North Kato Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

H E R E T O S TAY

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LET TER FROM THE EDITOR

Find this issue of North Kato Magazine on Facebook

“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”

Author Jenny Han once said this and I have to say, I wholeheartedly agree. As I write this, the winter of 2022 seems to be hanging on… and it’s mid-April. We should have long ago shed our winter jackets. Hopefully by the time you read this, we have!

This issue highlights some of what makes summertime good and magical in North Kato. Let’s start with our cover story: the bright lights of Caswell Park and the bright orange uniforms of the Mankato Peppers have become traditional signals that summer is upon us. Read on to find out how their impact reaches beyond the outfield fences adjacent to Highway 14.

This summer, the city is really making a splash next to Caswell Park! The new splash pad should be ready for use in June (pg. 24). If you prefer to splash in the comfort of your own backyard, Sawatzky Pools can help (pg. 28). This long-time, family-owned business has deep roots in lower North.

Big Dog Sports Cafe’s patio is ready to be enjoyed this summer! Take advantage of the weather and join us for a delicious meal and a cold drink!

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We also highlight local destinations like Curiosi-Tea (pg. 18) and North Links Golf Course (pg. 16). For the more adventurous sort, columnist Jay Zielski enlightens us on one of his favorite summertime feats: stealth camping. Of course, it wouldn’t be summer here without Fun Days, we take a look back and a look at its future (pg. 20).

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Keep this issue handy for travel tips (pg. 30), recipes (pg. 38) and more! It’s good reading for the hazy, lazy days of summer.

“One benefit of summer is that each day we have more light to read by.” – Jeanette Walls

Lisa Cownie

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CONTENTS M AY J U N J U L

6 PEPPERED WITH TALENT 12 HOME AWAY FROM HOME 16 FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME 18 OUR CUP OF TEA 20 FONDNESS FOR FUN DAYS 24 SPLASH IN OUR COMMUNITY 26 CELEBRATE SAFE. DRIVE SAFE. 28 HERE TO REMEMBER: SAWATZKY POOLS & SPAS 30 HONEYMOON SEASON 34 STEALTH CAMPING 36 YOU CANNOT POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP 38 GRILLING SEASON IS HERE 42 MAKING BUSINESS BEAUTIFUL IN UPPER NORTH 46 SUMMER READING 48 GREATER MANKATO GROWTH

H E R E TO WR I T E ?

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Writers are the voice of North Kato Magazine and we are proud to have a blend of seasoned writers and fresh new voices. If you would like to join our team of freelance writers contact us at info@luxequarterlies.com

EDITOR LISA COWNIE DESIGN EXPOSURE CREATIVE HIM & HER DESIGN COVER PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE ISEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTER CORPORATE GRAPHICS COMMERCIAL

PLEASE DIRECT ALL EDITORIAL SUGGESTIONS & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES TO INFO@LUXEQUARTERLIES.COM

North Kato magazine is published and mailed quarterly by Luxe Quarterlies. The content used in this magazine is copyright 2022. The opinions or points of view expressed within are those of our authors.

SUMMER 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

5

BY CHRISTINE NESSLER PHOTOS BY MICHELLE ISEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHY

A sure sign of the season, the bright lights beaming all summer long at Caswell Park in North Mankato. And under those bright lights, bright orange uniforms dot the landscape in what has become a part of every summer in North Mankato: Mankato Peppers Softball. The organization’s impact on the community, and on the players, reaches far beyond the glow of the lights.

“Peppers helps me be more confident so I can stand up for myself. Now I have confidence in other activities and school too,” says Harper Walsh, who plays on the 10u team.

Ava Bode on the 12u travel team says, “It makes you a better person by doing something you love.”

Her sister, Maddie (16u) echoes those sentiments. “Peppers is bringing kids together that just want to try something new.

It’s a positive environment for everyone.”

For forty years Mankato Peppers Softball has been a cornerstone of our community by developing confident young women, cementing solid friendships and bringing vitality to our community. Each summer these girls are learning more than how to field a grounder or swing a bat, and the Caswell sports complex has grown right along with them. In addition to building a reputation around fast-pitch softball, Peppers has also affected our local commerce attracting teams from across the Midwest to the city.

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

The Peppers host five tournaments at Caswell from May through July. According to Jon Thompson, Treasurer and Finance Chair of Mankato Peppers Softball, studies done

by Visit Mankato, show in 2019 Mankato Area Girls Fastpitch Association (MAGFA) tournaments generated nearly $3,000,000 in economic activity in the Mankato area. The income comes from people drawn into the community from across the state and country as well as local supporters of the teams. This includes retail, tickets, gas, lodging and of course, food.

“The tournaments at Caswell can keep us busy from the moment we open to 9 'o'clock at night,” said Wade Becker, owner of Big Dog Sports Cafe located on Commerce Drive in North Mankato. Since Becker opened in 1994, he has had a partnership with Peppers. The Peppers give Becker advanced notice of any upcoming tournaments so he can staff accordingly. Becker also does his own due diligence by keeping records from past tournaments so he can be properly prepared. The extra work has been worth it.

“It’s unbelievable the support they’ve (Peppers) put into this place over the years,” Becker said. “There will be 60 to 80 people in the back room at some times.”

For Becker, it’s about more than numbers. It’s about the relationships he’s built with the families that come in to celebrate after each game.

“It’s been a pleasure watching those kids have a blast in the back.

It puts a smile on my face to see a happy kid,” Becker said. “Some of the girls I’ve known since they were five or six years old and now, they have daughters of their own that play.”

Mankato Peppers was the area’s first organized fast-pitch softball team. Players, past and present, along with their families and our community will feel its positive impact for years to come because for Mankato Peppers Softball it’s always been about more than just playing a game.

Molding Young Adults What started out as a very competitive traveling fast-pitch softball team, has through the years become a multifaceted softball program where kids of all abilities can find the love of softball. From Lil’ Peppers tee-ball players all the way up to the

competitive teams that travel the country for National tournaments, Peppers is working to set up their players for success in softball and in life.

“The goal is to teach the kids in our program how to deal with adversity, work as a team, gain leadership skills, and become productive members of our community,” said Thompson.

A big part of attaining this goal of developing players with these positive attributes is finding the best coaches who not only want to lead the players on the field, but also impact their lives moving forward. Many coaches were once Peppers themselves, including Beth Benzkofer Kozitza.

Kozitza has been a part of Mankato Peppers since the very first year the program was formed. She played with the Peppers throughout high school and immediately began coaching for Peppers afterwards. Kozitza coached for the Peppers for 30 years before leaving to coach both college and high school teams. She currently coaches for Loyola-St. Clair High School Softball.

Lessons Kozitza learned on the field carried through to her life and shaped the person she became. She says it is the best thing she has ever done because Peppers improved her ability to work as a teammate, made her a better friend, made her more outgoing, gave her a drive to achieve and most importantly gave her confidence. 

SUMMER 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

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

The ability to share those lessons and a passion for building up confidence in girls, is what has kept Kozitza coaching all these years.

“Girls start losing confidence really early in life,” Kozitza said.

“It’s so important we can build their confidence - not through talking, but through a sport. Confidence grows through doing something they love and by flourishing through friendships.”

