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N O R T H M A N KATO.CO M

00121 MODERN IVORY

FROM THE EDITOR

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Small acts of kindness go a long way

ZZ068 TAVARES | 00542 SHALESTONE

It’s my privilege as editor of North Kato Magazine to highlight the positive local stories and the people behind them. I feel like in an age where bad news arrives like a constant barrage, it’s refreshing to cut through that noise and focus on the good in the community. I’m certainly not saying a lot of that other news isn’t necessary or important, but this magazine exists to showcase the many talented and caring people who call this area home. If I included all of the charitable work that North Mankato’s Legion, Post 518 conducts, the article I wrote on them would have easily been another page. Tim Flynn of Kato Karate works tirelessly to give children the tools to stop bullying. Hoover art teacher Ariana Bealey goes the extra mile by writing grants and bringing artists to the classroom. South Central College’s Uniquely Abled Academy and Taylor Corp have partnered to allow neurodivergent individuals the chance at employment. The Creative Company is nearing 100 years of promoting literacy. The nonprofit A Fresh Start gives those emerging from homelessness a chance to build a dignified home. Those are just a sampling of the many stories in this winter issue. My hope is that reading these stories will inspire somebody to give a little of their time or money to those in need. Even if time and money aren’t available, even just a smile or an act of courtesy can be enough to make someone’s day. Happy Holidays.

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CONTENTS N OV D E C JA N

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WINTER 2026 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

TCC's books are published in 35 languages, reaching children and families across the globe.

languages

4titK les Approximately 4,000 active titles spanning nearly 200 categories of nonfiction book series.

h t or N o t a k n Ma from

1932

Founded in Mankato in 1932, The Creative Company was publishing books by 1934 alongside its original stamps and maps.

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One of the original cases of rubber stamps The Creative Company sold when the business first started.

BY WESS MCCONVILLE

Warehouses and semi-truck lots dot the landscape on either side of North Mankato’s Howard Drive. One building, however, stands out among the rest. With interesting angles, a tallgrass prairie and corner mural that reaches from the sidewalk to the roof, The Creative Company has a building that looks designed to spark inspiration.

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Founded in Mankato 94 years ago, TCC has evolved through generations of the Peterson family while maintaining its independent spirit.

With a focus on educational, nonfiction books, The Creative Company, along with its publishing imprints, Black Rabbit Books, and Amicus Ink, have nearly 200 different categories of series nonfiction books and 4,000 active titles in the catalog. Its illustrated picture books are published under Creative Editions. Combined, around 10,000 books are shipped daily from its 80,000 square-foot warehouse to wholesalers across the nation. “What drives our work is really putting the story in the kid’s hands,” said Samantha Peterson, whose great-grandfather founded TCC 94 years ago in Mankato. “We have everything from dragons to political topics. We also do these wonderful picture books that are known internationally and we get to work with some wonderful authors and illustrators.”  WINTER 2026 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

 TCC was founded in Mankato in 1932 as the Creative Educational Society by George Peterson Sr. and Jim Mackin and was publishing books by 1934 along with its stamps and maps. George Peterson Jr. later took over, renamed it Creative Education in the early 1970s, and in the early ‘90s it became The Creative Company. Tom Peterson is the third generation of the Peterson family at the helm of TCC. The family ownership structure allows TCC the freedom to be an independent publisher and release books without having to consider the corporate bottom line.

Lining the shelves of The Creative Company’s 80,000 square foot warehouse are books waiting to be shipped by the thousands.

“Tom [Peterson] wants to publish books kids want to read,” said TCC senior vice president of sales Dave Schlichte. “We’re not driven by, ‘That book is going to sell for 10 dollars, and this one is going to sell for 5 dollars, so we’re always going to take the 10-dollar book.’ When you look at some of our books, you go, ‘Really? You publish that?’ That for us is what independence means, is that we can publish what we want, when we want.” Books from TCC are on the shelf of probably every children’s library across the country. They also fill the shelves internationally, with books published in 35 different languages. TCC also has a series of bi-lingual books. “Some of the parents might not be native English speakers, so they are learning side-by-side and it just increases the engagement between the parent and child,” Samantha said. Many of the series nonfiction of TCC have a uniform look with large, block fonts and sharp photos or illustrations of the book’s subject on the cover. The glossy pages in between the hardcovers have artwork on each page, making them perfect for young readers. “The overriding aspect of our books is the design of them and trying to make the books entertaining visually for the reader,” said Schlichte. “And I think we do that as well or better than anybody in the industry. It’s not always the least expensive way to do it, but that’s not our deal.” Books are also published by TCC that use internationally known illustrators, such as Italian illustrator Roberto Innocenti, who was awarded the 2008 Hans Christian Andersen Award for illustration. TCC has been his exclusive publisher since 1988. Samantha Peterson says that many TCC books are visually appealing enough for her to display in her own home. “We have some books here that I find – and this speaks to the wonderful, beautiful work our art development team does – that even if it’s a picture book for a oneyear-old, the illustrations and sometimes the message I enjoy and will have on my coffee table.” The Mankato Clinic has a kiosk of TCC books. Mayor of Nicollet, Fred Froehlich also picks up 300 books to hand out to the kindergarten class in the fall, Samantha said. A Creative Company book was also selected by the United Way in Pennsylvania for its One Book program and 20,000 books were donated as a result. Although TCC is not a storefront, Samantha says that the public is welcome to reach out for a visit. “We’re here. We always welcome people to stop in. If anyone wants to call, do a tour or pick up books, that’s something I really enjoy doing and our doors are open and we have a warehouse full of them.” 

