RVW August 2016

Dare!

Women Who

Pilots Amy Dahlheimer & Jessica Adams

take flight

Rivervalleywoman.com

Becky Stoecker’s

got the drive!

Penny Mathiowetz

“hogs” the road FREE!

AUGUST 2016 • Volume 4 • Issue 3

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contents

Publisher New Century Press Chief Operating Officer Jim Hensley

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{{ august

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2016

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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 Designer Amy Leuthold

Lather, Rinse, Repeat Editor’s Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Dahlheimer and Adams: Learning To Fly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Becky Stoecker: She’ll Wreck You! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Penny Mathiowetz: 10-Year Itch for Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Make Someone Smile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Knowledge is Power for Alzheimer’s Caregivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Eight Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy and Sharp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Make Strides Against Breast Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Strut Your Stuff Fashion Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Dare to Finde Your Date On-line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

River Valley Woman Magazine New Ulm & Mankato, MN 507.354.6158

SPACES: Little Garden Oasis on the Prairie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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Redwood Area: Take it In! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Garden Gal: Yes, We Can! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

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

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Helping Your Graduate Get Organized for College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Taste of the River Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

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Suze Orman: Teach Your Children Well Part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Connections Business Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Keep Cool While Exercising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Are You Sabotaging Your Sleep? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

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Lather, Rinse, Repeat

Eileen Madsen Editor

I dare you

to read this issue of

I dare say, one thing I do like is cars. I grew up around them, and my dad was

RVW without getting fired up to take on a

a mechanic and a 1967 demolition derby champion. Then married a car guy

new challenge. Perhaps buy a motorcycle or sports car and hit the open road. Maybe go sky-diving or zip-lining. Or how about simply daring to put down your smart phone for a while and see some nature before you walk face first into a woodpecker.

How dare you? I mean that literally, as in how do you dare? Do you go on solo vacations?

Water ski? Eat food past its expiration date?

blast, but crashing— not so much. However, that is the whole idea for multitrophy derby winner Becky Stoecker, who takes to the demo track for just that reason. Don’t you dare get in her way!

When Penny Mathiowetz hogs the road she does so on two wheels. She and her Harley Davidson motorcycle make life a trip, all across the U.S. Hang on as she takes us along for the ride.

I have dreams of daring-do, if that counts. I’m on the very top of a building or other precarious circumstance, and have to go through some odd contortions

I admit I am not really very daring. At least

to get down, such as squeezing myself through a half-my-size trapdoor. Or...

insofar as personal safety. Which is too bad

and here is my favorite (and oddly my sister has the same dream)...I have to

because at times I really do want to run and

put in my contact lenses, but they are either made of paraffin wax or they are

joyfully jump off a dock into the water, like I

the size of dinner plates. BUT, I make it work! No matter what nonsense I am

used to when I was 8. But the fear of losing

faced with, I know I can do it, and I do. Next I’m driving in a blizzard and I can’t

my contacts to the murky depths of the lake

see but still make it home without going into the ditch. Wait, that has actually

makes my highly myopic self hesitate. That and slivers. And duck itch.

The women featured this month are those who dare to fly, drive and ride their way

happened, never mind. So maybe we are more daring than we think just getting through every day.

Being a dare devil on wheels or wings is one thing, but what about the other demons we face? Our second installment of Making Strides Against Breast

through life. Our daring duo on the cover are

Cancer explains what the American Cancer Society does. One such program is

pilots Amy Dahlheimer and Jessica Adams.

the “Road to Recovery” which provides free transportation to and from breast

They recently competed in a cross country

cancer treatments. No guarantees it would be on a Harley however.

air race, as well as confronted the naysayers about their choice of careers. Sometimes it’s flying in the face of those who say we can’t that is the most daring. And rewarding.

6

and through osmosis have become a car girl. Driving our variety of vehicles is a

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

So —truth or dare?

DARE: Life is short. At the risk of losing my plate-sized contacts, I’m going to run down the dock and jump in feet first. Slivers and duck itch be damned.

049824

Pilot Amy Dahlheimer

Dahlheimer & Adams

take flight in cross country race

By Kelly DeVriendt Photos by Judy Dahlheimer

Despite the limited number of role models for women in aviation in their childhood, Amy Dahlheimer and Jessica Adams knew they wanted to fly.