Craig Bode, father of two Peppers players and a Peppers coach and board member, said one of the biggest impacts he’s seen on his daughters has been the confidence they have gained through the sport of softball, particularly his sixteen-year-old daughter Maddie.

Maddie Bode, a 16U traveling Peppers player, is a prime example of one of these impressive young women who has experienced personal development while honing her athletic abilities. Maddie started playing softball at a young age because she enjoyed being outdoors and had friends who were playing as well. It was the challenge of the game that got her hooked on the sport.

“Softball has definitely taught me hard work ethic because there are a lot of aspects to the game that you have to work hard at,” Maddie said. “I know there is always a next step, and it just challenges me to be my best self.”

Bode is also grateful for the lifelong friendships his daughters are developing through their involvement in Peppers. Ava, twelve-years-old, says that’s her favorite part of being on a Peppers team.

“It’s all so good and cheerful,” Ava said. “I like all the new friends that you meet, and I like just playing the game.”

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

Players aren’t the only ones making friends. Families are also connected through Peppers.

“I have joked that many of my summer vacations over the years were spent not with my immediate family, but with my Pepper families,” Thompson said. “Some of my best friends today are from being a part of this program.”

Bode became close friends with Tomm Richards while coaching their daughters Maddie and Tiegen together.

Richards is a long-time Peppers coach and father of three former and current Peppers players.

The families have become such good friends over the years that the Bode family traveled to Winter Haven, Florida for The Spring Games this past spring to watch another Richards’ daughter play softball. At the games they supported Torey Richards, former Peppers player and shortstop for the Minnesota State University Mavericks softball team.

Through the time the two families have spent together over the years, Torey became a role model for Maddie.

“I have been close with the Richards family forever and have always looked up to Torey,” Maddie said. In addition to being a well-known local athlete from East High School and now Minnesota State University, Torey has also been encouraging to younger players by participating in clinics and giving softball lessons.

“I have done a couple lessons with her,” Maddie said. “She always has answers to all my questions.”

Paying it forward Like Kozitza once did, Torey plans to coach for the Peppers this summer and continue the tradition of former players coming back to teach and inspire the next generation of

Peppers. Many players have been inspired to give back after playing for Peppers, including Maddie.

“I want younger kids to have the same experience I had,” said Maddie, who at just 16-years-old, is already a role model for younger players. She aspires to play college softball and become a coach one day too.

“It feels good to hear those younger players look up to me,” Maddie said. “I want to show them that hard work pays off.” While Maddie leads through example, sometimes being a role model is as simple as showing up. Tiegen Richards, also 16-years-old, says being a good role model starts with supporting the younger Peppers by attending their games and cheering them on.

A Reputation of Excellence Built to inspire, Mankato Peppers Softball was started in 1982 when Jerry Maschka and Gary Lunz gave girls in North Mankato and Mankato a chance to excel in a program designed just for them. Prior to that, there was no softball program and girls that wanted to play only had baseball as an option. Kozitza was one of the girls recruited from baseball.

“All the girls I was playing baseball with started playing Peppers,” Kozitza said. “They put together the best of the girls which at the time were really great athletes.” According to Kozitza, the baseball teams left behind suffered the loss of some of their finest players.

Maschka, Lunz, and the eager young athletes who played, began the legacy of excellence for which Mankato Peppers Softball is still known.

The early development of these baseballplaying young women turned the Peppers teams into a dominant softball force in statewide and national tournaments.

“The sport Mankato is most known for is softball because Peppers helps develop those kids,” said Richards.

According to Richards, there is a team in Kansas City that named themselves the Peppers twenty years ago because of how they saw the Mankato Peppers play back in the 1990s. They were impressed and wanted to emulate the team.

What began in tournaments then carried through to the Big Nine Conference and the state. The older Mankato softball players influence their younger peers and so the reputation has been carried out by the generations that followed.

“The young girls in town see the high school teams winning, having fun and making it to the state tournament and then it really snowballs,” Richards said. “Now we have great momentum that has carried with us for 40 years.”

Girls, ages 6 to 18, interested in playing softball, can sign up for Peppers at mankatopeppers.com.  SUMMER 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

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405

for traveling sports fans

BY LISA COWNIE

“Caswell Park is very exciting. As a dad I have, and still do, travel a lot with my daughters’ softball teams as well as volleyball and soccer. So, seeing the hotel fill up with all of the families and knowing that they are making memories that will last a lifetime is inspiring.”

Eric Seljeskog and his team at Midwestern Hospitality Management, built the Comfort Inn on Commerce Drive in North Mankato in 2021. He has built hotels in communities all across the Midwest, but has never experienced anything quite like North Mankato.

“The community itself has been fantastic. Not just the people at the city, but the residents also. From the day we put the ‘Coming Soon’ sign up our neighbors started reaching out to us and telling us how excited they were for us to open and be part of the community. Most people don’t think much about the hotel down the street from them. Usually, you only think about hotels when you are far away from home, not just down the street. We strive for our management to get involved with the community as much as possible and to be good stewards. Not just for the people visiting the area, but also to those who live and work in the community,” says Seljeskog.

The city of North Mankato reached out to Midwestern Hospitality Management about building in North Mankato. The city had done a feasibility study and determined that the need was there.

“One of the investors in our property in Sioux Falls is from the Mankato

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

area and knows some of the people working with the city,” explains Seljeskog. “When they found out he was involved in the hotel business they asked him to reach out to us. We met with some of the city planners and looked at their feasibility study and spent some time in the area and we agreed that this location seemed to make very good sense.”

The hotel amenities include 68 guest rooms with a meeting space, swimming pool, hot tub and fitness room.

There is even a small bar in the hotel.

So far, all those feasibility studies have proved to be correct. But the successes have not come without challenges.

“When we have opened other hotels in the past the local people didn’t seem to care much one way or the other. But seeing this much excitement in North Mankato is heartwarming.”

“Like most businesses these days, we’ve had some problems finding quality employees. And opening up around the COVID pandemic presented us with a number of unique challenges. But everything seems to be heading in the right direction now. We’ve got a great general manager now and he has managed to turn our staffing issues around. Business travel is back on the rise and that helps a lot. The summer tourism season is already starting to come together. And that is great to see,” says Seljeskog.

For more information, visit choicehotels.com/minnesota/ mankato/comfort-innhotels/mn228 

Seljeskog says, “I guess having a bar is a little unique for this class of hotel. But my partner and I both felt it is important to have a place for both business travelers and traveling parents to sit back and unwind after a long day."

At the end of the day, Seljeskog says, he is happy to be a part of the North Mankato community.

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F O R T H E LOV E O F T H E

North Links provides locals a close place to get their golf fix.

BY ASHLEY HANLEY

“My recollection is that Andrew was playing tee to green by age 10. He definitely learned the game there. We bought the unlimited range pass, so he spent many hours driving, chipping and putting at the North Links range. He likely started that at age 8,” reflects North Mankatoan Craig Christensen. Andrew is now 21 and still playing the sport of golf. A love he developed at North Links.

“We’ve golfed a lot of courses over the years, but I think Andrew and I both consider North Links our first home course,” says Craig.

Andrew’s love of North Lin ks was evident in his smile at a very young ag e.

