priceless
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Community OF LOVE The Joy of RUNNING Get Outside + MOVE L IV E W E L L | E VERY DAY | E VERY AGE
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well & good As our team discussed what this magazine would look like and what stories it would tell, I found myself unable to stop smiling. Writing and editing are some of the things I love the most. To get to do them while telling the type of stories in these pages is such a joy and an honor. Vitality is a topic near and dear to my heart. I thought it would be perfect to introduce this first issue by focusing specifically on vitality in the context of community. If you read the article I wrote about my birth story, “Community of Love,” you’ll understand why. Our vitality, including our physical and mental health and our ability to live well at every age and stage, expands and grows as we’re surrounded by community. And what a beautiful community we have here in southern Minnesota! Several years ago, while our family lived in Rochester, we got one of those Minnesota snowstorms you really remember. The plows couldn’t get to our cul-de-sac in time for some of our neighbors to get to a night shift at work. A neighbor knocked on our door and asked if my husband was willing to help plow a driveway. Soon, it seemed every resident of our street was outside, watching several of our neighbors walk in tandem, plowing the road together. Before long, someone had put hot beverages in everyone’s hands and it had become a party—one of the great memories our little neighborhood went on to cherish. That friendship forged while helping one another during a time in need is deeply ingrained in our Minnesota culture. I have loved calling this place home. Whether you’re bookmarking delicious and healthy recipes you can whip up for friends and family, reading stories of hope and survival, getting an inside look at what makes the Mankato Marathon so special, or discovering ways to get the whole family moving together, you’ll see the theme of vitality within community weaving throughout this issue. From cover to cover, we hope you’ll find yourself holding something more than a health magazine, but rather, a guide to living well in southern Minnesota. Wherever you are on your journey, we’re right there with you. Find yourself on these pages. This is a love letter to living well… living with vitality in southern Minnesota. Lastly, I’ll share a little tidbit from my time in corporate America. At the end of every meeting, we’d leave with our Action Items - the list of things we should do before we met again. So, here’s your Action Item from this issue: check out our guide to “Get Outside & Moving in Southern Minnesota” and go on an adventure! Take a photo of yourself and any friends, family, or even pets joining you as you get moving and send it to crystal@luxequarterlies.com for a chance to be featured in our next issue! Live well,
Crystal Maertens Editor, Vitality
Explore all of our magazines at luxepublishingco.com
34 meet crystal Born in and raised all over the Midwest, Crystal has called Mankato home for most of the past 20 years. She’s married to a Mankato local and, together, they have three beautiful children. Crystal has a background as a marketing manager for a public health software company. She loves writing and telling stories that matter. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and hiking state and national parks with her family.
in this issue
fall 2026
by
8 Community of Love
8
16 Small Act, Big Impact 20 The Joy of Running 24 Fall Rhythm 26 Move For Your Mood 28 Use Your Head 30 Donate Today 32 Autumn Spiced Matcha Latte 34 Gingerbread Chaitini Mocktails
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36 Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Salad 38 Sausage and Fennel Cornbread Dressing 40 Healthy Aging 42 Never Give Up Hope 44 Minnesota State Parks 46 Bumps + Bugs
Welcome to our very first issue of Vitality! There is something pretty darn exciting about watching a brand-new magazine come to life. At Luxe Publishing, we spend a lot of time looking for stories worth sharing. Not perfect stories. Real ones. The kind that help us get to know each other a little better, understand what someone has walked through, learn something new, or maybe see life from a different angle. I really believe that when we know each other’s stories, we become better neighbors. And that goes for our local businesses too. These pages give you a chance to get to know the people behind the businesses, organizations and services that help keep Southern Minnesota thriving. Supporting local really does matter. These are the businesses creating jobs, sponsoring events, giving back, supporting schools and nonprofits, and helping our communities stay strong. You’ll also notice their ads throughout Vitality. Those advertisers are a huge part of why this magazine can be printed and placed into your hands for free. They believe in what we’re doing, and I hope you’ll give them a little love right back. This first issue has a little bit of everything. Family. Infertility. Adoption. New beginnings. Movement. Mental health. Food. Healthy aging. The Mankato Marathon. Blood donation. Real life.
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PUBLISHER LUXE PUBLISHING CO. NATASHA WEIS LUXEPUBLISHINGCO.COM MARKETING NATASHA WEIS MELISSA LANCASTER RACHEL CARPENTER CRYSTAL MAERTENS EDITOR CRYSTAL MAERTENS DESIGN EXPOSURE CREATIVE HIM & HER DESIGN
And speaking of real life, please don’t ever think your story has to be perfectly written before you share it with us. I’m certainly not a perfect writer, and I don’t claim to be! Sometimes the best stories come with a few messy sentences, a little emotion and a whole lot of heart. Perfect is overrated anyway. Real is better. So read. Learn. Support local. Tell us your story. And after you finish this issue... go give blood.
PRINTER CORPORATE GRAPHICS COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING INQUIRIES TO INFO@LUXEQUARTERLIES.COM
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Natasha Weis Publisher, Luxe Publishing
our luxe family Vitality is published and distributed quarterly by Luxe Publishing Co. The content used in this magazine is copyright 2026. The opinions of points of view expressed within are those of our authors.
A BOLDER, BRIGHTER
o t a k n Ma AWAITS
L A N D . W AT E R . C O M M U N I T Y. A L L A D V E N T U R E .
Rockwell RV & Adventure Park is transforming a former limestone quarry into a one-of-a-kind outdoor destination — bringing world-class recreation, natural beauty and new opportunities to the Mankato area.
RIDE UNIQUE FEATURES
ONE-OF-A-KIND TRAILS
Including trails through three rail cars and along 20-ft rock cliffs.
Adventure around every corner.
THE ONLY CABLE PARK IN MINNESOTA Water sports for everyone.
Holtmeier Construction is donating the rocks, the land the trails are on and
BUILT BY C O M MU NI T Y. FOR GE N E R ATI ONS .
the equipment needed to build the mountain bike trails. We equate it to Menards saying “Build a house in our parking lot. Whatever materials you need to build your house, we’ll donate them to you.” This incredible support means your dollar goes much further, helping bring this vision to life.
MORE THAN TRAILS A COMPLETE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Miles of free, sustainable trails with one-of-a-kind features — ride through rail cars, along 20-ft rock cliffs and even across a floating trail on the water.
CABLE PARK
The only cable park in Minnesota, removing a major barrier to water sports. No boat? No problem. Everyone can experience the thrill.
Real e r u t n e v d A e r e H Lives
CAMPING & RV
Stay and play with camping and RV opportunities, so adventure can last all weekend.
DEEP-WATER SOLO CLIMBING
One of only two permanent deep-water solo climbing walls in the nation.
A STRONGER COMMUNITY
Attractions like Rockwell make Mankato an even more attractive place to live, work and play — creating opportunities for our community and beyond.
ONE OF TWO IN THE NATION
CAMP. PLAY. STAY LONGER.
Permanent deep-water solo climbing wall.
Camping and RV opportunities for a full weekend of adventure. 1657
S U PPO R T TH E TR A IL BU IL D NATURALLY INTEGRATED Below ground level, not an eyesore.
QUIET
SUSTAINABLE
Recreation without the noise.
Trails designed to last and not flood every year like the old Mankato trails used to.
