June 2016 River Valley Woman

[ Guys! ] Celebrating River Valley

Dain Fisher Life’s Juggling Act Plus: Sips & Suds Tour

WALKING IN Her Shoes Rivervalleywoman.com

Bukata Hayes Enthusiastic Visionary Joel Mathiowetz Passionate about Ag Joe Tougas For the Love of Music John Mayer St. Peter’s Govenaire Dr. Chaun Cox Making a Run For It

Topher Jacobson Chef Goes Back to Basics

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JUNE 2016 • Volume 4 • Issue 1

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Publisher New Century Press Chief Operating Officer Jim Hensley General Manager Lisa Miller Please direct all editorial inquiries and suggestions to: Managing Editor Eileen Madsen emadsen@ncppub.com Sales Manager Natasha Weis 507-227-2545 weisnatasha@gmail.com Sales Team Dustin Doust Ruth Klossner Tami Leuthold Annette Perry

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Dain Fisher: Life’s Juggling Act ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Bukata Hayes: Enthusiastic Visionary ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14 John Mayer: St. Peter’s Govenaire ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 Joel Mathiowetz: Passionate about the Future of Ag �����������������������������������������������������������������������������20 Sips & Suds: Beer and Wine Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 25 Things to Know about Beer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Bringing Home the Flavors of Italy �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������26 A Fish Story - The Balance ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������27 Joe Tougas: Music is Where the Heart Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Dr. Chaun Cox Running Down A Dream to Help Others �������������������������������������������������������������������������32

Designer Amy Leuthold

Chef Topher Jacobson: Back to the Basics �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������34

Cover Photographer Alika Faythe Hartmann, Despres Photography

Today’s Lawn Equipment is More Like Your Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Local Men “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������36

SPACES: The Ultimate Drive-Thru �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������46

River Valley Woman Magazine New Ulm & Mankato, MN 507.354.6158

SPACES: A Happy Accident - Small TV Space Grows ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������48

For advertising and editorial contact information and a list of newsstand locations visit

SPACES: Drumming up some Fun ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������54

rivervalleywoman.com

Grills – Then and Now �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������58

River Valley Woman is published monthly and distributed free in the Minnesota River Valley area.

The content used in this magazine is copyright 2016 River Valley Woman and may not be reprinted in part or in whole without written consent by the publisher. All articles and editorial material represent the opinions of the respective authors.

The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject, or position any advertising. In the event of any error, River Valley Woman will rerun the incorrect part of the ad or cancel charges on the incorrect portion.

SPACES: Burke Watson’s Cave is Minnesota Proud �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������52

SPACES: Let the Good Times Roll! �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������56

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

GO. BE. DO. CONNECT.

Pack Your Summer Survival Kit �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������71 It Takes Two! Yoga with a Partner Makes it Twice as Nice ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 74 Guys Need Sunscreen Too! �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������75

Long Term Effects of Sugars Aren’t Sweet ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 76 Plantar Fasciitis: A Pain in the Foot! ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������78 Lori Mathiowetz: What HE Said �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������79

A Woman’s Heart... a Guide for Men �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������86

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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Eileen Madsen Editor

Boy oh boy, our first MAN issue!

Yes we know this is River Valley Woman but we love men don’t we—as friends, boyfriends, husbands, brothers, dads, uncles and whatever might fall in between. So ladies, this issue is still for you.

So, what do women want? That is what men would like to know I’m sure. But if we told you well then there goes our mystique. How could we then confound you and keep you guessing? As a tease (you like that, admit it) I’ll give you a hint.

What we want is not Ryan.

Let me explain. Ryan Lavery was a character on the TV soap All My Children.

Yea, he was handsome and all if you like that Mr. Perfection look. Although I contended that he shopped in the girls’ section of Target for his shirts because of the strange tight way they fit him. But he did everything right, all the time, 24/7 good guy. He came to the rescue of every damsel in distress, made them fall for him and even came back from the dead twice.

Yea he was that perfect. Even while “dead” one former girlfriend was so desperate to have his baby she broke into a sperm bank and well...I won’t frighten you with the details but it involved kitchen appliances.

He also had a penchant for picking up women—literally, picking them and carrying them around. I hated him.

My husband (who would watch the show with me on occasion) hated him as well for the same reasons. Although I used to annoyingly compare him to Ryan in certain situations just for fun.

“Oh, so you won’t pick me up and carry me into the store for girly shirts? Ryan would...

You won’t sprinkle a path of rose petals up the stairs leading to chocolates and love notes? Ryan would... And I suppose you won’t come back from the dead for me either? Ryan did, twice.”

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Lather, Rinse, Repeat My point is, no woman wants a Mr. Perfect Pants. We like real guys, nice but not annoyingly so, kind and fun, with a few faults thrown in. That doesn’t mean we don’t want you to unload the dishwasher however, so get in there and look good doing it! (Just kidding, we love you in that tattered bathrobe, honest).

Which brings me to our featured fellahs. Did we set out to find the perfect men for this issue? Yes and no. We looked for guys with stories to tell, talents to reveal, obstacles they overcame, humor to share, and with ideas for a better world. Perfect humans no, but perfectly wonderful to feature, yes.

Starting with cover feature Dain Fisher, the comeback kid. His boyish charm, variety of entrepreneurial successes, enthusiasm and contagious love for living won us over. I don’t always get the opportunity to meet our cover features in person but I was fortunate to be introduced to Dain at a recent event and was dazzled by his aura of energy.

We couldn’t just stop at one, of course (like potato chips men are), so inside we spotlight six more river valley males of note: visionary for diversity Bukata Hayes, agriculture’s advocate Joel Mathiowetz, musician, writer, artist Joe Tougas, bar owner and Govenaire conductor John Mayer, Dr. Chaun Cox who runs to make a difference, and restaurant owner Topher Jacobson who explores the future of food.

One thing I learned during the creation process of this issue is that guys care. And they want us gals to be safe. So much so they will don a pair of high heels to raise awareness about the not-so-great-guys who would do us harm. Read first-hand accounts from a few of those knights in shining pumps who participated in the Walk a Mile in her Shoes event, which raises funds, awareness and probably a few eyebrows (plucked and otherwise) as they strut for a good cause.

Our SPACES feature goes where women may fear to tread...man caves. However, girls are allowed according to the five guys spotlighted in our manSPACES photo feature this month. Talk about tricked out forts! Everything from a home for classic cars that rivals most people’s living quarters to laid back, TV-watching, musicmaking, beer-drinking, party places. Manly yes, but I like it too!

Speaking of beer, don’t forget to check out our Sips & Suds map. Chart your course with your buddies or make a date with your beloved and sip some vino at a vineyard or swig some suds at a local brewery. You’re bound to discover a new favorite.

Now it’s time to whip up some food. Chef Edy Cucurrulo, a native of the Amalfi Coast, shows you how to make date night special by bringing home the tastes of Italy. Turn to the Good Taste page and get ready to heat up the kitchen (wink-wink).

This month, columnist Lori Mathiowetz let’s her husband Brett (almost) get the last word in What Next where she grills him on things women want to know.

Yes sir, this issue has it all. So man up, leave the toilet seat down, crack open a cold one, and enjoy!

Ryan would.

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“Dain-ger” Dain Fisher

Life’s

Juggling Act A

A little more than a year ago Dain Fisher was on the brink of losing it all. Three businesses, along with an array of already strained relationships, were in jeopardy. “I was dropping balls and people were ready to bail,” Fisher said. This was not the first time he had attempted a juggling act with his life. It was however the first time so much of the act fell to the ground.

From a young age Fisher was never short on charm or energy.

His sister Kristin Fisher shared, “In his own words as a little boy on home video, ‘I am coot and cwazy’!”

Cute and crazy as a kid involved running in the woods, talking grandma into 4-wheeler rides and almost living in the Blue Earth River that was literally in his back yard. “I grew up in the river, not on it,” he said.

With a level of drive and passion that is only reserved for a few, Fisher admits that finding

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

By Kelly DeVriendt Photos by Alika Faythe Hartmann, Despres Photography

balance in his life has always been a challenge. Easily bored and never one to shy away from risks, or the spotlight, he has earned himself the moniker, Dain-ger. “I don’t always think things through…except I do more in business. I would say the risk is more calculated when it comes to that,” he said.

Business decisions would have to be more calculated simply due to his surplus of ideas. “I bet I have 1000 ideas a year,” he said.

“One of two of them having the potential to stick.”

One that did stick began back in 1999. Fisher, not yet 20 and a college student at Rasmussen, was working on a marketing plan for a class. He found a niche market in selling used and remanufactured office furniture. Over a lunch date with his dad, developer Curt Fisher, fate stepped in. Curt offered his son some smoke-damaged furniture he acquired from a building he had recently purchased. He told him that if he could sell it, he could use the money to help pay for college. Instead, Fisher incorporated it into his business plan with the help of his instructor, Gabe Stenzel. He then made only one call to a distributor in Eagan and fate or luck struck again when he learned they worked with the same style of furniture.

In 2000, Office Space Design (OSD) was born in a warehouse with no heat and no bathroom. Today it boosts both, along with seven employees. Andrew Breck, who has been there for three and a half years, calls

Dain with his mother Debbie Fisher

Fisher, “The best kind of boss you can have.”

Looking back on how it all came together, he recalls, “Everything fell into place, one thing led to another. It was meant to be.” Moving forward, Fisher would seek to continuously recreate that serendipitous vibe.

E

Eventually, he did stumble upon another meant-to-be opportunity.

Fisher believes he has always had a unique connection with the outdoors, so when Adam Steinke walked into his office wearing crocs, shorts and a tee shirt and asked, “Do you want to start an Outfitter with me?” It took only 10 seconds of silence for him to reply, “Sure.”

Jason Femrite completed the team with his knowledge of gear and logistics and Bent River Outfitter began, getting the Mankato community outdoors and on the river in 2011.

“We all had day jobs and our wives played a huge part in the start-up,” Fisher said.

By this time, he also had two children, Hazel born in 2008 and Sam in 2011. Fisher rounded out his career in 2012, getting his real estate license and joining his dad’s business at Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group.

“I love helping people be successful. I like problem-solving and helping people get to where they need to be, whether professionally or personally”

By all appearances, Fisher was a young, successful entrepreneur. In reality, he was struggling.

s

By late 2013, his addiction to alcohol, marijuana and cocaine was out of control. His businesses were all at risk, his marriage was coming to an

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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end and his personal relationships, as well as his health, were all suffering.

Yet, in struggle lies the opportunity for growth. So, at age 33, Fisher accepted that he needed to change.

“I was not the person I wanted to be,” he said. With the help of family and friends, he entered Hazelden to seek help for his addiction. He followed his 30 -day stay with another almost 30 days in a sober living community in St. Paul. He then decided to take his recovery a step further with another four weeks working through a behavioral program in Kentucky.

“After the first 30 days I was in worse shape than when I went in. To gain that exposure to things I previously hadn’t been dealing with was challenging,” Fisher said.

Hazelden provided a safe environment to detox and for abstinence, while the sober living community helped secure new habits in a more realistic setting.

“I realized that I needed more work to

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

address some of my behaviors. I did the research and found The Bridge to Recovery,” Fisher said.

T

The program focused on root causes of addiction. In Fisher’s life, addressing underlying issues related to anxiety, anger, depression, compulsivity and attention seeking made it more likely for him to maintain long-term recovery.

He explained that treatment was not only about stopping the use of alcohol and drugs, but fixing the root causes. “When I did the work, the obsession was gone,” Fisher said.

Dain continues to work in recovery. He has found his spiritual connection needed to do so in nature. He also starts his day with meditation and does a lot of work with affirmations. “I do mindful prayer throughout the day asking for balance,” Fisher said.

Now, with one year of sobriety behind him, he is looking toward the future. And now he has the tools in place to maintain the balancing act.

Office Space Design (OSD) is gearing up to release a new local line. The goal is to produce one of a kind products with a story behind them. “It is a unique approach. We are small enough that we can take what is locally produced and market it,” Fisher said.

OSD has no desire to standardize what they sell. The goal is to create a dynamic environment that will be unique to the team.

“We individualize each project. We specialize in finding out what will inspire their office group,” he said.

B

Bent River Outfitter has continued to offer opportunities for the Mankato and surrounding community to be active and outdoors; offering happy hour kayak floats on Fridays throughout the summer and snow-shoeing during the winter months. One of their most anticipated events is Paddle Jam during the Mankato Solstice Outdoor Music Festival. A band plays on a floating stage with the audience in kayaks as they all flow down the river.

“This is what I am most passionate about— taking people outdoors,” Fisher said.

Bent River has had two main areas of focus: Catering to businesses for team building and getting kids outdoors as soon as possible. They are willing to work with any programs geared towards helping kids gain an appreciation for nature.

“When things line up and continue to happen, almost without even trying, that is when you know you have something special,” Fisher said.

The business will soon be opening a retail store selling outdoor gear and paddling equipment.

Fisher’s ultimate goal is to connect all three of his businesses.

“I would like to sell a building, furnish their space and then take them all on the river.”

He continues to formulate new ideas that he feels will benefit others. In the works is a non-alcoholic ginger brew, as well as adventuresober.com.

“I love helping people be successful. I like problem-solving and helping people get to where they need to be, whether professionally or personally,” he said.

Despite his busy schedule, Fisher’s personal relationships are what are most important to him. “My main priority is to be a good dad. To do things with my kids and just enjoy them,” he said. He also is building a new relationship with his girlfriend, Stacy, who is also in recovery. He attributes her support as a major factor in his growth.

He also has a new found appreciation for his mother, Debbie, saying, “She is a breath a fresh air and such a strong person. I am finally growing up and ready to listen to my mom. I want her to be proud of me.”

s

Fisher is working on providing plenty of material for his mother to be proud of. “My family helped develop this area,” he said. “I want to look forward, without regret and knowing that I am being my true self.”

“I want to look forward, without regret and knowing that I am being my true self.”

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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Q&A

What music moves you?

The Last Revel, dirt stomping roots music!

with Dain Fisher What is your philosophy of life?

Make the most of everyday, bring joy to those I meet and stay true to myself.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am genuinely passionate about connecting people and fostering opportunity without expecting anything in return.

What would surprise people about you?

I cry in most movies... embarrassingly sensitive guy.

Favorite movie?

A River Runs Through It. I’ll bet no one would have guessed, wink wink : )

Jen True

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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What is your idea of a night on the town?

You mean night on the river right? Haha, dancing with my sweetheart to live music!

What is your idea of relaxation?

A tie between meditation on a river bank and exploring nature with my children.

Travel bug or home body?

Both I guess, Love to explore with no itinerary, at the same time like a good movie at home with my kids.

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Loyal, passionate, hardworking. Bonus, fun dad!

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045446

Bukata Hayes

Enthusiastic Visionary Photos and story by Annette Perry

A

s the Executive Director of The Greater Mankato Diversity Council and board member to a host of other pioneering non-profits, boards, and foundations in the community, Bukata Hayes is planting the seeds and setting the framework for Greater Mankato to be more welcoming and inclusive to everyone. He works to bring folks “into the whole,” much like his father, Dia Damani who was a civil rights activist in Bukata’s home state of Wisconsin. His mother, Karen Hayes, raised him and his three brothers in the inner city of Milwaukee.

“She’s the strongest person I know,” he said, with deep conviction. The fact that he introduces himself first as a son, husband, and father couches who he is, and nods to the fact that his work is first and foremost about relationships. Bukata and his wife of 18 years, Lisa, have four children. He wants his kids to inherit a better community

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

because of the work happening now. That he and Lisa are raising what society will see as young black men and a young black woman is very personal to him.

Bukata Hayes graduated from Duluth’s College of St. Scholastica, and shortly after, settled in Mankato in 2000. He then began working at Bethany Lutheran College as a minority recruiter admissions counselor as well as a sociology instructor. He founded the Multi-Ethnic Center, an outreach effort to diversify Bethany, and he is the president of the Mankato chapter of the NAACP. He also serves on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation Board. In 2006, he transitioned to The Greater Mankato Diversity Council (GMDC) as their Executive Director. The GDMC is a nonprofit organization that began in 2004 after approximately 23 organizations, such as Mankato Area Public Schools and MSU, got together to discuss the rapidly-changing demographics in Greater Mankato’s schools and businesses.

Hayes explained, “We haven’t had that event that folks talk about as the seminal event that divided our community. We want to build relationships, networks and coalitions now, so that if something were to happen, we’re able to lean on each other.”

The GMDC’s mission is to provide diversity education as a catalyst for social and economic success, and they accomplish this by presenting their curriculum in schools and businesses as well as supporting community events.

be attracting the best talent, and the most diverse clientele. It will be K-12 students are exposed to the curriculum via Promoting Respect a critical business imperative.” This program isn’t simply a feel-good Workshops (PRW). Each grade has a different theme that drives home thing for businesses to do, according to Hayes, because bringing the many dimensions of diversity, such as disability awareness, how diversity to an organization offers tangible, measureable results. to reduce bullying and discrimination, and what to do if a student sees someone being picked on. The larger goal is making the entire The Diversity Council is funded a number of ways, such as grants, community more welcoming and inclusive. fundraisers, and the generosity of their partners, like the City of The PRW presenters are called facilitators, Mankato and The United Way. Presenting their curriculum for a fee and they go through 24 hours of training in helps fund the Council’s efforts as well. They support events order to become certified to go into the throughout the community, such as the Martin Luther King classroom. In the last 12 years over 220 “We want to Jr. Commemorative Event and South Central Minnesota people within the community have Pride. The GMDC is looking to increase their annual build relationships, been trained as facilitators. fundraising events. One such event is a Gourmet networks and coalitions Dinner Series, partnering with local ethnic caterers, The Diversity Council also such as Najwa’s and Pub 500, to produce an authentic offers a business curriculum now, so that if something meal experience for guests! called Perspectives. It were to happen, we’re includes workshops, seminars, Hayes spoke often of that metaphorical family we all presentations, and strategies able to lean on belong to… regardless of our apparent difference, and congruent with PRW workshops, but how sometimes we let those differences be the reason each other.” from the lens of how those concepts why we exclude folks, or look at them as if they were affect the bottom line of a business. deficient, or not capable.

Perspectives covers diversity regarding “Our hope is that the students who experience the Greater race, gender, sexual orientation, and cultural Mankato’s Diversity Council’s K-12 curriculum, when they run our competence. organizations and institutions, that they really look and behave “Cultural Competence will be one major factor people will look for in differently as a community, one that is inclusive, one that works hard their employees. It’s one of those critical core skill sets,” Hayes said. to include everybody,” he said. “We want that to be the norm.” RV W “Demographics for our state, say by 2035, all regions will be more For more information on the Greater Mankato Diversity Council, visit racially and ethnically diverse. The companies that are culturally http://www.mankatodiversity.org/ competent will be the great companies to work for because they’ll

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With 45 years of experience in southern Minnesota, Fisher Group provides the tools and expertise that brings results.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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John Mayer:

St. Peter’s Govenaire Photos and story by Dana Miller

“Running a business is like playing drums. The sticks are in your hands, but you don’t own them, you just manage them.” It makes sense that John Mayer, owner of Patrick’s on Third in St. Peter, would draw an analogy like this. He has been managing drumsticks for most of his life.