Visit thecreativecompany.us to browse the catalog and choose a book. The Creative Company is located at 2140 Howard Drive West, North Mankato.

K 10 daily Approximately 10,000 books ship daily from the company's 80,000-square-foot North Mankato warehouse.

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BREAD,

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Can Sourdough Tame Blood Sugar? Sourdough bread has earned a reputation as the “better-for-you” bread, and there may be some truth behind the hype. Research suggests that sourdough bread can produce a smaller rise in blood sugar after a meal compared to some conventionally made breads. What makes sourdough different is the fermentation process. Natural yeasts and beneficial bacteria ferment the dough over time, creating organic acids that can slow digestion and help carbohydrates enter the bloodstream more gradually.

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

But before you swap every loaf in your shopping cart for sourdough, there’s an important detail to remember: not all sourdough is created equal. The biggest factor affecting blood sugar isn’t necessarily whether a bread is sourdough. It’s often the amount of fiber and whole grains it contains. A refined white sourdough loaf may still raise blood sugar more quickly than a hearty, high-fiber whole wheat bread. The best option? Look for a bread that combines both benefits: whole grains and sourdough fermentation. Studies have found that wholegrain sourdough breads can produce particularly favorable blood sugar responses. It’s also important to think beyond the bread itself. What you eat with your bread can have a big impact on blood sugar. Pairing toast with eggs, nut butter, cheese, or another source of protein can help create a more balanced meal and slow digestion.

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WILD MUSHROOM AND RICOTTA TOAST Enjoy a savory breakfast toast topped with mushrooms and spread with ricotta.

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WINTER 2026 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

Ballet Dancer I NT ERNAT I O N A L

BY WESS MCCONVILLE

Rolando Pacheco didn’t know what ballet was when his mother enrolled him in the National Ballet School of Cuba. Born around a decade after Fidel Castro seized power in Havana, Pacheco lived on a mountainside family coffee and tobacco farm, played baseball and helped his father drive their herd of cattle from one town to the next. By 1988, at the age of 18, he graduated from his prestigious ballet school and traveled internationally, performing in Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean, while also instructing dancers how to advance their skills. Founded by the famous Cuban ballerina Alicia Alonso, the National Ballet School of Cuba has a reputation as one of the world’s top ballet academies. The students lived at the school from Monday through Friday, and their coursework covered the arts, math, Spanish and chemistry. “From 8 a.m. to noon, it was just dance,” said Pacheco. “We have to do ballet like antique dance from Louis XV. All of that kind of dance we had to learn. We had to study French because all of the ballet steps are in French. We have to study paint. We have to study piano; all in the morning. The other half of the day, you have to study everything else.” At the National Ballet School of Cuba, Rolando learned how to train dancers to perform at a professional level, said his wife, Maribel. “If you look at today, as far as competitiveness, the school still ranks among the most prestigious in ballet,” she said. “Every year, hundreds of students go to Cuba for internships and to study the method because it’s been perfected for so many years. Rolando has been taught to train international dancers and train people that really want to take their education to a higher level and go professional on world stages. That’s the type of teaching he learned.” From 1988 until 2001 Rolando performed and directed schools and workshops all around the world. In 2001, he applied for a visa and opened

NORTH KATO MAGAZINE WINTER 2026

MAKES NORTH MANKATO HOME

his own school in Texas on an invitation from a friend. Maribel recently accepted a job in Mankato and now the Pachecos make their home in North Mankato. While Rolando has no plans to open a school in the area, he is offering dancers professional evaluations and private instruction. “Knowing the roots behind ballet, the advantages you can have with going to someone who really understands the dance and teaching. How to form your body and developing the correct muscles for specific moves,” Pacheco said, regarding the instruction he will offer. “One of the things I’ve studied is every muscle and every bone in the body. My first step is to correct your body. Correct your position. Correct the movement. How to use your muscle. Because ballet is physics. So I will teach you how to be in the right position, using the right muscle. You need to use the correct muscle to be perfect and to bring the body into balance.” 

For more information on instruction from Rolando Pacheco, email mcallenballet@gmail.com, call (507) 381-1820 or visit his Instagram page at rolandopacheco_balletmaitre.

Help others through

A Fresh Start BY WESS MCCONVILLE

As difficult as it is to emerge from homelessness, acquiring the necessities to make a comfortable home can be more than overwhelming. Local nonprofit A Fresh Start aims to ease that path by providing donated household items to those in need.