RockwellAdventure.com Kyle@RockwellAdventure.com
LO In December of 2024, I sat in a Target parking lot, sobbing with joy... 8
FALL 2026
COMMUNITY of
OVE BY CRYSTAL MAERTENS
after getting a phone call from my doctor, telling me news that I was in complete disbelief over, although I’d imagined receiving it tens of thousands of times. I was pregnant, after 13 years
Thomas finally held the baby brother he had waited so many years for, I cried again. A few minutes later, Thomas sat on the bed beside me and we hugged each other, sharing a moment of pure joy.
I drove home to tell my husband and, later, our two oldest children, with a sense of euphoric unreality.
During our hug, the nurses came into the room to check my vitals. It was then that I began to notice I was in pain that was quickly getting worse. A few moments later, my whole world shifted.
Our journey to becoming a family hadn’t been easy. When we adopted Billie and Thomas in 2019, I had already tried (and failed) to get pregnant for 5 years. Infertility teaches you to hold hope in tension with grief, while carrying on with day to day life.
Thomas was asked to step out of the room and, within moments, everything became a blur of urgent voices, people seeming to shout into my face asking me my name, birthday, where I was… and so much blood.
Walking with Billie and Thomas on their difficult journey from foster care to adoption showed me what that tension looks like when a child has to hold it. The day we became a family, our hearts were filled with joy and gratitude over the honor of being their parents.
I was watching myself bleed more than I’d ever seen before. I didn’t realize exactly what was happening at the time, but that was the start of a massive postpartum hemorrhage.
of infertility.
As our little family grew up together, our children began to ask about having a little brother or sister. The Christmas Thomas was three, instead of using a catalog to circle toys he’d like Santa to bring him, he’d instead circled all the babies. We would always tell the kids that it wasn’t impossible, but it was pretty unlikely. So, despite the call confirming I was pregnant, daily morning sickness that lasted my entire pregnancy, and even seeing our baby on ultrasounds, when we checked into the hospital that day in August of 2025 for our baby’s delivery, things still felt surreal. The moment we heard Harrison’s first cries and saw him was more beautiful than we had imagined. My husband Ian and I cried as we held each other and our newborn son. While being wheeled back to my room, I was already feeling well enough that we called and asked my mother-in-law, Peg, to start bringing our kids up to meet their new baby brother. Peg brought Thomas to meet Harrison first. I couldn’t wait! When
As the nurses began to move my bed to rush me to the ICU, I grabbed Ian’s arm and asked him to make sure Thomas wouldn’t see me. I didn’t want to scare him. Ian told me later it was one of the hardest things he’d ever done to walk out of that room and get all the fear off his face so he could talk to Thomas and make things seem normal. In the ICU, despite multiple blood transfusions, I deteriorated quickly. My condition became incredibly serious. I lost my entire blood volume two and a half times over. My kidneys began failing due to the massive blood loss. At one point, as I looked around at the intense activity of the room I was in, I wasn’t sure if I was still alive or not. I could feel myself balanced on some sort of precipice. It was then that I saw one of my doctors standing across the room, looking at me intently and calmly. His calmness inspired a deep confidence in me. So I asked him whether I was alive or not. After confirming I was alive, he told me he would keep me alive. I immediately believed him. And so I held on to the edge of that precipice with everything I had. FALL 2026
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11
DAYS
IN HOSPITAL
13
YEARS OF HOPE
22
UNIQUE DONORS
29 UNITS
OF BLOOD
T R U E V I TA L I T Y
He and an incredible team of doctors and nurses did keep me alive that weekend in the ICU. My memories are vivid but disjointed. My clearest memories are of waking at different times to cling to Ian’s hand. But Ian later told me the stories of the many people who helped save my life and care for me. There was a nurse who had stayed well past her shift to make sure there was a familiar face for Ian during the terrifying ordeal. Another nurse knew I wanted desperately to breastfeed my son and so she made sure my breast milk was saved for him, even as I was hemorrhaging and in a coma (she went on to win a much deserved DAISY Award!). There were many doctors from both the Mankato Clinic (my original clinic) and the Mayo Clinic (housing the ICU) who, with no posturing or ego, made sometimes urgent split-second, but very sound decisions, about when to defer to one another’s recommendation, what protocols to follow, and exhibited teamwork so seamless that Ian and I never had to untangle who belonged to which facility, but could fully focus on my care and recovery. After waking, I was bowled over by a friend who, knowing we still weren’t sure what my body would be capable of, or what medications I would need to take long term, drove all over southern Minnesota collecting donated breast milk from a self-curated network of mothers. She showed up to my hospital room with an entire cooler of what amounted to liquid gold for my baby.
I was blown away by the generosity and goodness of the community around me.
I later found out I had needed 29 units of blood by the time I was discharged (the hospital’s entire supply compatible with my blood type!), representing a likely 22 different blood donors. All 22 of those people had made the small but life-saving decision to donate the blood that helped save my life that weekend. Four days after giving birth, I was finally able to leave the ICU and return to the same room where everything had started. Our abandoned suitcase, a peony plant a wonderful friend had dropped off, a wilted pot of flowers, and half-inflated “It’s a boy!” balloon waited for us. It felt like a lifetime had passed. I spent the next six days in that room, working hard to recover. I had an acute kidney injury from the blood loss. My lab results were still worrisome. I was retaining enormous amounts of fluid which made my legs very heavy. Just walking across the room felt like climbing a mountain. Nothing about those days was what I had pictured when we planned the birth of our son. I grieved the trauma, and I grieved the loss of what should have been an unflinchingly beautiful memory. Arriving home brought a whole new set of challenges. While Peg moved in with us FALL 2026
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temporarily to help out, Ian’s shoulders weighed heavy with enormous responsibility – caring for a newborn, a 7 and 8 year old (who were just kicking off a new school year and all that entailed), and a wife who could barely function. My own inability to fully care for myself, or to care for my newborn in the way I’d dreamed of and so deeply wanted to, was a very difficult pill for me to swallow. One evening, Ian and I sat on our bed, trying to decide whether to share the story of what had happened with our Facebook friends. Over the handful of years since our adoption, we realized we’d become increasingly private. Adoption and parenting children with special needs can feel so isolating at times. Few people really understand your day to day life. People aren’t sure what to say when you share about it, so you eventually stop sharing. After a few situations when your children have a need, and you aren’t sure where to turn, you learn firsthand how to find the superhuman strength folklore stories allude to, lifting the metaphorical car off your child by yourself. And then, after a while, you stop looking for help, believing you’re really alone. Sharing Harrison’s birth story felt like a level of vulnerability I wasn’t sure I was comfortable with. But the humbling generosity of the nurses and doctors who’d cared for me, the friends who’d shown up at the hospital when I was at my most helpless, and my in-laws who beautifully cared for our oldest children for the 11 days I was hospitalized, gave me courage. When I posted, I hoped to connect with a few of my friends through the story. Over the next few days, that post was viewed, shared, and commented on by hundreds of our friends and family. One of our friends set up a meal train which instantly began filling up with volunteers to bring us food. People showed up to take Billie and Thomas on play dates, drop off diapers, fold our laundry, help winterize our home and yard, clean our home, walk our dogs, change our smoke detectors, move furniture, pick up our children from school, and drop off so many meals that we (very thankfully) did not have to cook for ourselves for several weeks. One friend even drove in from out of state just to help for the day. I was blown away by the generosity and goodness of the community around me. A community I had stopped believing existed. Nearly every day this past year, I have taken a few minutes to think of the many, many people who surrounded our family with such generosity, care, and love. I quite literally would not be alive without many of them. And I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without the rest of them. This experience has cemented for me that true vitality is really only possible in the context of community. Without it, grief overwhelms. Life becomes more about surviving than thriving. Joy slowly ebbs away. This experience has taught me to look around each day and see the helpers, friends, family, and neighbors around me. So many people make decisions, both large and small, every day that improve (and sometimes save) someone else’s life. And we can all pass on that gift to others. As George Bailey learned in It’s a Wonderful Life, real wealth is in our friends. I have been humbled to learn how rich I really am.
