking about sex. Consent is something we can practice in small ways every day to ensure that everyone’s boundaries are observed and respected. You can practice consent in digital spaces by
• Getting approval from others before sharing photos or other content online. An example of this is a grandparent asking permission of a parent and a child before sharing a photo from a family gathering online.
• Asking for permission to share someone else’s experience. If you don’t have permission, try to only speak from personal experience.
• Respecting others’ devices, accounts, and privacy. It’s not okay to browse through someone else’s phone without their knowledge.
Every group can take on its own norms, which also happens online. Whether you’re gathering with people online at work, through school, or in a social group, you can help set the tone for safety and respect. You can do this by implementing community agreements. These are guidelines that structure how people should communicate and behave in that space. Some examples of community agreements are:
• Speak only from personal experience
• Praise people publically and avoid shaming, blaming, or scolding
• Honor confidentiality
You can also create safety by managing comment threads. You always have the right to hide, restrict, remove, or turn off comments to avoid harmful or inappropriate behavior in comment threads.
You can support survivors and create safe spaces by stepping in when you observe someone being hurt or targeted online. This does not mean that you need to or should engage in every argument that happens in a comment thread or that you should jump in to advocate on someone’s behalf without checking in with them first. Some ways you can interrupt harmful behaviors are:
• Report content that is harmful, problematic, harassing, or bullying
• If you observe someone being hurt by a comment or harassed online, check in with them and ask how you can be supportive. Let them guide you in the best way to help.
• Interrupt when you hear or witness hurtful comments, victimblaming, or someone making light of serious situations. You might not change this person’s mind, but you’ll signal that the behavior isn’t okay with you and show others that you’re not tolerant of the behavior.
• It can be intimidating and challenging to confront someone directly. One way to call something out is simply saying, “Whoa,” when you hear something problematic. This shows someone that they said something inappropriate and allows you to decide how much you want to engage or challenge the individual.
Given the prevalence of sexual violence, it is likely that there is always a survivor in a space you’re a part of. When posting or commenting, it is always helpful to remember that a survivor is likely seeing your words. If you participate in victim-blaming, that could signal to a survivor that you’re not a safe person to talk with. If you challenge victim-blaming, someone may feel more supported by you without you even knowing it.
KRISTEN WALTERS Development & Communications Manager CADA, Mankato
Spring is a stunning season full of life as plants grow, flowers bloom and the sun shines. The downside of this abundance of beauty is seasonal allergens. Pollen from all those growing and blooming plants spreads via warm breezes and can make you feel awful.
"Allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, has been around for hundreds of years, causing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, mouth or skin, runny nose, and congestion," said Dr. Mark Corbett, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "Your symptoms often depend on which pollens you're allergic to."
Allergists can help identify precisely what is causing you problems so you can take appropriate action based on your individual needs. Along with
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taking your history and conducting an exam, allergists conduct tests to identify your specific allergens and treat your symptoms to help you take control. Testing for hay fever typically includes sensitivity to pets, dust mites, trees, grasses, weeds, and mold as they are the most likely triggers for nasal allergies.
In addition to meeting with an allergist, Corbett and the experts at ACAAI share these tips for feeling your best during spring allergy season:
Start medications before symptoms begin
Allergy symptoms can begin much earlier than the official start of spring. To lessen the impact, start taking your allergy medications two to three weeks before your symptoms usually begin.
Antihistamines are grouped into first- or second-generation medications, and these affect your body differently. If you plan to take an oral medication to treat hay fever, think twice before using first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine. They can cause drowsiness and symptoms like dry mouth, dry eyes and constipation. Consider non-sedating treatments such as cetirizine, levocetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine or desloratadine instead.
Be proactive to keep pollen at bay. Close your car and home windows during the spring allergy season as breezes carry microscopic pollen particles. Take off shoes when you enter your home and consider immediately putting clothes in the wash to get rid of pollen. Finally, shower and shampoo at night before bed so pollen is not being transferred from your hair to your bedding.
Keep an eye on the predicted pollen counts for your region, particularly if you plan to be outdoors for long stretches. Keep in mind, pollen counts reported on the news or online don't necessarily mean you will or won't be impacted. There are many types of pollen and an overall high pollen count doesn't always indicate a strong concentration of the pollens that cause your symptoms.Consider immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is designed to target your exact triggers through a shot or tablet and can greatly reduce the severity of your symptoms. Immunotherapy can also prevent the development of asthma in some children with seasonal allergies. Talk to your allergist about which form of immunotherapy is right for you or your kids.
Allergists are specially trained to help you take control of your allergies and asthma, so you can live your best life no matter the season. Find an allergist in your area at ACAAI.org. BPT
1. Save On Fuel. Get Great Perks. Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks® members earn discounts at the pump when they purchase designated products at Hy-Vee stores. It’s an easy way to save on gas with the groceries you regularly buy. Only HyVee Fuel Saver + Perks® members get access to exclusive deals and exciting rewards. Hy-Vee Hilltop 2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.9070 Hy-Vee Riverfront 410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.1107
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This aloe and squalene based duo is perfect for spring when you may want to smooth the hair, add volume, or scrunch in the effortless waves. It’s great for all hair types! And best of all, it extends the life of your color by 30%! Shop Indulge Salon today! Indulge Salon & Tanning 1713 Commerce Dr. North Mankato, MN 507.345.3400
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3. Plush Animals
Check out these adorable new arrivals at Bella Nova! These cute little plush animals by the famous Mary Meyer are here just in time for Easter. We have a large variety of different furry friends. Soft, Cuddly, Cute! Bella Nova Boutique 521 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507.779.7444
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For piecey, defined texture and hold this Davines Dry Texturizer gives the hair an instant full-bodied and tousled look without weighing it down.