I

“I don’t need you to stay home,” said John’s father Patrick after his mother Margaret died unexpectedly from an aneurism in 1999. They had only recently regrouped after the Comfrey-St. Peter tornado claimed part of their roof.

John was living in Mankato when he got the news. He had earned a degree in earth and general science, but had already decided that teaching wasn’t the route he wanted to go, and he knew his help was needed. Margaret had been the “real Patrick” of Patrick’s on Third since she and Pat first opened the doors July 1, 1988. They weren’t always making money, but they always had fun.”

The following day, John’s dad called. “Yeah, come home.”

“I take after my mom,” explains John. “I kind of like to be doing a million things all the time.” John’s mother had an RN degree under her belt, which came in handy a few times.

She had also been the resident accountant, with a selfengineered method of bookkeeping that only she could understand.

John returned to St. Peter, found his good friend (only known as) Minnow, and made him a proposition: “Wanna help me do payroll?” Eventually, they gutted the threebuilding-and-one-addition place, reinvented it, and it is now the home of the World Famous Patty Melt. John and

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

John Mayer with Govenaires stands by the memorabilia wall in Patrick’s on Third.

Minnow are cooks. “We make food the old-fashioned way. We cook it!” says John, never missing an opportunity for a healthy joke. He hired Minnow as general manager, and a new era began on Third Street.

In 2001, Patrick died. Newly married and up to his eyeballs in bar business, John had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, but he had always believed in marching ahead.

Literally, John had been marching since the age of 12, when he made his debut in the Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corp, sometimes keeping cadence alongside his brother, sister, mom and dad. The Govenaires, an all-age performance group, had been as much a staple at Patricks’ on Third as burgers and wings. John’s father Pat had been corps president and director, and his mother was the first female member of the corps. The Govenaires have been competing since the 1920s, making it the oldest group of its kind in the world! Since John took the reins from his dad in 1990, he has won Best Drum Major by the DCA (Drum Corps Associates) in Class A eight times. The Govenaires have since won DCA World Championships four times (2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015). And, in 2011, John Mayer was inducted into the World Drum Corp Hall of Fame.

A 24-hour video feed of Govenaires performances, the “Drum Corps Channel,” runs in-house for the customers.

“We put this in place to make it a topic for people before government and religion,” explains John. The walls of Patrick’s on Third are swathed in photos and memorabilia from the Govenaires. It is the group’s permanent home. As director and corps president, John has to “move a lot of equipment and garbage.” In other words, he supports and manages the Govenaires, but he doesn’t own them. They

Q&A with John Mayer

run themselves.

As for Patrick’s, the same philosophy applies. John believes in the talented people he employs--just under 30 at the moment--and he has given second, third, and fourth chances to some who have made mistakes. “I probably should have fired them,” he said. “But I think people can change. It is risky because this is a cash business.”

He also loves the fact that he has loyal patrons who consider Patrick’s home; they see something that needs to be done, and they pitch in. His wife Tamara isn’t officially involved in the business, but she is artistic. She works as a paraprofessional for St. Peter Schools, but she also helps with designs for promotional items, like mugs and signage.

“Sometimes she gets women’s bathroom duty,” he says, smiling. The couple has one 15-year-old daughter, Lauren, who they affectionately call Cha Cha. Cha Cha is very involved, like her dad, who usually has more than two sticks in the air. John writes scores for the Mankato West Lancers marching band and is the percussion director for St. Peter High School. He provides accompaniment for Modern Dance at Gustavus twice a week. As a member of the Ambassadors, a group established in the 1960s to promote the city, he is in charge of events like Blues Fest (June 11) and Oktoberfest in St. Peter, among other things. He is also a Chamber of Commerce member and a supporter of the Veteran’s Memorial.

A new menu item is being developed with the help of chef Topher Jacobson of the Pantry in New Ulm, and it includes a new signature barbeque sauce. Tennessee Rib Dingers are coming to Patrick’s on Third, soon. “Oh, and bigger bathrooms,” says John. “Write that down.” RV W

What is your philosophy of life?

My philosophy is to to always treat people with respect, never give up trying to make things better for everyone, and never lie about anything because then you never have to worry about what you said.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am secretly addicted to thrift stores, big pickup trucks, mopeds, and old lamps.

What would surprise people about you?

I spend my birthday with a buddy who has the same birthday me. We spend the day buying things at thrift stores for other people.

Favorite movie?

My favorite movie is STARSHIP TROOPERS. What music moves you?

My favorite music is anything with lots of percussion.

What is your idea of a night on the town?

My night on the town normally means a night at Patrick’s talking to whoever about god knows what.

What is your idea of relaxation?

I relax by playing Destiny.

Travel bug or home body?

Love my house, but love a roadtrip with the wife, always a real good time.

What 3 words describe you best?

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Dan Hanson named Produce Manager of the Year rarely see bad product being pulled off the display. Instead, customers can walk into the store knowing they will always get the best produce possible. “I’ll drive 100 miles and pay twice what we are selling the item for. It’s all about making sure every customer finds exactly what they need,” Dan says.

He also knows how to balance keeping the department exciting by switching things up daily but keeping staple items in the same place so customers feel they know the department. Dan never wants his customers to get frustrated or feel like they can’t find an item on their list.

When customers shop in Dan Hanson’s produce department at Hilltop Hy-Vee, they can expect a few things: excitement, freshness and fun. “I’m really big on themes,” Dan says. “We like to go all out to keep things fun for our customers.”

Mankato Hilltop Hy-Vee’s Dan Hanson was awarded Produce Manager of the Year by the United Fresh Produce Manager of the Year. The United Fresh Produce Association honors 25 of the industry’s top retail produce managers for their commitment to fresh produce, customer satisfaction, innovative merchandising, and community service.

“We are very proud of Dan and he is very deserving of this recognition,” said Mike Orf, assistant vice president of produce operations for Hy-Vee. “He runs a top notch department and is a great example for others to follow.”

Every day, Dan strives for his department to look as good as it did the day before it opened 19 years ago. To keep things fresh, Dan keeps his department running 24-hours a day and stocks the section overnight. That way, customers

From a Pumpkin Patch Event to Kids Who Cook classes and display contests to working with the dietitians, Dan is always striving to come up with the next best thing. “I think it’s important that customers can immediately see there is something going on in my department,” Dan says. “Plus, it makes it fun for my employees. It’s all about creating energy.”

Outside of the aisles, the store donates food past its prime to the local food pantry, Second Harvest. And with a Hy-Vee One Step grant, which uses proceeds from sales of Hy-Vee One Step Russet Potatoes, Hanson and other employees created a community garden. All of the produce grown in the garden is also donated to Second Harvest.

In 2013, Dan’s department began diverting their waste, up to 4,000 pounds a week, to an organic recycling center that turns it into compost. Now, some of the compost produced in this process actually goes right back to the store’s community garden.

“Things really have come full circle. Our local food pantry was looking for some local land to grow for the hungry, and we had this space. Our waste actually helps that produce grow, which is great,” Dan says. “I’ve had customers tell me that is the only reason they shop at our store. It’s really something that means a lot to our community.”

Hilltop 2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 507-625-9070 045324

Joel Mathiowetz:

Passionate about the

Future of Ag

E

Photos and Story by Ruth Klossner Even his wife is amazed at what Joel Mathiowetz can accomplish in a day but she— more than anyone—knows the hours he puts into making sure that the story of agriculture is told the right way.

Amanda Mathiowetz sometimes asks Joel when he’s going to get something done. She just laughs when he says, “There’s always midnight to 6 a.m.”

Farmer, business owner, ag advocate, and now new father, Joel learned long ago that it’s necessary to keep things in perspective.

Though he learned to balance things, the addition of a new son a few months ago has made it necessary to readjust his schedule a bit.

It hasn’t slowed him down, however.

A fifth generation family farmer, Mathiowetz also works with area farmers/clients with risk management and business planning. He’s the executive director for Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation; is involved on the Redwood County Farm Bureau board, the Redwood Area Chamber Ag Committee Board, and ProAg of Renville County; is an Agriculture Future of America member, volunteers with FFA and 4-H, and is a former MARL participant and board member.

Joel became a leader—not only at the club and county levels, but went all the way to the top, being elected president of the state 4-H federation in 2002.

While attending college at South Dakota State University in Brookings, Mathiowetz became involved with Agriculture Future of America and attended AFA’s four-day conference in Kansas City. That changed the trajectory of his future.

The first was 4-H.

“We got the same training as new employees with ag companies,” Joel explained. “Executives from the ag community talked about the future of agriculture. There was a competitive feeling.

I realized that other students had a strong passion for agriculture and that I needed to get my act together.”

“4-H was key, it was my outlet. I developed skills. It was an opportunity to find mentors and to meet kids with the same interests. It brought me out of my shell and catapulted me into other leadership positions,” Mathiowetz said.

So powerful was that experience that Mathiowetz interned with AFA, started an alumni AFA Alliance, and continues to go back to the leadership conference each November— now to lead sessions.

With all that, it’s hard to believe that Mathiowetz admits to being shy and introverted as a youngster—but credits a series of experiences for bringing him out of his shell and forming his future.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

Joel Mathiowetz is a fifth generation family farmer with a passion to teach others about the industry. He is shown here with his wife Amanda and son Leo.

Working with AFA, Mathiowetz has been able to bring two scholarships back to the area through the Redwood Chamber Ag Committee. Money is raised locally, with AFA matching it for a $4,200 total. He does the same for Pro Ag of Renville County.

“We identify students with passion and desire,” Joel explained.

“Many come back to be community leaders. They contribute to the community because someone believed in them and gave them a chance.”

After college graduation, Mathiowetz first worked in Renville County, starting as a 4-H program coordinator in 2003. Budget cuts resulted in him moving to Farm Credit for seven years—in Redwood Falls and Olivia. He then spent two years as a consultant for a seed company in Olivia.

For the last four years, Joel has farmed with his family in the Morgan area. He’s also offered crop insurance to area clients through his business, Farm Gate Consulting.

Joel has also been executive director for Minnesota Ag in the Classroom the past three years. His main responsibility is fundraising to support the educators that make presentations in the classrooms.

Wearing three hats—farming, crop insurance, and Ag in the Classroom—may require some juggling, but Mathiowetz enjoys it.

“It allows me to be flexible and allows me to be home,” he explained.

“Having a baby is a new adventure. It’s awesome. Both Amanda and I are still learning. It’s definitely catapulted family time to the top—I’ve needed to adjust other activities.”

Mathiowetz credits his participation in MARL (Minnesota Agricultural Rural Leadership) in 2007-08 as the next opportunity that helped him grow.

At the 5th Grade Ag Day at Gilfillan, Joel Mathiowetz explained how innovations and technology have made combining faster and easier than in “the old days.”

“It will map as we go. It pushes information out into the Cloud. We can see the progress made and compare it to a map from last fall,” he said. “It maps as we go. It sets boundaries. The planter will know not to duplicate planting on the next rounds.”

Moving at five-and-a-half to six miles an hour, Mathiowetz noted that a good day of soybean planting would cover about 200 acres. As he planted, his uncles and brothers were preparing other fields—digging, putting herbicide down, and/or rolling.

“It’s fun to come back and farm the same land that grandpa and great-grandpa did with horses—and compare that to the technology we use today.”

“It expanded my network, my understanding of Minnesota agriculture, and it took my leadership to the next level,” he said.

After participating in Class IV, Joel served on the MARL board for eight years, completing his term this April.

Collectively, Joel, his brother Doug, dad David, and uncles Myron and Jim farm just over 2,000 acres in Redwood and Brown Counties. Joel and Doug represent the fifth generation on the family’s century farm, his dad and uncles the fourth generation. While the five share one line of equipment and labor, each manages their own land. Joel farms about 400 acres, partly owned and partly rented from David and Jim. “It’s fun to come back and farm the same land that grandpa and greatgrandpa did with horses—and compare that to the technology we use today,” Joel said. “Dad and Jim won’t touch the planter with all its technology, so my brother and I are the primary operators. Myron is the seed guy—he makes sure we get the right seed to the right field.”

“That’s a 4-H project that stuck around. Doug and his wife TaLana lambed out 200 ewes this year—I help with the two-man jobs with the sheep,” Joel said.

Although Joel’s wife Amanda is a former art and reading teacher, she’s taking time off to raise their family. She and her mother are into repurposing furniture and operate a storefront shop, The Red Poppy, in Prinsburg, about 15 miles southwest of Willmar on Highway 7. It’s open the first weekend of the month.

As he looks to the future, Mathiowetz is very positive about agriculture.

“Agriculture has amazing, awesome, unlimited opportunities. We need and desire to be transparent and to share our stories. What we do every day impacts human life as we produce the food and fuel that we all need,” he said. “I encourage everyone to do one thing— if we do, we can do a significant amount to educate people.”

Through the 5th Grade Ag Day that he heads for the Redwood Chamber Ag Committee—and the 6th Grade Harvest Day that the Renville County-based Pro Ag Group sponsors in the fall— Mathiowetz is doing his part to educate the younger generation about agriculture.

s

With the technology in place the last decade or so, planting crops today is much different than a generation or two ago. As he started to plant a 160-acre field of beans early last month, Joel punched information into and watched an iPad and three monitors

Joel and Doug also have a sheep herd that dates back to their 4-H days. While they had first raised hogs, the disease pseudorabies prevented them from showing at the county fair. To have something to show, they got a few sheep.

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

21

The kids did their best to get the lambs to come over to the fence at Mathiowetz’s farm.

5th Grade Ag Day is special to Joel Mathiowetz

By Ruth Klossner Joel Mathiowetz’s face lights up when he talks about a special program he heads as a member of the Redwood Area Chamber Ag Committee. He’s excited that 250 to 300 fifth graders from Redwood and Renville Counties get to learn about agriculture when they visit Gilfillan for a day in May each year. He knows that the kids are eager to learn about agriculture and he has people lined up to share agriculture’s exciting story.

The students come from Redwood Valley, Cedar Mountain, Renville County West, BOLD, St. Michael’s of Morgan, St. John’s of Milroy, and St. Anne’s of Wabasso.

As the kids arrive by the busload, Mathiowetz is ready to direct the drivers, teachers, and volunteers to the right place for their first station. For some that’s a drive down the road to one of three participating farms, for others it’s one of six learning stations at Gilfillan. During the noon hour, the groups switch destinations.

soybeans, lawn mower safety, sweetness, farm safety, and FFA.

Working with volunteers—some seasoned by many years with the event and some brand new—Mathiowetz not only directs the day’s events, but teams up with volunteer Bill Schwandt to present a session on Ag Innovations. Other topics include

As a follow-up to the spring program, the ProAg Group of Renville County—in which Mathiowetz is also very involved—puts on a Harvest Day with the sixth graders. Students follow the combines, beet lifters, etc., to see how crops are harvested. RV W

Farm visits are to Karl Ramey’s beef operation, Doug and TaLana Mathiowetz’s sheep farm, and the VanNurden hog farm (Andrew VanNurden and his aunt and uncle Denise and Larry Kirschstein).

“Agriculture has amazing, awesome, unlimited opportunities.

We need and desire to be transparent and to share our stories.”

Q&A with Joel Mathiowetz What is your philosophy of life?

To learn something every day and to use my skills and talents to help others.

What would you like readers to know about you?

To understand how much farmers care about the products they raise.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

Favorite movie?

Whatever my wife likes!

What is your idea of a night on the town?

Dinner with good conversation and a movie.

What music moves you?

I’m usually day dreaming instead of listening to music - I’ll listen to talk radio when driving

- it’s more engaging for me.

What is your idea of relaxation?

Spending time with family.

Travel bug or home body?

Travel bug, I have traveled to 20+ counties and love exploring new areas and building awareness of other cultures.

What 3 words describe you best?

Patient, Determined, Trustworthy.

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Sips & Suds Tour 2016 Whether you’re road-tripping with your pals or going on a special date day, why not head out and discover southern Minnesota’s many wineries, breweries and hot spots for fun?

1. Carlos Creek Winery 6693 Co. Rd 34 NW, Alexandria, MN 56308 320.846.5443 carloscreekwinery.com

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5. Turner Hall 102 S. State St., New Ulm, MN 56073 507.354.2022 newulmturnerhall.org 6. Doppeleichen Vineyards 58608 County Rd. 21, New Ulm, MN 56073 612.986.4096 doppeleichenvineyards.com 7. Morgan Creek Vineyards 23707 Co. Rd. 101, New Ulm, MN 56073 507.947.3547 morgancreekvineyards.com 034705

8. Nakato Bar & Grill 253 Belgrade Ave., N. Mankato, MN 56003 507.388.8999 thenakato.com 9. Javens Family Vineyard & Winery 20011 589th Avenue, Mankato, MN 56001 507.382.7596 javenswinery.com 10. Maggie J’s Restaurant & Bar 203 Main St. NE, Mapleton, MN 56065 507.524.3663 maggiejsmapleton.com

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25

good TASTE

Bringing the Flavors of Italy Home

By Chef Edy Cucurullo Positano, now a famous seaside town, boasting beautiful scenery where American movies have been filmed, linen dresses made famous by the artists of the 60s can be bought, and an abundance of fresh seafood available is where I was born, raised and call home even though I moved to Minnesota 4 years ago. Positano, once a poor fishing village, is part of the Amalfi Coast, a vertical town built into the mountains along the Mediterranean Sea. Fishing was the main way of life; daily catches of shrimp, tuna, swordfish, bluefish, lobster and octopus. Not only do I miss the fresh sea breeze but also the aromas that float through the tiny walkways on a Sunday as families cook their traditional meals. Our way of cooking is steeped in history and tradition and is passed down from generation to generation.

Our village was a relatively poor fishing village in the beginning of the 20th century so families needed to use its resources and food available to them to create magnificent dishes with the best flavor.

Positano is located close to Mount Vesuvius which makes our soil rich in nutrients and perfect for growing vegetables and herbs.

Imagine rows of eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, fresh figs and vines of rosemary, basil, wild fennel and of course orange and lemon trees.

These grand gardens climb the mountains overlooking the sea. As part of surviving in the early 20th century, the fishermen and the farmers soon began trading their products with each other and many delicious recipes were created.

Italy is known for eating seasonally and regionally because of the foods that are available to them. We have certain dishes that are enjoyed primarily in the winter or in the summer. Our recipes and ways of making a dish might vary by region also. One of my favorite dishes is Parmigiana di Melanzane (eggplant parmesan) which is available in spring and summer.

As a child I was often sent inside to cook with one of my grandmothers in order to stay out of trouble. My grandfather was also a bread maker so I grew up with a fresh loaf of bread each morning drizzled with olive oil, layered with basil, fresh tomato and fresh mozzarella for my breakfast which I enjoyed on the way to school.

My grandmothers taught me our family traditions as well as canning tuna, tomatoes, olives, eggplants and more. Some of my favorite dishes besides eggplant parmesan include spaghetti with mussels,

26

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta and anchovies, panzerotti which are small stuffed pizzas, and our family ragu.