Since A Fresh Start opened in 2020, more than 4,485 pieces of lightly used or new furniture have been distributed to families. Founder Amy Klugherz began A Fresh Start when she learned a nonprofit with a similar mission was shutting its doors. Although Klugherz said her intention at the beginning was to help the homeless, she soon learned that it went beyond that. “It’s about someone coming from nothing and trying to rebuild a life and finding a way to get livable items – things that are clean, safe and available. To get those, that’s such a big lift for someone who has had a tough time. So, although we do help the homeless, ultimately what we do is help people who are financially fragile get a fresh start.” Like many nonprofits, A Fresh Start has had to scale its operations because Klugherz said financial donations have not kept up with overhead expenses. This has led to some difficult questions. “We decided this year, rather than scrape by, we wanted to do a real look at if we are viable,” she said. “Are we a mission the community wants to support? We get great item donations, but we really need to figure out, is the community interested in putting their money behind it too?” An added benefit of donating to A Fresh Start is that it keeps items out of the landfill. Since 2020, an estimated 185 tons of furniture and other household items have been donated and distributed locally. A Fresh Start will accept mattresses without stains, tears, or odors and many other household goods. Klugherz said the standard is to only accept and distribute items they would have in their own homes. Volunteers also take care when handling the donated items. “Our volunteers take extreme care to make sure things are clean, that sheets are folded well, and we make sure our interactions with clients are positive. We start to break that cycle of them having to have shame or feel less than.” 

For more information on what items A Fresh Start accepts, visit afreshstartmankato.com. Financial donations can be mailed to their office at 1420 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, or through Venmo @afsmankato.

NORTH KATO MAGAZINE WINTER 2026

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Legion Post 518 VETERANS IN GOOD COMPANY AT THE LOCAL LEGION BY WESS MCCONVILLE

Post 518’s Color Guard stands at attention before tee time at its annual golf tournament. This year’s event at Terrace View Golf Course raised $9,000 for the Legion’s Veteran in Need fund and for the women’s Bravo Zulu House. (From L-R): Travis Klugherz, Cindy Kortuem, Gary Graff, Nikki Hallman, and Ron Griebel

Not finding that same level of camaraderie with friends and co-workers as a civilian can leave many veterans feeling lost or disillusioned, especially when first leaving the service. Or, if the veteran adjusts well to civilian life, there’s often a desire to continue to positively impact the community. Since 1979, the American Legion Post 518 has offered a place to gather, share stories and allow North Mankato’s veterans to continue their service locally. “As veterans, it’s a village for us,” said Navy veteran and post commander Iris Blooflat. “Regardless of what branch [of service] we were in, we know what we went through. We were all away from home, we were off in our early 20s, and we knew the struggles mentally and physically; it’s just being able to tell those stories, and have a brother or a sister who has gone through it and have someone to talk to.” Members of Post 518 range in age from 19-99 and served in conflicts from Korea to the Global War on Terror. Legionnaire John Ganger, who served in the Air Force from 1985-88, said that despite the differences in age all veterans share a similar story. “There’s somebody that knows exactly what you’ve gone through, what you’ve done. There’s people who you would be surprised to talk to. I find myself talking to Vietnam vets all of the time that have gone through the exact same things that I have gone through.” For Ganger, he said joining the American Legion offered him a sense of being, again. “Having people that know what you’ve been through and being able to talk to just about anybody about it and know that it’s just between us.”

NORTH KATO MAGAZINE WINTER 2026

Outside of the services Post 518 and its affiliate groups – the Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion – provide to its members, the community at-large benefits from the efforts of the local Legion. From providing school supplies to local students, sponsoring scouting ventures, and collecting toys for children during the holidays, more than 2,500 volunteer hours are recorded annually and $24,000 raised. Navy veteran James Peters, who served from 2000-06, said giving back to the community gives him the most pride as a legionnaire. He noted the contributions the North Mankato Legion has made to the Bravo-Zulu House, a first-of-its-kind after-treatment facility for veterans experiencing PTSD and sobriety issues, can receive the help they need. “We’ve made a big focus on that through our golf tournament and that Mankato Mayhem [wrestling event]. We’ve given how many thousands to the men’s house, and now we are raising funds for the women’s house, too,” said Peters. Groundbreaking for the women’s Bravo-Zulu house is set for this fall. Steve Lawrence, a Navy veteran who was in from 1991-95, appreciates how local organizations know the American Legion is a resource when it comes to questions regarding veterans or when in need of American flags. “Recently, Greater Mankato Growth was doing a ribboncutting event and needed an American flag and asked us where they could find one, so we got them a flag and post so they could hold their chamber event. It’s those types of connections where people in the community look at us and go: ‘Hey, curious, this touches veterans, can

you guys help?’” Lawrence also mentioned how Post 518 recently donated to a local early-education center to place an American flag in each classroom because the center lacked the budget to do so. When a veteran joins the American Legion, a portion of the membership dues are directed towards ensuring veteran issues are receiving attention from lawmakers. “That strength in numbers makes it easier for us because some of us will go to St. Paul every year with other veterans and advocate for benefits,” said Peters. At St. Paul, the legionnaires also learn new information to bring back to their post. “St. Paul is a good place to hear about those benefits,” added Lawrence. “So, the Legion, nationally, brings something down to the state level, and then from the state level, it goes to the district level and then we bring it to the veterans who are attending here, and we say, ‘are you aware that you’re missing out on these benefits, or that we have changed these rules, and that you could get ‘X.’ That’s the only place they are going to hear it if they are not following the national news.” For those unaware, picturing the American Legion will conjure images of older men in a dimly lit, smoky room with half-full beers and peanut shells on the floor. Today’s American Legion defies those stereotypes. “Back then it was the Old Guard,” said Kim Sward, commander of 518’s Sons of the American Legion, whose father served in Korea. “They didn’t want any changes, they didn’t want anything disrupting the status quo.”