Indeed, North Links helped many locals develop a love of the sport. Located on the outskirts of North Mankato off of Highway 14, North Links Golf Course is a public golf course featuring a traditional, prairie style layout with multi-tiered and undulating greens to challenge golfers of all abilities. North Links features an extensive practice facility, full-service banquet facilities, and a fully stocked Pro Shop. They also offer league play, practice sessions and lessons for any golfer.

The course shares a long and storied history in the community. They officially opened for play back in 1993. It was originally built and owned by the city of North Mankato, making it a municipal golf course.

Shortly thereafter, the golf course went into private hands and has been owned by a family from the Twin Cities since 1996. That family owns eight golf courses in four states under the title Wilson Golf Group.

continue to s son Andrew .

Craig and hi regular basis a on er th toge hit the links

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

If golfing isn’t necessarily up your alley, they also offer some amenities for public use and individual events.

They also offer a private banquet room that according to their website, “Our banquet staff specialize in wedding receptions and golf outings of all sizes. The banquet facilities at North Links provide panoramic views of the golf course with outdoor and indoor patio areas to give your event added ambiance.”

With a scenic setting and longstanding history, North Links has plenty to offer any golfer and to the community as a whole.

North Links is unique in the Mankato area as the only regulation 18-hole public golf course.

With the numerous offerings, the course keeps thriving through the decades of service from one local man.

Mike Thomas has been the General Manager and PGA Golf Professional at North Links for 27 years.

But Thomas doesn’t just take the credit himself for how smoothly the facility operates.

He says there is a dedicated group that works to keep the club running.

“We have about 25 people that work at the golf course, 10 or so in the clubhouse and about 15 that maintain the golf course.”

With 50 people working with the clients or behind the scenes, the grass truly is greener on their side of the golf course.

Although the pandemic hit North Links like other area businesses, Thomas says there are also some very positive things that came as a result.

Thomas says, “The pandemic has been a huge boon to the golf business not only in Mankato but the entire world. Golf had been declining since the recession of 2008 and the pandemic reversed that in a heartbeat. Google that and you will have more than I can contribute here,” he jokes.

Andrew Christensen picked up a golf club at a very early age, and has hardly put it down since.

The numbers back Thomas’ assessment.

“Fifteen years ago, 32,000 people played golf yearly at North Links. Because of the recession and other factors we were down to 19,000 rounds in 2019. During the pandemic and last year we are back to 32k,” he says excitedly.

He credits one big reason for the boost in business.

“Like all outdoor activities golf was / is something you can do safely, and people came flooding back to golf. It's a good use of time and money. It's positive in all aspects of one's life: physical, mental and personal.”

Thomas says it is not just the fun of the game of golf that makes North Links so successful, he says another big draw is that golf is for people of all ages that spans literally for decades.

“Being a public golf course, we have a great cross section of players: small children up to people in their 90s,” notes Thomas.

“I have a guy who plays regularly that is 98! Unusual but true. I have many golfers in their 80s, too.”

Thomas says he even has quite a few father/son combinations that come in on a regular basis to tee it off, just like Craig and Andrew Christensen.

So, whether it is your first time hitting the green, or the 100th, North Links Golf Course holds a special place in the North Mankato community for golfers of all ages, competitiveness and abilities. 

SUMMER 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

17

Tea! OUR CUP OF

BY MEGHAN GREY

Meghan and her mom Cindy enjoy not only the tea, but the company!

My mom and I have, thankfully, had 23 Mother’s Days together.

Finding ways to celebrate her is something I cherish. Lucky for me, this year I didn’t have to go far to help us bring back some childhood memories and spend some treasured time together.

In fact, I realized there is nothing better than spending an afternoon with my mom, Cindy, chatting over a cup of tea.

We stopped at Curiosi-Tea House to share a pot of our favorite brew, Minnesota Nice. It took us a few minutes to choose from the large collection of mismatched cups, but we made our selections and sat down near a sunny window. Our table was set with hand-painted saucers, a plate of cookies dusted with powdered sugar and flowers that complemented the shop’s colorful décor.

We filled our cups and reminisced about the tea parties we had when I was young. We would put on pearl necklaces, clink our cups together, hold our pinkies high and giggle until our tea went cold. So many years have passed since then, but it feels like nothing has changed.

As I listened to Mom revisit old memories, I realized it is moments like these that she cherishes most—spending time together being fully present, and it is the perfect way to celebrate her this Mother’s Day. What a wonderful, unique place we have amidst the varied businesses dotting Commerce Drive. Just stepping foot in Curiosi-Tea brings whimsical feelings and I highly recommend it! 

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

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FONDNESS FOR

BY NATE BOOTS

The parade. The carnival with its Ferris wheel and rides and food. The food. The bingo tent. The games. The excitement. The beer garden. The music. The friends and the laughs. The family and the reunions and the history. The fun. Make that Fun with a capital F. These are the things that North Mankatoans and the people that flock to the fair city of North Mankato think about when they think about Fun Days, the city’s annual summer celebration. Started in 1965 to celebrate the city’s survival of the infamous Flood of ‘65—made possible in part by local folks coming together to volunteer their assistance with sandbagging and other flood abatement machinations—Fun Days has become a staple event of North Mankato’s existence for more than 50 years.

The Civic and Commerce Association helmed the event for years. In 2022, the North Mankato Activities and Business Association, supported by the city, will take the reins. There will be a new logo and “an updated and fresh feel” according to Anna Brown, the city’s public info officer. Brown says that Family Fun Shows is providing the carnival aspect once again, and that bingo with the Knights of Columbus, the tractor pull, and Mankato Baltics old-time baseball game will be back as well, along with other events. Also, says, Brown, “A great line-up of entertainment is scheduled for this year's beer garden, including Jeremy Poland, Coyote Wild, and Pop Rocks.”

The hope here is that Fun Days will continue to provide North Mankatoans and its visitors the same sorts of great memories that it has inspired in the past. To that end, here are a few of the fond memories, at random, from Fun Days festers from the recent and not-so-recent past. 

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

“My husband and I were there every year.

We loved the church ladies’ meals. I always bought cotton candy!”

—Diane Norland

“One of my earliest memories of Fun Days comes from when we used to live on Wheeler Avenue, when I was about five or six years old. Out of my bedroom window I could look over and see just the top of the Ferris wheel. So every night during Fun Days, before bed, I got to look out there and be like, ‘Oh, yeah, cool! Fun Days! I get to go tomorrow!’ It’s a cool memory I think about every year when Fun Days comes up.”

—Harry Franke

“I remember when Tiffany and I first moved in we were wondering what this Fun Days thing was all about because every time I left my parking spot during Fun Days, when I’d come back I’d have to park four blocks away. But now that I’m on the Fire Department, I’ve learned more about it. It’s a labor of love. A lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun, and it’s worth it.”

“It was always about the music for me as a small child. The music I would hear from the beer garden that seemed to dance poetically with the lights from the rides. My otherwise calm father became protective during Fun Days. It was a bit of an intrusion to our normal relaxed Wheeler Park existence. My five siblings and I knew we were to use our allotted ride tickets and then retreat to home with the blinds drawn during this time. But the music, the lights.... We would gather in the back upstairs bedroom to defiantly peer through the window. It was amazing. It was magical. Turns out it was Fun Days.”