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MORE THAN A MEAL GOOD FOOD. BRIGHTER DAYS. HEALTHIER TOMORROWS.
How Home Cooking Nourishes Body + Soul When we think about wellness, nutrition is often one of the first things that comes to mind. Yet true wellness extends far beyond the nutrients on our plates. It includes our relationships, emotional well-being, sense of purpose, and the daily habits that connect us to others. One of the simplest ways to nurture all of these aspects of wellness is through home cooking. Food has always been about more than nourishment. Many of our most cherished memories are connected to meals shared with family and friends. Whether it’s baking holiday cookies with loved ones, preparing a treasured family recipe, or gathering around the dinner table after a busy day, cooking at home creates opportunities for meaningful connection. These moments encourage conversation, strengthen relationships, and help us slow down in a world that often feels rushed. Home cooking also supports physical well-being. Preparing meals at home allows us to make choices that align with our health goals by selecting ingredients, controlling portion sizes, and balancing meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. However, healthy home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying. A pot of soup simmering on the stove or a sheet pan dinner shared with family can provide both comfort and nourishment. Beyond physical health, cooking can benefit emotional wellness. The process of chopping vegetables, stirring ingredients, or following a favorite recipe can be calming and mindful. For many people, the kitchen serves as a place to unwind, be creative, and focus on the present moment. Cooking can also provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, especially when preparing meals for those we care about. Perhaps most importantly, home cooking nourishes the spirit. Food is one way we express love, hospitality, gratitude, and tradition. Family recipes passed from one generation to the next tell stories about who we are and where we come from. Sharing those meals helps preserve connections and create new memories for the future.
April Graff, MS, RD, LD Hilltop Dietitian 507.625.9070 AGraff@hy-vee.com
Scan this QR code to find your Hy-Vee dietitian
CHIPOTLE BEEF CHILI WITH SQUASH A hearty meal for cold evenings, this chili combines beef, beans, butternut squash, and chipotle peppers for a comforting, nutrient-rich dinner. It is perfect for meal prep and feeds a crowd.
As we move through the holiday season, consider the many gifts that home cooking provides. It is not about creating perfect meals or elaborate gatherings. Rather, it is about finding moments of connection, comfort, and joy around the table. Sometimes the most meaningful acts of wellness begin with a simple meal shared with the people we love.
Good Food br ings people together. 1662
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small act
BIG IMPACT BY LAURA MURRAY, COO | Greater Mankato Area United Way
Volunteers don’t just make our community tick— they make it flourish. From serving meals and raking leaves to advocacy, fundraising and beyond, volunteers are making a lasting difference. Giving back takes many forms, and people of all ages can get involved. Make a Big Impact at Any Age What does it look like to serve others? To care for your community? How can you show kindness? What does it mean to be a helper? These are questions that are beneficial to think about at any age.
I’m fortunate to be able to give back 16
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Volunteering as a family is a great way to build on foundational elements such as kindness, community and empathy. Kids can not only contribute, but they can also experience firsthand how people work together for a common purpose. It’s a way to bond through a shared activity. It can spark discussion on the car ride home and around the dinner table. And it makes everyone’s world a little bigger, too, thinking about the community in new ways or the experiences of others in comparison to your own. Those benefits are long-lasting. Klaire Hicks is a local high school student. This year, she is a co-chair of Greater Mankato Area United Way’s Youth United
group. Geared toward kindergartners through high schoolers, the group is made up of students who want to grow in volunteerism and leadership. Even as a busy high-schooler, Hicks has made it a priority to show up through volunteering. She and the Youth United group have helped with outdoor projects such as painting, cleaning and yardwork for local nonprofits. They have helped with United Way’s book deliveries to schools. They participate in events, school supply drives, fundraising and office projects. They share with younger students about why they volunteer, leading by example. “It’s such a bright feeling and a sense of accomplishment when you give back,” said Hicks. “Even if I am having a bad day, I feel 10 times better knowing I’ve helped someone, because they are having a rougher day than I am.” Hicks sees the benefit in helping others in any way she can. “Volunteering reminds you that we’re all humans. We all need help at some point,” she said. “If you think about it that way, you get back what you give.”
make a DIFFERENCE
From community
members to corporate groups, people can put their creative talents, leadership skills and passion into action through volunteering.
Are you a numbers guru? A nonprofit may have an opening for a qualified financial professional for their board or budget committee. Are you passionate about a cause, such as mental health or literacy? A nonprofit may be seeking help with awareness events, strategic direction or hands-on projects.
Megan Bennett is the lead planner at The Soul Creative Group, a wedding and event company. She dedicates hundreds of volunteer hours each year.
Bennett is the chair of Greater Mankato Area United Way’s annual Fire & Ice gala, which has more than 600 attendees each year. This event is a perfect way to put her unique experience and planning skills into action through volunteering. Held every December, Fire & Ice is the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year. Bennett casts the vision for the event, working closely with United Way staff, and leading a volunteer committee of around 20 individuals. She and her team work throughout the year on every aspect of the event, from sponsorships and auction items to décor and entertainment. According to Bennett, the most rewarding part of volunteering for Fire & Ice is seeing everything come together from start to finish, always with community impact as the goal.
Bennett has been part of the event since it began in 2015, eventually joining the committee and then moving into a leadership role. She says the realworld impact is what drives her to volunteer, seeing how resources provided by United Way would have been beneficial in her own life. “I’m fortunate to be able to give back, and I am passionate now about making sure children and families get the help and support they need,” she said. With the event entering its 12th year, Bennett and the committee seek to continue elevating both the experience and the dollars netted. The undertaking gives her the chance to flex her creative muscles in new ways. “I can do things a bit more out-of-the-box,” she said.
Bring Your Talents to the Table
Service & helping one another are at the core of what makes our region special. According to Minnesota Compass data from 2023, 42 percent of Minnesota residents volunteer, compared with approximately 30 percent of U.S. residents. Minnesotans contributed 107.9 million volunteer hours, valued at an estimated $3.6 billion in economic impact. If you’re ready to make a difference or looking for a new volunteer opportunity, getting started is easy!
+ + + +
Think about your interests, talents, skills and time commitment. Try out a onetime volunteer shift or event to learn more about the organization. Consider volunteering with family, friends, or coworkers. When seeking to volunteer with kids, check on any age requirements. Employers may offer perks for volunteering, such as paid time to volunteer or a matching donation to the organization.
When we work together, great things happen. By showing up and being willing to help, you can make a positive impact on our community, while encouraging others to do the same.