(Rear: From L-R) James Peters, John Ganger, and Steve Lawrence (Front: From L-R) Kim Sward, Iris Blooflat, Nikki Hallman, and Lisa Roberts

“Their drinking time,” quipped Ganger to laughs from the rest of the group about the Old Guard described by Sward. “This post welcomes change,” Sward continued once the laughs quieted. “All of the members, old and young, support that.” Lawrence said veterans benefit because of the Legion’s willingness to adapt, its openness, and strong social media presence at the national level. “We’re a little bit more like your small-town bar; where we’re like, ‘come on in.’ The more exposure you can get to us and what we’re doing for veterans, the better it’s going to be for the community. And, obviously our membership is starting to get a little bit younger. Our commander now, probably would not have been our grandparent’s commander.” 

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neighbors are veterans,” she said. “I met Iris because she gave me a green light bulb to honor veterans. She’s the one who told me I have four other veterans on our street. So even just wordof-mouth or doing things to celebrate veterans in different ways, that brings a lot of us together, too.” The green light bulb Hallman referred to is from Project Green Light, which is an initiative by the National Association of Counties to light porches and civic landmarks green in honor of veterans from Nov. 4-11. “My goal is to have Belgrade Avenue lit up green,” said Blooflat.

Iris Blooflat, Ron Griebel, Breanna Rients, Kiersten Helgerson, and Steve Lawrence advocate for veterans at Veteran’s Day on the Hill at the Capitol in St. Paul.



“No, I would not have been,” said Blooflat, a Mexican American woman who served active duty from 2001-09 and in the reserves from 2010-13. “I’m the second female commander in the Post’s history. It’s really open. I get commanders from other local legions, asking, ‘How do you do it? Because you are so active in the community and you are a family.’ When we have fundraising events or out supporting the community, it’s always the family supporting it.”

With Post 518 impacting over two dozen different civic and veteran organizations, there is a lot for its members to stay busy with. Hallman said that amount of work isn’t an issue. “All Legion members won’t hesitate to get involved. There’s no complaining; joking of course, but everyone is willing to do something at some point.” “Just as long as I don’t have to do any work,” Ganger chimed in, making the room, again, laugh out loud. “John likes to supervise,” Sward observed. “Well, I am the only Air Force veteran and have the highest ASVAB score. Just thought I would mention it,” said Ganger to another round of laughter and groans from the mostly Navy crowd about his military aptitude test.

“We have been through so many tough times together, but that has brought us together instead of bringing us apart,” said president of 518’s Auxiliary, Lisa Roberts.

“It’s kind of odd that we have no bodies of water around us and a lot of Navy veterans,” added Lawrence. 

Peters added that not only veterans support the legion, but also the entire community. “We’re open to the community, too. Where, in the past, you could only get in as a member, we have a lot of people who support us, and I think that varies from post to post.”

For more information on how to become a member of the American Legion Post 518 family, Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion visit northmankatopost518.org. Follow American Legion Post 518 on Facebook for events at the bar or Legion activities.

Gaining and keeping the community support 518 receives takes work. One way the Legion cultivates that is through its medical equipment loan program. Free of charge, any community member can borrow mobility or other home equipment for those in need. “If someone who is recuperating from an injury or needs some help, [former post commander] Tom Maus runs around town and donates a lot of time, making sure if someone needs a walker, a scooter, shower chairs, canes, you name it, [they have it], said Peters.” For veterans facing mental health issues and find it difficult to work, Post 518 established a fund to provide financial assistance to help with the basics. “We have a veteran relief fund,” said Blooflat. “So when there’s an individual that needs additional assistance, or having a hard time, they are able to reach out to us and we can help them with monetary donations and sponsorships.” While many service organizations are seeing a decline in membership, Lawrence said the Legion’s is growing. Part of that growth is not only through social media, but the traditional word-of-mouth. Member Nikki Hallman, who served in the Navy from 2014-16, said she learned of the Legion through her neighbor Blooflat. “Four of my

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Partnership with Taylor Corp and SCC supports the uniquely abled BY WESS MCCONVILLE

With advancements in the study of autism, many of the people it impacts have opportunities that didn’t exist in years past. The Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA) at South Central College (SCC), and its partnership with Taylor Corporation, provides neurodivergent individuals the opportunity to pursue a career with an 11-week course that includes on-the-job training. SCC’s Kristin Underwood, who heads the UAA, says there is a pocket of untapped potential in the autistic community. “I’ve heard from parents and families that they see all of this potential in their child, and they just know it’s inside them to hold these jobs and have these opportunities. If we give them enough space and time, and present things in a way that makes sense to them, then they can be really successful in jobs that are available to them in our community.” Autism can come in many forms with varying degrees of severity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is caused by neurological differences in the brain and impacts 1:31 children at the age of 8. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is estimated adults have a 1:45 autism rate. The 11-week UAA curriculum includes six weeks of classroom training where students visit The Occasions Group (TOG), a division of Taylor, twice a week with the goal of becoming a digital press operator. Following that six weeks, there are two

Griffin Qualley graduated the Uniquely Abled Academy and said that the program helped him advocate for himself.