Today, according to Women in Aviation International, women comprise only 6.6% of the industry’s professionals. Adams believes one of the reasons for this is that girls are not told that it is even an option for them to think about becoming a pilot.

“I don’t believe there is enough exposure for women in the industry. That is why this competition is so important,” Adams said of the 40th Annual Air Race Classic. It is a 2,500 mile race from Prescott, Arizona to Daytona Beach, Florida.

8

Pilot Jessica Adams

Now on the threshold of a career in flying, these two women had drastically different launching points.

Dahlheimer, at age 2, told her parents, “I’m going to fly airplanes someday.” Plagued afterward with doubt and questions, she almost didn’t realize that childhood dream.

“I received a lot of discouragement,” said Dahlheimer. Her high school counselor advised her not to pursue aviation, warning her of the math involved. Others voiced concern on such a job’s effect on raising a family and living a “regular” life.

“My interest in aviation was always questioned,” she said Dahlheimer had planned to go to college at Bethel University and major in psychology. Her dream, however, refused to fade away. It was nudged further with a job she took just before college: a nanny for a woman pilot.

“At the start, I didn’t know she was a pilot and she didn’t know I had an interest in aviation. It definitely wasn’t a coincidence,” said Dahlheimer.

The competition took place in June with each team made up of women between 18 and 90 years old.

“I knew deep down that flying was what I wanted to do,” she said.

Seeing another woman have a family, while also being a pilot, helped put to rest some doubt and two weeks before school started, Dahlheimer changed her mind about Bethel. She began looking for an aviation program.

This flight was in many ways a validation of what Dahlheimer and Adams have accomplished. It was also an event they hope will inspire more girls to see flying as a career option.

Jessica Adams, on the other hand, did not face the same early discouragement. A self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, she grew up around planes. “My mom had her pilot’s license and my parents

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

Learning

Fly to

always said, ‘Go for it’,” she said.

It was while in her junior year of high school, after attending an aviation camp, that Adams committed to pursuing an education and career in flying.

“I knew as a little kid that I wanted to fly,” said Adams, “The Minnesota ACE camp was a turning point for me.”

Dahlheimer and Adams both ended up at the only four-year school for aviation left in the state of Minnesota­—Minnesota State University-Mankato. Now seniors, they met at orientation and became fast friends.

They will both graduate this December in a class of 150, only 10 of which are women. Both have heard disparaging comments about women as pilots on occasion.

One that stood out was, “It was the Wright brothers, not the Wright sisters.”

Such comments only made both Adams and Dahlheimer more determined to excel.

One of their professors, Darrin Smith, recognized their potential and approached them about competing in an air race. “It is a very team-based contest and he thought we would be a good team,” Adams said.

work for the team. “There actually was not a lot of flying to prepare. It was more paperwork, fund raising and delegating,” Dahlheimer said.

Adopting the team name, The Wright Women, they embarked on the four-day flight. The path included nine different legs lasting about two to two-and-a-half hours each, totaling about 20 hours.

They were only allowed to fly during daylight hours.

Both Dahlheimer and Adams stated that the most challenging part of the competition was flying over the mountains. “It was a different atmosphere than training flights that we were not used to,” Adams said.

“The high altitude made it difficult. The engines didn’t have enough power to make the climb,” said Dahlheimer, “It was very stressful.”

“It wasn’t about winning,” Dahlheimer said, “I competed because I want other girls to know they can do it too.”

Working under such pressure allowed both to grow as pilots. “We had to take everything we learned and apply,” Adams said.

“We had to figure out how to fly with a partner. How to fly as equals and consider the other’s comfort levels to make sure we both felt safe. It gave a lot of insight on how flying with a crew will be some day,” Dahlheimer said.

This flight contest for women required a great deal of preparation

To make up for lost time navigating the mountains, the women

s

Dahlheimer and Adams agreed to be the first team from MSU to enter the 40th Annual Air Race Classic. They added Lauren Hensley and Allie Rachko who served as the ground crew.