In Italy, maintaining cooking traditions is very important. There are rules and flavors that aren’t meant to be mixed such as, cheese and seafood. We do not put cheese over a fish dish as the cheese covers up the flavor of the fish and we do not want to mask the freshness of the shrimp or tuna. Other traditions include certain rules when we are making seasonal sauces. Most often a sauce starts with some olive oil and either onion or garlic, but never onion AND garlic together. A sauce is meant to simmer, cooking slowly, for many hours to combine the flavors (we never add sugar). Some ingredients that I always have on hand to cook with include olive oil, basil, Italian parsley, rosemary, garlic, onions, tomatoes, capers, olives, parmesan and mozzarella cheese, fresh fish, arugula, zucchini, eggplant, good meats and ingredients for homemade pasta and gnocchi and of course wine. At a moments notice, I can grab any of these ingredients and create a sauce or any kind of meal while pairing with wine. RV W

,

Parmigiana di Melanzane 3 medium eggplants 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes in puree 2 garlic cloves diced 2 oz parmigiano reggiano grated 2 oz pecorino cheese grated 20 oz fresh mozzarella diced 1 oz of fresh basil sliced thin and small 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper Flour Sunflower oil Slice the eggplants vertical at ¼ inch thickness -leave them cut up in the strainer and sprinkle with salt and leave for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes rinse them with water and pat dry with a paper towel Sauce: In a deep sauce pan, over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add garlic, cook for a minute. Add tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes. Add ½ of the basil, salt & pepper and cook for 30 minutes.

Fry the eggplant: Put 3 cups of flour in a large bowl then gently run both sides of eggplant through flour. Remove excess flour and fry them in hot sunflower oil (in medium deep pan). Depending on size of pan, do 5 at a time. Place on paper towel to remove excess oil.

Put together and cook in oven at 400F In a 2-3 inch deep pan, spread some tomato sauce on the bottom.

Arrange a layer of eggplants, mozzarella, basil, and sprinkle some pecorino & parmigiano and add more sauce. Repeat process until all ingredients used and cook for 30 minutes.

A Fish Story...

The Balance

By Dave Welsh It is hard in today’s world to balance work and family life, and even harder to carve out some good quality fishing time. The summer for me is very busy due to my job, but I do still get out in the boat quite often, and try to dedicate a long weekend to a trip up north, usually with my son.

For me the winter time is a much easier time to be able to get away and do some fishing. Luckily that coincides with my love for ice fishing. This past winter I was able to plan a quick trip up to Red Lake with a buddy, my son, and my daughter’s boyfriend. I had heard the ice was in decent condition earlier in the week and people were catching fish. There was talk about the resorts allowing four wheelers, which would be ideal to haul out the portable ice house and all of the gear, as I am not getting any younger.

I set up the trip a couple of days before we left, finding a permanent ice house that the resort was renting out to sleep in, on the land. This was good enough accommodations for the trip as we would be exhausted and ready to just sleep. My buddy from up north was up for the trip, as was my son and daughter’s boyfriend—all of whom love to fish.

We left late in the day from the Mankato area in order to be up at the resort and ready to fish before sunrise. The plan worked great, except the excessive exhaustion due to working all day and driving all night. The other two in the truck slept most of the way, exactly what I would have been doing in the middle of the night if I was a passenger.

late afternoon. Reluctantly we packed up our gear and packed the truck.

Grabbed some food and headed on our way. About 18 hours after we left, the wind had picked up on Red Lake and I heard all over the news of an ice sheet that broke off of shore and was heading out into open water. 50 people were still on this ice sheet, fishing (or busily packing up their gear to vacate the ice). I heard on the news the next day of rescues and people stranded on the ice. Missed it by that much.

Take some time to enjoy what you like doing, with people who you enjoy being with. Make some plans and make it happen. It is all about the timing.

RV W Dave Welsh works in sales for Kato Roofing, Inc. in Mankato.

He is an avid fisherman.

We arrived just in time to check in with the resort, pay our access fee and hit the hard water. It was just starting to get light and the sun was not up yet. The timing could not have been any better. We got out on the lake in the twilight, which was awesome, yet scary. The ice was still pretty fresh, not very thick, and definitely did not span across the whole lake. But, we didn’t need the whole lake, we just needed to get out a mile or so and get the lines in the water, which we It is hard in today’s did.

world to balance work and family life, and even harder to carve out some good quality fishing time.

After getting the holes drilled, and getting set up, we got into a few walleyes right off the bat. It was looking like it was going to shape up to be a decent weekend of fishing.

Fishing got a little slow and the boy was getting a little antsy so we sent him into the shore to grab some forgotten items out of the truck, with the four wheeler. He did not return for quite some time. When he did finally come back he was pretty excited about making $20 cash for hauling a couple of fisherman and their gear out onto the ice, with a promise to bring them back in. I could physically see the light bulb go off over the top of his head. He asked permission and I gave it to him to go and help some other fisherman out, (and of course make some cold hard cash). I also had an ulterior motive, peace and quiet for a short time. He helped out some folks and made some quick cash. I cut him off so he could catch some fish, and he reluctantly agreed. We fished until dark and got up and did it again the next day.

We had to leave to get back to civilization (and back to work) on Sunday

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“Let me make your travel arrangements!”

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1234 Raintree Rd., Mankato Call 507-387-0443 lauriedanberry@heintztoyota.com www.heintztoyota.com RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

27

By Amanda Dyslin Photos by Donald Jay Olson

The Best Of

Joe Tougas There are a few things Hank and Joe Tougas have in common. Both love 1970s folk and rock music. Both play a mean guitar. Both share the stage with an incredibly gifted singer, whose name, depending upon the night, is either Rita or Ann Fee. All of these similarities are due, of course, to the fact that Hank and Rita are characters that Tougas created and that he and Fee inhabit on stage in his original musical production, “The Best of Hank and Rita: A Barroom Operetta,” which has been performed around the Midwest for the past year. Tougas considers the show as a pivotal moment in a musical journey that has grown from a hobby to a profession and passion.

That’s another thing Hank and Tougas have in common. After decades as a musician, the love of being on stage – that smile in

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

Joe Tougas has been performing as the character “Hank” in the musical production he wrote, “The Best of Hank and Rita: A Barroom Operetta.”

Top: Joe Tougas and Ann Fee (center) perform in “The Best of Hank and Rita,” a play about two musicians whose marriage is falling apart. the eye when the stage lights go up – has never diminished. In fact, since Tougas has been performing with Fee in their duo The Frye for the past decade, the fire has flourished.

“I remember at some point accepting the fact that this is where my heart is, that Ann and I were really onto something with The Frye,” said Tougas of Mankato. “It was something internal. I remember seeing Springsteen again, and it hammered that point home. It narrowed my focus in life and unapologetically so.”

Tougas, who played in cover bands during high school, moved from Wisconsin to Mankato for college in 1982. In the early 1990s, he met Doug Leatherman, who was writing dozens of his own songs every week.

“And that looked like fun,” Tougas said.

Following his friend’s lead, Tougas began writing songs, and he and Leatherman began performing in 1991 at the Bothy Folk Club above the Oleander Saloon in Mankato. They would eventually form the popular Mankato-area band Blue Velveata.

Blue Velveata, which put out the record “Tales of Shame and Regret,” always had a female singer, beginning with Rachel Olson, then Zillah Glory, and at the end, Ann Fee. Tougas met Fee in 2003, and the two started singing together as a duo in 2006.

“A friend was getting married and asked if Ann and I could do a couple of songs at her wedding,” Tougas said. “It wound up being wonderful, and we really enjoyed the way we sounded together.”

Fee said playing with Tougas is a blast.

“Nothing better than to perform with somebody who can take care of themselves in front of an audience, who’s constantly throwing out new stuff for us to learn or to try on the spot, who can meet you on the other side of any screw-up like it’s no big deal,” she said. “He takes a lot of joy in playing.”

Starting as Fish Frye and evolving into The Frye, the two started playing acoustic versions of 1970s one-hit wonders and then wrote their own music. Today, their shows feature a mix of both, and their following has steadily grown over the years to the point that Tougas developed a flexible freelance writing and marketing career that fits nicely with the band’s schedule.

The “Hank and Rita” characters were formed

by Tougas’ work covering entertainment in Mankato. For 17 years until 2004, Tougas wrote for The Free Press, a job that earned him several consecutive first-place honors in arts writing from the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists. During his tenure, he met or profiled numerous national acts that were a decade or two past their glory days — many in the classic rock format.

of fans. Those talks were a little sad.”

“The Best of Hank and Rita,” for which Tougas received a Minnesota State Arts Board and Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council grant to write, is about two married musicians who had a couple of hits and have since faded from mainstream popularity.

Rita wants a better life, away from the road and cheap hotel rooms, but Hank loves the music and the stage too much to let it go. What Hank doesn’t know is that this is their last night on stage together; after one final performance, she’s leaving him.

“The response has been so much bigger than I imagined.

Grown men keep getting choked up.

That’s gratifying.”

“Joe is one hell of a storyteller,” Fee said. “He has a way of taking you in a very feel-good direction, getting you to a very trusting, all-smiles place, then making your heart ache. Or making it drop. It’s a gift. So, the fact that so many people have a strong emotional response to this show he created, that doesn’t surprise me.”

The play has been well reviewed by numerous media, including Minneapolis author and journalist Jim Walsh who called it “sad, funny, smart and really original.” The soundtrack album of 11 original songs made the Star Tribune’s most recent yearend critic’s poll, and Illinois State University Professor Terri Ryburn is optioning rights to turn Hank and Rita’s story into a feature-length film.

“The response has been so much bigger than I imagined,” Tougas said.

“Grown men keep getting choked up.

That’s gratifying. A lot of people have seen it repeatedly and are still moved by it.”

Given the response to Hank and Rita and the magic that has been happening on stage with Fee for so many years, Tougas has no doubt he’s doing exactly what he should be with his life.

s

Photo courtesy of Ann Fee “Kiss. Kansas. Foreigner. Styx. REO … I loved talking to them because they were my soundtrack as a kid,” said Tougas, who now owns and operates Joe Tougas Marketing and Media. “It was wild “I’ve been at this for a long time,” he said. “But it feels like it’s all talking to these one-time giants now at this stage in their careers. just getting started.”

The hanging-in-there. For the most part, they all knew what they For more information, visit HankandRita.com, or thefrye.net, or were doing and cashing in and having fun. Sometimes they really search for The Frye on Facebook. thought their new album was going to get them a new generation

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Q&A with Joe Tougas What is your philosophy of life?

Pick a random John Lennon song. It’s probably in there or very close.

What would surprise people about you?

I don’t know what would surprise anybody about me -- but I could go with “I’ve never had a hobby.”

Tara Torseth, CPA, MBT Manager

Christine Powers, CPA Partner

Favorite movie?

“Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

Cheers to tax breaks for new ideas

What music moves you?

All sorts, but I’m more interested watching what my youngest daughter (11) is drawn to, the music that moves her now that she’s at the age where it becomes pretty important. She’s been raised on Frank Zappa, Tom Waits and Gram Parsons. We’ll see where this goes, and I can’t wait.

Most entrepreneurs who are in the business of brewing beer, which has been around for thousands of years, would not label their brewing efforts “research and development.” But it’s possible that the time and money they poured into their latest endeavor—whether formulating a gluten-free version of their beer or a establishing a new bottling process—could qualify their business for a tax credit from both the IRS and the State of Minnesota.

In 1981, Congress passed ”The Economic Recovery Tax Act,” which was intended to act as an economic stimulus to encourage investment within the U.S. Included in ERTA was a provision called the “Credit for Increasing Research Activities.” Like its name suggests, the credit was put in place to give businesses an incentive for furthering their R&D efforts, which, in theory, would increase dollars spent within the U.S.

Ideal night on the town?

Performing for others’ nights on the town.

What is your idea of relaxation?

Rain storms. Ideally while in a lake cabin.

So, what qualifies as a research and development activity?

According to the provision, research and development activities are those that meet all of the following criteria: 1. Uncertainty – They are intended to discover information that would eliminate uncertainty concerning the development or improvement of the product.

2. Technological in nature – They fundamentally rely on principles of the physical or biological sciences, engineering or computer science.

3. Permitted purposes – They are intended to be useful in the development of a new or improved business component. A business component is any product, process, computer software, technique, formula or invention that is held for sale, lease, license, or used in the trade of business of a taxpayer.

4. Process of experimentation – They involve a process designed to evaluate one or more alternatives to resolving uncertainty.

Of course, breweries are not the only type of business in which the credit can apply. The credit is most common in the software, development, engineering and manufacturing industries, but it could apply to a range of industries and companies—as long as R&D is a part of their general business operations.

So, if you find yourself using words like “research, development, uncertainty, experiment, new and improved” while on the job, contact your tax provider to discuss your operations. It’s possible you may be able to take advantage of this tax break, too.

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Dr. Chaun Cox

Running Down A Dream to Help Others

By Kelly DeVriendt The presently popular Daya song, Hide Away, ponders the question, “Where do the good boys go to hide away?” It turns out at least one may be right here in Mankato.

He’s a runner, a dedicated husband and father, and a volunteer with Project for Teens. Not to mention, he is also a doctor.

Dr. Chaun Cox and his wife Kate landed in Mankato by way of North Dakota and Iowa.

way we measure success and quality care. “It’s more about how we are controlling diseases and we are paying closer attention to measuring patient satisfaction. The care is now more patient centered,” Cox said.

With that knowledge, Dr. Cox focuses on the individual, saying, “Any good doctor listens more than they talk. They meet the patient where they are at.”

“I want our community to grow healthier each year and to improve quality of life.

“Kate had a job opportunity here and we thought it was a good middle spot between both of our families,” Cox said. Both are currently employed with the Mayo Health system; Kate is employed as a clinical social worker working in pediatrics and with adolescents and Chaun as a family medicine doctor.

Chaun, who at one time thought he might become an engineer, decided on medicine sometime in his junior or senior year of college. “I enjoyed the idea of being able to help people. To confront a challenge every day and be able to apply knowledge to help people,” Cox said.

The commitment it took to follow his passion did, of course, come with some sacrifices, most notably as Chaun stated, “My 20s!”

Now, with two boys, Ethan age 10 and Brodie age 7, the trade-off comes mostly in the form of family time. “There is homework every night essentially,” Cox said. The energy and stamina it takes to keep doing the same thing every day and the thought and consideration it takes to do it right was at a level that surprised Dr. Cox. “You can’t get to a place where you are feeling too comfortable because it is always a challenge,” Cox said.

The medical field is always changing which necessitates constant awareness of new information and new ways to improve medical care. Chaun explained that one of the biggest changes is the

With a profession that takes such dedication, Chaun found, even in college, that he needed to find a way to relieve stress.

Chaun picked something that as he stated, “…was fairly easy to do, free, which was good as a student because I was broke, and it didn’t have to be done at any certain time. I could run anywhere-it was very convenient.”

Running has continued to evolve into an important facet of Chaun’s life. “I have an opportunity to replay the day. To think about what we are doing with a certain patient. I can reflect on difficult situations and come up with new ideas,” Cox said.

Chaun has taken his stress reliever further by completing 30-plus marathons. His most challenging one to date? “Most definitely the two Ironman events in Madison, Wisconson.” Locally, Chaun is a legacy runner for the Mankato marathon, having run every year since 2010.

He has also incorporated family time with his running. “When the boys were small, I could run with them in the stroller,” Cox said. Today, the Mankato Marathon has become a family affair with both his boys participating and it is the marathon where he’s had had the most opportunity to run with his wife Kate.

Time is a precious commodity for Chaun and he chooses what he does with it wisely. Project for Teens is one program to which he is happy to dedicate energy to. It too is another opportunity for

Chaun to connect with his wife. Kate is the program director for Project for Teens, which offers a peer to peer leadership experience. The program has experienced recent growth from 30 students to 100, ultimately affecting around 2300 students in the community.

Kids apply and are then chosen to go through training to mentor other peers.

Chaun sees this community as a whole as one that is striving to make a difference. He points out the consistent growth the Mankato area has seen, the medical communities’ commitment to its members as well as several great community leaders.

“The people here are second to none,” Cox said.

Cox and his wife Kate with their two children Ethan and Brody.

Cox runs the 2015 Mankato Marathon.

“I enjoy this age group for their passion for life and quest for knowledge. They have such hope and the idea that they can make a difference. Everyone involved is truly making a difference,” Cox said.

Chaun helps with the training by speaking to them about health and personal choices. “They have the information, but that is very different from knowledge. Knowledge is very different than wisdom,” Cox said.

Chaun stated that his main areas of focus are presently, “to be the best date and husband I can and to be the best doctor I can.” His family motivates and inspires him most by being a constant reminder of the importance of his work.

“I want our community to grow healthier each year and to improve quality of life. To help people have a longer time and more quality time here on earth, Cox said, and to help alleviate some suffering.” RV W

Q&A with Dr. Cox What is your philosophy of life?

Always do your best.

What would you like readers to know about you?

My family and wife are amazing people and I am so very thankful for them.

What would surprise people about you?

I am very thankful for my family and for our team at work, they really deserve all the credit.

Favorite movie?

The movie “Miracle.”

What music moves you?

Can really vary, no one specific type.

What is your idea of a night on the town?

Kate and I going out to eat and then going to a concert, sporting event or movie.

What is your idea of relaxation?

Being with my family or going for a run.

Travel bug or home body?

Can be both, but on a day to day basis, home bug.

What 3 words describe you best?

Dedicated, passionate, and versatile.

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Topher and Mary Jacobson

Chef Topher Jacobson:

Back to the Basics

by Dana Miller

Chef Topher Jacobson, who has lived and learned in kitchens since the age of 14, reminisces with a concealed smile about a seemingly ordinary day when a commercial hot box unexpectedly “lit on fire.”

He lays no claim to the cause of this incident, which took place sometime in his extended past at some unknown location. “Things happen. Let’s leave it at that,” he says.

But Topher’s culinary domain at The Pantry in downtown New Ulm, a place he and his wife Mary own, is much different. Topher’s training as a pastry chef taught him to take his time, and experience has shown him the advantages of communication and group chemistry.

About a dozen people are employed by the Pantry, including a sous chef, the core staff, and part timers, who collectively do everything from food prep to cleanup. “There is definitely a hierarchy,” said Topher. “But working as a team is everything, and it starts with Mary

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and me.” There is always an owner on the floor, so staff and customers have easy access to any support or service they might need.

In the kitchen, the sous chef is in charge, and batch work is done to ensure the consistency of flavor and quality of the food being served. Everything is measured in grams rather than ounces, because, according to Topher there is too much wiggle room in an ounce. Distinct recipes are followed, and measuring is a must.

When determining what to put on the menu, Topher looks at what other restaurants are NOT doing. He likes to create delicious, new dining experiences for his patrons. His Schell’s beer bread uses spent grains right out of the brewery’s mash tank to create bread that is tasty and already has the gluten soaked out of it. “People should throw their bread making machines in the garbage,” he says. Adding

“No bread should be made in less than two hours.”

Topher recommends that anyone who wants to become a chef or continue to grow in the culinary field should never stay in one place for too long. A new environment means new learning. As luck would have it, Topher and Mary are back in New Ulm, bringing with them a passion for the kind of business that will leave our earth and our stomachs in much better condition.

Topher with his aquaponics system for growing fresh produce that making bread using such a quick process doesn’t give the grains time to break down, which is why people with gluten intolerances can’t eat it.