Bennett added that volunteering has another benefit of creating friendships. “As an adult, it can be challenging to meet new people and form friendships,” she said. “Volunteering helps you meet community-minded people and build lasting relationships.” As a busy professional, Bennett is intentional about how she spends her time. “For something that I am passionate about and that truly matters to me, I am willing to put in that time. Focusing a few hours each week that will enhance someone else’s life is worth it.” FALL 2026
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RUNN THE JOY OF
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FALL 2026
T
he first fall after we moved into our new home, I woke up early one Saturday to the blaring music of an electric guitar. I blearily stumbled into my four and a half year-old’s bedroom to find him standing at his open window, strumming with gusto.
“What are you doing?!” I whisper-shouted. “Mom! I’m playing for all the people running!” he said, eyes bright with excitement, pointing out his window. And that was when I learned our new home was directly on the Mankato Marathon route. Every year since then, my children have woken up early on that special Saturday in October and walked out to our porch, wrapped in blankets or carrying bowls of cereal (or maybe even a guitar) and rung cowbells, clapped, and cheered for all the runners who pass our house. Our son had inadvertently launched us into a beautiful Mankato community tradition: the Mankato Marathon. Started in 2010, the 17th Mankato Marathon will take place this October. It’s a weekend-long event, boasting many races besides the full marathon, including a 5K and half marathon. Thousands of runners participate, and come from all over the world, including places such as France, Poland, and Japan. It’s a huge endeavor, with planning for the next year’s race beginning before the current year’s race has even occurred. Joy Leafblad, director of Strategic Initiatives with Sports Tourism and Downtown Partnership at Visit Mankato, says that staff members from Visit Mankato partner with a task force made up of community runners and individuals to plan the race.
“Hearing why people run is so special,” she said. That “why” is different for each person who participates in the marathon weekend. Amber Bannerman, owner of Sota Sisters Boutique in Mankato, has run a 10K, as well as a half marathon a couple of times, but the Mankato Marathon is the one and only full marathon she has run. She shared, “One of the biggest reasons that I like to run is for my mental health. It gives me time to think, clear my mind and have that time to myself which is so important for moms – and really, for everybody.” Beyond that, she finds meaning in the sense of togetherness the marathon inspires, seeing people of all ages come together for all different reasons to run the same marathon. Dr. Chaun Cox, a family medicine physician with Mayo Clinic Health System, is a Mankato Marathon legacy runner, a term that describes someone who has run a race every year since its inception. He’s run a total of around 45 marathons. He echoed Amber’s sentiments about the sport’s mental health benefits. “While I enjoy running, I find it’s good for me physically, but it’s also good for me mentally,” He said. “It gives me time to put things in perspective and connect with nature a little bit. I always learn something about myself during each of the races and I can usually use that insight to help myself grow and have the people I come into contact with run into a better version of me.”
NING They’re joined by community medical partners, the City of Mankato, Blue Earth County, the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, the highway system, the parks system, and even HAM radio operators who unite to bring each year’s event to fruition. While the race brings millions in revenue to the city, the motivation that draws everyone to return to the planning table each year goes beyond dollars and cents. “We’re supporting the runners. That’s why we’re there,” Joy explained.
One year Joy saw four generations of one family running the 5K together–a great grandmother being pushed in a wheelchair with her great grandchildren running beside her.
Kate Cox, a pediatric adolescent clinical social worker at Sagent Behavioral Health Clinic, as well as the executive director of Project 4 Teens, has cheered her husband Chaun on at many marathons and has run a marathon three times herself. What inspired Kate to run was spectating at her husband’s races.
“There is something really magical about the people who are in the back of the marathon. I get the most inspiration from them. They’re just out there grinding. It’s hard. It hits differently. That finisher medal, when you cross the finish line, is the same for the first person who crosses the finish line as the last and
BY CRYSTAL MAERTENS
there’s something unique and special about that,” she said. Ben Pawlitschek, a prearrangement consultant for Mankato Mortuary, knows he won’t be the first to cross the finish line, but he still finds meaning in the run. “At my 11 minute pace - none of us are going to win today. We’re just trying to do it. It feels good to encourage somebody else,” he said. In fact, encouragement from others played a huge role in helping him through the race. “In West Mankato, there are a bunch of people who make it a thing,” said Ben. “They have their kids out, they cheer you on, and it gives you a little more encouragement to make that next block, make that next corner, and keep going a little longer.” Courtney Grams, a psychotherapist at The Center for Hope and Healing, who traveled to Mankato from Buffalo, Minnesota to run the marathon with her best friend, echoed Ben’s words as she described how challenging the Mankato Marathon was and, particularly, her run through the less populated areas of the route. “You don’t know how meaningful it is to see that one person that helps get you to the next mile or the next person,” she said. Courtney began running seriously in August of 2023. And by seriously, she meant very seriously. By the time she ran the Mankato Marathon in 2024, she already had three other marathons under her belt. Describing her experience, she said, “You see the community come together in ways they don’t every day. If there’s someone struggling, you see people come to help them.” That idea of supporting each other is what motivates Sara Winter, marketing director for River Valley Running, to volunteer at their aid station each year.
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“I ran the Mankato half a few years ago, the first year I worked at the store,” she said. The following year, she volunteered at the aid station, which is the first station on the marathon route where all the different races converge. She was able to support and cheer on many members from the store’s running club. “After that first year, working at the aid station was so fun that I didn’t even feel like I was missing out by working at the aid station instead of running. It’s so fun just to be a part of it in that way,” said Sara. Sophie Tonander, sports and recreation director at the Mankato YMCA, agrees. She leads a character development running club for third through sixth grade kids in the community, Stride for All. She and the kids, along with other volunteers from her club, and the YMCA, run an aid station for the marathon each year, usually one of the first stations along the 10K route. “A lot of the kids coming into the program see running as an individual thing,” said Sophie. “Seeing all the kids running together–or the people running the Mankato Marathon–they see you’re not alone.” Sophie described how she teaches the kids in her club that even small goals or helps can take you a long way. “Being involved in the community is really cool and it can be as simple as handing out water,” she said. Whether it’s the volunteers staffing the aid stations, the spectators who come out to encourage their friends, coworkers, and family, or the neighborhood cheerleaders who bring everything from hype, to inflatable tube men, to snacks and coffee for the runners, the marathon brings the entire community together. People of all ages, all walks of life, and all different feelings about running find something in common that weekend: the joy of community.
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FALL RHYTHM Summer has faded, school has started, and schedules are changing. We often find ourselves looking for—or yearning for— the routines that may have been lost over the summer. There can be a tendency to think, “I need to get back into a routine.” Instead, I challenge you to slow down and allow yourself to ease into this new season, new routine, and new rhythm of movement. Movement counts wherever you are starting. Fall movement doesn’t have to look like hiking, running, or a traditional workout. The goal is to find ways to move that fit your life and, ideally, bring you some joy along the way. The point isn’t burning a certain number of calories or completing the perfect workout. It’s about finding movement that supports your body, your life, and your well-being. Kelly McGonigal, author of The Joy of Movement, writes, “Yet physical activity stands out in its ability to fulfill so many human needs, and that makes it worth considering as a fundamentally valuable endeavor. It is as if what is good in us is most easily activated or accessed through movement.” That idea of joy is worth remembering as we move into fall. Fall is the season of apple picking, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and walks through the changing leaves. What could bring more joy than that? These activities all count as movement, with the added bonus of creating fun adventures and memories for the whole family. Intergenerational play builds wellness and connection. Instead of simply following the same holiday traditions, consider changing things up. Find a themed walk or fun run to participate in together. Take a walk to look at fall decorations. Explore a new park. Family movement doesn’t need to be organized or complicated. Children don’t necessarily need to know they’re “exercising.” They need opportunities to play, explore, move, and have fun. And adults benefit from that kind of movement, too. Take Movement Outdoors The days are getting shorter and the cool air has arrived—a bit of a mixed blessing when it comes to incorporating the outdoors into our movement routines. We have fewer hours of daylight, but the crisp air can be refreshing.