Fréy Salon & Spa 429 S Minnesota Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 507.934.7399 freysalon.com
5. 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
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6. Blinds & More
Schedule an in-home appointment or virtual consultation. Working with Blinds & More will take your custom window treatment shopping experience to a completely new level. Enjoy working with a pro to create the perfect mood with the latest blinds, drapery, motorized shades, and shutters.
Blinds & More Window Coverings 507.380.5019 blindsandmore.org
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Skin Essentials, Mankato Clinic
1400 Madison Ave. Suite 400A Madison East Center Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.6599 skinessentials mankato.com
8. Paint & Supplies
At C&S Supply in Mankato We stock interior and exterior paints and stains from True Value as well as brush-on and spray paints from a variety of manufacturers. We carry a wide selection of step stools, step ladders and extension ladders. To help you make your next paint project a success, we can supply you with rollers, brushes, trays, drop cloths and most anything else you might need for your painting project. Ask us to match your colors with our color match computer.
C&S Supply
1951 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001 507.387.1171 or 800.879.1938 candssupply.com
9. 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
Wendy: The Secret Garden, first book I ever loved and have read it more times than I can count.
Nikki: Girl, Wash Your Face. It encourages us to keep going even when we want to give up!
Ashley: Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. It's one of the funniest end of the world books ever and so re-readable!
Amber: I love books by MN authors. I am a big fan of Allen Eskens for mystery and suspense, and Abby Jimenez for rom-com with realistic hardships. Also, loved the book The Big Finish by Brooke.
Kelly: There are so many! I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb, made me pull over and cry at the end (I was listening on audiobook, and it is now also an HBO series with Mark Ruffalo). Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut was so weird while I was reading it, but I end up referencing that book all time. And lastly, the classics—The Great Gatsby and East of Eden. I loved them so much I have tattoos representing them.
Jessica: Where the Crawdads Sing, so beautifully written you feel like you’re there. An epic story.
Lisa: A Child Called IT. Shows that you can overcome a lot of stuff and that you are stronger then you think.
Melissa: All the books by (local MN author) Allen Eskens. I can't pick my favorite one. Patiently waiting for his next book coming this fall. So good. Mystery books that once you start reading, you can't stop. He is a local author as well and references local places in his books. Make sure to read the books in order. Start with The Life We Bury. Highly recommend!
Fossey: It's a heartwarming intergenerational read with humor like the film Grumpy Old Men!
Susu: The Carpenter by Jon Gordon. It’s inspiring, motivating, full of love, and leads your daily life to love and give.
Sabrina: The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. In this simple, quick read/listen on audio book, I appreciate the reminders of living impeccably with your word, not making assumptions, not taking anything personally, and always do your best. My next favorite book is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. She brings such beauty and connection with her words in explaining our connection to Mother Earth, community and healing.
Laura: The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne. It’s funny, heartbreaking and just lovely.
Carrie: Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.
Sue: The Alchemist If life could possibly be contained to the pages of a book, this is it.
Danielle: Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Also, You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. Both books gave the permission to be true to yourself and live your best life.
Sarah: Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume. First book I ever loved!
Mary: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. It was the first novel length book I read, and opened my mind to fantasy.
Deena: Where the Red Fern Grows Read it for the first time in early elementary because it was a big book and I was after those sweet Pizza Hut points. I loved the story, the dogs, and how the kid was so independent. He earned the money himself, snuck away on foot to get the dogs himself. He trained the dogs himself, chopped down a huge tree by himself, except a final push of wind by God. He rescued them from the icy river and they rescue him. I'm not mentioning the end. As an adult, I understand it from the adult's perspective too, and how much poverty affected his life in unseen ways. I most recently read it last year, and now I can order my own Pizza Hut personal pan pizza! Well played, marketing team!
Ali: The Storied Life of AJ Fikry. It's a book for book lovers—what's better than that?
Lisa: My mother, Barbara Mages' book, To Bechyn and Back, because as an author she can describe moments in her life in such a vivid and poignant way, and she adds such a positive light to each story.
Hip replacement was not in Kris Ulrich’s retirement plans. She had projects to do and polka dances to attend. The pain in her hip led her Dr. Jesse Botker at the Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic in Mankato and River’s Edge Hospital in St. Peter for a total hip replacement. Now that she’s recovered, she is dancing again.
“I didn’t think about my hip the whole day. I just went around like I was 20 years old.”
See Kris’ full story at www.rehc.org/news
Learn more at OrthoEdgeMN.com
JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY IMPORTANT CHOICE, EASY DECISION
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!
“This hip isn’t stopping me from doing a darn thing.”
- Kris Ulrich Pemberton