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

9

Pilot Jessica Adams, ground crew team Lauren Hensley and Allie Rachko, and pilot Amy Dahlheimer.

made the most of day two, taking off at 6:30 a.m. and landing at 8:30 p.m. The daily deadline was 8:45 p.m.

At the end, The Wright Women placed 35th out of 55 teams. They earned the 4th fastest time for one of the legs.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of the Mama Birds,” Adams said. The Mama Birds are women who have worked in the aviation industry. Many have previously flown in the race. They acted as mentors assisting the teams through their flight.

and allows her the opportunity to see what makes the airline run.

After graduation, she plans on returning to Mankato to build the flight hours needed to advance her career. “I would ultimately like to come back to United and be a Check Airman,” Dahlheimer said.

Adams, too, plans on working as a flight instructor to build needed hours. “I will decide from there,” she said. “I am leaning toward pursuing work with a regional airline.”

“It was so great to see women who have successful careers in the field,” Dahlheimer said.

Both women say that the industry is becoming a more womenfriendly environment. Both also hope that by participating in the air race, they will inspire other young girls to pursue their dreams.

After the contest, Dahlheimer began an internship at United Airlines in the network operations center. This puts her behind the scenes

“It wasn’t about winning,” Dahlheimer said, “I competed because I want other girls to know they can do it too.” RV W

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Demolition derby is a motorsport usually presented at county fairs and festivals.

While rules vary from event to event, the typical demolition derby consists of five or more drivers competing by deliberately ramming their vehicles into one another. The last driver whose vehicle is still operational is awarded the victory.

- from Wikipedia

15 t derby at the 20 the Friday nigh in r take ca to g ck in ba ok e lo for best t, she cam won the trophy early that nigh t er ou ck d oe ke St y oc ck kn Be e was ay.

Fair. Though sh pionship Saturd Nicollet County ird in the cham th d an ff pu r wde second in the po

Demolition derby driver Becky Stoecker

She’ll Wreck You!

By Ruth Klossner “On first guess, I’d say I’ve wrecked maybe 40 cars,” Becky Stoecker said.

In her case, that’s not really a bad thing—it’s just what she does.

For 15-some years, Nicollet resident Becky Stoecker has climbed behind the wheel, taken to the pits, and dished out hard hits—on competing demolition derby cars. It’s a family tradition that she picked up from her parents, Tony and Karen Liebl, and that she’s now passing on to her kids.

Why do they do it?

“It’s fun, it’s a good way to relieve stress, and it’s legal,” Stocker explained. And, undoubtedly, it gets the adrenalin flowing!

12

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

Tony started driving demo cars when he was in his 20s and Karen soon joined him. She quit driving when Becky, sisters Tammy and Anna, and brother Perry began driving—but Tony still drove in a derby as recently as 2014.

Becky took to the event when she was 15 and has only missed three years since—the years that she was pregnant with her children. Daughter Hailey, now 15, is an avid driver. Daughter Leah, 14, hasn’t caught the bug but son Dominic—soon to be 12—is looking forward to getting started. The kids’ dad, Ray Stoecker, was driving before he and Becky met and continues to do so.

At 15, Hailey has already been driving two years and won the

rby evening’s demo de Heading to Friday y ck Be ir, Fa ty t Coun at the 2015 Nicolle n d great— and it wo ke loo r ca r’s ke Stoec s ha y ck looking car. Be the trophy for best d rte sta e sh ce ber “36” sin run under the num at th r be m nu a k to pic driving. Drivers try e d generally keep th an ve ha n’t do rs othe after year. same number year

powder-puff heat at the Nicollet County Fair last year—after her mom was eliminated.

“That was my biggest and most recent memorable occasion—getting knocked out early and being able to sit and watch Hailey take first,” Becky said. “I did come back the next evening, placed second in the powderpuff, and third in the championship.”

Powder puff classes—for women only—are getting harder to come by. The Nicollet County Fair at St. Peter is one of only a few that still has them.

At the rest of the derbies, the women run with the guys—but that doesn’t intimidate Stoecker who has dished out hard hits and has dozens of trophies to prove it.

Although Becky admits that she’s usually sore, has quite a few bruises, and had a concussion once after competing, many precautions are taken to keep drivers safe.

That all starts with the rule that it’s illegal to deliberately hit another car on the driver’s door.