NORTH KATO MAGAZINE WINTER 2026

Kristin Underwood (left) who is the director of customized workforce education at South Central College and Denise Warner of The Occasions Group help guide the Uniquely Abled Academy students to successful employment.

more weeks of “soft skill” development – interviewing, filling out job applications, building a resume – and then three weeks of job tryouts. Denise Warner, who is human resources at TOG, said slowly building these skills is the key to success for those in the program. “It gives them the opportunity to learn their own way, and it gives them the opportunity to dip their toe into this employment environment and make sure it’s a good fit for them, too.” Although the UAA is a nationwide program, SCC’s program was the first in Minnesota. The second program is at Hennepin Tech in Brooklyn Park, which Warner said Taylor is exploring a partnership with as well. The state Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) provide most of the funding for the UAA. For that to continue, however, the program needs demonstrable results. Prior to teaming with Taylor, different iterations of the UAA were held, although permanent employment eluded the graduates and state funding ended. Wanting to revive the UAA, conversations to form a partnership began between SCC and Taylor, which also had a need for employees at its facilities. To build a curriculum centered on the work done at TOG, a former employee of the business who is now an SCC faculty member went back to his old job, relearned the workflow and the equipment, and a new partnership was formed and VRS-DEED funding restored. There are nine UAA alumni currently employed by TOG. “The partnership between SCC, Taylor, and VRS, those three components coming together is what changed the program,” said Underwood. “We’ve been through many iterations with the UAA, but the magic formula is really all

of us working together and that’s what delivers the outcome that’s needed.” Even though students are trained to operate a digital press, Warner said when graduates are hired they are placed on equipment where supervisors feel they will have success. Program graduate Babi Tello, 28, operates a shrink wrap machine. She said she once washed dishes for employment but the UAA helped her find different

work. “I think it really helped us gain the skills. In my previous job, I was dishwashing. I didn’t want to stay there forever, dishwashing, so it kind of helped gain the skills to move along and get a job here.” Griffin Qualley, 21, says he has a few different jobs at TOG since he was hired. He credits the UAA for building the self-confidence needed to stay employed. “I feel like the [UAA] has helped me a lot in advocating for myself with my accommodations and communicating my needs. And I really like that it’s hands-on, so then I was more prepared, rather than just going straight on the job and doing everything right away.” With employment comes self-sufficiency, which Warner says is important to those involved. “All of these students want to contribute in some way,” she said. “They want jobs, they want to earn money, they want to build their own independence. To me, this is us helping to get more people in the workforce and helping people bring their whole selves in and find a job, find their path.”

Babi Tello operates a shrink wrap machine which prepares various items of stationery for shipping. She credits the Uniquely Abled Academy for gaining the skills necessary to find employment.

The UAA benefits more than just the individual and the employer, said Underwood. “It feels like you’re really uplifting people, but you’re uplifting their families and the whole community at the same time, which is a pretty awesome impact.”  For more information on the UAA, visit southcentral.edu and type Uniquely Abled Academy in the search bar.

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WINTER 2026 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

MORE THAN

KARATE CHILD DEVELOPMENT IS AT THE FOREFRONT AT KATO KARATE STORY AND PHOTOS BY WESS MCCONVILLE

With a curriculum centered on building confidence and focus, Kato Karate is not an average karate studio. In fact, studio owner Tim Flynn, a nationally recognized anti-bullying voice, hosts his own podcast on the subject and developed a program to help children and teens build self-confidence and courage. Prior to delving into the topic of anti-bullying, Flynn opened Kato Karate in a rented classroom in North Mankato’s Holy Rosary Church in 2016. In his words, it was a typical karate studio where students honed their technical skills, memorized facts and took tests that ended in either a pass or fail. That black and white method of teaching, Flynn felt, left something to be desired. “One thing I didn’t like about that style of teaching and training,” he said, “was, one, how do I back up if someone ever challenges me? How are you building focus in a child? How are you improving their confidence? How are you making the kids have good grades?” Wanting more for Kato Karate, Flynn employed a curriculum called Skillz Worldwide which uses martial arts, but only as a vehicle to teach children confidence, focus, discipline and leadership. “It’s an educational program for instructors to learn how kids learn,” he said about his curriculum. Now owning an exclusive Skillz license for the Mankato area, Flynn changed his teaching philosophies from rote memorization to building the whole child. “So we dropped all of that stuff and we were focused more on the four stages of development: physical, intellectual, emotional and social. And we work on learning styles because some kids are auditory learners, some learn visually, some kinesthetically, so we have to take all of the learning styles in our program and accommodate each kid.”

NORTH KATO MAGAZINE WINTER 2026

Flynn interviews families and evaluates each child prior to enrolling in Kato Karate so he can individualize his approach when needed. For Trisha Sammon of Janesville, this method led her to choose Kato Karate over other studios. “I really liked Tim’s approach to the way he does things. The evaluation that he does, being able to get to know the kids, meet them where they are at and help them with some of the things they are struggling with.” As part of his enrollment in the Skillz Worldwide curriculum, Flynn received two years of child development training, and there are monthly workshops where child psychology and brain development is discussed. “So that’s what Kato Karate has evolved into,” Flynn said. “It’s not a martial arts school anymore, but a licensed Skillz child development center.” Dan Crandall, the pastor of Belgrade Avenue United Methodist Church, and his wife Beth have a son enrolled in Kato Karate and have seen results from Flynn’s teaching. “We’ve seen our child come out of his shell and have a newfound ability to look people in the eye. It’s improved a lot of his non-verbal skills and engagement,” said Beth. Dan noted how well his son, Charlie, responds to Flynn. “Tim’s really good at being personal with the kids, yet he’s also direct with them, but not in an intimidating way. Charlie feels comfortable with him, but also takes direction from him. Our son has inattentive ADHD and has had trouble in the past with learning and friends, but [Kato Karate] has helped him a lot with his confidence and it’s all Tim.”