—Emily Rentas

—Greg Thate

“As a kid growing up I can’t remember a single summer when I didn’t spend the second Saturday of July sitting on the curb of my grandma’s front yard (on Belgrade Avenue), patiently waiting for the two-hour-long parade to start.

And every summer, still, all of my grandma’s kids—and their kids, and their kids—arrive to my grandma’s house around 10:30 a.m. to fill the yard with chairs and blankets, eat too much candy, and then reward ourselves with a big family BBQ afterwards.”

“My fondest memory of Fun Days came last year. My children had reached an age where they could meet with friends and go to the carnival on their own. As I sat with a couple of my Lower North neighbors, I realized what a big deal that was for me, having the small-town vibe of knowing your children are safe. I can be a bit of a helicopter mom, so that was a big deal for me.”

—Bailey Burg

“We moved to the Mankato area from the Twin Cities in the summer of 1965.

My father brought us to the first Fun Days celebration and told my younger sister and I they were having a welcoming party for us coming to town. Who doesn’t believe their dad when they are 4 and 6 years old?”

—Mark Dehen

—Holly Dodge

“I loved the teen street dances they held in the tennis courts. I wasn’t allowed to go so I stayed at my grandma’s and went. One year a smoke bomb somehow landed on my new coat, and I started on fire. The police were called, and I was busted. The music was great.

Wish I remembered who the bands were.”

—Nancy Myers

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*Rankings determined by data collected and distributed by CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC for individual producers by AGC in the State of MN in 2021.

GRILL TIME Steaks and burgers are not the only foods to enjoy on the grill. Add grilled fruits and vegetables to your next cookout menu. Grilling fruit brings out its natural sweetness and the flavor of the grilled vegetables is enhanced when they are lightly charred.

To prevent sticking, use 1–2 tablespoons oil per pound. Any more fat will cause flare-ups.

•

Skewer or use a grilling basket for very small foods. Alternatively, cut the vegetable or fruit into pieces large enough so they won’t fall between the grill grates. Slices are fine for many items, like potatoes, squash, eggplant, or apples.

•

Soak wood or bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to keep them from burning.

•

Clean the grill grates; your vegetables and fruit will be less likely to stick.

•

If you’re grilling a variety of vegetables, be sure to start with the ones that take the longest to cook and add the others incrementally, saving the quickest-cooking ones for last.

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Apply barbecue or other sweet sauce or coating toward the end of cooking so it has time to glaze but not burn.

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Scan the QR code:

slice(s) Hy-Vee bacon, chopped Hy-Vee honey Hy-Vee Dijon mustard Hy-Vee apple cider vinegar finely chopped red onion head(s) (1 pound) green cabbage head(s) (1 pound) purple cabbage Hy-Vee canola oil

DIRECTIONS

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO PERFECT YOUR VEGETABLE AND FRUIT GRILLING TECHNIQUE: •

INGREDIENTS

1

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for direct grilling over medium heat.

2

For dressing, in a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving drippings. Crumble bacon and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard and vinegar. Slowly drizzle in bacon drippings and whisk until well blended. Stir in crumbled bacon and red onion; set aside.

3

Remove the loosest, toughest outer leaves from the cabbage.

Cut each portion into 4 wedges. Do not remove the stalk or inner core. Lightly brush the wedges with canola oil.

4

Place wedges on grill rack. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges show grill marks and cabbage begins to soften, turning once.

Arrange wedges on plate. Reheat dressing, if needed, and spoon over wedges. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 200 calories, 7g fat, 2.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 20mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 27g total carbohydrate, 5g dietary fiber, 18g sugars, 0 added sugars, 9g protein. Daily values: 10% iron, 10% calcium, 50% vitamin A, 220% vitamin C.

419

April Graff, MS, RD, LD Hilltop Dietitian 507.625.9070 AGraff@hy-vee.com

Scan this QR code to find your Hy-Vee dietitian

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

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

BY LISA COWNIE

Splish Splash, North Mankato is up to the task.

“We’ve always wondered why our community never had one,” reflects Kya Keegan, mother of three and long-time North Mankato resident. “Since our girls love the Spring Lake Pool, this will be a nice bonus. Having a splash pad close to home is definitely a plus. It’s also nice to have a different option when it gets hot outside and it just happens to be right next to one of our favorite parks!”

The new attraction, a 4,500sf splash pad next to the popular Fallenstein Playground off Howard Drive should open in June of 2022. It is sure to make a splash for residents of all ages and city officials see it as the next logical step in making that area of Upper North Mankato, a destination for all.

“The project targets all demographics, we really want this amenity to host family members of all ages,” explains Nate Host, North Mankato Public Works Director. “The features in the splashpad range from small bubblers,

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

water jet streams, a water pathway feature that allows users to manipulate the path of water with gates and roller balls, to larger features such as a dump bucket, directional spray jets, water loops and fountain sprayers.

In total the project has 25 features.”

Shady spots, as well as benches and tables, will be added along the perimeter. In total, the project will cost about $300,00 to $350,000, with $150,000 coming from the Ward Family Foundation.

Host says the project had been in the minds of city planners for years and the need was clear.

“The greater Mankato area doesn’t have a splashpad and our staff have been hearing from citizens for several years about the lack of splashpad. Knowing that, we saw a natural fit to add this facility to our most popular park at Fallenstein. With the possible addition of the indoor rec center we love what is taking place at Caswell Park.”

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Celebrate Safe DRIVE SAFE

BY AARON HATANPA

Tips for parents and teens during prom and graduation season With prom and graduation, the end of the school year is a celebratory time for high school students. Crashes are still the leading cause of death for teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Check out the tips below for parents and teens. More information is on the State Farm Teen® Driver Safety website. Always encourage your teen to make positive choices while driving.

PARENTS

TEENS

Connect with other parents Speak directly with any parents supervising afterparties your teen will attend.

Groom before you zoom Before it’s time to go, take one last look in the mirror and make sure you’re looking good so nothing takes your focus off the road while driving.

Talk about responsible behavior Parents play an important role. Talk to your teen about dealing with peer pressure, the dangers/ repercussions of underage drinking and driving, using illegal substances, and contacting you for a ride.

Offer options for rides If a group insists on traveling together to prom and numerous graduation parties, talk to other parents about hiring a limo. That way no one gets behind the wheel.

If it’s not in the budget, offer to drive them yourself, or research other public transportation options in your community.

Have the party come to you Plan your own, adult-supervised, after-party at your house, school or local community center.

Set the example You can’t always be in the car, but you can keep safety top-ofmind by demonstrating and enforcing habits like wearing a seat belt, not using a cell phone while driving, following the speed limit and driving 2N2® - 2 eyes on the road, 2 hands on the wheel.

America’s #1 car and home insurance company.

Get your beauty rest Since many parties last until early morning, make sure you get plenty of sleep leading up to the big day, or ask your parents to pick you up so you and your friends don’t have to drive while tired. Fatal car crashes involving teens happen significantly more at night.

Set limits Put a limit on the number of friends you ride with.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the risk of fatal crashes increases with each passenger.

And if riding with friends, remind them to put their phones away and turn the music down.