Cars are selected and prepared to make them as safe as possible. All glass is removed, an inside cage is installed so doors can’t cave in, doors are welded or wired shut, a cage is built across the top, extra welding or plating is put on the frame, gas tanks are removed and replaced with a tank behind the driver’s seat, and back seats, carpets, door handles, lights, and anything else that could fly off and hurt someone are removed.

Becky Stoecker has collec ted a shelf full of trophies in her years of demolition derby drivin g. Her favorites are three she ear ned for “hardest hits.”

e by the Stoecker’s car didn’t quite look the sam done! were ies derb time the Nicollet County Fair

In true demo derby talk, Stocker also mentioned more ways to strengthen the cars. “Welding A-arms, chaining the humps, tilting, hard nose the bumper, engine cradle, changing body bolts, and slider drive shaft,” she said.

Building a demo car takes a lot of preparation and work, but it’s work that demo derby fanatics gladly put in—once they’re found the right car.

Drivers generally prefer old iron cars from the 1960s and 1970s—from the days before plastic fenders and other parts. As time passes, and with the demand for demo cars, it’s getting harder to find old cars that still run. Stoecker and boy friend Ryan Herzog scour junk yards and Facebook listings—and have gone as far as Hope, Kansas to get a car. They look for cars with no rust and a strong frame.

haven’t driven one yet,” Stocker added.

Although fan interest in demo derbies shows no sign of declining, the difficulty in getting cars has resulted in a downturn in driver interest.

“When my parents ran the St. Peter derby for years, they used to have three or four 15-car heats, a powder puff heat, plus the consolation and championship. Now there’s only one old iron heat—but they’ve brought in trucks and mini-vans, and there will be a team show—with teams of four cars working against other teams—this year.

They’re bringing in new things to create interest,” Stocker said.

Stoecker has a game plan for a successful run. When the flag drops and the heat starts, she tends to go after the more known drivers who have driven the longest.

“Rookies tend to take themselves out early—except Hailey, when she won the powder puff,” Becky said.

“You definitely want to stay on the move. I tend to go for tire shots to break axles.”

“It’s fun, it’s a g ood way to relieve stress, and it’s leg al”

Stoecker’s favorite car was a Chrysler Fifth Avenue. “I liked it. A lot of girls had bigger cars.

The Fifth Avenue was smaller and was quicker to get around,” she explained.

With the shortage of older cars, drivers are turning to 1980s and 1990s, especially Crown Victorias and Lincolns.

“The 2003 and 2004 Crown Vics are supposed to be very strong, too, though I

Stoecker has a lot of memories from the many derbies she’s driven in. Among them was the year of the downpour at the Nicollet County Fair when it rained so hard that the derby was halted in mid-heat—and finished

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

13

the next day in knee-deep mud. Becky remembers another downpour in Britt, Iowa. That time the derby went on, as there was no lightning.

“Most derbies are rain or shine, but lightning calls it,” she explained.

Another fond memory was driving trucks in a derby with her dad in 2014. She also remembers several May derbies when the snow flew and temperatures were very cold including one in Albert Lea that was hit by a foot of snow the day before the derby.

Stoecker has competed in as many as six derbies in a year.

So far this year, she’s run at Winter-Slam in Garden City in February, Crossroads of Destruction in Albert Lea in May, and the Mapleton Town & Country Days Derby in June.

Stoecker also ran at Nicollet’s Friendship Days derbies held from 2005 to 2014— but discontinued when the new highway claimed the demo pit; Thompson and Britt, Iowa; Albert Lea; and in Wisconsin.

She’ll run at least twice in the coming week—Wednesday, August 10 at the

Brown County Fair and Friday the 12th at the Nicollet County Fair.

Each fair has a second derby on Saturday the 13th. Depending on how her cars fare, she may run again in one of those. “It will depend on my car, how much is left of it, and how much it will take to fix it,” she explained.

Stoecker is getting a 1977 Oldsmobile ready for the St. Peter fair and a 1980s Lincoln for New Ulm. Her dad is building a 1980s Ford for Hailey. While not everyone paints their demo cars, Becky and Hailey do. Becky usually goes with a Disney or Pixar movie theme— with her favorite color being purple.