Lisa Johnson | Owner | The BIN Movement Studio
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There are many wonderful parks and trails to explore. Walking through newly fallen leaves can be both invigorating and restorative. If uneven terrain is a concern, look for parks with paved walkways or smoother trails. Hiking poles can provide additional stability while also bringing the upper body into the movement. As the leaves fall, the rakes come out of the garage. Before tackling a big yard project, take a few minutes to warm up your body with some gentle movement. Raking, gardening, and cleaning up flower beds all count as movement. Planting spring bulbs is another opportunity to get outside and move. If getting down to ground level is difficult, try using a garden bench or raised surface to bring the work closer to you. There is no requirement that movement look a certain way. Adapt the activity to your body and your abilities. Spending time in nature can be a natural reset for both body and mind.
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Finding Your Indoor Rhythm Some of us thrive on those beautiful fall days and want to savor every minute outdoors. Others may be ready to establish a more formal indoor movement routine as the weather changes. This could be as simple as exploring online exercise videos appropriate for your level. Give yourself permission to modify movements or take breaks. You don’t have to keep up with the person on the screen. A local gym or movement studio can also provide guidance and help you find classes that fit your abilities and goals. There are many options—from chair yoga and water exercise to strength training, stretching, and dance. And don’t overlook the social side of movement. Moving with other people can provide connection, encouragement, accountability, and, most importantly, fun. Start Small and Let It Grow The key is discovering where you find your joy in movement so that you’re more likely to continue. Consistency doesn’t require an ambitious plan. In fact, starting too big can make a new routine difficult to maintain. A five- or ten-minute walk may be exactly what you need. A short online movement video might be enough. One class a week can be a beginning.
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Ask yourself: What is one small thing I can do today? Then do that. Let the season unfold. Enjoy the cooler air. Take advantage of the beautiful days while they’re here. Find ways to move that bring you joy, connection, and a sense of being at home in your body. Whether you’re five years old or eighty-five, highly active or just beginning, there is a place for movement in your life. Start where you are. Choose one thing. Keep showing up. Let your fall rhythm grow from there.
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FALL 2026
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M O OD R M OV E F O R YO U 26
FALL 2026
In the US, one in five adults and one in seven children experience some type of mental illness each year with anxiety and depressive disorders being the top two most common conditions. While everybody has anxiety and low mood sometimes, in cases of clinical anxiety or depression, people can suffer these feelings and other symptoms for months at a time without relief. People may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, they may have trouble sleeping or a poor appetite, and they may lack the motivation to go to work or school, leading to significant disruptions in their daily life. To complicate matters even further, anxiety and depression can both be present at once, leading to an overwhelming mix of low mood and high stress. When this happens, it’s time to visit with your healthcare provider to discuss your options. In addition to recommendations from your healthcare provider, several lifestyle changes can be beneficial to support mental health recovery. These include diet, healthy sleep hygiene, and physical activity. Exercise. We hear about it all the time and how important it is. We know that it’s beneficial for our physical health, but what can it do for our mental health? Turns out, it can do quite a lot! Benefits can include reduced stress, boosted mood, increased sense of well-being, and reduction in the number of episodes of major depression. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) for adults; that works out to about 20 minutes a day. Don’t worry if you see that number and think “yeah, no, that’s not happening!” That’s okay! Even some exercise is still better than none. There’s nothing wrong
with starting small and gradually building up. Can you start with ten minutes every other day? Five? The benefits only increase as you approach that 150 minutes of weekly activity. The American Psychological Association (APA) reported that one out of nine cases of depression could potentially be prevented if everyone met this goal. The reason for this effect is brain chemistry. Exercise reduces the stress hormones in our bodies, thus reducing inflammation which plays a major role in anxiety and depression. Exercise also causes a release of endorphins which are natural “feel good” chemicals that boost mood and reduce pain by binding to specific receptors in the brain. These are the chemicals also responsible for the “runner’s high”, but that doesn’t mean you have to start running to reap the benefits. Moderate activity like walking will still cause an endorphin release. Some research has also suggested that regular exercise can help keep the brain in good physical shape and help prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease by boosting chemicals that promote growth and healing. Healthy exercise can look different for everyone. You don’t need to be a runner or yoga expert to be healthy. Mayo Clinic recommends picking any activity you enjoy that gets you up and moving and doing that.
stairs instead of the elevator or standing - if your job involves desk work - for some of the time instead of sitting. Don’t forget, it’s always recommended to discuss changes to your exercise habits with your healthcare provider.
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Once you’ve found an activity you enjoy, it’s good to think about how to stay motivated. Barriers such as lack of time, social support, energy, and skill can stand in the way of getting active and staying active. The CDC identified a few strategies to help such as planning your exercise during the period of the day you feel most energetic, inviting a friend to join you on a regular basis, and increasing the amount of activity you do gradually over time. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are common and can be debilitating. Incorporating lifestyle changes like adding exercise can bring significant improvement to these symptoms. While the general recommendation is 150 minutes a week, even small amounts of physical activity can bring positive changes to mood and stress. These activities can be affordable and easily incorporated into our daily life. Remember, it’s not about meeting a quota, it’s about making little changes that fit into your life and can build over time while remaining sustainable.
That could be walking, dancing, gardening, swimming (or any water activities), biking, and even just making small changes like taking the
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Call ADARA at 507-519-4016 if you: • Are being discharged after a hospital or rehab stay or have experienced a change in condition • Are looking for additional support and services in an assisted living or private home environment
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Talk to your provider or call us directly to see what services you may qualify for and benefit from. Adara Home Health provides complimentary care needs assessments to assist with identifying resources, as well as payer options. Home Health Medicare services are 100% covered for those who qualify.
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Servicing Mankato, Fairmont, New Ulm, Owatonna, Faribault, Albert Lea, and surrounding communities. FALL 2026
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HEAD USE YOUR
Sports teach young people lessons that last well beyond the season: teamwork, discipline, and resilience. They learn that showing up for practice creates opportunities.
They also need to learn that sometimes, the right decision is to sit out. That lesson is especially important when it comes to concussions.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body resulting in a jolt to the brain. While concussions are often associated with contact sports such as football, lacrosse, and hockey, they can happen in nearly any activity where an athlete can collide, fall, or take a hard hit. For young athletes, the instinct may be to shake it off, stay quiet, and get back in the game. Parents can feel that pressure, too, especially when an athlete insists they are fine. But a concussion is not an injury to play through.