Drive Sober Drinking before the age of 21 is illegal, and alcohol and driving should never mix no matter your age.

This goes for using drugs and other illegal substances as well.

Seatbelts are the perfect accessory A little wrinkle in your dress, tux or graduation gown is not a reason to go without a seat belt. Buckling your seatbelt can save your life and keep you from getting seriously injured and it’s the law.

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

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H E R E TO R E M E M B E R

A HOME-GROWN BUSINESS THAT HAS REMAINED STRONG OVER THE DECADES

BY BETH FASNACHT

While working as a yard master for the Chicago Northwestern railroad in Mankato in 1972, Richard Sawatzky took on a part-time job to earn extra money. On his days off and in the mornings before heading to the railroad, he would install pools for a local pool business. After a few years of installing and maintaining pools, Richard was planning to step away from this part-time job. Needless to say, Richard’s customers had a different plan for him.

After leaving, he received so many calls from past customers that he made the decision to officially start Sawatzky Pools. Together with his wife Sandy, Richard ran the business out of their home garage, while still maintaining their fulltime jobs. By 1984, the business had outgrown the garage which led to the purchase of 433 Belgrade Avenue, where the business resides today.

In 1989, Richard then took the “plunge” and left the railroad to manage his pool business fulltime.

As the business has grown, they have purchased the homes on both sides of the existing building and have expanded to the alley behind. When looking at Sawatzky Pools from Belgrade Avenue, you see a quaint beautiful building with the Sawatzky sign out front. After a short tour of the office building, we continued out the back door and stepped into a showroom with hot tubs, a maintenance warehouse, and the large machinery needed to dig and pour concrete pools. None of which is seen from Belgrade Avenue.

Looking back, Richard recalls, “pools had one shape and size; a 16x32 rectangle with one liner option.”

Sawatzky Pools does not sell pre-shaped “cookiecutter” pools, each one is custom to their customer’s needs and wants. Pools have evolved with custom features such as different stair options, sun decks, water features, custom shapes and sizes, lighting options, pool liners, and automated pool covers.

Sawatzky Pools has grown into a diversified pool business for both commercial and residential customers. In addition to the pools, they also sell hot tubs, the chemicals needed to maintain both, and service for both. Throughout the years, this diversification has carried the business through some low economic times. Due to the strong relationships

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

Sawatzky’s have with their suppliers, they were able to continue uninterrupted service for their customers throughout the pandemic.

As many people were “staycationing” at home, if they had a pool, they needed maintenance. If they didn’t have a pool, they were realizing it was time to have one installed.

Sawatzky’s has the advantage over other pool companies by housing all components of the business in-house; they are the design team, the installers, and the service team who continues the maintenance. Sawatzky’s focuses on customer service and educating their customers “so they can make the best choice for their family and yard”, says Taber Sawatzky. Taber, Richard and Sandy’s son, left Mankato for college and a career in teaching. After 17 years as a sales manager for a large company, he had the opportunity to return to the family business and bring his business knowledge with him.

Together, Taber and Richard, run Sawatzky Pools with a mutual respect for each other. They have the best interest in mind for their customers, employees, and the business. Both foresee the business being family run for many years to come. During the summers, Taber remembers working at the jobsites and in the office when he was young. Today, his kids are having that same experience working with their dad and learning the family business. Sawatzky Pools has remained a small local business with a staff of five year-round and up to four seasonal employees in the summers, who are often college students. For some, this summer job can become more, as it did for two students who are now fulltime staff.

Having lived in North Mankato the majority of their lives, Richard and Sandy wanted to keep the business there as well. Richard refers to North Mankato as “Little Brooklyn” because of its small town feel with big city amenities. The family loves being on Belgrade Avenue and participating in the events that Business on Belgrade has developed.

They often have a float with a hot tub lit with Christmas lights in the Bells on Belgrade parade and enjoy their front row seats for the Fun Days parade. Richard proclaims, he will continue to expand around his current location, because leaving is not an option. “We’re proud to be on Belgrade”, says both Taber and Richard.

DREAMING OF YOUR OWN

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SINCE 2017

434

SAVE MONEY CUT YOUR CHLORINE USAGE FROM 50%-80%

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RECIPE FOR CLEAR POOL WATER

ALL SUMMER Sanitizer:

ProTeam 3” HighTech Tabs.

Borate is the special sauce in the chorine tab that inhibits algae, helps balance PH, and makes water softer feeling and crisper looking.

Oxidizer:

Super Oxidizer Cal Hypo This is a chlorine shock that will not increase cyanuric acid levels.

Oxidizers burn-up the organics in the water, reduce chloramines, and help achieve crystal clear water.

Use weekly.

Algaecide:

ProTeam Polyquat 60 Algaecide This algaecide will contribute to water clarity.

Polyquats not only kill algae but also help your filter remove micro particles that make for hazy water. Use every other week.

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www.sawatzkypools.com SUMMER 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE pools@sawatzkypools.com

29

BY AMBER PIETAN AMBER PIETAN TRAVEL

When it comes to honeymoons, one size does not fit all.

Honeymoons vary depending on the couple’s dreams and passions, their interests and what fulfills them. It also depends, of course, on what time of year they are taking their honeymoon and last but not least, the all-mighty budget.

Here are some destinations I’m seeing for folks around our area:

Travel in our winter when weather is warm, and humidity is at its lowest. Immerse yourselves in the Polynesian culture, soak in the calm turquoise waters, relax on the white sand beaches or stay in an overwater bungalow. It is the only place in the world where you can find the black pearl.

One of the sunniest places in Europe with many Greek islands to discover.

There are 18 UNESCO sites to explore in awe. Sixteen of those sites are Cultural Heritage sites. With one of the longest coastlines in Europe and 80% of the mainland mountainous, they have it all for beach bums and mountain enthusiasts. Travel in August for the prettiest settings or during the spring or fall to avoid the crowds.

Birthed from volcanos, Hawaii offers romance, adventures, and different culinary tastings with plenty of opportunities for romance. Take in a hike, swim with turtles or visit the Seven Sacred Pools. Be sure to put the flower on your left ear at the luau to signify you are taken. Hawaii is traveled year-round. Spring and fall are the best for good weather, summer can get too hot for some couples and winter brings in many of tourists.

Birthed from volcanos, Hawaii offers romance, adventures, and different culinary tastings with plenty of opportunities for romance. Take in a hike, swim with turtles or visit the Seven Sacred Pools. Be sure to put the flower on your left ear at the luau to signify you are taken. Hawaii is traveled year-round. Spring and fall are the best for good weather, summer can get too hot for some couples and winter brings in many of tourists.

Ideal for snorkeling and diving with crystal-clear waters, shallow lagoons, and beautiful corals with over 2,000 species of sea life. This island is for water lovers. Try an underwater restaurant or swim under an island! The islands consist of over 1,000 coral islands.

Each island, typically hosts just one hotel offering the best-of-the-best luxury experience including that water bungalow we’ve all got on our bucket list. Maldives’ best weather occurs November through April. The rainy season is May through October.

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BY JAY ZIELSKI

You May Have Camped But Have You Ever “Stealth Camped”?

both of us we had just “Stealth Camped”. Yet another first-time experience to add to the list.