Stoecker’s most unusual award is a plate for best paint job, won at the Crossroads of Destru ction in May 2010 at Albert Lea.

Though she’s not revealing all the details for this year’s paint job, it won’t be purple. “I generally don’t tell what my theme is, but it’s Lion King this year,” she said. “Hailey makes her designs with painter’s tape, spray painting across that. We’ll fight over who will have the best looking paint job.”

Becky has won numerous awards for best

Go

paint job—and takes pride in having a good-looking car, before she goes out and smashes it up.

The trophies that Stocker is most proud of, however, aren’t for best looking. They’re the ones for “hardest hits” as Becky isn’t afraid to dish out the damage.

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transformative power of prayer. There have been times, according to Penny, when she has really needed it.

At 20 years old, Penny married Ken Mathiowetz.

As a young married couple, they rode a motorcycle together. For 14 years, they rode in tandem, Ken at the helm, and Penny on the back. During that time, Penny’s 30th birthday presented itself, and she was up for a new challenge. So she got busy at Dungeon’s Gym with bodybuilding, and entered the competition circuit, bringing home trophies from three different competitions.

“It seems like every ten years, there’s something new I want to try,” said Penny. When she was 39, motorcycle classes were being offered at the public school. Penny took the classes and bought a 350 Honda that got her through a season of driving her own machine. Then she really invested and ordered a Harley 1200 Custom Sportster.

“It was my time to ride,” she said.

Penny Mathiowetz:

10-Year Itch for Adventure She was raised in Sleepy Eye, where she currently lives with her husband Ken, of 40 years. There, they also raised two children, now grown and married with their own children.

Penny never wants to be “too tired” or too “old and hunched over” to be able to live her life fully, so she exercises every morning and also works out at the local gym. Even after turning 60, she says her energy level hasn’t declined.

In 2002, they made a 4500-mile trip through New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming and Utah that would prove to be as terrifying as it was fun. In Utah they hit a blinding sand storm. Penny could barely see Ken’s tail lights, but she continued forward, one hand on her helmet, and one on the handlebar of her 750-pound bike. She rode and prayed, as it then began to rain. When they finally hit a small town, hours later, they were sloughing off wet sand all around them as they went looking for a “room at the inn.” The sand had also penetrated the leather saddle bag on Penny’s bike, the luggage inside, and her clean clothing. When the storm ended, they had to take their bikes to a car wash and hosed all the sand away before heading out again.

“I try to be healthy, but I also want to be able to enjoy life,” she says when talking about her love of desserts. Penny went back to working full time a year ago at Bic Graphic, where she puts in long days in the plant, lifting and exerting herself. Working in her garden brings Penny relaxation, and she also believes in the

Cruising through Yellowstone at dusk, a deer darted in front of Penny and missed her bike by not much more than an inch. She didn’t have time to react, so she just had to let it happen. A gentleman who saw it happen thought Penny handled the situation really well, like a very seasoned rider. Apparently her sense of panic

by Dana Miller

H

ow many times have the questions been asked over the years... Who do you admire? Who is your role model?

So often the answer comes in the form of a television or movie celebrity, a person of great societal influence, or a long-dead hero or heroine of history.

However, we may have a tendency to bypass our neighbors when considering those whose choices or characteristics we might like to see in our own lives. Those who “dare greatly” as Teddy Roosevelt once said.

Penny (Schewe) Mathiowetz is one such person who seeks to live her life to the fullest, dares to make changes and take on new things.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

Each year, the couple reserves the weekend after the Fourth of July to head out on an adventure.

They don’t pre-arrange anything, such as hotels or gas stops. They may want to spend more time in one place than another, and since they both ride for enjoyment, they don’t want to be held up or stopped short by reservations or other scheduling considerations. They just want to ride.

didn’t show on the outside, but she certainly felt it.

Yellowstone delivered another challenge: A herd of buffalo on the road.

“We just had to freeze and wait,” said Penny. “They can charge you, so the best plan was to stop and be still until they chose to leave on their own.”