“Faster isn’t better. We have gotten rid of time and temperature specifications in favor of profits, and that is why we can’t digest food as well,” he explains. “We need to go back to how bread was originally made,” he says, referring to memories of his younger days watching bread rise on the stove for hours and peeking under a flour sack towel to check its progress. “No bread should be made in less than two hours.”

Chef Jacobson is very concerned about how food is grown and prepared, and he has taken concrete measures to control what is served to customers in his restaurant. He operates an aquaponics system for growing fresh produce in the Goosetown neighborhood of New Ulm. This closed system of fertilization needs running water, live fish (yellow perch) and vegetables, and through the organic transfer of nutrients, all living things thrive in this environment. When an ingredient is needed, no one opens a can or a punctures a pouch— they go and pluck more from the tank. No preservatives, hormones or chemicals—just good, old-fashioned, natural food.

Tips from Chef Topher • Smell is stronger than sight – When you are selecting produce, close your eyes and use your sense of smell. Generally speaking, ripe, “nonperfect” fruits and vegetables taste better.

• Take risks – Don’t always follow traditional rules, such as wine and food pairings. When Topher was Chef for the Country Pub near Mankato, he served a business group breakfast wine with their salad course, followed by smoked diver boat scallops. It wasn’t an expected combination, but it went over big with the guests.

• Turn off the electronics – “You won’t see people on their cell phones in here (The Pantry),” says Topher. There are no electronic games or televisions either. Some soothing music and the sound of running water from tanks inside the restaurant provide a nice backdrop for conversation.

“Come in, relax, and unplug.” RV W

Q&A with the Chef What is your philosophy of life?

You get more joy from sharing your skills than beating the other guy.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am an United States Marine Corp veteran.

Topher’s goal is much broader than being a good chef; he would like to teach others about aquaponics and see the trend catch on, because the environment and the human body need it to happen.

“Right now, in New Ulm, it is a good time to start doing this,” he says, and he is more than willing to help. At the moment, Topher is developing a new signature vegetarian soup, and he is growing over 75% of its ingredients himself.

What would surprise people about you?

My favorite food is one that is cooked by someone else.

Topher started down the culinary path at the Holiday Inn in New Ulm. In 1986 he graduated from Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School.

Afterward, he went on to gain valuable career experience as a food service technician in the Marine Corps, and later at the Fontainebleau Hilton in Miami Beach. However, his most formative experience was working as a sous chef under former Olympic food team member and instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, Klaus Mittenhauser.

This prepared him for the numerous positions he has held and new ventures he has engineered, including the Pepperboy ® sauce line.

What is your idea of a night on the town?

Great food, drinks, live music, then breakfast food.

Favorite movie?

The Lord of Rings and The Hobbit.

What music moves you?

All music! and it depends on where I am at for the day I have music on constantly.

What is your idea of relaxation?

Movie time with my wife Mary and our kids.

Travel bug or home body?

Both, but more home body since we work in the leisure industry we have the advantage of hosting events all the time.

What 3 words describe you best?

Peppers, Party, Tenacity.

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Local Men “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” to raise domestic violence awareness Bringing awareness to the community about domestic violence and abuse, ZONTA paired with the CADA House to give men the experience of walking a mile in women’s shoes.

The walk consisted of a one mile stretch up and down Riverfront Drive starting at Riverfront Park where men donned a pair of red hot high heels. Event participants from

the community as well as a group of police officers and North Mankato firefighters took part in the event.

River Valley Woman asked a few of the “walkers” to tell about why they did it, their experience in high heels, and what they learned by participating in this event.

Rep. Clark Johnson Minnesota State Representative I’m very concerned about the level of domestic, sexual and gender violence in our community and across the country. I think that men have a responsibility to stand up and be clear that we condemn violence on

women and that we are willing to challenge all men to treat all women with respect and peace. “Walk a mile in her shoes” was an opportunity to publicize my commitment to continue to fight domestic violence.

I guess I fudged a bit by wearing my wife’s pink garden shoes instead of the high heels. I figure that it’s more the thought that counts and maybe more men will participate next year if they realize they don’t have to wear the spike heels to make a statement in support of victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The experience reaffirmed for me the importance of sticking with this issue and fighting domestic and sexual violence on all fronts. I was also reminded that our police officers, fire fighters, and first responders serve our communities in many ways including taking their free time to walk together in uniform in high heels to support the victims of domestic violence.

Commander Matthew DuRose Mankato Department of Public Safety-Police I believe that it is important not only as a police officer, but also as a man in the community, to show support for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence outside of calls for service. It is also an opportunity for us to help raise awareness in the community for those

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that have experienced this type of violence and encourage more community members to speak up and out about domestic and sexual violence. There is a great deal of impact in the community that most people do not see or experience so events like this are a great way to raise the awareness.

I did wear a nice new pair of red high heels and they seemed to be more uncomfortable than last year. It is a little shameful and embarrassing at first, but you just have to own it and be comfortable with a little embarrassment. I am not sure if it is a concern or not, but my feet and ankles do not get sore after the walk so I am not discouraged from participating again next time.

This experience is a great reminder to show empathy and compassion for others. The perspective that we gain from walking in someone else’s shoes is immeasurable and it helps us support those in need of it.

Officer Jesse Gilbertson Mankato Department of Public Safety Domestic and sexual assault is a problem that occurs throughout all races, ages, backgrounds, and social status. It affects not only the victim but their children, family members, neighbors, and the entire community. I think people do not realize how large a problem this is and any chance to show the community that this problem affects all of us is a positive one. This positive and proactive approach to domestic and sexual violence may just help stop the cycle of violence by educating those who are victims of domestic and sexual violence and showing that there are numerous resources for them and that they are not alone.

This year I felt less pain walking in high heels than last year, partly because the heels I wore this year were the right size for me. I may also have developed a pain tolerance in the feet after last year. Looking at the pain and the discomfort from a philosophical point of view it gave me an idea of how difficult and painful it is for anyone that is a victim of domestic and sexual violence. While my pain is temporary, their pain is oftentimes lifelong and extremely difficult. The pain of wearing heels for this good cause is something that I will continue to support and take part in.

The reminder of just how many people experience domestic and sexual violence will constantly be something that bothers me. This experience highlighted just how difficult it is for those in these relationships to get out and to seek help. It is not easy and oftentimes victims do not seek help because there are a host of other circumstances they need to consider. It proves that victims need to be, in a sense, guided towards these programs and assisted with a caring hand. I feel that as a police officer we are sometimes just thought of as an enforcer of laws, instead of as an unlicensed psychologist who is trying to understand complicated relationships in the span of 15 minutes. Compassion goes a long way in any encounter with the public, even more so with victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Jamie Erickson

Men are coming forward more than ever to stop this once silent epidemic of abuse that is slowly but surely increasing in volume.

Domestic violence does not discriminate and can affect anyone from children to grandparents.

I got involved with domestic violence after the murder of Josselyn Bishop on July 8, 2011 in Mankato. She was the child of dear friends of mine and my son’s best friend growing up in Le SueurHenderson.

Nothing would have prepared me for having to bring Josselyn’s parents, Cara and Matt, and best friend, Nathan, to my house to have them be told by investigators that their daughter and best friend was murdered earlier that day.

I visit high schools and colleges throughout the state to tell Josselyn’s story with the hope Clark Johnson, Jamie Erickson, to help people involved in and Attorney John Choi testify domestic violence to seek help at the state capitol. and get out of the dangerous situation that they are involved in. I have received over 200 letters and emails from students, teachers, professors, and counselors telling me how Josselyn’s story has changed their lives.

I have had the pleasure of having Clark Johnson, Matt DuRose, and other investigators join me in some of these events. We participated in the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event last year and I was one of the guest speakers. This fund-raising event is a way for men to become aware of how hard it is for women to be in a relationship that is not healthy and how difficult it is to maintain their life in an abusive relationship, and the way the world around them looks at them. It was a great honor for us to be part of this event.

Clark Johnson and I embarked on a mission to change lives, get help for the abused, and save lives. Mr. Johnson and I worked on bill, HF 2295, which was eventually introduced by Mr. Johnson for a GPS monitoring device for abusers who have violated an official order for protection (OFP), restraining order, and so forth. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, Clark Johnson and myself testified at the state capitol on this bill and it was passed unanimously.

Joshua Burman Minnesota Pollution Control Agency I have a teenage daughter who walked with me, and I want to do anything I can to bring attention and resources to the issue of domestic violence to help build a better world for her, and also to show her that there are many people who do care about the issue.

How Ginger Rogers managed to do what she did in high heels is beyond me. I found that I was successful at walking, but otherwise relatively simple challenges like slopes and soft ground were complete barriers to me. Walking in high heels takes work and concentration just to move along.

I learned that many more women have been fatally or greatly abused locally, than I or we should be comfortable with or tolerate. RV W

Josselyn Bishops roomates, friend, along with Erickson (center) and his son Nathan stand together at an event at South Central College.

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Pets and Social Media Animals garner increased online attention From dogs and cats filling up social media feeds – some even with their own profiles – to true pet celebrities who command the attention of millions, animals have become a major part of the digital landscape.

With this in mind, Mars Petcare conducted a survey to learn more about people’s social media habits when it comes to animals. Here are some of the top findings.

All Animals, All the Time About 65 percent of pet owners post about their furry friends on social media an average of two times per week. One in six said they’ve created a social media profile specifically for their pet – and half of those pet owners say their pets get more social attention than they do online. One third said they post about their pets as much, and as often, as they do about their human family and 13 percent admitted to posting about their pets even more than they do their human relatives.

Pet Love Trumps Personal Vanity More than half of pet owners polled care more about getting “likes” and/ or comments for their pet-related posts than they do for most other topics, including changes to their own profile picture. Whichever way you throw the ball, pet posts matter most.

Call Them the “Paw-Purratzi” Thirty percent of pet owners follow famous animals on social media. The bottom line is people love pets, whether it’s their own or one with real rock star status, and love sharing their stories with the world. The survey underscores what was already known: Pets have become an integral part of people’s lives and pop culture.

To learn more about how to make a Better World for Pets®, visit facebook.com/ABetterWorldforPets. RV W Photo courtesy of Getty Images (cat picture)

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3 ways today’s lawn equipment is more like your car The cars of today aren’t quite your father’s car. While that’s not a surprise given the rise in new technology for the automotive sector, what some homeowners may find surprising is the level of technology with items in the garage next to the car - like the lawn equipment. Here are three unique ways today’s lawn equipment is featuring automotive-like technology.

1. Bluetooth Connectivity While Bluetooth technology has become more of a standard on new cars, it is actually a unique feature on lawn equipment. With the Cub Connect mobile app, owners can connect their smartphone with certain lawn mowers, garden tractors and zero turn riders via Bluetooth. It takes the guesswork out of maintenance by allowing the lawn tractor to alert its owner about needed oil changes, blade maintenance, air filter replacements and other routine maintenance.

“With so many apps available for things homeowners don’t use, this app can actually help them keep track of maintenance for an important piece of equipment,” says Jason Cameron, home expert and TV host.

2. Electronic Fuel-Injected Engines Electronic Fuel-Injected Engines - or EFI engines - were popularized in the automotive sector in 1980s. However, no one had been able to engineer the same type of technology in residential lawn tractors until this year. For the first time ever, fuel-injected engines are now available on XT2 LX42 Cub Cadet lawn tractors. The new engine technology reduces emissions and delivers excellent fuel consumption - using up to 25 percent less fuel than carbureted engines that are standard on other lawn tractors.

“According to a recent study, lower fuel consumption is a top benefit to residential lawn mower customers,” Cameron says. “And they have a willingness to pay for fuel-injection technology - more than half surveyed were likely to purchase a riding mower with a fuel-injected engine.”

Another advantage of the engine technology is that riding mowers with these engines feature a one-step start, making it easier to start in all weather conditions. The push-button start mirrors the features in many cars.

3. Zero Emissions Hybrid and electric cars have carved a place in the automotive world, but there is now an equivalent to that eco-friendly technology for lawn care. The RZT-S Zero is the world’s only electric zero-turn rider with steering wheel control and four-wheel steering. It requires zero gasoline, zero oil, zero oil filters and provides zero emissions and zero engine noise, making it one of the most environmentally friendly lawn mowers on the market today. It operates on battery power, which provides up to 60 minutes of continuous mowing on an overnight charge.

For handheld lawn equipment, there’s a new technology available that also provides zero emissions. Cub Cadet powered by CORE uses a sophisticated motor technology to deliver more torque with longer runtimes and no gasoline. It’s the same type of technology used in wind turbines and even submarines. In addition to providing zero emissions, it offers reduced noise and high torque levels equal to two-cycle engines most common in garages. This technology is available in string trimmer, hedger and leaf blower options.

With features like Bluetooth, push-button starting, fuel-injected engines and zero emissions, cars aren’t the only products showcasing innovation.

The next generation of lawn equipment is designed to help homeowners create their ideal outdoor spaces by incorporating efficient new technology. More information about these automotive-like features is available at www.CubCadet.com. RVW RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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For Work or Play C&S & Carhartt have you covered!

T-shirts, woven shirts, shorts, pants, sweatshirts, jackets, belts, socks, boots and more. Many available in Big & Tall sizes.

Mankato’s WorkWear HeadquarTerS.

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e r o c n E

Consignment & Bridal Boutique

311 N. RiveRfRoNt DR., MaNkato, MN 507.386.0861 www.eNcoReMaNkato.coM HouRs: M-f 10-6isH; sat. 10-4isH; suN. 12-4isH 046221

The STyle of

Summer

Generations Boutique est. 2015

affordable & chic

326 south minnesota avenue, st. peter, minnesota 507.934.7407 generationsboutiquemn.com open mon.-fri.10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; sat.10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(We carry clothing sizes XS-3X)

045515

Give the MAN in your life the gift of

Relaxation & Stress Relief

A sessioN iN the AlphA spA does just thAt! Alpha Fuzion Sauna Pod A StreSS-relieving detox SeSSion One 30-minute Session for $30 or Four Sessions for $115

1609 N. Riverfront Dr. Suite 105 Mankato, MN 507.381.5467 bodyconceptsmankato.com 046243

EffortlEss before

Summer Beauty

After eyeliner And lips

before

After eyeliner And eye brows

before

After eyebrows

• EyEbrow • EyElinEr • bEauty marks • Full lip

Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing

by Staci Lowe

507-388-7500

— Gift cards available — 14 Years Experience • Licensed by State of Minnesota

Mankato, MN www.salon07/lowe.html

www.permanentcosmeticsbystaci.com

046231

Every

Love Story is beautiful but Ours is My Favorite "

046250

"

Tom Furth, Ashton Sabatino, Mary Windschitl, Tara Schwartz and Pam Fullerton.

For all your insurance needs, we are here to help with experience, stability and outstanding customer service.

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

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

making lives easier, healthier, happier

Men’s Health The leading causes of death in men include heart disease, cancer and accidents (unintentional injuries). Compared to women, men are more likely to smoke and drink, make unhealthy or risky choices, and put off regular checkups and medical care. Additionally, there are specific diseases that only affect men such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many health diseases that men may develop can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis, such as colon cancer and heart disease.

Screening tests are very important, because they can find diseases earlier; and by finding them earlier, the diseases are easier to treat.

You can take charge of your health by making healthier lifestyle choices including: • Don’t smoke • Maintain a healthy weight • Get moving • Limit alcohol • Eat a healthy diet • Manage stress If you have any questions regarding your health or specific screenings, please feel free to contact your Hy-Vee Pharmacy or your doctor’s office.

By: Adam ungerer, Pharm.D. Pharmacy Manager Riverfront Hy-Vee

Where there’s a helpful smile in your wellness aisle

What’s a Guy to Eat? Celebrate Men’s Health during June. Men are notorious for steering clear of the doctor’s office. In fact, 25 percent of men in a recent survey said that they wait as long as possible before turning to medical treatment. We all know that a healthy diet is essential for fighting off disease, strengthening your immune system and simply feeling good. So what’s a guy to eat? Your Hy-Vee is filled with foods that will help all the men in your life reach their optimal health.

GREAT FooDS FoR GuyS:

By Holly Ellison, RD, LD Riverfront Hy-Vee Dietitian 507.625.1107 HEllison@hy-vee.com

Tomatoes: Lycopene, a phytochemical found in tomatoes, has been found to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. The best form of lycopene is found in processed tomato products such as tomato sauce, tomato soup or ketchup. oatmeal: Men everywhere! Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal. The soluble fiber in oatmeal

Grilled Tuna Steaks with Peach Salsa Serves 4.

ALL you nEED: 4 (8 oz each) yellowfin tuna steaks, about 3/4-inch thick ¾ tsp lime zest 2 tbsp fresh lime juice 2 tbsp snipped fresh cilantro 2 tbsp finely chopped green onion 1 tbsp Hy-Vee Select olive oil ½ tsp Hy-Vee kosher sea salt ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ¾ pound fresh peaches, chopped (about 2 cups) 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup) ½ cup chopped orange bell pepper ¼ cup chopped red onion 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

has the unique ability to bind up cholesterol and remove it from your body before it ever gets absorbed.

Seafood: Seafood such as salmon, herring, trout, tuna, mackerel and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are effective in lowering risk for heart disease. If you don’t like seafood, omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in canola, flaxseed, soybean oil and walnuts. omega-3 fortified eggs: Yolks from omega-3 eggs can contain 8 to 10 times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids than yolks from regular eggs. nuts: Nuts are filling and satisfying because of their healthy monounsaturated fat content. Nuts have their own qualified health claim: Eating 1.5 ounces of most nuts per day may reduce the risk of heart disease when they’re part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

ALL you Do: 1. Rinse fish; pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, combine lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, green onion, olive oil, salt and cayenne pepper; set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, combine peaches, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion and jalapeno; stir in half of cilantro mixture. Cover and chill until serving time.

4. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill with greased grill grate for direct grilling over medium-high heat. Grill tuna for 3 to 4 minutes or until desired doneness, turning once and brushing with remaining cilantro mixture halfway through grilling. Serve tuna immediately with salsa.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 320 calories, 4.5g fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 90mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 9g sugars, 58g protein. Daily values: 20% vitamin A, 50% vitamin C, 2% calcium, 10% iron.

041760

man SPACE

The Ultimate

Drive-Thru Photos by Dustin Doust, Little Rascal Studio

D

Doug Paape has a wow-worthy garage complete with a fleet of vehicles, gourmet kitchen and then some. Paape is president of Paape Companies located in Mankato and Rochester.

Give us a grand tour of your ManSPACE. What’s all in there?

Street Rods, classic cars, antique tractor, kitchen and bar, fireplace & cold beer on tap.

How did you determine what you wanted your space to be?

A place to store and enjoy my cars.

What was the process of getting the space to the final look?

It was actually a lot of work. I needed a large space to hold my toys and I also wanted a place where I could hang out.

Was your space a pre-determined look or was it an evolution?

It evolved into more than I could imagine.

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E

What is your favorite thing to do here?

It’s a nice spot to clean my cars when it’s snowing. It’s also fun to have game nights.

Do you have a “No girls allowed!” rule?

No, my wife is welcome to come and clean whenever she wants.

What is your space used for mostly?

Watch sports and entertain friends.

Any plans for new stuff, remodels or changes?