Tim Flynn, owner of Kato Karate, is a nationally recognized anti-bullying voice. He began taekwondo in 1994 and started instructing two years later. Opening Kato Karate in 2016, his work has evolved into podcasting and seminar hosting.

Karate Chop Bullying Since 2022, Flynn has taken his anti-bullying message and strategies to local schools and rec centers with the Karate Chop Bullying program. “How do we teach kids to overcome bullying? No. 1 is confidence. How do you teach kids to be confident? Well, they have to have courage. How do we show kids they have courage? They have to stand tall. They can’t mumble when they talk. They have to speak clearly. They can’t be afraid to speak up. So we focus on those things.” Flynn said the program is useful for kids and teens who want to learn how to cope with bullying without having to commit to a martial arts class. Anti-bullying was not a focus of Kato Karate at the start. Flynn, a 1998 Mankato East graduate, never even brought up the bullying he endured at school out of embarrassment. It wasn’t until he came across a mentor who went by the name Eric the Trainer did Flynn finally open up about his experiences at school. Flynn, who participated in an online program Eric held, met Eric at his home in Los Angeles and they began to strategize a nation-wide, online anti-bullying program. Eric, a physical fitness instructor for celebrities and law enforcement, recommended that Flynn make anti-bullying a focus because he has been through it and overcame it. The two held the first Karate Chop Bullying program in front of the Martial Arts History Museum in L.A., with Eric using his celebrity connections to have actors and renowned martial artists attend. There was even a promotional spot on L.A.’s Fox 11 station. However, five weeks following the first Karate Chop Bullying event, Eric the Trainer died, putting the program to a sudden stop.

Students at Kato Karate work on a variety of martial arts skills, from sparring and board breaking, to focus and discipline. Opening in 2016, Kato Karate recently celebrated its first decade. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch so many kids grow up in our school and the impact we’ve made on kids in our community,” said owner Tim Flynn. “I’m incredibly proud of what Kato Karate has become and grateful to every family who has trusted us along the way.”

Flynn still had relationships at Eric the Trainer’s gym and connected with a friend named Bruce who had experience in podcasting and they began the Breaking Bullying podcast. Bruce co-hosted with Flynn for the first 15 episodes before Flynn recorded solo shows. It was from these podcasts where Karate Chop Bullying was rebooted as Flynn applied the knowledge he gleaned from his guests to develop his own anti-bullying program. Flynn has earned the endorsement of the Martial Arts History Museum for Karate Chop Bullying, the only anti-bullying program in the country the museum endorses. “Because it’s not like a regular anti-bullying program where kids show up and listen to someone talk. When we do a seminar, kids show up and they learn how to be confident, but we work on it. We talk about self-doubt. We do a lot in those 90 minutes that we run it.” Confidence, Flynn says, is an important tool to have for a child being bullied. “Being confident doesn’t guarantee that you won’t be picked on, but being confident helps you to handle bullying better because what people say to you, you know that’s not true about yourself.”  For more information on Kato Karate, visit katokaratemn.com. For more on Karate Chop Bullying, visit karatechopbullying.org.

WINTER 2026 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE

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"A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol” at Lyric Arts in Anoka

Katie Phillips

“The Sound of Music” at Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo

e r t a e th WEST GRAD A

VETERAN IN TWIN CIT

BY WESS MCCONVILLE

As a freelance scenic and props designer in the Twin Cities theatre scene, ’07 Mankato West graduate Katie Phillips busied herself with 2-5 shows each month. “It’s actually a lot of shows because the two weeks leading up to the opening is when all of the tech aspects are coming together and you’re in rehearsals everyday and it’s long hours,” she said. “Oftentimes when you are doing multiple shows, you have to somehow overlap those on top of each other; I was doing double or triple tech during any given week.” A 2011 graduate in theatre design from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Phillips credits her ability to maintain that schedule to her time at MSU. “They have a really rigorous program. When I was going there, they were doing 16 productions a year, so it’s really fast paced and a lot of that is geared towards hands-on experience. When I left school I actually had the skills to keep up with that pace.” Now a veteran props designer with over 100 shows to her name, Phillips had to be asked to join the crew of her first play, the 2005 Mankato West production, “The Mouse that Roared.” “When I was in high school, I was a painter, so I was always in art class. Our school was doing a play and they didn’t have anyone to paint the set. Somebody asked if I could help and it just kind of spiraled from there. I fell in love with storytelling. I fell in love with being able to transform a space so that your entire audience can come along with you.”