A trip to the Black Hills turned out to be just as scary. They were ascending a peak on a narrow mountain road when Penny’s bike wouldn’t shift down and began to roll backward. She was yelling for Ken, who turned around and told her to ‘Give ‘er hell!’ She tried to gun it, but she continued backward toward a spot where she would go right off the edge, and it was straight down from there. Suddenly, the bike cooperated and went forward.

Penny Trivia Jobs: Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, Advertising Unlimited Inc., Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch, Patterson’s Diamond Center in New Ulm, Bic Graphic in New Ulm. Hobbies: Gardening, taking pictures, solving Sudoku puzzles, riding motorcycle.

Advice: Don’t ride a motorcycle too close to a semi; you could get sucked under.

Color: The blue sky and green grasses of the Colorado mountains. The waters sparkle like diamonds.

Food: I am a soup connoisseur. I have a great recipe for corn chowder. Soups, salads, and desserts!

Role models: Two friends from the Mary Kay organization. They are upbeat, positive people with a belief in others and faith in God. Guilty pleasure: George Clooney isn’t too bad.

Penny now rides a Harley Heritage Softail Classic, which she purchased new in 2001.

It gives a smoother ride and has a more comfortable seat for long rides. She loves the impromptu parades at Sturgis, South Dakota.

“The expensive, gorgeous upgrades made by bike owners are unbelievable,” said Penny.” The tricked-out cycles have funky fabric covering the seats, gold bull horns embellishing the front, and so many fun additions to see. We don’t need to go every year but will probably go again next year.”

When Penny turned 50, she planned to jump out of an airplane. She didn’t do it, but now that she is 60, she is thinking about it again. Why? Every 10 years she gets the itch to do something new.

Parachuting is next. However this new adventure unfolds, she will have done it daring greatly. RV W

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A to Zinnia

“Makes Someone Smile” A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts in New Ulm, which is part of the Minndakota Unit of Teleflora, joined thousands of Teleflora local member florists across the country for make Someone Smile Week, the floral industry’s most popular initiative of the year. The program ran from July 1723 and is a joint venture led by local Teleflora member florists. They volunteer their time to create and deliver “Be Happy Bouquets” to patients at hospitals, nursing home and assisted living home residents and recipients of meals through Meals-on-Wheels programs.

Teleflora donates the keepsake Be Happy Mugs to participating florists.

“The impact this makes on people is outstanding,” said Heather. “We all receive so many smiles, thank yous, tears of joy and thank you cards for weeks after the event that it makes me want to do more and more bouquets every year. I love how the community pulls together and so many people that volunteer their time to make and deliver the bouquets is wonderful.”

The joyful floral arrangements created in the Be Happy Mugs feature a variety of flowers in bright colors. Be Happy Bouquets were donated to local

organizations including Oak Hills Nursing Home & Assisted Living, Orchard Hills, Ridgeway on German, Ridgeway on 23rd, Woodstone Senior Living, MBW Company, Meals on Wheels & Senior Dining in New Ulm, Divine Providence and Sleepy Eye Care Center in Sleepy Eye. They partnered with St Paul’s Lutheran Church Men’s Bible Study group, MBW Company Staff, Meals on Wheels volunteers, Milford 4-H Club to help distribute the bouquets.

Customers of A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts volunteered to help arrange and deliver them.

Heather Hacker Hammer from A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts is the current Chairperson for the Minndakota Unit of Teleflora. Their primary goal is to help provide educational programs for the area florists. The unit puts on two educational design programs a year, one in Minneapolis and one in Sioux Falls South Dakota. Heather has been involved in the board and make someone smile week for three years.

This year A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts made 684 mugs and as a Minndakota Unit assembled 1008 mugs. Other florists in the Minndakota Unit also participated in this event. RV W

Above: Residents of Ridgeway Gracious Senior Living received Be Happy Mugs from the Milford 4-H Club volunteers.

At Left: Heather Hacker Hammer of A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts is shown with a Be Happy Mug.

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For Alzheimer’s caregivers, knowledge is power Michael Snowden was just 12 and his sister 16 when their mother began to exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Although they didn’t receive a definitive diagnosis until seven years later, the need to assume caregiving roles while still in their teens profoundly affected their lives.