The brain needs time to recover, particularly for children and teenagers whose brains are still developing. That is why young athletes need coaches, athletic trainers, physicians, and parents who take symptoms seriously and reinforce a simple message: Your health matters more than the next game. Recognizing a concussion Concussions do not look the same in every athlete, and symptoms are not always obvious. Physical symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, balance problems, vision changes, or sensitivity to light and noise. A concussion can also affect how an athlete thinks and feels. They may feel foggy or slowed down, have difficulty concentrating, or struggle to remember things. Changes in mood and sleep can be signs as well. Athletes may become more irritable, nervous, sad, or emotional, or they may sleep more or less than usual. Girls can also experience sports-related concussions differently than boys. According to the CDC HEADS UP program, girls have a higher risk of concussion than boys in soccer and basketball. They may also report more severe or longer-lasting symptoms, including symptoms affecting mental health. Recovery is more than getting back in the game Concussion care should be about helping young athletes safely return to school, daily activities, practices, and eventually, games.
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Physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers can work together to create an individualized recovery plan for each athlete. To help return to the classroom, accommodations might include reduced screen time, extended time for tests or assignments, audiobooks, sunglasses for light sensitivity, or scheduled breaks. Physical activity is an important part of treatment, but it also needs to be reintroduced gradually. Athletes progress through levels of activity while symptoms are monitored. If symptoms return or worsen, it may be a sign that the athlete needs to step back before progressing again. Exercise is used like medicine: the right dose can help recovery but the wrong dose or type can make things worse. The recovery should move at the pace of the athlete, not the schedule of the season. Using technology to help guide recovery Assessment tools can help guide recovery. One example is Sway Medical, which uses a mobile device to measure balance and cognitive function.
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Athletic trainers conduct baseline testing. If an athlete later has a head injury, follow-up tests can be compared with those earlier results. This can be a helpful tool for diagnosis and tracking recovery. But no single score or test determines when an athlete is ready to return. Physicians and athletic trainers look at the full picture, including symptoms, physical and cognitive recovery, progression through activity, and assessment results.
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Returning to sports happens step by step. Athletes move from regular activities to light exercise, moderate activity, heavier noncontact activity, practice, and eventually, competition. A return to unrestricted play comes only after the athlete has successfully progressed through these steps and received medical clearance. There is no game or rivalry important enough to rush that process. And sometimes, one of the most important lessons sports can teach an athlete is that taking care of yourself is not quitting on your team. It gives you the chance to come back healthy. Sometimes being tough means speaking up and sitting out. That is a lesson worth carrying long after the final whistle.
This article is intended for general information and education. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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FALL 2026
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donate today
4 6
Storage
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. But what happens after a donor rolls up a sleeve and gives blood? Here’s an example of the journey of a single donation from donor to patient from the American Red Cross.
1 3 5
Once testing is complete, the blood products are safely stored to maximize shelf life until they are needed by a hospital and patient.
Transfusion
The Donation Michael schedules a blood donation appointment, completes pre-donation screening questions and heads to his local blood drive. There, he receives a brief mini-health exam before donating a unit of blood. Before his donation even leaves the room, it is labeled with a barcode to ensure everything stays connected to Michael throughout the process.
Testing Michael’s donation undergoes more than 10 laboratory tests to determine blood type and screen for infectious diseases. Only donations that pass all required testing continue their journey.
After arriving at a processing center, Michael’s donation is carefully separated into three life-saving components: red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Technicians prepare and package the blood products so they can help patients in need.
When a hospital requests blood, a volunteer helps deliver the lifesaving products where they are needed. Hospitals rely on these shipments every day to care for patients facing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma and other medical conditions.
What started as a simple act of generosity by Michael became a life-changing gift for Sophia. From donation and testing to storage, distribution and transfusion, every step plays a critical role in connecting volunteer blood donors with patients whose lives depend on blood products every day.
Samantha Solberg Regional Communications Manager American Red Cross of Minnesota and the Dakotas FALL 2026
Processing
Distribution
Michael’s red blood cells are ultimately transfused to 10-year-old Sophia as part of her cancer treatment, helping her fight cancer and achieve remission.
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Make an Appointment to Give and Track Your Blood Journey
Inspired to give? Reserve a time to give blood by visiting WhereToDonateBlood.org to find a blood drive in your area. If you choose to donate through the Red Cross, you can use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to manage your appointments, review your mini health results, and even track the journey of your blood donations, just like Michael.
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Autumn-Spiced Matcha Latte Blend earthy matcha with the comforting, warming flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a seasonal twist to this green tea favorite.
2 tsp. matcha powder ½ tsp. Hy-Vee pumpkin pie spice 2 c. Califia Farms barista blend oat milk ¼ c. pumpkin spice latte creamer
Sift 1 tsp. matcha powder and ¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice through a fine-mesh sieve into each of 2 (13-oz.) mugs; set aside. Heat milk and creamer in a small saucepan over medium heat until milk is very hot and steaming (170°F). Add 2 Tbsp. steamed milk mixture to matcha mixture in each mug. Whisk matcha mixture with a handheld milk frother for 20 seconds or until foamy; set aside. Pour remaining steamed milk into a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Submerge the frother's whisk just below the surface of the milk and turn it on. Move the frother around in a circle and slowly up and down to incorporate air for 1 minute or until frothy. Pour frothed milk over matcha mixture in each mug. Garnish with additional pumpkin pie spice, if desired.
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April Graff MS, RD, LD Hy-Vee Dietitian | Recipes contributed
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Gingerbread Chaitini Mocktails Cozy chai and classic gingerbread flavors come together in this creamy, festive mocktail. 4 tbsp. Hy-Vee extra-creamy whipped topping 4 tsp. McCormick gourmet organic crystallized ginger 4 tsp. turbinado sugar ¼ c. Hy-Vee ground cinnamon ½ c. classic chai latte concentrate ¼ c. Hy-Vee half & half 1 tbsp. Hy-Vee molasses 2 gingerbread cookies
Thaw whipped topping in refrigerator until softened. For garnish, place a small amount of water in a shallow bowl; set aside. Finely chop crystallized ginger. Stir together ginger, turbinado sugar, and ¼ tsp. cinnamon in a separate shallow bowl. Dip the rims of two (8-oz.) coupe glasses into water, allowing excess to drip off. Dip and roll rims in sugar mixture until well coated. Spoon about 2 Tbsp. whipped topping on the inside of each glass. Add chai concentrate, half & half, and molasses to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Cover and shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds, or until very chilled. Divide mixture between prepared glasses. Garnish with a gingerbread cookie and additional cinnamon, if desired.
April Graff MS, RD, LD Hy-Vee Dietitian | Recipes contributed
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Culinary Expert Tip For an alcoholic version, pour 1 oz. vanilla whipped cream vodka into each glass before adding shaken ingredients.
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Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Salad
1 tbsp. Hy-Vee honey
An easy side salad is just minutes away. Add bacon or serve with grilled chicken for a full meal.
1/3 c. Hy-Vee pecan halves
1 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp. Gustare Vita extra-virgin olive oil 12 oz. Hy-Vee Short Cuts Brussels sprouts ½ c. yellow onion 10 c. kale leaves 2 c. water 1 c. small red seedless grapes
1/3 c. Hy-Vee dried cranberries Hy-Vee salt
For vinaigrette, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar. Slowly whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil ina large skillet over medium heat. Add Brussels sprouts and onion. Cook for 5 minutes or until Brussels sprouts begin to caramelize, stirring occasionally. Add kale in batches, stirring constantly. Add just enough water to wilt the kale. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are tender. Stir in grapes, pecans, dried cranberries, and vinaigrette. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with cheese, if desired. Serve warm.