NORTH KATO MAGAZINE WINTER 2026

IES

“String” at Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo

Phillips now works full-time as the director of production at Bloomington’s Artistry Theatre and Visual Arts, so she can pick and choose which shows she would like to freelance. For her latest gig, she is the assistant scenic designer for the now running, original musical “Twelve Kinds of Ice” at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. “Since I’m the assistant designer,” Phillips said, “a lot of my role is supporting the vision of the scenic designer and advocating for what he’ll want in the room. It’s a unique experience in that it’s not me advocating for my own art, it’s me trying to anticipate what someone else will want and trying to keep my eye out for that in the room.” The world premiere musical “Twelve Kinds of Ice”, which runs until Nov. 22, is based on a book written by Ellen Bryan Obed and, according to the play’s description, it will “Glide through the ever-shifting magic of winter as Ellen [the protagonist] recalls childhood memories of icy adventures with her loving father. In this world premiere musical, cold temperatures and warm hearts unite to tell a tender story that takes us from spotting the first glaze of ice to building an ice rink and hosting skating shows, hockey games, and moonlit solos. Watch in awe as ice freezes before your very eyes, then melts your heart.”  For tickets and showtimes to “Twelve Kinds of Ice” visit childrenstheatre.org. For more information on showtimes to the Artistry Theatre and Visual Arts in Bloomington, visit artistrymn.org.

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ART EVANGELIST AREA ART TEACHER ARIANA BEALEY RECEIVES RECOGNITION FROM PEERS BY WESS MCCONVILLE

Raised in a family of artists and educators, the fact Ariana Bealey’s career path led her to teach elementary art comes as no surprise. Her dedication to students and her profession, however, would amaze even the most ardent of arts enthusiasts. For that, the Art Educators of Minnesota named her 2026-27 Elementary Art Educator of the Year. Through nearly two decades of teaching art, Bealey secured more than $52,000 in grant money for the various schools in which she taught. This funding allowed her to bring in local artists for residencies, and establish art programs in Jackson, Minn., and Prairie Winds Middle School. She also organized Prairie Winds’ first middle school play, but most of that funding, however, went to the art form nearest to her heart: pottery.

NORTH KATO MAGAZINE WINTER 2026

“Watching someone throw on the wheel is just so mesmerizing,” she said. “A hunk of clay becomes something functional and it’s this beautiful form. I find that people really love pottery and I love pottery, so almost every school I’ve been at I write a grant for a pottery wheel.” After beginning her teaching career in Arizona, and then establishing Jackson’s art program, Bealey taught at Franklin Elementary in Mankato and procured $15,000 in funding for five pottery wheels and to establish an artist-in-residency program. This program brought in professional ceramic artists for small group instruction. Following Franklin, Bealey became the founding art teacher at Mankato’s new middle school, Prairie Winds. There she brought in more artists with the grants she received. “I’m always looking for artists and highlighting artists,” she said. “I think supporting artists in our community is really important and bringing them in and helping students connect with them is really cool.”

Bealey also participates in theatre and secured a $6,000 grant through Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council to put together Prairie Winds first middle school play. “I’m always trying to think of new ideas that are based on the students I am teaching and what they need,” she said. “When I was in middle school, they needed drama.” Eighty students participated in the first after-school practice, Bealey said. She also noted the lack of barriers for students to participate, as there was no fee and transportation was provided. “I think the arts are for everyone and my goal is to bring more equity to the arts. It shouldn’t be just for the elite.” Bealey now teaches art at Hoover Elementary. She, just like previously, has secured two pottery wheels for the art room and funding for a 15-week artist-in-residency that will provide small-group instruction from a ceramicist for grades K-5. As a child living on the remote island of Kodiak, Alaska, Bealey

said art was a community affair and her immersion in it began as far as she can remember. “My first memories are of making art. My dad was an art teacher for 40 years and my mom taught art briefly and has an undergrad in art, so I grew up surrounded by people who are creators, artists, and people in theatre.” She also recalled carding, spinning and dyeing wool to make hats and blankets in her stepmother’s fiber shop in Oregon at the age of 7. Bealey eventually moved to Minnesota and graduated from Mankato West in 2003. Away from school, she focuses her creative energy on a wide variety of arts and creating art with her children. “Not only do I love the visual arts, I am a supporter of all the arts: theater, music, drama, poetry, creative writing. I am such a believer that the arts enrich our lives. They make this human existence better and it makes the community vibrant and lively.” 

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1 Bok Choy ½ (12-oz.) pkg. Braga broccoli florets 1 bunch(es) green onions 1 (24-oz.) pkg. frozen pork and vegetable dumplings 1 (13.5-oz.) can Hy-Vee light coconut milk 1 (12.5-oz.) jar coconut curry ½ c. Hy-Vee sesame teriyaki sauce 2 tbsp. Hy-Vee crunchy peanut butter 2 tbsp. Gustare Vita chopped garlic 3 (8.5-oz.) pkgs. Hy-Vee Jasmine rice microwavable Chili crisp Toasted sesame seeds

Trim ends and chop enough bok choy for 4 c. Cut broccoli into small florets. Chop enough green onions for ¼ c., plus additional for garnish if desired. Layer bok choy and broccoli in prepared baking dish. Arrange and nestle frozen dumpling in a single layer. Whisk together coconut milk, coconut curry, sesame teriyaki sauce, peanut butter, garlic, and ¼ c. green onions in a medium bowl until combined. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish, spooning sauce over dumplings. Cover with foil.

Cheesy Beer Bratwurst and Corn Chowder Chowder is most popular in the winter months, but you'll want to enjoy this Cheesy Beer Bratwurst and Corn Chowder year-round. Who can say no to a comforting bowl of warm, cheesy chowder?