“Not many people understood the disease or how to take care of her,” Michael says. “We did not really understand the disease ourselves after the diagnosis. Eventually, my sister and I had to take over the caregiving responsibilities. Our lives quickly changed.”

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is set to triple over the next 35 years.

“Create moments of joy by doing the small things like sitting and watching TV together, listening to their favorite song or even just dancing...”

“Unless something is done to change its course, the Alzheimer’s crisis will continue impacting not only the millions of Americans currently living with the disease, but their caregivers, friends and family,” says Ruth Drew, director of family and information services for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Caregiving can become anyone’s reality. As the prevalence of the disease increases, more people from all walks of life, economic strata and ages will find themselves helping to support someone with Alzheimer’s in the coming years.”

Approximately two-thirds of caregivers are adult women - typically wives or daughters of people with Alzheimer’s. A growing number of teenagers and men, however, are finding themselves in a full-time caregiving role.

“Facing early-onset Alzheimer’s when my wife, Chris, was in her mid-40s was devastating,” recalls Mark Donham, whose wife passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2011 at the age of 54. “Since we did not have extended family nearby, I decided that I would quit my job and care for Chris full time. We had to live on savings, knowing our financial future would be difficult.”

In addition to financial burdens, Alzheimer’s caregivers can become so focused on their role that they neglect their own physical, mental, financial and emotional well-being. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, 20 percent of care contributors sacrificed their own medical care by cutting back on doctor visits.

“My biggest challenge was trying to figure out ‘how to take care of yourself’ as your loved one declines,” Donham says. For caregivers, he advises, “Be sure to take active steps to take care of yourself so that you can be the best possible caregiver for your loved one.”

With more people becoming primary caregivers, the resources provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are more critical than ever. Across the country, Alzheimer’s Association chapters provide face-to-face services such as support groups and educational sessions within communities.

A professionally staffed 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) provides information and advice to more than 300,000 callers each year. Recognizing the growing diversity of Alzheimer’s caregivers, the Helpline also provides translation services in more than 200 languages. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center, part of alz.org, offers a wealth of caregiving tips and resources at every stage of the disease. Online message boards and forums allow caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges to share information, resources and find support at any time of day or night.

Support and information can be empowering, the Snowdens and Donham say.

“Understand the disease,” Shanelle Snowden says. “Once you are able to educate yourself on the disease, you will be able to cope better and you will be able to take care of your loved one better.”

Donham learned from others in the same situation. “Early on in Chris’ disease, I developed coping strategies,” Donham says. “I came to accept the disease, got connected to a support group, and educated myself as to the course of the disease and what help I would need to make sure Chris had the best care possible.”

For people facing the task of becoming an Alzheimer’s caregiver, Donham and Snowden offer some advice: Act early, before symptoms become severe.

“Face the diagnosis, and use the earliest times to get legal and financial matters in order,” Donham says. “Connect with a support group so that you are not alone on the journey.”

The Alzheimer’s Navigator helps those facing the disease to determine their needs and develop an action plan. In addition to planning for the future, knowing the diagnosis early also enables the person with Alzheimer’s to get the maximum benefit from available treatments and participate in clinical studies that help advance research. Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies.

“Cherish each and every moment with your loved one,” Michael Snowden says. “Create moments of joy by doing the small things like sitting and watching TV together, listening to their favorite song or even just dancing.

It will be something you’ll always remember about that person, and not the negative things that come with the disease. Other people out there are going through the same thing. Remember, this was not a curse put upon you or your loved one; it is something that is making you a stronger person.”

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and resources for caregivers, visit www.alz.org. RVW

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&

8 Ways to Keep Your Brain

Healthy Sharp

The brain is the body’s most complex organ. It’s also the most important one. That’s why keeping it healthy is critical, especially as you age. Every day, scientists are discovering how closely our minds and bodies are connected. As it turns out, the things that you do to keep your body and heart healthy may also be good for your brain.

Incorporate these eight healthy habits and activities into your daily life to help you optimize brain health and stay sharp in the years ahead.

Get Moving Physical activity is good for your health at every age. Studies show being active is associated with a lower risk of brain issues. Whether it’s nightly walks, playing with the grandkids or taking your favorite yoga class, find an activity that meets your needs and gets your heart pumping for at least 30 minutes every day.