It’s perfect. No updates are needed.

What’s your favorite thing to watch on TV? We watch sports.

Favorite sport?

Football. I am a huge Viking fan.

Music you enjoy?

50s and country.

Other hobbies & interests?

Traveling and day trips. Watching my daughter’s two dogs. RV W

Factory trained technicians Oil Changes, Tire Rotation, & Alignments Repairing GM vehicles, new and old, for over 25 years

Ryan Hillesheim, Kevin Dewanz, Tyler Bode, Brandonn Morton, Ryan Sabo Hwy 15 South New Ulm, MN 56073 507-233-8810 800-967-3390 JensenMotors.com

022034

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man SPACE

A Happy Accident

Small TV space grows to epic entertainment spot Photos by Jordan Powers

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Dan Devenport’s getaway started out small but grew to sports-lovers paradise. The cabin-like atmosphere lends itself to a relaxed vacation vibe. Devenport is the corporate quality assurance senior manager at Boom Chicka Pop in Mankato.

Give us a grand tour of your ManSPACE. What’s all in there?

Well, it is the third stall of our garage that is separated from the rest of the garage by a knotty pine wall. The interior is all knotty pine and carpet with three flat screen TV’s, three recliners, a bar/game table, two pub style tables with stools, and a liquor cabinet. It also has a retractable projector screen and projector, a ceiling fan, its own heating/cooling unit and a patio door leading outside. But perhaps the best part of it is that when we first started working on it we developed a “friends wall of fame”, which is filled with sports jerseys, shirts, shorts, figure skating outfits, skates, etc from our friends’ past.

How did you determine what you wanted your space to be?

This completely happened by accident. It started off being a small space in the garage for a couple of chairs, a TV and a bar and it has just grown over the years.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

What was the process of getting the space to the final look?

It started about five years ago as I stated above, and has had three or four major iterations. Each time we added just a little bit more to it.

IE, from one TV, two chairs and a small bar to three TV’s, a couch and a larger bar. The third main change was when we moved all TV’s to a different wall and give it a completely different viewing element and space.

Was your space a pre-determined look or was it an evolution?

Complete evolution, other than the knotty pine. I always wanted a cabin made of knotty pine, and figured this was the closest I was going to get.

What is your favorite thing to do here?

Multiple sporting events at one time! We have hosted many pay per view fights, Vikings games, Super Bowls, etc. but when March Madness is going on it is great to have multiple basketball and hockey games going on at one time.

Do you have a “No girls allowed!” rule?

That was the joke at the beginning, but it never came to fruition. The women are allowed, but typically the goings-on in the cave make it so they don’t want to stay very long!

What is your space used for mostly?

Viewing of sporting events. Some card playing/gambling and we have even been known to have a Blinds and More (my wife’s business) meeting or two in there since it has the overhead projector that plugs into a lap top.

Any plans for new stuff, remodels or changes?

I am always open to adding. I am going to be changing the lighting in there soon, as well as some new carpet.

What’s your favorite thing to watch on TV? I can’t really narrow that down. March Madness is big, but any hockey, football or baseball game involving the local teams is fair game. We sprinkle in some boxing and UFC as well….and from time to time a movie!

Favorite sport?

Hockey and Football Music you enjoy?

Mostly country and 90s hair bands!

Other hobbies & interests?

Gold, amateur wood worker, coaching youth sports, watching anything our kids are into and pontooning at the lake. RV W

FATHER'S DAY FAVORITE

We are the ONE, since 1931!

Surprise Dad with the Ultimate Gift Weber Genesis E310 Grill Model # 651101 3 Color Choices Delivery & Setup Available

507-345-4688 | 120 N Broad Street | meyerandsonstvandappliance.com

046087

Open Monday 8am to 8pm, Tuesday - Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm, Sunday CLOSED RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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Let The Spring Shine In! $

100 OFF

PER WINDOW with with the the purchase purchase of of 44 or or more more or interest-free financing til 2021* Replace the Windows in Your Home for $84 per Month. (Based on 5 windows white/white, double hung) • Ultrex Fiberglass • 8x Stronger than Vinyl • Stainable EverWood® Interior option • Low Maintenance • Installed for you 4104 18th Ave. NW, Suite #6 • Cedarwood Plaza, Rochester, MN

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*Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the finance period OAC.

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newborns weddings seniors families

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

1109 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN

www.littlerascalstudio.com

Garages, Equestrian, Commercial Use and Agricultural Buildings • All Custom Styles & Sizes

800-658-7076

10091 State Hwy. 22, Minnesota Lake, MN 56068

020726

• Free Quotes • High Quality Materials Selection • Material & Labor Packages Available

Request a FREE color brochure info@nordaashomes.com

It’s Showplace Cabinetry! For a limited time, it’s even more affordable, with two ways to save: discounts on premium woods, or cash back rebates. Idea Haus is your exclusive local source for Showplace cabinetry. So when you’re ready to create that gorgeous kitchen see the Design Team at Idea Haus of New Ulm. • Kitchens & Baths • Floor covering • countertops • porcelain tile • onyx collection showers • Design services

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man SPACE

Burke Watson’s Cave is Minnesota Proud Photos and Story by Susan Botin

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When you walk in to this garage turned Man Cave, you can see that this Minnesota man wears his heart on his sleeve and his Minnesota pride all over his walls right down to the floor. If it wasn’t made in Minnesota, it’s a Minnesota sports team or a Minnesotan installed it and that’s exactly how Burke Watson wants it.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

What is a Minnesota Man Cave without neon lite beer signs, especially when the beer is made in Minnesota. Grain Belt, Schell’s, Hamm’s, and Schmidt’s are some of the most iconic beer companies that can be spotted.

The collection of vintage Schell’s beer cans are lined perfectly next to the Grain Belt lights that were preserved from Burke’s grandpa’s bar he once owned.

Of course a spot to sit down and enjoy any of these famous Minnesota beers is a must, but Burke went one step further with a table made of recycled milk jugs right from Jordan, MN. Not only is it a table to set your drink with the boys, but it’s a place to roast marshmallows with the built-in fire pit for the whole family!

You can’t be a proud Minnesotan without standing behind your favorite sports teams even when they have nail-biting, heart-breaking season endings, but Burke stands behind them no matter what. Burke has season tickets to the Vikings and Wild games, but when he isn’t able to make it to sit in the big stadiums, he makes sure he can sit back and enjoy the game with his friends and family. With autographed memorabilia and Burke himself in photographs with sports icons like Adrian Peterson in every corner, you feel like you are sitting with the big shots themselves.

When you think of man cave you can’t help but imagine men sitting around smoking cigars and drinking their favorite drinks with sports broadcasted in the background, but with Burke he has made it versatile to include everyone alike. Whether you like sports or not, the door is always open here. Family gatherings and birthday parties are a common occurrence here as well.

“The most important are Sunday night movies with my three favorite girls, Jena my beautiful wife and our two adorable daughters, Adrian and Presley,” said Burke.

RV W

046246

TAUER & HILLESHEIM CONSTRUCTION

Flooring Experts so you don’t have to be!

PAUL HILLESHEIM 507.227.3404

Lic. # BC003170

KENNETH TAUER 507.227.2510

507.625.3089 1107 Cross St. North Mankato

Lic. # BC107570

New Home Construction Remodeling Cabinet & Millwork Installation Tile Work

Mon.-Thurs. 9am-8pm; Fri. 9am-6pm; Sat. 9am-4pm; Closed Sun. 046161

www.rickwaycarpet.net

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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man SPACE

Drumming Up Some Fun

Photos by Jordan Powers

J

Jon Kietzer’s ultimate man barn has room to rock and room to roll (a basketball, that is). Kietzer is broker/owner of Century 21 Landmark Realtors in Mankato.

Give us a grand tour of your ManSPACE. What’s all in there?

My manSPACE is a restored barn that was built in the early 1940s. It was relocated from a farm site about ¼ mile to the North and moved to its present location at 100 Paddington Parkway, just off Stoltzman Road. It has two levels with about 1200 SF on each level. The top level is a basketball court with an engineered hardwood floor court system and a regulation backboard and hoop. One end of the court has a built in kitchenette and sitting area with a TV,

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

stereo, etc. There is also a glass overhead door that leads out to a deck on the top level.

How did you determine what you wanted your space to be?

The lower level is a garage/work area for vehicles, etc. It has laundry and a ¾ bath with a shower. There is also a sitting area on that level with a TV, stereo, etc. One of the highlights of this space is my drum set.

I can play the drums down there without bothering anyone with noise. There is also a wash bay in the space where I can pull in a vehicle or some equipment to wash.

Both levels are heated and have central a/c.

What is your favorite thing to do here ?

My favorite thing to do in the barn is shooting baskets or playing the drums.

Do you have a “No girls allowed!” rule?

There is no rule against girls in the barn. We prefer them.

What is your space used for mostly?

The space is mostly used as a recreational area or to watch sports.

Any plans for new stuff, remodels or changes?

We do plan to remodel the outside of the barn because it was painted to match our house up on the hill above it. We sold that house in 2012 and want to change the colors so that it is more independent of that house. There is actually a building lot next to the barn, so we may end up building a house on that lot that would be part of the same property.

What’s your favorite thing to watch on TV? My favorite thing to watch on TV in the barn is sports, specifically the Timberwolves. We even have a Timberwolves logo painted on the basketball court.

Music you enjoy?

All types of music can be heard in the barn… except country. That is banned.

Other hobbies & interests?

Another hobby besides shooting baskets and playing the drums is boating. RV W

What was the process of getting the space to the final look?

I knew I wanted to have a basketball court on the top level because I had the ceiling height necessary to do so. The lower level was just a natural fit for garage space. The kitchenette was added when we lived in the barn while our new house was being built in 2013/2014. So I wasn’t born in a barn, but I have lived in one.

Was your space a pre-determined look or was it an evolution?

Arlen Skorr was an invaluable asset in getting the barn in its present state. Spencer Movers moved the barn from what is now Wellington Townhomes on Viking Court to the current location. Arlen built the new foundation and set the barn in its current position. Arlen was building our new house on the hill above the barn at the same time. Brunton Architects designed our home that we built and also helped us with the barn move. Corey Brunton has helped me out with many different projects. Max DeMars also contributed a lot to the barn deck and interior as well as Jeremy Henninger with Henninger Construction. We used some old barnwood on the interior that came from a different barn in Mankato where Community Bank is now located on Saint Andrews Drive. The overhead doors came from Overhead Door Co of Mankato on 3rd Ave. The roofing was done by Andy Theissen. Jeff Bodner Construction also contributed to the interior.

We started with the basketball court upstairs and everything else evolved around that. We added different features after using the basketball court.

Currently it also has a treadmill and elliptical for morning workouts.

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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man SPACE

Garage space has room to let the

Good Times Roll!

What started out as an idea for a nice space to wash cars for Pat Bruggeman from Sleepy Eye, turned into a sports-watching haven for both guys and gals. No need to walk too far to the fun in this tidy attached garage.

Give us a grand tour of your ManSPACE. What’s all in there?

A TV, bar with beer on tap, deluxe refrigerator, lots of hot sauce...Oh and we do put cars in here occasionally!

How did you determine what you wanted your space to be?

Kenny Tauer and Paul Hillesheim were of great help to me. We didn’t have a plan, we just started in. I never dreamed it would become an entertainment part of the house.

Suddenly we thought hey, this is pretty neat! I thought I would just be washing cars in here but I haven’t done that yet.

We ended up building another warehouse down the street for storage, etc.

What is your favorite thing to do here?

Watch a lot of NFL football. When we’re not outside we are in here.

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Do you have a “No girls allowed!” rule?

Oh no, we have lots of girls in here!

Any plans for new stuff, remodels or changes?

Not really, but we are always adding different pictures and so forth. I have added some Sleepy Eye related items.

What’s your favorite thing to watch on TV? Football—Vikings and the Packers, NFL hockey and baseball. And a lot of Nascar, although the last half hour is what counts.

We’ve held a few election night parties, that gets really interesting!

Music you enjoy?

I’m all over the place, pop, old rock and roll, 60s on 6 on Sirius radio.

Other hobbies & interests?

I have a Harley I like to tool around on but I don’t have as much time to ride as I would like to. My wife and I loved to camp over the years but now we like going to the Cities for a weekend then Uber cab around to places.

We enjoy going to Minnesota Wild games, we rarely miss one of those. RV W

WE'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER! The NUMBER 1 publication, River Valley Woman is seen by over 23,000 readers. Our readers/shoppers choose it, keep it & share it every single month!

Our recent audit shows that our readers & advertisers are excited as we are to be entering our 4th successful year.

Readership: RVW averages 2.5 readers per edition, or based on 9,253 average gross distribution per month, yields an average monthly readership of 23,132 readers monthly.

Reader age: While demographics show only 62% of the market population falling within the highly desirable 25-65 year-old age group, the CVC Audit indicates that 85% of RVW readers fall within that age category.

Purchasing response: 61% of those surveyed said they Income: 87% of RVW readers reported an annual frequently purchase products or services from ads seen household income between $35,000-$200,000. Market demographics show just 67% of the population falling into in River Valley Woman. that financial category.

Retention: When asked, 70% said they keep RVW 3 weeks or longer before discarding it. This affords advertisers repeated opportunities for repeat impressions from a single advertisement.

The survey also indicated that RVW reader demographics exceed average market demographics in every desirable category

Education: When asked, “What is the highest level of education you have obtained?”, 77% of RVW readers indicated they had “some college” or “graduated college” compared to market demographics of 60% falling into that category. 6% of RVW readers have completed masters or professional degrees.

Reader gender: While the RVW market demographics show a virtually equal male and female gender balance, survey results indicated that 99% of RVW readers are female.

Call 507.227.2545 or email weisnatasha@gmail.com

045544

Today’s grills can range in price from a couple hundred dollars to several thousands, with the industry average being $1,000. There are three main types of grills: gas, wood pellet and charcoal.

To determine which is best for you ask yourself a few questions: Location. Where do you live? In an apartment, in town or country home? Some apartments don’t allow charcoal grills.

Mobility. Are you taking it camping or tailgating?

Ease of use. Do want clean and fast or caveman style? Time and what do you want to make? Are you a busy mom with hungry kids who only needs to heat up hot dogs, or do you want to come home to a pork shoulder that’s been smoking all day while you were at work? Answering these questions is a good start.

Grills – Then and Now Most of us probably have fond memories of summer time grilling from our childhood. Your parents dumping those rounded, square, black bricks into a stamped-metal, circular bowl with legs and a lid.

Then soaking those bricks with lighter fluid and telling the kids to stand back as the fluid burst into a mushroom cloud of smoke. Well, grilling has come a long way since those days. Now we have grills that just take a turn of a knob to start, are a funny egg-shape or even glow in the dark! So many choices are out there. Which is right for you?

Gas grills are the most commonly used grill in homes today, because of their ease of use and versatility. They can be very mobile, depending on size, and they are easy to use, usually starts with just a turn of a knob. These use propane gas mostly, but can be converted by a technician to natural gas. The cons of a gas grill are that they have flame- up tendencies and will not have as much of the smoky flavor as pellet or charcoal.

Wood pellet grills are the least common type of grill, but, they have plenty of great features! They are still very easy to start, like gas, just turn a knob and it will start right up. Pellet grills are also great with temperature management. They have electric coils that heat the pellets to exactly the temp you set. It’s very similar to using your kitchen stove, but you get the great perks of the smoky grill flavor from the wood. Cons are the pellets can get expensive and need

Customize Your

MAN CAVE Create the perfect space needed to relax while enjoying comfort and entertainment with the guys.

Large Scale Movie Screens | Accents & Decor Window Coverings | Furniture Selection Full Customization of Your Perfect Space

Every Man. Every Style.

046040

Call today 507-380-5019 or visit blinds-more.com

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042181

proper storage. If the pellets get wet they will not work.

Charcoal grills are the oldest method of cooking. These grills have come a long way from their old design. There are options that range from stainless steel to heavy ceramic. You can use compressedcharcoal briquettes to organic lump charcoal. These are for those who want that over- the-fire, original smoke flavor and don’t mind getting their hands dirty to get it. They take the effort to start, but, many will agree, have the biggest pay off. Temperatures can range from an all day low and slow cook at 225 degrees for that pull-apart pork, or an intense 1,000 degrees for those cracker-thin pizzas. They are the most cost-effective and energy efficient with little waste, and will give you that natural smoky taste.

North Victory Drive - Mankato 507.388.9391 shopdegroods.com

Be Ready for Summer!

Stop in and check out our Outdoor Living selection!

Patio Chairs •Tables • Heaters • Flame Tables • Grills • Yeti Coolers • Custom Design

Once you have your grill picked out, you can choose your accessories.

There are countless grill features and add-ons to make your experience even greater. You can buy gadgets that take the indoor kitchen outside. There is anything from an extra side burner for your gas grill, a temperature regulator for your charcoal, to even a side cooler that will keep your beer cold as the grilling heats up! They also have anything and everything you would need to take your grilling to the next level: metal skewers, pizza peels and stones, wood flavoring chips, special spices and rubs, and etc.

The best part of grilling is the culture. It’s an excuse to be outside on a beautiful day, a reason to bring friends and family together, and a way to bring cooking to another level.

RV W Rich Froman, Sales Manager / Grill Master DeGrood’s Home Store

046088

046037

046341

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Go. Be. Do. Connect!

To have your event listed, please e-mail Ruth Klossner at cowlady@centurylink.net by the 15th of the month. Listings are generally for events that are free to the public, or are fund-raisers. Listings will be published as space allows and at the discretion of the editor.

Fri.-Sat., Jun. 3-4 • 2nd annual New Ulm Community-Wide Garage Sale. Info: facebook.com/NewUlmGarageSale or chamber@newulm.com.

Fri., Jun. 3, 10, 17 & 25 & Jul. 8 & 15 • Lafayette Ice Cream Socials & Band Concerts, downtown Lafayette. Socials served by community groups, starting at 5:30 pm; outdoor concerts by Lafayette Band, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-228-8241.

Sat., Jun. 4 • Bookin’ on Belgrade, North Mankato Taylor Library, 1001 Belgrade Ave., No. Mankato, 8:30 am. A nearly 5K family fun run & walk. Info: 507-345-5120 or bookinonbelgrade.wordpress.com/.

• National Trails Day Hike, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson, 7 pm. Hike guided by naturalist staff. Dress for weather. Info: 507-248-3474 or michellei@ neycenter.org.

• Ride for Research Breast Cancer Awareness Bike/Car Mystery Ride, Rapid Rick’s Bar, Nicollet, noon start; 6 pm return. Street legal bikes & cars (new, used, classics, junkers). Silent auction, food, music. Proceeds to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure— Team Becky’s Hope. Info & cost: rideforresearch.zapevent.com/.

• Redwood Falls City Wide Garage Sale. Info: 507-637-2929.

• New Ulm Pollinator Park Planting Day, former N. Broadway Park, 2250 N. Broadway, New Ulm, 9 am-1 pm. Volunteers needed to plant native seedlings to benefit/draw butterflies, bees & hummingbirds.

RSVP w/T-shirt size. Walk-ins welcome. Info: Dorie.Tess@ state.mn.us.