As a person prepares a list of adjectives to describe a successful camping experience, words such as: adventurous, resourceful, prepared, and organized come to mind. Might I also add the word: “Stealthy”?

Stealth camping, I learned, is defined as: the act of secretly camping in a public or private area (sometimes legally - sometimes illegally) and moving on the next morning without being detected. I discovered the term as I was reading an article on Bikepacking. The biking equivalent of Backpacking.

Probably not a word that comes to mind for most people. Read on and you will learn more…

Several years ago, with a two-person tent and camping gear all packed, my daughter and I departed late one summer afternoon for Durango, Colorado. Our intended destination that night: Ogalalla, Nebraska and Lake McConaughy State Park. Undeterred after numerous attempts to book a campsite online were unsuccessful, I looked over to my daughter, Allison, and confidently told her: “I’m sure this will work out.” Seven hours later, shortly after midnight ‘Mountain Time’ and driving aimlessly in pitch black darkness bewildered and exhausted, we failed to determine the exact location of the elusive campground. I looked at my daughter and said: “Well ‘Al’ we’re going to camp here tonight.” She glanced out the window at the deserted grass and tree lined parking lot of the Hill Top Inn… “Really dad? What if…” I completed her sentence and said: “If someone pulls up, I’ll offer them $20 to stay the night. Any decent person will accept $20 and leave us alone.”

After a somewhat restful night at our impromptu campsite, we pulled up stakes just before dawn and continued on our way to Colorado. Unbeknownst to

The article went on to provide a list of ten suggestions for successful stealth camping.

1.

Stay Quiet and Keep Lights to a Minimum

2.

Keep Clear from Any Signs That Say ‘Private Property’ or ‘No Trespassing’

3.

Have a Clear Exit

4.

Make Camp near Dusk… Get Out Early

5.

Be Aware of What is Around You

6.

Don’t Park in the Same Place

7.

Park Somewhere Safe

8.

Park in Spaces Where You Aren’t Noticed

9.

When Possible, Make Camp Uphill to Avoid Detection

10. Plan Where You’re Going to Stay Ahead of Time

One of the suggestions listed: make camp near dusk and break camp before dawn in order to avoid detection. A word of caution, however, regarding making camp in the dark. As I learned on another adventure: exhausted after my first bikepacking adventure – 100 miles from Mankato to Red Wing, Minnesota. I chose to pitch my tent in the dark just off the bike trail on the lush green lawn of the Public Works Department in Red Wing. I was all settled into my sleeping back when I heard the not-so-distant sound of a freight train horn. Not long after, I heard the whooshing sound of the train just over a block away streaming past. Shortly afterwards, another, and then another.

This series of events repeated a half dozen or so times the rest of the night. After a restless night I muttered the words: “Note to self… thoroughly check out your surroundings before ‘Stealth Camping’.”

As I shared my stealth camping experiences with a friend, he had a story of his own. His son and a few friends were stealth camping on a church lawn near Estes Park, Colorado. They were startled the next morning as an elk wandered up and peered into their tent. As they quickly exited their tents, they were greeted by the church pastor who had spotted them. After they introduced themselves to the pastor, the son discovered that the pastor had officiated his parents’ wedding years before in Kansas!

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

You may be an experienced camper. But have you ever “Stealth Camped”?

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

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BY MAURA MCBREEN MS, LMFT

Owner of Wounded Haven Counseling, LLC

interaction. With my clientele, family system boundaries are addressed on a daily basis. Working with abuse, enmeshment and trauma, boundaries are a pillar in my work with clients.

Setting limits with family members who are toxic is a way to kickstart healing and unlearn those “shoulds” of life.

I am happy to be back, writing to North Mankato readers about a topic I just cannot get enough of: BOUNDARIES! Boundaries are a vital part of what helps us function as our most authentic and healthy selves. Without them, we create loads of problems that will impact us or impair our functioning. I will touch on physical, mental and emotional boundaries.

Physical boundaries are a tangible closeness to something or each other. For each person, this physical boundary will be different, making consent important. An example may be one person loves hugs and the other does not. It is important to consider how people differ in this comfort and be mindful of respecting what feels safe to another. If you are an individual who loves hugs and physical touch, your system may feel shamed or rejected by someone who doesn’t. It’s absolutely okay for an individual who doesn’t like physical touch to state this limit and say “no thanks, I don’t like hugs.” Those who experienced physical boundary violations at a young age already have a skewed concept of boundaries. Modeling and practicing these physical boundaries are part of their treatment as they advocate and empower themselves to learn more about what feels safe to them.

Mental and emotional boundaries also exist. We cannot see these and they are often harder to practice for yourself, as well as respect for others. Mental and emotional boundaries are important for how we relate to others in this world. They show up in the form of comments, questions, opinions, recommendations, pressures, etc.

Whether those thoughts come from friends, family, coworkers or the public, they are a part of almost every

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

Many of us are raised to believe that because certain people are family, they have to stick together, regardless of how they’re treated. Although an idealistic family would experience smooth sailing and unconditional love and support, that is not the reality of human behavior. Sometimes creating separation can lead to clearly seeing the work needed to heal. Later, determine what you want the bridge to look like between you and others. Sometimes bridges are big, and sometimes we remove them. Whatever the case may be, it is important to understand your own boundaries and how you are honoring them. This same practice can be said for friends and others.

Others may view your boundaries negatively as they are formed. Yet the truth is, the individuals who don’t like boundaries can take advantage if there are none. At the beginning and end of your day, check in on your boundary bucket. Chances are, if you lack boundaries in some area of your life, you will feel drained, empty and consistently exhausted. You then have nothing to give to yourself or others.

Although a lack of boundaries may be the norm, it is not a healthy or sustainable way to live. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Setting boundaries will not always be what is popular, but in return you’ll be giving the world a better version of yourself.

Many people lack boundaries and don’t often know how to identify that theirs are being violated. When initially learning to set boundaries, there may be feelings of shame or guilt, you may feel mean and uncomfortable. What is important to know is that the dissonance you are creating in the new behavior of setting boundaries is your body’s way of informing where boundaries are needed. I encourage all readers to gather more data of your boundaries and become more aware of others as you step out into the world. We don’t grow when we’re comfortable and boundaries is an area we can all work to improve for ourselves and others.

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37

Everything you love about a bahn mi piled on top of sweet and smoky pineapple brats.

Scan for recipe

4 Hy-Vee pineapple or mango bratwursts

2 tsp. Culinary Tours jalapeno hot sauce

⅓ c. shredded carrots

4 whole wheat hot dog buns

⅓ c. radishes, cut into julienne strips ⅓ c. cucumber, seeded & cut into julienne strips 3 tbsp. green onion, thinly sliced

4 tbsp. Hy-Vee chipotle mayonnaise, divided

Foil Packets

Scan for recipe

Foil packet cooking is convenient because everything cooks together in one pouch, there’s little to no cleanup, and they're easy to customize with different combinations of veggies and seasonings.

Cooking Hack: use prechopped produce to make prep time a breeze!

2 tbsp. Culinary Tours kettle cooked harissa peanuts, divided

3 tbsp. fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped 4 ice cubes Preheat a charcoal or gas grill for direct grilling over medium heat.

Grill bratwursts until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, about 15 to 20 minutes.