INGREDIENTS

This internet-famous one-pan dumpling bake lives up to the hype. Frozen dumplings bake in a sweet and spicy curry sauce. Just add rice for a complete and delicious meal.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 13x9-in. baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.

4 Hy-Vee beer bratwursts 1 (16-oz.) container Hy-Vee Short Cuts fajita vegetables 1 tsp. Hy-Vee black pepper 1 tbsp. bottled minced garlic 1 (1-lbs.) pkg. roasted garlic, rosemary & thyme fresh creamer potatoes with seasoning packet

Bake, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes, uncover and continue baking for another 7 to 10 minutes, or until edges are bubbling.

4 c. Hy-Vee 33% less sodium chicken broth 1 (10-oz.) pkg. Hy-Vee frozen super sweet corn 1 c. Hy-Vee Monterrey Jack salsa con queso 2 tbsp. Hy-Vee corn starch

Meanwhile, prepare rice according to pkg. directions; set aside and keep warm. To serve, drizzle with chili crisp and garnish with additional green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

2 tbsp. Gustare Vita olive oil

1 American pale ale

1 c. Hy-Vee shredded Cheddar cheese Green onions

DIRECTIONS

One-Pan Dumpling Bake

DIRECTIONS

Comfort Foods

Settle into your week with cozy recipes and meals that come together quickly.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 5-1/2-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook bratwurst slices 4 to 6 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally; set aside. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to drippings in Dutch oven. Add fajita vegetables and black pepper. Saute 5 to 6 minutes or until softened. Add garlic; cook over low for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Remove Dutch oven from heat; stir in pale ale. Return to heat; cook over medium heat 3 minutes. Add potatoes and seasoning packet, chicken broth, and corn to Dutch oven. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Stir in salsa con queso and cooked brats. Simmer covered, 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender and brats reach 165 degrees. Combine corn starch and remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth in a small bowl; slowly stir into chowder. Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese and cook 1 to 2 minutes more until slightly thickened. Garnish with additional Cheddar cheese and sliced green onions, if desired.

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INGREDIENTS

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole Fiesta Taco Skillet Casserole

1 ½ lbs. Hy-Vee 85%-lean ground beef

1 (8.5-oz.) pkg. Hy-Vee corn muffin mix

1 ½ (15.5-oz. ea) jars Hy-Vee Select medium corn & black bean salsa

1 Hy-Vee large egg

DIRECTIONS

¾ c. Hy-Vee finely shredded taco cheese

⅓ c. Hy-Vee 2% reduced-fat milk Green onions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook beef in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet until brown; stirring occasionally. Drain. Stir in salsa; bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Prepare corn muffin mix according to package directions, using egg, and milk. Spread on top of beef mixture. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese; bake 1 to 2 minutes or until melted. Let stand 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.

1 can(s) Hy-Vee Mexican lime & cilantro diced tomatoes & green chilies (10-oz.) 1 can(s) Hy-Vee diced green chiles (4-oz.)

2 lbs. Hy-Vee True boneless, skinless chicken breasts 8 oz. Hy-Vee Monterey Jack Natural Cheese brick 1 package(s) street taco flour tortillas (11-oz.)

1 medium red onion

1 c. Crystal Farms White Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese Block

1 lime

1 c. Hy-Vee corn chips

1 tsp. minced garlic

Hy-Vee sour cream fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

Here’s a new idea for Taco Tuesday! Try this taco casserole made with ground beef, Hy-Vee select medium corn & black bean salsa, shredded taco cheese, and Hy-Vee corn muffin mix.

1 can(s) Hy-Vee mild tomato based enchilada sauce (10-oz.)

Turn chicken enchiladas into a hearty casserole that makes dinner delicious and easy.

5-Ingredient Chicken Pot Pie

INGREDIENTS

2 (12-oz. each) jars Hy-Vee chicken gravy

DIRECTIONS

Chicken pot pie in just 40 minutes and only 5 ingredients? We didn't think it could be done until we met this recipe...

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine gravy and sour cream in a medium bowl. Stir in vegetables and chicken. Transfer to a 3-quart rectangular baking dish.

1 (8-oz.) container Hy-Vee sour cream 1 Hy-Vee frozen mixed vegetables 3 c. Hy-Vee rotisserie chicken

Combine enchilada sauce, tomatoes, green chiles, red onion, lime juice, and garlic in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add chicken breasts. Stir to coat. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours or until chicken is very tender and cooked through (165 degrees). Transfer chicken to a cutting board using a slotted spoon. Pour liquid into large bowl; wipe slow cooker clean with paper towels. Shred chicken using two forks. Place chicken into a separate large bowl; add 3 cups cooking liquid; stir to combine. Cut Monterey Jack cheese into cubes and quarter the tortillas. To assemble, layer one-third of each of the chicken mixture, Monterey Jack cheese cubes, and quartered tortillas in the slow cooker. Repeat layers 2 more times using remaining chicken mixture, cheese cubes, and tortillas. Pour an additional 1-1/2 cups cooking liquid over top to cover tortillas. Top with shredded white Cheddar cheese. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and layers are heated through. Top with corn chips. Garnish with sour cream and cilantro, if desired.

1 (16-oz.) can Hy-Vee jumbo buttermilk biscuits

Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes or until bubbly. Arrange biscuits on top. Bake 10 to 15 minutes more or until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

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