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• Mankato Baltics Festival, Erlandson Park, Mankato, 11 am-4 pm. Mankato Baltics will host Arlington Greys and St. Croix BBC. Bring lawn chairs & blankets. Info: bechshh@hickorytech.net.

Sat.-Sun., Jun. 4-5 • Minnesota High School Rodeo Championships, Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 Union St., St. Peter.

Sun., Jun. 5 • Motorcycle Road Run, Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club, 20153 11th Ave., New Ulm. Info: flyingdutchmenmotorcycleclub.com.

• Dairy Day at the Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet County Historical Society.

Info: 507-354-8666.

Mon., Jun. 6 • Minnesota BIF's Brain Expo ‘Mind Your Brain,’ Jakes Stadium Pizza, Mankato, 4-8 pm.

Area resources to share/display information, sharing of stories of courage & hope, speakers.

Info: mnbif.org or 507-228-8161.

Mon, Jun. 6, 13, 20 & 27 & Jul. 4 & 11 • Concert in the Park Series, German Park, New Ulm, 7 pm.

Free, co-sponsored by NU Park & Rec. & KNUJ. Concerts move to Civic Center, 1212 N. Franklin, if bad weather.

Tues., Jun. 7 & 14 • Free Medicare Educational Sessions, 201 N. Broad St., Suite 102, Mankato, 3:30-5:30 pm.

Learn to navigate Medicare maze to choose plan options for needs. Limited class size.

Info & registration: 800-3332433 or mnraaa.org/free-medicare-training-sessions/.

Tues., Jun. 7, 14, 21 & 28 & Jul. 5 & 12 • Henderson Classic Car Roll In,

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

historic Main Street, Henderson, 5 pm. Food, fun, music & car talk. Rain or shine. Info: facebook.com/hendersonrollin or twitter.com/hendersonrollin.

Wed., Jun. 8 • Bernadotte Lutheran’s Annual WELCA Pie & Ice Cream Social, Bernadotte Lutheran Church Park, 34122 515th Ave., rural Lafayette, 5:30 p.m. Music by Lafayette Band, pie social, bake sale. Info: 507-240-0048.

• Friends of the Park Jamboree, Redwood Falls. Evening of fun, food & entertainment to help support, maintain & improve Alexander Ramsey Park. Info: 507-644-2333 Wed., Jun. 8, 15, 22 & 29 & Jul. 6 & 13 • Music on Main, 5th & Main, downtown Gaylord, 5-7 pm.

Different music group each week. Farmers’ Market (crafts, flea market & food), 4 pm. Info: 507-237-2338 or anewsom@ exploregaylord.org.

Thurs., Jun. 9 • History of Bernadotte Twp. presentation, Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N Minnesota Ave, St Peter, 7 pm. Author talk on preparation of 550-page history book detailing history of Bernadotte Township and Bernadotte Lutheran Church.

Info: 507-934-2160 Thurs., Jun. 9 & Jul. 14 • New Ulm Classic Car & Motorcycle Hop & Shop, downtown New Ulm, 5-8 pm. All makes and models welcome. Info: cara@newulm.com or newulm. com.

Fri., Jun. 10 • Family Caregiver Discussion Group, New Ulm Community Center, 600 N. German, New Ulm, 10 am. Listen and share experiences, free, no reservations required. Info: 866-

974-0283 or Sarah.Anderson@ lssmn.org.

• American Bison, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. west of Mankato on Hwys. 68 & 169, 1 pm. Stop at Seppmann Mill on campground side to hear about re-introduction of bison to the park; naturalist will answer questions. Info: 507-384-8890 or Scott.Kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Arlington Breakfast on the Farm, Darlene Weckwerth Farm, 40647 296th St., Arlington, 6:30-10:30 am.

Fri., Jun. 10 & 24, July 8 & 22 • Classic Car Fridays at Dave’s Place, downtown Lafayette.

Hundreds of cars, food & drink available. Info: Facebook or 507228-8910.

Fri.-Sun., Jun. 10-12 • Annual Lower Sioux Wacipi, Lower Sioux Indian Community, Morton, 8 am. Event showcases music, dancing & spirituality of the Dakota nation. Info: 507637-2828, redwoodfalls.org; or lowersioux.com.

Sat., Jun. 11 • Citizens 5K Race 2 Raise, parking lot behind Citizens Bank, New Ulm, 7:45 am. Proceeds benefit Relay for Life. Fun run/ walk, chip timing, medals, post-race refreshments. Info & registration: citizensmn. com/citizens-way/community-events or tempotickets.com/ CitizensRace2Raise.

• CASTLE & CAST Breakfast Fundraiser, George's Fine Steaks, 201 N. Minnesota, New Ulm, 8-11 am. Advance tickets at Chamber or Senior Center office. Proceeds benefit CAST Senior Programming. Info: newulmseniors.org or castnu@ newulmtel.net.

• Kayaking for a Cause, Bent River Outfitters, 530 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, 11 am. Wom-

en-only river kayaking day trip.

Fundraiser for women's scholarship fundraiser by Zonta Club of Mankato. Info & registration: zontamankato.org or zontamankato@gmail.com.

• Minnesota River Paddle, Fort Ridgely State Park, 6 mi. S of Fairfax, 10 am. Paddle 8 miles; experience bottomland forest and see Fort Ridgely Creek flow into the Minnesota. Info & registration: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Movie Music in the Park, Gorman Park, St. Peter, 3 pm.

Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra will present ‘Movie Music in the Park.’ Bring blankets & lawn chairs, free concert sponsored by Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation. Info: stpeterchamber.com/calendar.

• Kick off to Summer Festival, Grandview Valley Winery, 42703 Grandview Ave., Belview. Yard games and dam jammers in the evening. Info: 507-938-WINE or gvwinery.com/.

• Ambassador Blues Fest, Minnesota Square Park, Hwy 169 S, St. Peter, Noon-9:30 p.m.

Free music event, four bands, vendors. Info: stpeterambassadors.com/2016-ambassadors-blues-fest/.

Sat.-Sun., Jun. 11-12 • Annual Summer Party, Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Clubgrounds, 20513 110th Ave., New Ulm, noon to midnight. Live music on two stages, classic car & motorcycle cruise in, food, beverages, arts & crafts vendors, games. Info: 507-276-0820.

Sun., Jun. 12 • Movie Music in the Park, Ger-

man Park, New Ulm, 3-4:30 pm.

Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra will present ‘Movie Music in the Park.’ Bring blankets & lawn chairs; free concert sponsored by Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation. Info: info@mayso.net.

Carnival, citywide, Hutchinson.

Medallion hunt, Run by the River, music, canoe races, boat parade, Miss Hutchinson Pageant, parade. Plus motorcycle & rotary bike run Jun. 11. Info: 320-587-5252 or watercarnival. org.

• Flag Day-Display of Flags at Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed

by Nicollet County Historical Society. Info: 507-354-8666.

Tues., Jun. 14 • Alice Lind Play Reading Society, John Lind House, 622 Center Street, New Ulm, 7 pm. Reading ‘Sweet Bird of Youth’ by Tennessee Williams. Info & registration: execdir@statestreetnewulm. org or 507-359-9990. Info: info@ mayso.net.

• Mount Kato’s Annual Bluff Riders Charge, Mount Kato, 20461 Minnesota 66, Mankato.

Cross-country Mountain bike race. Info: visitgreatermankato. com/mankato/visit/events/major-events/.

Mon., Jun. 13 • 24th Annual MLC Golf Classic, New Ulm Country Club, New Ulm. 12 pm shotgun start, 5:30 pm social hour & dinner. Info & sign-up: 507-354-8221 ext. 393 or gartneml@mlc-wels.edu.

Mon.-Sun., Jun. 13-19 • Hutchinson Jaycee Water

Wed., Jun. 15 & 29 & Jul. 13 • Bike Night Wednesdays at Dave’s Place, downtown Lafayette. Hundreds of bikes, food & drink available. Info: Facebook or 507-228-8910.

Fri.-Sat., Jun. 17-18 • NTPA Power Pull Nationals, McLeod Co. Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson, 7 pm. Action-packed show of tractor and truck pulling. Info: 320-510-1095 or 320-510-0832.

s

• Minnesota Zoomobile Presentation. Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. west of Mankato on Hwys 68 & 169. Two 45-minute presentations at 1 & 3 pm. Naturalist will present animals & describe important roles. Ice cream social

between programs. Sponsored

by Friends of Minneopa, nonprofit organization supporting state park. Info: 507-384-8890 or Scott.Kudelka@state.mn.us.

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Sat., Jun. 18 • North Star Bicycle Festival, North Mankato. Celebration of cycling with bike races presented by North Memorial Health Care.

Food trucks, bike expos & kids activities, Benefits Special Olympics Minnesota. Info: northstarbicyclefestival.com/.

Fri., Jun. 17 • Nicollet County Relay for Life, St. Peter Community Center, 600 S. 5th St., St. Peter, 4 pm. Info: relayforlife.org/nicolletcountymn.

Fri.-Sun., Jun. 17-19 • Nicollet Friendship Days, Nicollet.

Miss Nicollet talent & coronation, waffle breakfast, crafts, 5K run/ walk, tractor & pedal pulls, allschool reunion, queen coronation, parade (Sun. 1 pm). Info: 507-381-9232.

• Lake Days & Battle of the Bands Parade, Lake Crystal. 6 pm Fri. parade features 12 Minnesota marching bands, fireworks, duathlon, pedal pull, bean bags, car show, music at Robinson Park; boat parade Sun. Info: 507-7266088 or lcchambr@hickorytech. net.

• Summer Splash, Redwood Falls.

Three days of family events. Info: 507-637-2828 or redwoodfalls. org.

Sat., Jun. 18 • Artsplash Art Fair, 1001 Belgrade Ave., North Mankato, 10 am-3 pm.

Music, art classes for kids, wiener dog races, face painting, food, silent auction for Humane Society and N. Mankato Taylor Library.

Rain or shine. Info: 507-327-8350 or muttid@charter.net.

• Spring Tractor Pull, Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave., Waseca. Farm stock to pro class tractors, pickups. Info: 507-835-2052.

Sat.-Sun., Jun. 18-19 • Solstice Outdoor Music Festival, Land of Memories Park, Mankato. 1-10:30 pm Sat.; 1-7:30 pm Sun. Local & regional musicians, artists, crafts, food. Info: 507-3406809, valc@hickorytech.net or mankatosolstice.com.

• New Ulm Windmill Classic; Harman Fields, Washington,

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Jefferson & St. Paul’s' fields in New Ulm. Fast pitch girl's softball tournament, free admission. Info: newulmgirlsfastpitch.com.

Sun., Jun. 19 • Father’s Crafts at the Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet County Historical Society. Info: 507-354-8666.

• Summer Solstice Hike, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson, 7 pm. Fairly strenuous terrain. Info & registration: michellei@neycenter.org or 507-248-3474.

• Cannon Fire for Father's Day, Historic Site at Fort Ridgely State Park, 6 mi. S of Fairfax, 1 pm. New Ulm Battery will educate visitors about black powder & will fire a few cannon rounds. Info: 507-5082848.

Sun.-Tues., Jun. 19-21 • Solstice. Riverfront Park, 310 West Rock Street, Mankato. Summer charity event. Local & regional musicians, artists, crafts & food.

Supports VINE & Life-Work Planning Center. Info: mankatosolstice.com/.

Mon., Jun. 20 • 25th Anniversary Charity Golf Classic, New Ulm Country Club.

Benefits the American Cancer Society. Info: 507-233-5600 or 612-290-0348.

Tues.-Sun., Jun. 21-26 • St James Railroad Days, St. James.

Taste of St. James, Rail Run, Community Golf Invitational, parade Sat. at 6:00 pm. Info: 507-375-3333 or stjameschamberofcommerce. com.

Thurs., Jun. 23 • Sleepy Eye Chamber Golf Tournament, Sleepy Eye Golf Club, 11:30 am.

Thurs.-Sun., Jun. 23-26 • Dayz of Thunder, Fairfax. City festival with activities for all ages.

Info: 507-426-7255 or cityoffairfax-mn.gov/.

• Riverside Days, Riverside Park & Downtown, Springfield. Pork chop feed, bean bags, grand parade, sporting events & tourneys,

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

carnival, dances, queen contest.

Info: spfdchamber@newulmtel. net.

• Jr. Upper Midwest Classic, Johnson & Mueller Parks in New Ulm and Essig field. VFW baseball tournament. Info: newulmlegionbaseball.org or vernkitz@yahoo. com.

Fri., Jun. 24 • KNUJ's Dairy Day at the Glock, Schonlau Park, 317 N. Minnesota St., New Ulm, 11:30 am-1 pm.

Casual noon lunch, benefits New Ulm Area Food Shelf; music, short program with special guests. Info: knuj.net or jim@knuj.net.

• Archery in the Park, Fort Ridgely State Park, 6 mi. south of Fairfax or 12 mi. north of Sleepy Eye, 3 pm. Learn basics of archery (safety, care of the equipment & using a bow), practice skills on a target. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

Fri.-Sat., Jun. 24-25 • Glencoe Days, Oak Leaf Park, Glencoe. Corn feed, fun for the kids, carnival, beer garden, bingo, live music, parade. 320-864-3650.

Fri.-Sun., Jun. 24-26 • Summer Splash, Redwood Falls.

Info: celebrateredwoodfalls.com/ or contactus@celebrateredwoodfalls.com.

• Henderson Sauerkraut Days, Henderson. Kraut Car Cruise, 5K Kraut Run, tractor ride, kiddie parade, grand parade, Miss Henderson coronation, arm wrestling, world champion sauerkraut eating contest. Info: 507-248-3234.

Fri.-Mon., Jun. 24-27 • Deep Valley Homecoming, Betsy and Tacy houses & other locations, downtown Mankato.

Celebration of Maud Hart Lovelace & Betsy-Tacy books. Guided tours of houses, book festival, kids games & crafts, horse-drawn trolley rides, ice cream social, programs, re-enactments, 1900era fashion show, Victorian Tea, vintage car show, patriotic band concert. Info: 507-345-9777 or btsmankato@gmail.com.

Sat., Jun. 25 • Swedefest with a Bang, Bernad-

otte Lutheran Church Park, 34122 515th Ave., rural Lafayette, 4 p.m.

Entertainment, Swedish smorgasbord, quilt raffle, silent auction, wagon rides, 150th anniversary fireworks (10 pm). Info: 507-2400048.

• Ride for Hope, Indian Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave., Janesville, 9 am. 100+ mile ride to support cancer. Motorcycles, classic cars/ trucks, regular vehicles; four stops; meal at winery for riders.

Info: angie.winter@indianislandwinery.com.

• Kids’ Health Fair, Open Door Health Center, 309 Holly Lane, Mankato, 9 am-noon. Building tours, connect with community resources, music & activities, face painting, photos with Moondogs’ Muttnik, refreshments. Info: 507.388.2120 or www.odhc.org.

• Archery in the Park, Flandrau State Park, New Ulm, 3 pm. Learn basics of archery (safety, care of the equipment & using bow), practice skills on a target. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.

Sun., Jun. 26 • Autofest, Fairgrounds, 1212 N. Franklin St., New Ulm. Free for vehicles and attendees. Outdoor drive-in movie at dusk Sat. South Central Modelers of Minnesota Model Car Contest, music, automotive swap meet. Info: 507-3543410 or 507-276-9507 • Carver Creek Bluegrass at the Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet County Historical Society.

Info: 507-354-8666.

• Archery in the Park, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. W of Mankato on Hwys 169 & 68, 10 am. Learn basics of archery (safety, care of the equipment & using bow), practice skills on a target. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.

Sun., Jun. 26 • Hilltop Happenings, Hilltop Hall, 206 First St. N., Montgomery, 4 pm. Musical variety show. No admission—donations defray costs; pizza sold at intermission. Info: bighonza.com/hilltop-hall/.

Wed., Jun. 29 • Teen Archery, New Ulm Archery Range, 220 Tower Rd., New Ulm, 2-4 pm. For young adults ages 12-18, hands-on class; registration required, forms available at New Ulm Library. Info: trudolph@tds. lib.mn.us or 507-359-8336.

Thurs., Jun. 30-Sun., Jul. 3 • Upper Midwest Classic, Johnson & Mueller Parks in New Ulm and Essig field. American Legion baseball tournament. Info: newulmlegionbaseball.org or Vernkitz@ yahoo.com.

Sat., Jul. 2 • Digital Nature Photography, Fort Ridgely State Park, 6 mi. S of Fairfax, 2 pm. Learn how to use a digital camera; cameras provided.

Limit of 20 people. Prior reservation required at park office. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.

marketers, fire dept. pork chop dinner, pedal pull, raffle, museum tours, fireworks. Info: 507-6976912.

Sun., Jul. 3 • Independence Day at the Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet County Historical Society.

Info: 507-354-8666.

• July 4th Celebration, Turner Hall Park, 102 S. State, New Ulm, 11 am-7 pm. Free. Five bands, beer garden, burgers & German food, pie social. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Info: newulmturnerclub@gmail.com or www.newulmturnerhall.org/.

• Swan Lake Paddle, boat ramp at Nicollet Bay, west of Nicollet, 1 pm. Leisurely paddle on Swan Lake with naturalist. Be prepared for weather, bring water & snack.

Info: 507-384-8890 or Scott.Kudelka@state.mn.us Mon., Jul. 4 • 10th Annual Morton Firecracker 2- or 4-Mile Run/Walk, Brent Koch Memorial Shelter in Morton City Park, 8 am. Family rate offered.

Info & registration: raceentry. com or mortonfirecrackerruns. blogspot.com.

• Independence Day Celebration, Morton. 10 am parade, kids activities, bingo, music, craft & flea

• Flag Program, Historic Site at Fort Ridgely State Park, 6 mi S of Fairfax, 2 pm. Learn history of nation's flag; 9 flags from different periods of history on display. Info: 507-794-4731.

• Old-fashioned 4th of July Celebration, St. Peter. 10 am parade on So. Washington Ave., picnic in Minnesota Square Park, kids' activities, music, food; fireworks at fairgrounds 10 pm. Info: 507934-3400, spchamb@hickorytech. net or stpeterchamber.com/.

• Red, Hot & Boom, Vetter Stone Amphitheater, Mankato, 7 pm.

Free, all ages welcome. Performances by City Mouse & Mankato Symphony Orchestra. Fireworks 10 pm. Info: verizonwirelesscentermn.com/.

• Fourth of July Fireworks, Allison Park, 4th Avenue NW, Sleepy Eye. Info: 507-794-4731.

Wed., Jul. 6 • Kiwanis Thunder of Drums, Blakeslee Stadium, Minnesota State University, Mankato, 6:30 pm. Proceeds support Kiwanis youth programs & Mankato 77 Lancer Marching Band. Info & tickets: 507-387-1008 or tickets@ thunderofdrums.com.

Wed.- Sun., Jul. 6-10 • North Mankato Fun Days, five days of fun for all ages—parade, kiddie parade, carnival, softball tournaments, live music. Info: 507-385-6679 or visitmankatomn. com.