1 (1 pound) pkg Hy-Vee Short Cuts grill ready perfect vegetable mix, (mix of red onion, red peppers, potatoes, summer squash, snap peas and cherry tomatoes) 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 tbsp. Hy-Vee Select chipotle mayo sandwich spread , or any flavor of your favorite sauce Hy-Vee salt and Hy-Vee black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, Chopped, for serving

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill for direct cooking over medium heat.

Meanwhile, prepare bahn mi slaw. Place carrots, radishes, cucumbers, green onion, and cilantro into a medium bowl. Toss with jalapeno hot sauce.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Spray 4 sheets of heavy duty foil with nonstick cooking spray. Top each with an ice cube, vegetable mixture, chicken breast, sauce, salt and black pepper. Fold foil in half to cover contents; make narrow folds along edges to seal.

Remove brats from grill. Allow to rest 5 minutes.

Spread each hot dog bun with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise. Place brats in buns and top with bahn mi slaw and kettle cooked harissa peanuts.

Grill packet for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Carefully open packet and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

P R O U D LY S P O N S O R E D B Y

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

Scan for recipe

Make this your entire meal if you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet. It provides both filling fiber and plant-based proteins.

Scan for recipe

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick

1 (15 oz) can Hy-Vee black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp. Hy-Vee Select olive oil

1 avocado, pitted, peeled and chopped

1 tsp. Hy-Vee ground cumin, divided

¼ c. sliced green onions

½ tsp. Hy-Vee salt

1 to 2 jalapeno chile peppers, seeded and chopped*

¼ tsp. Hy-Vee black pepper 2 ear(s) sweet corn, husked 8 mini bell peppers Shuck sweet corn.

Lightly grease the rack of a charcoal or gas grill.

Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat.

In a small bowl, place sweet potato slices; drizzle with olive oil. Combine 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt and black pepper. Sprinkle over sweet potatoes and toss to coat.

Grill sweet potatoes and corn for 6 to 8 minutes or until fork tender,

This fresh take on a classic burger gets an update with arugula, cucumber, homemade pickled red onion, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.

2 tbsp. finely chopped cilantro

¼ c. Hy-Vee granulated sugar ½ tsp. Hy-Vee salt 1 red onion, thinly sliced 4 (5-oz. each) 85%-lean ground chuck patties 4 Hy-Vee bakery hamburger buns

¼ c. fresh lime juice 2 oz. Cotija cheese, crumbled turning halfway through cooking. Add bell peppers during the last 2 minutes of grilling. Remove all vegetables from grill and cool. Halve sweet potato slices.

¼ c. Hy-Vee white vinegar

3 c. fresh arugula 1 cucumber, thinly sliced ½ c. crumbled gorgonzola cheese

Lightly grease grill rack. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for direct cooking over medium heat.

Grill patties for 10 to 12 minutes or until internal temperature of patties are 160 degrees, turning once halfway through.

To assemble burgers, top bottom bun with arugula, grilled patty, cucumber, red onion, gorgonzola and top bun.

In a medium bowl, combine black beans, avocado, green onions, chile peppers and cilantro.

Chop bell peppers, and remove corn from cob; add with sweet potatoes to black bean mixture. Stir in lime juice and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin.

Serve the salad warm or chilled. Just before serving, top salad with Cotija cheese.

For the onions, bring vinegar, sugar and salt to a simmer. Pour over sliced onion and let stand at least 20 minutes at room temperature.

Drain thoroughly.

SCOTT WALKER Hilltop Hy-Vee Meat Manager

*Note: Chile peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes. When working with jalapeños, wear protective gloves.

S H O P L O C A L & S AV E HILLTOP LOCATION 2010 Adams St., Mankato | 507-625-9070

RIVERFRONT LOCATION 410 S. Riverfront Dr., Mankato | 507-625-1107 SUMMER 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

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Brent Busch, your local neighborhood mortgage lender.

Q: We are ready to buy a new home but don’t want to move all our stuff twice, or move everything in one day. How can we take our time to moving into our new home?

A: In many cases, you can purchase your new home and then sell your current home after you move. One question that frequently comes up in this situation is “what about my down payment”.

We have a unique offering that allows you to apply the proceeds from the sale of your home towards your principle after you close and then recalculate your payment.

In this scenario you could put the minimum amount down, 3%-5% on your new purchase. Once you sell your current home you simply apply the proceeds to the principal and we can recalculate your mortgage payment. This acts as a delayed down payment, and is a great solution to make your purchase and move as easy as possible.

Q: I keep seeing in the news that mortgage rates are rising.

How will this affect my new home purchase?

A: This is certainly the headline in the news, and something to be aware of. The Federal Reserve is indicating they will tighten their policy over the next year and possibly raise rates as we exit the pandemic.

Keep in mind mortgage rates are dependent on many different factors, not just the Federal Reserve. With that in mind rates are still excellent when compared to the recent past. The rate changes and adjustments can affect your payment so its always best to have as much information as possible when home shopping. I recommend talking to your mortgage professional about each property you are interested in so you know what your payment will be.

Having a complete payment estimate for the property you are looking at will allow you to make the best offer on the home and be sure to stay withing your budget. You may be surprised at how affordable purchasing a home can be compared to renting.

I am always available to answer any questions you may have.

Call 507-389-8276 or email me at busch@primesourcefunding.com

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MN MLO 1626669 | NMLS 2174

1751 N Victory Drive Suite 500, Mankato | primesourcefunding.com | 507-389-8276

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G O O D N E I G H B O R : T I F FA N Y WA R D

BY DARLA MAKELA

Just a few of the words to describe Tiffany Ward, co-owner of Indulge Salon and Tanning.

Since purchasing Indulge with her husband in 2012, her commitment has been to provide a space where other hairstylists could be supported in living their dreams, as well as have an opportunity to use their personal interests and expertise to create their own opportunities.

She has these beliefs because she herself needed a few opportunities to come her way when she was first starting out. Tiffany’s humble story starts as she became a single mom struggling to support her young daughters as a hairstylist.

She rented a booth and was trying hard to figure out how to create a successful business for herself. As she came up against multiple obstacles, she decided to turn those obstacles into an opportunity and enrolled in college to become an accountant, knowing that this knowledge would provide her with the tools she needed to go back out and follow her dreams.

When the opportunity was provided to purchase Indulge from her aunt in 2012, Tiffany knew in her heart that this was her time to show herself and the world what she was created for. With the full support of her husband, Nick, her dream became a reality.

Her vision was clear – she did not want anyone else to have to leave the industry as she had because they were not able to support themselves and their family.

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

This is where that special space comes in. A space where Tiffany’s team members (not her employees!) get to live out their passions, earn their value and try new things.

While their passions benefit them, they also benefit their customers. Some of the fun offerings that Indulge has been able to provide are: hair extensions, brow lamination (I learned something new!), lash lifts, and results-driven facials.

All in addition to their ongoing first-class salon services.

As Tiffany has committed to building a thriving business, her commitment to her community is clear in a multitude of ways as well.

During Covid, with many people struggling, Tiffany used her platform to provide a space for local women makers to share their products.

As you step into her salon you will see a sweet boutique of items including jewelry, clothing, mugs, and more. With the belief that “If one of us grows we all grow”, Tiffany continues to shine her light on others without fear of what some might look at as competition because “there is more than enough to go around.”