Hy-Vee ground black pepper Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
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April Graff MS, RD, LD Hy-Vee Dietitian | Recipes contributed
side effects may include less stress and more joy.
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Sausage and Fennel Cornbread Dressing Prep this flavorful stuffing up to two days in advance to save time.
1 (16-oz.) pkg. Hy-Vee bakery cornbread ½ (24-oz.) Hy-Vee Bakery unsliced sourdough loaf 1 lb. Hy-Vee fresh mild ground Italian pork sausage ¼ c. Hy-Vee unsalted butter 2 Honeycrisp apples 2 celery stalks 1 fennel bulb 1 small yellow onion 2 tsp. McCormick Poultry Seasoning 1 tsp. cracked black pepper ½ tsp. kosher salt 3 c. Hy-Vee 33% less-sodium chicken broth ½ c. Italian parsley Fennel fronds
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick spray; set aside. Spread cornbread and sourdough bread cubes in 2 large rimmed baking pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until toasted and crisp. Cool; transfer bread cubes to a large bowl. Brown sausage in a large skillet, stirring to break into crumbles. Drain; discard drippings and set aside. Melt butter in same skillet. Add apples, celery, fennel, onion, poultry seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 12 minutes or until apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in broth, cooked sausage, and parsley. Add to bread cubes in bowl; toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 45 to 55 minutes or until heated through and top is golden. Let stand 20 minutes. Garnish with fennel fronds, if desired.
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April Graff MS, RD, LD Hy-Vee Dietitian | Recipes contributed
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HEALTHY AGING
We all know that our diet can affect how we feel, our moods and our daily routine. As we age and our appetites change, it’s even more important to maintain proper nutrition for optimal health and well-being. As appetites change, choosing nutrient-dense foods can help ensure that even smaller portions provide the nutrition needed for healthy aging. Making informed, smart food choices offers many benefits. Research shows that eating nutritious foods can promote a longer, healthier life. This involves eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, while limiting high-sodium and heavily processed ingredients. Filling your plate with foods from each food group supports lasting wellness and provides a broader variety of nutrients. It is recommended that older adults consume enough protein to help maintain muscle mass and strength. Maintaining muscle strength as we age can support mobility and independence, making it easier to perform everyday activities such as getting out of a chair, climbing stairs and carrying groceries. Healthy animal protein sources include beef, chicken, salmon, tuna, eggs and dairy products, while healthy plant-based sources include almonds, peanuts and peanut butter, beans, tofu, lentils, quinoa and whole-wheat pasta. Eating a variety of protein sources, including seafood, dairy and beans, can help older adults get more out of every meal. Plant-based foods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables and ancient grains, can also be an important part of a well-balanced diet. Adding more
fresh vegetables to favorite recipes is one way to incorporate these foods while continuing to enjoy familiar meals.
As a standard practice, it is best for older adults to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease. This can be achieved by swapping out butter for olive oil, grilling instead of frying meats, and choosing lean protein sources such as chicken or fish. Other simple approaches include substituting whole grains for more refined grains, using minimal amounts of salt, and adding fresh herbs and spices to increase flavor. We are all different, but achieving a balanced diet is essential to healthy aging. Eating a variety of plant- and animal-based protein sources and incorporating protein into meals can help ensure we are getting the nutrition we need while also enhancing overall quality of life. The benefits of a well-rounded diet go far beyond physical health. Nutrition plays a significant role in our emotional and social wellbeing. When we skip meals or don’t eat enough, we may experience lower energy levels, which can lead to withdrawal and reduced social engagement. Ensuring adequate nutrition and caloric intake is essential for the ongoing health of older adults. When properly fueled, we are more likely to have the energy to participate in enjoyable activities, which supports a sense of purpose and happiness, two key elements in promoting healthy aging.
Fruit, such as sliced apple or pineapple, orange or grapefruit sections, grapes or melon balls. A dollop of yogurt adds freshness and zest.
Whole-grain toast. Try apple butter, naturally sweetened jam or a drizzle of honey.
Homemade tuna salad with canola mayo and pine nuts or chopped cashews for added texture. Add curry seasoning for extra flavor. Serve as an open-faced sandwich or as a salad. Green leafy salad with your favorite vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions, olives and avocado.
Dinner
Scrambled eggs or egg whites with diced onions, mushrooms or chives.
Lunch
Breakfast
Through our work with older adults at Old Main Village, we’ve seen that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Focusing on nutrientdense foods, including lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, can help support healthy aging. Here are a few simple meal ideas that put these principles into practice.
Homemade soup with vegetable or chicken stock, vegetables and seasonings. Potatoes add a thicker texture, while squash or fresh corn provides a touch of sweetness.
Baked or broiled skinless chicken breast or a fish fillet, such as tilapia, salmon or tuna. Season with a squeeze of lemon and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Potato, yam or squash, either baked or broiled with an entrée like fish or chicken. Cooking them together in foil helps preserve flavor and reduce cooking time. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, beets, spinach or kale. Choose different combinations for variety and rounded nutrition.
Stephen Johnsrud | Director of Culinary Operations | Old Main Village | Mankato, MN
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CONNECTING BUSINESSES. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES.
Experience maintenance-free living with beautiful apartment homes, restaurant-style dining, outstanding amenities, and a welcoming community you'll love calling home.
Call 507-388-4200 for move-in specials!
RACHEL CARPENTER Director of Sales 507.382.2561
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INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | RESPITE CARE 301 South 5th Street, Mankato, MN 56001 | oldmainvillage.com
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SURVIVIN
It is surreal to think that 11 years have passed since my own breast cancer journey—and 10 years since B the Light began. When I think back to the fall of 2015, I remember how quickly life changed. One month, I was thriving—busy raising three kids, working, and living life. The next, I was recovering from surgery and losing my hair from chemotherapy. Cancer has a way of dividing your life into a before and an after. It was one of the most difficult seasons of my life, filled with fear and uncertainty. But I remember the people who brought so much light into it just as vividly as I remember the darkness. A homemade meal for my family. A phone call from a friend. A card in the mail. Someone simply checking in. Those gestures may have seemed small, but they were glimmers of hope during some of my darkest days. They reminded me that my family and I weren’t walking through our cancer journey alone. In the middle of that difficult year, I knew that when I made it through, I wanted to find a way to pay it forward to others. That promise became B the Light, a nonprofit organization I founded in 2016. Since 2016, B the Light has expanded beyond New Ulm to Mankato and neighboring Southern Minnesota communities. The “B” honors my aunt, Brenda Plinke, a fierce 18-year breast cancer thriver and warrior who passed away in 2018 at just 58 years old. Aunt B was one of my greatest role models and truly a light to everyone who knew her. The words “NEVER give up Hope!” in our logo are in her own handwriting. Today, those words continue to encourage survivors and remind us why this mission matters. Over the past 10 years, B the Light has grown in ways I never could have imagined, including raising hundreds of thousands of dollars, and serving hundreds of local women and families. But the numbers aren’t what stay with me most. It’s the stories. It is hearing over and over “I don’t know what I’d do without this group or this support.”
It’s seeing women cry over receiving a Holiday Hope Handbag at Christmas time and listening to them say how much the financial help will mean during an already difficult year.
It is seeing survivors bond over their shared experiences and know that B the Light provided the space for it to happen through our many programs.