Fri., Jul. 8 • Geocaching 101, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. W of Mankato on Hwys 68 & 169, 1 pm. High tech treasure

s

• Fishing program, Fort Ridgely State Park, 6 mi. S of Fairfax, 4 pm. Learn how to bait a hook, cast a line & pull in a fish from expert Ron Bolduan. Fish in Fort

Ridgely Creek, stocked annually with trout. Fishing poles and bait provided. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us

Your dog will never want to get out of this swimming pool!

Our 18’x50’ indoor heated pool is maintained at a comfortable 80°, so leaping into the 4 1/2 ft deep pool will feel great!

Pool services:

n Dock Feature: Promotes dock jumping. n surf-n-Turf sundays (2:00-3:30pm): $10 per dog (social dogs). n open swims: $10 per dog per half hour. Reservations available during regular business hours. n Private swims/Pool Parties: Call for availability and pricing.

Registration and current vaccinations are required.

1741 Premier Drive Mankato, MN 507-625-7070 046315

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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hunt; GPS units provided. Limit of 20 people. Prior reservation required at park office. Info: 507384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state. mn.us.

• Movies in the Park, Jefferson Park, 1401 Nicollet Ave., St. Peter, dusk.

Showing Hotel Transylvania 2 on 16-ft. inflatable screen just after sunset. Recreation staff will lead activities one hour before sunset.

Free admission, concessions available. Info: 934.0667.

Fri.-Sun., Jul. 8-10 • Madelia Park Days, Watona Park, Madelia. Golf tourneys, grand parade (Fri. 7 pm), moonlight swim, pedal pull, kid's carnival, musical entertainment & fireworks (Fri.).

Blues Festival, Madelia Scrub Run/ Walk 5K, food, Rivers Edge Art & More Fair.

• Farm City Fun Fest, Winthrop.

Softball tourney, craft & food vendors, kids’ games, 5k run, bingo, pedal pull, street dance, car show, parade, BBQ chicken dinner, petting zoo. Info: winthropfarmcityfunfest@gmail.com or 507-6472627.

THE

Perfect Fit

Fri.-Sat., July 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 • Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, Walnut Grove. Outdoor drama based on life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. “Ma Ingalls” Karen Grassle to attend July 16 & 17. Info: 888-859-3102 or wilderpageant.org.

Sun., Jul. 10 • Independence Day at the Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet County Historical Society.

Info: 507-354-8666.

Mon.-Sun., Jul. 11-17 • Corn Chaff Days, Hector. Fun activities for all ages. Info: hector. govoffice.com/.

Tues., Jul. 12 • Alice Lind Play Reading Society, John Lind House, 622 Center Street, New Ulm, 7 pm. Reading ‘Adam & Eve’ by Mark Twain. Info & registration: execdir@statestreetnewulm.org or 507-3599990.

Thurs., Jul. 14 • Sleepy Eye Medical Center Golf Tournament, Sleepy Eye Golf Club, 11 am.

• Music in the Park, Allison Park, Sleepy Eye, 6:30 pm.

• Bavarian Blast Pre-Fest, Fairgrounds, 712 12th N. St., New Ulm. Info: info@bavarianblast.com.

Fri., Jul. 15 • Emporor's New Clothes: Children's Theater, Community Center, 600 N. German St., New Ulm, 7 pm.

50s rock to 20s jazz to Celtic & more.

Fri.-Sat., July 15-16 • New Ulm Crazy Days, New Ulm. Sidewalk sales, treats. Info: chamber@newulm.com or 507233-4300.

• Riversong Music Festival, Masonic/West River Park, Les Kouba Parkway, Hutchinson. Acoustic music in riverside location, music by artists & bands from all over nation. Multiple stages with folk, blues, roots, Americana, acoustic jazz, & Celtic music. Info: 320-5872599.

Fri.-Sun., Jul. 15-17 • Bavarian Blast, 712 12th N. St., New Ulm. 3 stages of enter-

tainment. Barrel rolling, wiener dog races, stein holding & kraut eating contests, food & beverage, Sunday. Camping available onsite.

Info: 507-359-2222 or info@bavarianblast.com.

• Bar B Q Days, Belle Plaine. 3-day festival with BBQ beef sandwiches, carnival, beer garden, live entertainment, fun run, non-profit food vendors, fireworks. Info: 952873-0855 or belleplainefestivals. org.

• German Wine Fest, Morgan Creek Vineyards, 23707 478th Avenue, New Ulm. Music around burning bowl, appetizers from wood fired-oven, wine by the bottle or glass. Free & open to public. Info: 507-233-4300 or newulm.com.

Sat., Jul. 16 • Civilian Conservation Corp Hiking Tour, Fort Ridgely State Park, 6 mi S of Fairfax, off Hwy 4, 1 pm.

Hiking tour will explain park’s rich history with the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and the Veterans Conservation Corp (VCC). Start at Commissary building. Info: 507508-2848.

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Hours: Mon. - Friday 9-8 pm; Sat. 9-6; Sun. Noon - 5.

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

Enjoy the Variety Building!

“Fun for the German in everyone!”

Friday/Saturday $10 • Sunday $5

Entertainment: Austrian Express • Mollie B & Squeezebox • Music Connection Larry Olsen • Wendinger Band • Concord Singers Matt Hodek & the Dakota Dutchmen • Dale Dahmen Alpensterne • New Ulm Municipal Band Danny Witucki & Mein Hematland Musikanten Pre-Fest Party • Thursday, July 14, 2016 6:00 PM - Transit Authority • 8:00 PM - Fabulous Armadillos $15-Advance, $20-At the Door

Brown County Fairgrounds • 507-359-2999 www.bavarianblast.com 249271

Sun., Jul. 17 • Shopping with Laura Ingalls program, Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm.

Site managed by Nicollet County Historical Society. Info: 507-3548666.

Farmers Markets • Buffalo Lake Farm & Flea Market, city park on Hwy 212. Garden fresh fruits & vegetables, flowers, crafts, mittens, breads, pies, baked goods. Jun. 11-fall, Sat. 8 am-noon.

• Fairfax Farmers Market, 1st St., SE of Hwy 19. Garden fresh produce, breads, baked goods, seasonal flowers. Mid June-Sept., Tue. 4 pm.

• Gaylord Farmers Market, downtown, 5th & Main Ave. Vegetables (beans, carrots, cucumbers, onions, peppers, potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes); strawberries, raspberries, melons, apples, pumpkins, squash, gourds; honey, preserves & baked goods.

Jun.-Oct., Wed. 4-6 pm, in conjunction with Music on Main.

• Glencoe Area Farmers Market, 1107 11th St., adjacent to historic City Center building. Fruits & vegetables, flowers, herbs. MidJun.-Oct., Thurs. 3-6 pm.

• Hector Farmers Market, junction Hwy 212 & Cty Rd 4 (SCGE C-Store). Garden fresh fruits & vegetables, canned & baked goods. Jul.-fall, Wed. 3-6 pm.

• Hutchinson Farmers Market, open air pavilion at 25 Adams St. SE. Vegetables, fruits, honey, herbs, baked goods, flowers, preserves, crafts & meats. Mid May-Oct., Wed. 2:30-5:30 pm & Sat. 8 am-noon.

• Mankato Farmers Market, Best Buy parking lot, 1895 Adams St. Fresh local produce, sustainably raised meat, bedding plants, cut flowers, eggs, honey, baked goods, berries, herbs, preserves, soap, lotions, hand-sewn items, woodcrafts. Early May-end of Oct., Sat. 8 am-noon; Tue. & Thur.

3:30-6 pm.

• Morton Farmers Market, city hall parking lot, Hwy 19 downtown.

Garden fresh fruits & vegetables, home baked goods. Mid Jun.-fall; times vary—call 507-697-6912.

• Redwood Falls Farmers Market, 1220 E. Bridge St. Vegetables, fruits, cut flowers, cheeses, honey, eggs & chicken; preserved fruits, vegetables, salsas, pickles, breads & pies. Tue. 2-5:30 pm, Sat. 8 am-noon.

• Scott County, Jordan, Wed.-Sun., Jul. 27-31 • Blue Earth County, Garden City, Thurs.-Sat., Jul. 28-30

• Renville County, Bird Island, Wed.-Fri., Aug. 10-12 • Brown County, New Ulm, Wed.Sun., Aug. 10-14

• Nicollet County, St. Peter, Wed.Sun., Aug. 10-14

County Fairs • Redwood County, Redwood Falls, Wed.-Sun., Jul. 13-17

• Watonwan County, St James, Thurs.-Sun., Jul. 14-17

• Meeker County, Litchfield, Thurs.Sun., Aug. 4-7

• Carver County, Waconia, Wed.Sun., Aug. 10-14

• St. Peter Farmers Market, downtown on Minnesota Ave. Locally grown vegetables, baked goods.

Jul.-Oct., Tue. 3-6 pm & Sat. 9 am-noon.

• Waseca County, Waseca, Wed.Sun., Jul. 13-17

• Sibley County, Arlington, Wed.Sun., Aug. 3-7

• Steele County Free, Owatonna, Tues.-Sun., Aug. 16-21 • Tri-County, Mankato, Wed., August 17 • Cottonwood County, Windom, Wed.-Sat., Aug. 17-20 • McLeod County, Hutchinson, Wed.-Sun., Aug. 17-21 • Le Sueur County, Le Center, Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 18-21

Nicollet Friendship Days - June 17-19 Friday EvEning: Kid’s Bike Drawing, Miss Nicollet Talent Show Saturday: Waffle Breakfast, Craft Fair, 5K Run/ Walk, Tractor Pull, Peddle Pull, Bean Bags, Water Fights, All-School Reunion, Queen Coronation Sunday: Outdoor Church Service, Parade (1 pm), Trolley Rides, Raffle Music in the park—Midway all weekend—food

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Thank You Greater Mankato. Proud to Serve You.

T H A N K

Sponsored by American Legion Post 510 Family Check AmericanLegionPost510NicolletMinnesota on Facebook

Y O U

Please join us for the 22nd annual

Swedefest with a Bang!

Saturday, June 25

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4:00-10:30 p.m.

Swedish Smorgasbord Serving 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides - Kid’s Activities Quilt Raffle - Silent Auction - Refreshments Entertainment from 4:00 - 10:00 p.m.

150th Anniversary Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. great Entertainment Line-up featuring Donnie Klossner, Matt & allen Carlson & the Bockfest Boys

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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Pack Your Summer Survival Kit trunk, along with a boat tote. A boat tote is a fun name, but it can be brought to the beach, a friend’s cabin, or the water park with everything you need to have an enjoyable afternoon!

Assembling Your Summer Survival Kit • Camp chairs and/or beach blanket In Minnesota, we’re all too aware of the importance of a Winter Survival Kit in the trunk of every vehicle. Once spring hits, we’re thrilled to clean out the vehicle, store the winter gear, and make room for warm days ahead.

If your family makes frequent trips to the swimming pool, ballgames, beach, or boat, it’s nice to be prepared and avoid the hassle of rounding up everything each time you want to head out.

Consider keeping some essentials in your

• A few old bath towels or beach towels Once you have these items in the trunk, leave them there if you can. That way, they are always packed and ready to go. This is especially helpful if you like to make spontaneous plans.

The warm months in Minnesota go very quickly. Don’t let opportunities to enjoy the summer pass you by. Being prepared will help you feel like you can get out of the house and to your destination faster and with minimal stress.

RV W

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and this seemed, to him, like a fun activity for us to work on together. For first-timers, I highly recommend taking an acroyoga class, as that is the absolute best way to learn how to do partner yoga moves safely and with a spotter. Once you’re warmed up and know which posture you’re going to work on, you must decide which person will be the base and who will be the flyer. The base generally is closest to the ground and uses their body to elevate the flyer. Both base and flyer should move slowly and carefully in and out of postures, communicating the whole time. Don’t expect perfection on your first few attempts! It’s ok to fall, as long as you do so safely! Bases: if your flyer is bailing from a move, let go of their lower body and focus on protecting their head, and yours, for that matter! Remember to move slowly, communicate well, and begin with basic moves.

It takes two!

Yoga with a partner makes it twice as nice

F

inally! The winds have stopped howling. The sun is gazing upon us and the birds are chirping happily.

Everything outdoors is green and balmy, ok, maybe not every single day, but baby, it’s definitely NOT cold outside anymore! It’s that time of year in Minnesota to scoop up your significant other, kids, friends, and/or family, and head to your favorite outdoor sanctuary, park, or woods-

For first-timers, I highly recommend taking an acroyoga class, as that is the absolute best way to learn how to do partner yoga moves safely and with a spotter.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

clearing for some nature therapy. Put down a blanket or yoga mat, and add some teambuilding exercise to the mix by trying some partner yoga, otherwise known as acroyoga.

If the timing falls upon inclement weather, stay indoors and simply push furniture out of the way! Partner yoga is a great method of incorporating relationships and family into exercise, because your partner’s experience depends on how much you focus, communicate and interact. Similarly, your strengthening and stretching session will depend keenly upon your partner’s mindset, making it a unionizing experience. Keep it simple and safe, and there should be many smiles and laughs along the way!

When I approached my significant other, AJ, announcing my hopes for him to be my acroyoga partner, he was fairly open to it. For the most part, he’s too busy to sustain a regular workout regimen,

AJ and I are hooked on partner yoga! Even though we may not have felt like being physically active at the time, a half hour of partner yoga changed our mood and our perspective. I felt as though my back, leg, and core muscles had been actively stretched and strengthened.

AJ reported the workout was surprisingly challenging, not only from a communication perspective, but physically. He compared it to lifting weights. He knows he’s strong enough to lift a certain amount of weight, but it takes more muscle engagement when you’re lifting the weight of a “squirming” person. He said facetiously, “I had no idea how squirmy you were going to be!”

We had to find a way to be mentally and physically calm, together, even though it felt like we were playing the most bizarre game of 3D twister. We belly laughed together, because at first it seemed so impossible. He initially insisted he was too tall, but we found that not to be the case. We faced that initial discomfort together, and it was well worth the feeling of accomplishment. We overcame our communication frustrations, worked our muscles in unison, and spent some quality time together. After we mastered one move, we felt ready to conquer the next. RV W Annette Perry Aerial fitness & dance enthusiast Mankato

Be Well

Guys Need Sunscreen Too! In Minnesota, and other parts of the country where winter seems to drag on forever, spring and summer are exciting seasons. The air becomes warmer, the sun gets brighter and outdoor activities are frequent. Naturally, your skin’s exposure to the sun increases during this time of year, which results in a greater risk of skin damage, including development of skin cancer. The good news? Most skin cancers are preventable.

What is skin cancer?

Specifically, skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells and usually the result of overexposure to the sun and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Although skin that’s most exposed accounts for the majority of cases, well-covered areas of the body, like your palms or genital area, can also be affected. All pigmentations — dark and light — are subject to skin cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, with 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers and more than 76,000 melanoma cases diagnosed each year. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills more than 10,000 Americans each year — nearly 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths.

What common forms does skin cancer take?

Skin cancer can take many forms, but the three most common are: Basal cell carcinoma. Beginning in the basal cells in the outer layer of skin, basal cell carcinomas may appear as a pearly or waxy bump, as well as a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion.

Squamous cell carcinoma. Also in the outer layer of skin, this type of skin cancer forms in squamous cells. Signs are often a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusty surface.

and sections that appear red, white, blue or bluish-black; and dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining your nose, mouth, vagina or anus.

What can I do to prevent skin cancer?

Leading medical experts, including Mayo Clinic, recommend the following for preventing skin cancer: n Avoid the sun during 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which are the peak hours of sun strength in North America, even in the winter and on cloudy days. n Wear sunscreen — at least SPF 15 — throughout the entire year.

Re-apply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. n Wear protective clothing. Hats with wide brims and clothing that covers your arms and legs are helpful — sunscreen doesn’t block all UV rays, which cause skin cancer. n Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds operate with UV lights, damaging your skin and potentially leading to cancer. n Self-check your skin. If you notice differences, talk with your health care team.

Who’s most at risk for skin cancer?

Anyone can get skin cancer, but those at a higher risk include individuals who have a heavy exposure to UV rays, lighter skin, family history of skin cancer, prevalent moles, numerous severe sunburns in the past, weakened immune system and those who live in sunny or high-altitude climates.

Contact your health care team if you have concerns about skin abnormalities. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught in its early stages. Have fun as the warm days roll in, but always keep skin cancer prevention in mind. RV W

Melanoma. Melanoma makes up a small fraction of skin cancers, but it’s also the most deadly. Symptoms of melanoma include a large brown spot with darker speckles; a mole that changes in color, size or feel or that bleeds; a small lesion with an abnormal border

Kevin Cockerill, M.D., is a Mayo Clinic Health System oncologist.

For more information, visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org.

042158

dynamic Buy with Confidence, Sell with Success! agents 507-382-0958

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Email: ChristineGerber@Remax.net GerberGroupRealEstateMankato.com facebook.com/GerberGroupRealEstate Mankato and St. PEtER LoCationS RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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Long term effects of sugars aren’t sweet For a lot of us, reaching for a piece of chocolate or grabbing a sugary drink is second nature, but with sugar-related disorders on the rise, now is the perfect time to learn how to decrease your sugar intake.

From diabetes and heart disease to even certain types of cancers, the rise of some chronic diseases has been linked to higher sugar consumption. Added sugars make up at least 10 percent of the calories the average person eats in a day, but about one in 10 people get onequarter or more of their calories from added sugar.

According to the American Heart Association, women should consume no more than 100 calories (six teaspoons) a day from added sugar, while men should consume no more than 150 calories (9 teaspoons) a day from added sugar.

Researchers have found a direct correlation between sugar and unhealthy levels of blood fats. Often times, large sugar consumption can lead to higher triglycerides (“bad” cholesterol) and lower HDL (“good” cholesterol). Over time, low HDL cholesterol levels can be a strong risk factor for heart disease. In addition, excessive fructose consumption has been linked to leptin resistance. Leptin is a hormone that tells our body’s when we’ve had enough food, which can lead to over consumption of food. Another negative reaction to consuming too much sugar Dr. Angela Schuck Dr. Keith Flack

is that our bodies consume sugar as empty calories – calories unaccompanied by fiber, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients.

Our body needs sugar as an essential nutrient to promote energy; however, most people are unaware of just how much they are taking in throughout the day and often in a form that doesn’t provide added nutritional benefits such as fiber or vitamins and minerals. Cutting out processed foods, especially sodas, fruit juice, chocolate milk and other sugary drinks is an excellent first step towards reducing your sugar intake So, just what do we do when nearly everything we eat has some form of sugar? Start by cutting down on processed and packaged foods, which have a tendency to add in hidden sugars. Sugar goes by many names, but whether it’s cane sugar, syrup, honey or fructose, it pretty much gets treated the same way by your body. If several sugars appear on your food label, it’s a safe bet that the food is less healthy than you think. Once you know what you look for, buy foods labeled “no added sugar” or “unsweetened.” Reduce your sugar intake slowly and instead of just focusing on taking something away, consider adding in a healthier food option that you look forward to, to reduce any feelings of being deprived. To minimize the rapid rise and fall of unhealthy carbs with sugar, pair protein, healthy fats and fiber with your meal, which will help slow down the release of blood sugar in your body and keep you full for longer. RV W Polly Luther, RD, LD, CDE Mankato Clinic Diabetes and Nutrition Education

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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There are certain conditions and activities that will increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

• Middle aged or older.