With Tiffany’s financial expertise, partnered with her skills as a beauty professional, she has gone from being behind the chair full time, to managing, training, and building her business full time. Not only is she developing her own team of beauty professionals, but she is also committing her time to teach and train other salon owners and their team members to become stronger and more effective in their own businesses.

Tiffany and Nick are committed to being financially responsible in all that they do, living out their mission to always find a better way. This practice of responsibility and commitment is what led Tiffany and Nick to have the resources to purchase the entire building where Indulge is located. This will allow them to expand.

declared with such grace and humility that without this team she would not be where she is today.

Tiffany Ward dreams big, and does so, so that others can be empowered to live out their own passions and dreams as well. 

In my conversation with Tiffany, it was extremely clear that while she is at the helm of this incredible journey for many she does not see herself as anything more than a member of an incredible and creative team.

With tears in her eyes (and of course, my tears came as well) she

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866-701-3113

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1840 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003

Indulge Salon & Tanning was recently named to the SALON TODAY 200 by SALON TODAY, the leading business media for salon and spa owners. In its 25th year, the SALON TODAY 200 is a landmark competition that gathers data on industry performance, creates a forum for owners to share best business practices and celebrates salons for their business acumen.

After two very tough years for small businesses, this year’s competition focused on business recovery in 2021 and rebuilding efforts for 2022.

The 200 salons were selected from applications submitted by the SALON TODAY audience, who represent more than 20,000 of the topproducing salons and spas in North America.

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1840 Commerce Drive, North Mankato | 507-387-6811 SUMMER 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

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Afterbefore before and after! and after!

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MON 11-5 | TUES-FRI 11-6 | SAT 10-5 | SUN NOON-4 | 507.594.9293 1754 COMMERCE DR SUITE #104 | NORTH MANKATO | SOTASISTERSBOUTIQUE.COM SUMMER 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

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ALL SUMMER

Mondays at 4pm Bingo at the Pool Tuesdays at 9:30am Story Time at the Pool Wednesdays at 10am Kids Crafts Monthly Tween/Teen DIY Monthly Free Food Friday Monthly Adult Craft Nights Sat., June 4 Summer Reading Kick-Off Thur., June 9 10:00am OZ Brothers Fri., June 10 6:35pm North Mankato Taylor Library Nonprofit Night at Mankato Moondogs Game | Purchase your ticket at the library!

Thur., June 16 10am Dollypops Fri., June 17 at Dusk Movies in the Park Spring Lake Park

JUN

Sat., June 18 11-3pm ArtSplash at SCC Thur., June 23 10am Kenny Ahearn Comedy Show

Wed., June 29 10am, 2pm, 6pm ARTifact Pottery Workshop Thur., July 5-7pm Music in the Park Wheeler Park Tue., July 19 6pm Be a Bookaneer with Toby Klauenberg

AUG

JUL

Mon., July 18 6pm Ice Cream Social

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NORTH MANKATO TAYLOR LIBRARY SUMMER 2022

Mondays at 9:30am Read & Play

Fri., July 22 6-9pm Adult Murder Mystery North Mankato Swim Facility Thur., July 28 10am Duke Otherwise Music Show Tue., August 2 National Night Out Storybook Park Fri., August 5 at Dusk Movies in the Park Benson Park

NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

BOOKS RECOMMENDED BY OUR STAFF READ THIS BEFORE THE MOVIE RELEASE IN JULY

(FOR KIDS)

KATIE'S PICK

MICHELLE'S PICK

Where The Crawdads Sing

Mr. Limoncello’s Very First Game

by Delia Owens

by Chris Grabenstein

HALLIE'S PICK

AMY'S PICK

This Time Tomorrow

The Book Woman's Daughter

by Emma Straub

by Kim Michele Richardson

PRINTING REFRESHING

COLOR EVERY DAY 1750 Northway Drive • North Mankato, MN 56003 www.corpgraph.com 440

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SUMMER 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

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H E R E TO G R OW

"We are excited about the new North Mankato Caribou and our brand's growing presence in Southern Minnesota," said Carly Carrillo, district manager for the region. “We feel very welcomed by nearby businesses and the North Mankato community.”

CARIBOU COFFEE – NEW BUSINESS 1661 COMMERCE DRIVE

GAME ON NUTRITION – ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY 300 BELGRADE AVENUE

Game on Nutrition located in lower North Mankato specializes in serving meal replacement shakes and energizing teas.

They have products for every, body meaning no matter your age, no matter who you are they have something for you. Their shakes are a full meal replacement typically used as breakfast or lunch. Their standard shake is 200 calories and 24 grams of protein as well as 21 vitamins and minerals. Their teas have enough energy in them as a coffee would, but without the crash, they enhance your metabolism, packed with antioxidants, and very low calorie.

They have kid-friendly options as well. Teas with no caffeine but extra hydration, shakes with less protein. They also are very family-friendly and have a kid area for your kids. Please follow them on Facebook for all their weekly specials and hours. Typical hours are M-F 7am to 2pm. Sip and mingle for parents and kids Wednesdays from 11-12 all are welcome!

Congratulations to Summer’s Haven Boutique and welcome to the North Mankato community.

Summer’s Haven Boutique is located 1826 Commerce Drive.

SUMMER’S HAVEN – NEW BUSINESS 1826 COMMERCE DRIVE

WORKFLOW DESIGN FOR TODAY’S OFFICE

Beth Fasnacht, NCIDQ Interior Designer, Owner

CREATING THE OPTIMAL ENVIRONMENT AND FUNCTIONALITY CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR BUSINESS.

timelessinteriorsmn.com | 507.351.5214

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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

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PEOPLE CARING FOR PEOPLE PHYSICAL THERAPY/ OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 430

IMAGING

LAB WORK

THE WAY YOU ARE TREATED is JUST AS IMPORTANT as the TREATMENT YOU RECEIVE.

At River’s Edge Hospital, you are more than a patient. Every person who receives care is treated with compassion and respect. From the most basic health services to surgery, recovery and rehabilitation, River’s Edge Hospital makes your well-being a priority. You’ll receive a level of attention that goes well beyond your expectations.

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1900 North Sunrise Drive

(507) 931-2200

www.REHC.org River’s Edge Hospital is an equal opportuniy employer and provider.

URGENT CARE AT RIVER’S EDGE HOSPITAL

A Mankato Tradition - Quality Products and Exceptional Service from your local, hometown lumber yard and rental company.

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“Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2022 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

Your Hometown Lumber Yard and Rental Center Over 74 years of Quality and Service Locally Owned and Operated Lloyd Lumber...

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Buy what you want. Rent what you need.

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636.778.2805 Dr. David Crane, MD A Leader in Regenerative Medicine Dr. Crane is a Leader in Regenerative Medicine and Ortho Biologics. Dr. Crane provides these therapies in Mankato, MN, Green Bay, WI, Rogers, AR and Chesterfield, MO. PRP works! The power of healing is in the blood! PRP and Ortho-biologics can help restore your quality of life.

bluetailmedicalgroup.com PRP THERAPY THE POWER TO HEAL IS IN YOUR BLOOD. 424