It is sitting with a group of women navigating a Stage IV breast cancer journey, seeing them find so much joy in the little things life has to offer, and sharing resources of support with each other. That is what B the Light is really about. It’s about giving someone a little piece of normalcy back when cancer has taken so much away. It’s about reminding a woman that she is seen, cared for, and not alone.
Ten years later, what began during one of the darkest seasons of my life has become a community committed to bringing light into the lives of others. Behind every person B the Light has served is a family and a story.
B the Light belongs to every volunteer, donor, business, friend, family member, and supporter who has helped carry this mission forward. They have taken something born from one family’s difficult season and helped turn it into hope for hundreds of others. As I reflect on 11 years since my diagnosis and 10 years of B the Light, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
A decade ago, I simply wanted to pay forward the love that carried my family through cancer and honor my Aunt B’s legacy. I never imagined how many people would join me. From the bottom of my heart, I am thankful for everyone who has helped B the Light continue to shine. In Aunt B’s words: NEVER give up Hope!
Amber Melby | Survivor/Founder | B the Light
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T HE POW ER O F PR IN T
CO N N ECTIN G B USIN ESSES. STR EN GTH ENIN G COMMUNITIES .
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RACHEL CARPENTER Director of Sales
507.382.2561
CRYSTAL MAERTENS
MELISSA LANCASTER
507.995.9020
507.469.9698
Sales/Marketing
Sales/Marketing
LUANN MARTI
Sales/Marketing
507.276.7025
NATASHA WEIS
Owner/Publisher
507.227.2545
MORE CARE MORE PEACE OF MIND Freedom Home Care is the ideal solution for aging adults who want to maintain their independence by continuing to live in the comfort of their own homes. At Freedom Home Care, we provide customized, affordable Our team is passionate about serving others and it’s home care and case management services throughout ourMinnesota. goal to care the whole person with our home southern Ourfor compassionate caregivers help clientscare maintain their independence, companionship and and case management services. Learn more at: freedom to age in place with dignity—while giving families peacewww.freedomhomecarellc.com. of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and cared for. Set up your free in-home assessment. Set Up your free in-home assessment. Call 507-387-4663 today.
1635 North Riverfront Drive Mankato, MN 56001 1661
Proud to be locally owned. FALL 2026
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Get Outside + Moving in Southern
SUBMIT a photo of yourself enjoying one of these parks this season to crystal@luxequarterlies.com for a chance to see it featured in a future issue of this magazine!
Get the whole family outside and moving together this season by visiting one of the many state parks in southern Minnesota!
Camden
Fort Ridgely
Changing leaves as well as prairie grasses and wildflowers offer beautiful fall vistas. Take a tour through a Bison range, hike a trail, or just stop at a convenient lookout to watch the season’s migrating birds. Once the snow falls, many parks offer plowed or packed trails for winter hiking, ski trails, and even sledding hills!
Frontenac Weaver Bottoms Marshes Flandrau Lake Shetek Minneopa Whitewater Great River Bluffs Split Rock Creek Myre-Big Island Forestville Mystery Cave Blue Mounds Kilen Woods 44
FALL 2026
Frontenac State Park Park trails offer beautiful views of the Mississippi River. A very accessible overlook near the picnic area offers great views of the falls. Situated on the Mississippi River Flyway, this park is an excellent spot to observe fall bird migration.
Fort Ridgely State Park Camden State Park Camden State Park has beautiful fall prairie views.
Legend Fall Color Views Winter Hiking Sledding Hill Ski trail All-terrain track chairs
Flandrau State Park Weaver Bottoms Marshes From mid-October to mid-November, you can visit to view the migration of thousands of tundra swans! The viewing area is available off Hwy 61, 1 3/4 miles past the Hwy 74 junction.
Minneopa State Park
Movement for All
The Bison range with prairie grasses and wildflowers offers beautiful fall colors in addition to the changing trees surrounding the falls area. The falls can be a spectacular icy winter view, but be cautious of icy trails.
Many Minnesota state parks now have all-terrain track chairs available for use by those with limited mobility.
“Shetek” is the Ojibwe word for “pelican.” This park is named for the many pelicans on the lake.
These electric-powered chairs can be used on park trails that are not suitable for regular wheelchairs. There is no cost. Reservations are not required but can be made online.
Whitewater State Park
These are a great option for people with even temporary mobility struggles such as a sports injury.
Lake Shetek State Park
Vistas from Inspiration Point offer gorgeous fall photography opportunities.
Split Rock Creek State Park
Learn more about all-terrain track chairs
Great River Bluffs State Park Blue Mounds State Park Take a guided tour through the Bison park for views of fall prairie colors.
Kilen Woods State Park
Fall Colors
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
in southern Minnesota typically peak in October. Check the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder for current conditions.
This park offers Mystery Cave tours as well as horse trails and camping for equestrians. Explore Forestville, a Minnesota Historical Society site, within the park’s grounds.
Myre-Big Island State Park
View an interactive map predicting fall color changes
BACK TO SCHOOL
Bumps & Bugs Backpacks are packed, cleats are laced, and classrooms are buzzing again. So are the germs. Add recess, practices, and games to the mix, and back-to-school season can bring its share of sore throats, stomach bugs, sprains, and playground tumbles. Most are minor. Some need a closer look. When a cold needs a closer look Colds are common once students return to classrooms and spend more time together indoors. A runny or stuffy nose, cough, scratchy throat, and fatigue will often improve with rest, fluids, and time. If a fever lingers, swallowing becomes painful, or symptoms are getting worse instead of better, it may be time to visit urgent care. Parents know their children best, so if something feels off, it is worth having them checked. Testing is available for RSV, influenza, COVID-19, and strep throat. A physical exam can also identify ear infections, sinus infections, and other conditions that may be causing symptoms. Knowing the cause can help guide care, whether that means more rest at home, medication, or additional treatment. For some patients at higher risk for complications from respiratory viruses, antiviral medications may also be an option. Stomach bugs can create another concern: dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhea can make it difficult to replace lost fluids, especially for young children. Dry mouth, decreased urination, unusual tiredness, or difficulty keeping fluids down can be signs that dehydration is setting in. IV fluids are available when medically necessary. From playground falls to sports injuries Back-to-school season also means recess, practices, games, and plenty of time on the move. Sometimes that ends with a twisted ankle, a hard fall, or a cut that needs more than a bandage. Sprains, strains, possible fractures, and other common injuries can be evaluated at urgent care. X-rays can help providers understand the extent of an injury and determine the next steps. When additional recovery support is needed, patients may be referred to sports medicine or physical therapy teams. Cuts can also be treated with stitches, medical glue, or other techniques to support proper healing. For many nonemergency illnesses and injuries, urgent care can be a convenient alternative to the emergency room. Serious or life-threatening symptoms should always be treated by calling 911 or going to the nearest ER. Whether it is a sore throat before school, a stomach bug on the weekend, or an injury after practice, urgent care can help your family get the care they need when they need it most. This article is intended for general information and education. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Katie Anderson, MD | Mankato Clinic Urgency Care
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Locally Owned. Family Operated. Serving Southern Minnesota Since 2009. Locally Owned. .9002 Family ecniS Operated. atosenniMServing nrehtuoSouthern S gnivreSMinnesota .detarepO Since ylimaF 2009. .denwO yllacoL