• Over-pronation, which is the excessive medial (inward) roll of the foot.

• Overweight or abrupt weight gain.

• Tight Achilles tendon and calf muscles (puts more strain on the plantar fascia).

Plantar Fasciitis:

A Pain in the…

Foot!

P

lantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of arch and heel pain. The plantar fascia is a fibrous ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes. It helps in supporting the arch of your foot. Your arch and plantar fascia act a natural shock absorber for your body. It flexes and bounces to deflect impact and plays a critical role in keeping the rest of the body healthy and pain free. If you strain your plantar fascia, it can become inflamed, irritated, and swollen. Repeated strain of this ligament or not treating it properly can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.

A red flag that you have plantar fasciitis is when you experience the worst pain with your first few steps in the morning. You will also notice pain standing or walking after being off your feet for a period of time.

While at rest, the plantar fascia ligament, which is very fibrous and inelastic, tightens and shortens. When you stand or walk, the weight of your body causes the arch to drop and the fascia to stretch. Since this ligament is very tight and inelastic, it tends not to stretch very well as your arch drops. Consequently, it begins to pull or tug from the insertion point on the heel bone. And that’s the reason for the sharp pain in the heel, especially after being off your feet.

Proper footwear choices play a critical role in keeping one free of plantar fasciitis and other common weight bearing related injuries.

There are three main culprits related to footwear that will increase the likelihood of plantar fasciitis (or injuries in general); the incorrect type of shoe based on foot type and bio-mechanics, old and broken down shoes, and improperly fitting shoes.

Your best bet is to visit a specialty run/walk shop for a professional shoe fitting. The staff is trained to fit shoes based on the characteristics of your feet and your bio-mechanics (your walking/running form).

They will also employ several strategies to get you in the right shoes, including video gait analysis and foot type assessment. In addition, they will consider other foot characteristics such as bunions, hammer toes, heel spurs, among others. The staffers are also well experienced in

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

• An abrupt change in activity, including changes in intensity

and duration.

• Excessively high or flat arches.

• Repetitive weight bearing activities.

• Improper shoe choice (see below).

the areas of injuries, injury prevention, training, nutrition, and general health and wellness. Lastly, a local specialty run/walk shop will have devices that can assist in treating and recovering from plantar fasciitis, such as night socks (splints), compression foot sleeves, and massage devices.

Treating plantar fasciitis can be a high maintenance affair, albeit a very necessary one. It takes some diligent efforts to get things healed up and additional effort to keep it at bay. Consistently treating your fasciitis with a combination of icing, stretching, massaging, and ice massaging will help remedy the situation, especially after being off your feet for any period of time. At rest, this inelastic ligament contracts and tightens. Upon standing or walking, the arch flattens and stretches the fascia, sometimes exacerbating the problem. Barefoot walking is not a good idea while struggling with plantar fasciitis, especially in the morning. A short regimen of stretching and massaging before walking in the morning is highly advised. Additionally, a supportive and sturdy shoe or sandal should be worn right out of bed.

In most cases, a person can continue to engage in activity and exercise.

One may even notice that the discomfort dissipates after the feet and body loosen up with exercise. The critical component is how you treat it after exercise. It’s of paramount importance that the fascia is stretched, iced, and massaged. The goal is to keep it loose and free of irritation and inflammation. This will allow blood flow to the area, which promotes the healing process.

Bottom line: plantar fasciitis can be a pain in the butt but with the right plan of attack, it is very manageable. Consistent and diligent efforts will not only make it more tolerable but will remedy the situation altogether.

Kurt Keiser River Valley Running, Mankato

What Next?

What HE said So for this Man issue of River Valley Woman, I thought it would be fun to surrender my column to my husband, Brett. I mean, it’s only fair since he puts up with my venting about our life in a public forum on a near-monthly basis. Plus, he’s a pretty thoughtful guy, so I thought he could clear up some of the bewildering questions women have about men.

Lori: I’ve noticed men really like sports. Watching them. Talking about them. Playing them. Explain.

Brett: You ladies have beauty, clothes, and bodily events. We have sports.

Lori: Does the male nose have olfactory glands? I’ve noticed men seem to be immune to odors such as, poopy diapers, full garbage cans, themselves...

Brett: Men don’t do odors. We are too busy with your “honey-do” list to pay attention to the smells around us.

Lori: Does it ever scare you to have to be the one to kill the yucky bug?

Lori: What, exactly, is a video game?

Brett: ME SQUASH BUG!

Brett: Guaranteed alone time.

Lori: Do you ever feel sympathy for a guy friend, or is giving him crap and/or calling him a weenie guy language for “I feel for ya man?”

Lori: Do you ever ask yourself the question: “I wonder what she’s thinking?”

Brett: I actually generally ask you that question outright when I think it.

Admittedly, I am a little afraid of the answer as it is delivered.

Lori: What do guys talk about in a “man cave?”

Brett: (silence) Lori: Touché Lori: What’s so great about sex for guys anyways?

Brett: It’s like a kid in amusement park. Which ride can I go on first?

However, the price of admission is always much higher with sex. :-)

Brett: This is where a man truly shows his brilliance. Relaying the words to communicate a sense of masculinity while simultaneously relaying an empathetic type of body language. Even women miss that. We are good like that.

Lori: What’s with the male fetish with YouTube “Epic Fails Compilations?” Have you ever noticed those compilations are mainly made up of men epicly failing?

Brett: Everyone does stupid things, and it can be sort of comforting to know that your mistakes aren’t necessarily all that bad.

Lori: When you walk into a messy house, do you feel anything specific?

Lori: Are men actually capable of pooping without a cell phone? Is there an app for that?

Brett: Like messing up the bed as well (;

Brett: When else are we supposed to respond to the 17 text message questions women send each day? Time management.

Lori: Is there anything else, in your humble opinion, as the voice for all mankind in this month’s issue of River Valley Woman, that all men really wish women knew?

Lori: Why do men slap other men’s buns at sporting competitions?

Brett: For the same reason that women always go to the bathroom together.

Lori: Do all men know that universal handshake/slap/bump/hug thing that men do?

Lori: You’re terrible.

Brett: I think the one thing that we would want women to know is that we generally have more depth than we are given credit for, however, that doesn’t mean we are complicated.

Lori: That’s deep.

Brett: We have a keen awareness of boundaries and always know the most appropriate gesture for the moment and the person. It’s a guy thing.

Brett: That’s what she said.

Lori: Do all men just inherently enjoy the taste of beer?

by Lori Mathiowetz Riverbend Spiritual Care

Brett: Yes.

Lori: Walked right into that one (shakes head).

RV W

RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

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041681 249266

3.75”x2”

1217 South Broadway New Ulm, MN 56073 507-354-8586 or 800-228-6425 nicklassonathletic.com

River Valley Woman Connections Section

046049

CAN YOU

045400

Beauty ServiceS: ESCAPE?

(Provided in-studio and on-location)

619 S. frONt St. mANkAtO, mN 507-327-4045

Hairstyling (no cuts/colors), airbrush makeup & hair extensions by appt. only. in real life.

Book online; play om 326 S. Minnesota Ave. ca www.katoes pe.c Suite 2E St. Peter, MN 56082 038497UShEriNg iN A NEw ErA Of 046382

pamelahernandezbeauty.com iNtErACtivE ENtErtAiNmENt

507.327.6312

“I Believe in Putting My Clients first.”

Clark W. Diel

of Mankato, LLC 037247

1028 N Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507-380-9627 507-625-9375

clarkactionrealtymankato.com

Treasures. . .

Discover your treasure at the many fun and unique shops in our Minnesota River Valley communities! You never know what you might find... for a special gift, or just because.

Add a hint of vintage love and botanical flavor to your home with permanent (silk) succulent arrangements, and creative home decor items.

A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts 15 S. Broadway St., New Ulm, MN 507.359.9900

Man Cave Worthy La-Z-Boy offers an endless choice of comfortable & durable recliners, sectionals & couches. Over 900 fabrics & leathers to choose from. Find your look today at Larson’s Home Furnishings Redwood Falls • 800-585-8346 & Marshall • 800-310-6320 larsonfurniture.com

Yipes Stripes!

How cool are these striped shirts for summer? Pair them with jeans, shorts, or a skirt and you're set. Make them extra groovy for a rock & roll vibe, or dress them up with silver or gold jewelry for a dressy effect. They're bound to be your go-to's all season long.

Generations Boutique 326 South Minnesota Avenue St. Peter, Minnesota 507.934.7407 generationsboutiquemn.com

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Empower Yourself with Bent River Outfitter Ever wondered what it's like to walk on water? Bent River Outfitter is your local expert in stand up paddleboarding. If you fall, you get back up, just as you do in life.

Put a new twist on your yoga practice by taking it out onto the water. Your core muscles will thank you! Contact Bent River for SUP lesson information.

Bent River Outfitter bentriveroutfitter.com 507-388-2368

Welcome Summer!

For yourself, or for a special gift, you can usher in the season, and your guests with a wide array of florals and garden/patio art from Mary's Flowers 1213 S. Minnesota St. St. Peter, MN 507-931-4806 marysflowersstpeter.net

Fresh and Timeless Rooms and Rest is proud to announce the arrival of the fresh and timeless Magnolia Home line by Joanna Gaines. Her signature blend of eclectic and vintage elements is sure to enhance any space with easygoing elegance. Come and see the entire collection, exclusively at Rooms and Rest 1760 Madison Avenue Mankato, MN 56001 roomsandrest.com

Summer Fun for Ladies!

Enjoy a girls’ day (or night) or bring your family to New Ulm’s premier summer festival. Good music, good food and drink, and…. plenty of fun! July 15-17 “Pre-Fest” July 14 with rock bands!

Bavarian Blast 507-359-2222 www.bavarianblast.com

No more landscape mess!

Tired of landscaping only to have your rocks or mulch wreak havoc in your pool, yard or patio? Bond them in place with Landscape Loc! Bonds in 24 hours, safe for plants and pets.

Puhlmann Lumber & Design 301 1st S. St. New Ulm 507-354-4914 www.puhlmannlumber.com

Summer Ready!

Ease into spring and summer with this new patio set. 42" stonegate table with boulder top is accompanied by four swivel chairs covered in cocoa woven herringbone fabric.

Glowing Hearth & Home 241 St. Andrews Drive, Mankato, MN 507-345-8084

Allure Transitional Shades let you transition from the privacy of a window shade to the softened view of a sheer. You'll experience light control like none other.

Call Blinds & More to schedule your free in-home consultation today.

Blinds & More Window Coverings & Decor 424 Belgrade Avenue North Mankato, MN 56003 507-380-5019 blinds-more.com

Clocks, Art, Rugs & More!

Find a great selection of accessories at New Ulm Furniture Co. in Downtown New Ulm. Framed & canvas art, area rugs, ottomans, clocks, accessories, lamps and more are available in a variety of colors and styles. Add colorful decor to brighten up your home!

New Ulm Furniture 16 N. German St., Downtown New Ulm newulmfurniture.com 507-354-2716

Big Green Egg is the world’s largest producer of the highest-quality ceramic, charcoal cooking system. The Most Versatile outdoor cooking device is a Grill, an Oven and a Smoker! BGE can go from high temperature “steak house” grilling to baking bread, pizza, and pies better than your kitchen oven, and can even make tender, smoked ribs cooked at low heat for sixteen to eighteen hours. You may never cook indoors again!

DeGrood's Home Store 220 St. Andrews Drive Mankato, MN 507-388-9391 shopdegroods.com

Nordaas warehouse will prepare lumber and mill specifications for all the materials needed for home building and renovations/additions projects. Give us a call, or stop by and view our facilities and showroom. Whether you're a professional contract builder or a homeowner/contractor, Nordaas has the materials you need to start and finish your building project. For lumber/material or building package estimates contact Bruce at 800.658.7076.

Nordaas American Homes Design Center 10091 State Hwy. 22 Minnesota Lake, MN 56068 800-658-7076 nordaashomes.com

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Light up the night Add warmth to your outdoor space with the beautiful Rivers Edge Fire Pit Table. Made specifically for the great outdoors, this warm and glowing fire will become the place to gather with family and friends for years to come.

Glowing Hearth & Home 241 St. Andrews Drive, Mankato, MN 507-345-8084

Show your German pride!

Stop by the Visitor Center at 1 N Minnesota St to purchase "Germans Have More Fun" or New Ulm merchandise. Apparel, beer mugs, key chains, and more! Items to fit any price range ($2-$40).

New Ulm Chamber of Commerce 507-233-4300 info@newulm.com for more details.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | june • 2016

Radiant!

Cleansing is the essential first step in a healthy skin care ritual. The patented Clarisonic Sonic Cleansing Brush uses a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to deeply cleanse the skin far more effectively, yet more gently, than traditional superficial cleansing or simple rotating brushes. The result is noticeably smoother, more radiant skin.

Skin Essentials, Mankato Clinic Suite 400A, Madison East Center 1400 Madison Ave Mankato, MN, 56001 507-625-6599

Tee Time!

With a wide selection of high-quality apparel and headwear, the NUCC Pro Shop offers something for golfers and non-golfers alike. Come browse our large shoe inventory or try out our top-of-the-line golf equipment.

Check out our greens fee and membership specials.

New Ulm Country Club 1 Golf Drive New Ulm, MN 56073 507-354-8896

Take it easy!

Southern Motion high-legged recliner adds a twist of style with rivet accents.

Smooth, easy-to-care-for leather-like material means elegance and comfort.

Who says you can't have it all?

Hayden’s Furniture & Floorcovering 507-723-5415 14 East Central Springfield, MN 56087

Host a rock-star party with easy-to-do personalized decorations and a little help from Hy-Vee catering.

Choose from spreads such as tacos, meat sliders, barbecue and more. Then add all your grad's favorite sides! Cap off your celebration with a selection of delicious desserts and candies in festive colors.

This is your course in party planning the Hy-Vee way. You'll pass with flying colors!

Hy-Vee Hilltop 2010 Adams St., Mankato, MN 507.625.9070 Hy-Vee Riverfront 410 S. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, MN 507.625.1107

“iT’S THe BiggeST TickeT of THe SeASon!” Alpha Media is giving away a pair of

2016 Viking SeASon TickeTS & a Hot Tub from

Tailgate parties on Tuesdays & Thursdays beginning June 7.

Due to popular demand, BARgo will be played at all tailgate parties.

Multiple ways to qualify to win including scratch-offs with qualifying purchase of Miller Lite at participating liquor stores.

for more information and complete rules, tune in or log on to any of our four stations.

045368

A Woman’s Heart... a Guide for Men As this month’s issue of RVW is dedicated to men, this is an article for the men in our lives. Women sometimes have the reputation for being complicated, difficult to please and hard to understand. And while this may be true for all of us at times, the keys to a woman’s heart are actually quite simple. And let’s face it, if the woman in your life is happy, aren’t you happier?

Some keys to a woman’s heart: Compliment Her Does the woman in your life ever ask, “How does this dress look on me?” Don’t wait to give her a compliment only when she asks you how she looks. Tell her she looks nice when she is not expecting it.

Tell her how you feel Talk and share your thoughts with the woman in your life. Women don’t always want to do all of the talking and we want to know what you are thinking and feeling. You can talk about how your day was or your opinion on a world event that is happening. Just having a conversation is nice.

If you are not comfortable putting your thoughts and feelings into words, leave her notes around the house. I know someone who leaves his wife a note in the kitchen some mornings before he leaves for work simply saying, “I love you, I hope you have a good day.” I know another man who puts a note by his wife’s day planner telling her how proud he is of her and wishing her luck with a difficult task she has that day.

Little Things Mean a Lot Have you heard the saying, “Little things mean a lot?” I don’t know who said it but I believe it is true. Women don’t need grand gestures to feel appreciated and loved. It’s the little things that mean a lot to us. Open doors for her when you go out to restaurant or when you get into the car. Bring home a bouquet of flowers from the grocery store for no reason. Cook breakfast or supper for her unexpectedly.

Don’t take her for granted Notice the things that she does for you or your family and let her

know that you noticed. Thank her when she goes out of her way to do something special for you. Don’t assume that she knows or feels appreciated; tell her that you appreciate her.

Have Fun We all live stressful lives with lots of obligations but don’t forget to stop and have fun with the woman in your life. Make an effort to find activities that you both enjoy and go out on a regular basis. Give yourself permission to relax and not take yourself so seriously for a while.

Kiss her good night Sometimes when we have been in relationships for a long time, we stop showing our affection physically for the other person. Women want to know that their partner or spouse still feels affection and physical attraction for them. The next time you are in a store or walking down the street, take her hand and hold it. Before you go to bed each night take a moment and say good night and kiss her.

Remember the Important Dates Remember important dates and recognize them. You don’t have to buy an expensive gift or do something extravagant to make most women happy. Buy a card and or a box of candy (Unless she is trying to lose weight) or flowers for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions. Some of you might say, you want to remember these dates but are so busy that you sometimes forget them. Use your cell phone and record them into your calendar. Get in the habit of checking your cell phone’s calendar a couple of times a month to see what important date or event is coming up next. You can also set alerts on most cell phones to remind you of these dates.

Be Romantic Something attracted you to the woman in your life. Stop and remember what drew you to her in the first place. Make plans to recreate some of happy memories or make new ones. Pack a picnic basket and go for a drive on a sunny day. Having a regular date night also gives you time together as a couple.

So instead of diamonds and rubies, give the woman in your life your time, your attention and your support and her heart will be yours.

RVW Catherine Job MA, MBA, LPC Executive Director Sioux Trails Mental Health Center

Sweet Summertime.

Celebrate all that is summer with our wide selection of outdoor planters, flags, spinners, decorations and so much more.

Create love & memories with help from

1123 S. Minnesota Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 507-931-4806 www.marysflowersstpeter.net Business hours: Monday- Friday 8-6, Saturday 8-5, Sunday closed.

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Express Care Now Open

Mayo Clinic Health System Express Care is now open inside the Hilltop Hy-Vee store. This convenient walk-in clinic treats minor medical conditions seven days a week with no appointment necessary.

Services include: • Allergies • Bladder infections • Cold sores • Ear and eye infections

• • • •

Insect bites Minor burns Pregnancy testing Respiratory illness

• • • •

Sinus symptoms Sore throats Vaccines Vomiting and diarrhea

Mayo Clinic Health System Express Care 2010 Adams Street, Mankato (inside Hy-Vee grocery store) Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

mayoclinichealthsystem.org/carenow

046219

8”x10.2”

River Valley Woman June 2016

Saturday, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

D on’ t F or g e t !

FAT H E R ʼ S DAY

JUNE

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RECLINING FURNITURE UP TO 60% OFF SELECT RECLINERS!!!

ERGONOMIC RECLINING GENUINE LEATHER

CLASSIC DETAILS

POWER SETTINGS

FLEXSTEEL MILES POWER ROCKER RECLINER

GIVE DAD THE GIFT OF COMFORT U N PA R A L L E L E D Q UA L I T Y

Julio Power Recliner

Austin

Miles Glider Recliner

Locally Owned and Operated

1700 17th St NW

Mankato

1760 Madison Ave

www.roomsandrest.com

Skyler Power Glider Recliner

New Ulm

1704 N. State St

Rooms and Rest

046226