Eat to Thrive The antioxidants in nutrient-dense foods like berries, broccoli and legumes, including some fats such as olive oil, may lower some risks to your brain. Try eating a healthy, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with lots of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice.

Know Your Blood Pressure High blood pressure can have serious effects on your brain health. If your blood pressure is high, get it under control. It may help reduce some risks to your brain.

Drink Moderately How the body handles alcohol can change with age. Some older adults can feel “high” without increasing the amount of alcohol they drink. This

can make them more likely to become confused or have accidents. So limit the amount of alcohol you drink – or don’t drink it at all.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep Poor sleep, or inadequate sleep, due to issues such as insomnia or sleep apnea, doesn’t just leave you feeling tired. It can have serious physical effects and can impact memory and thinking, too. Get comfy and go to bed. Seven to eight hours is a good night’s rest.

Discover a New Talent When you learn new things, you engage your brain. Try something you haven’t done before – learning French, ballroom dancing or carpentry, for example. Challenging your brain on a regular basis is fun and beneficial.

Stay Connected Science has shown that regular engagement in social activities can help reduce some risks to your brain. Stay connected and invite family or friends over for a healthy meal, go on a hike together or just hang out.

Talk to Your Doctor As you age, some changes in brain function, including short-term memory, happen more frequently than when you were younger. If you have questions or are concerned, ask your doctor at your next appointment.

For more tips on keeping your brain healthy and thriving, visit BrainHealth.gov. RV W

Caregiver Family Checklist The most loving gift a person can give to one’s family is to put your affairs in order before a disaster or medical emergency.

beneficiary as stated on the policies and type of insurance (health, life, long term care, automobile, etc). n Deed and titles to ALL property. n Loan/lien information, who holds them and if there are any death provisions.

To assist in providing that gift, following is a checklist for family caregivers. The information and documents you should have prepared:

n Social Security and Medicare numbers.

n All bank accounts, account numbers and types of accounts and the location of banks.

n Up-to-date will in a safe place (inform family where the Will is located).

n Insurance Company, policy number,

n Living Will or other Advanced Directive

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RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

n Military history, affiliations and papers (including discharge papers).

appropriate to your state of residence. n Durable Power of Attorney. n Instructions for funeral services and burial (if arrangements have been secured, name and location of funeral home.) RV W Information adapted from article in the Caregiver Newsletter, Thursday, January 03, 2013 - Issue #620.

If you would like more information on “Caregiver Family Checklist” feel free to contact Gail Gilman-Waldner, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus – University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu.

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Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Part two of four in a series by Annette Perry According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer in women, right behind lung cancer. Breast cancer massively affects the lives of those diagnosed, their caretakers, families, friends, and employers. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer raises much-needed funds to help fuel the American Cancer Society in easing the burdens of those suffering.

How to Get Involved The main event is a short walk on a Saturday morning in Spring Lake Park, coming up on October 8, and they are kicking things off with a luncheon on Tuesday, August 16 at the Courtyard Marriott in Mankato. Doors open at 11:30 and will include inspirational and informative speakers. The kick-off luncheon provides an opportunity for organizations and individuals alike to learn more about sponsoring, volunteering, and forming teams for this non-competitive walk. Amanda Pilger, ACS Special Events Community Manager, is happy to help anyone with questions on how to help or get involved.

She agrees that everyone touched by this vicious disease deserves a helping hand, and the sooner the Strides Walk gains momentum, the more this vision is fulfilled.

How to Learn More What does the American Cancer Society (ACS) do with the money?

The funds are essentially routed down three main avenues: innovative breast cancer research, numerous patient support programs, and risk reduction.

The ACS is a nongovernmental, non-profit organization, leading the way to finding better ways to screen, diagnose, fight, and prevent breast cancer. The ACS invests in ground-breaking cancer research, and the treatments that have developed over the years are saving lives. For example, the ACS helped support the scientists who discovered Tamoxifen, a widely-used drug that helps reduce the occurrence of the disease in women who are high-risk. According to cancer.org, the ACS allocates more funds to breast cancer research than to any other type of cancer research.

“The ACS is in every community, providing free and comprehensive information and support to those who are affected by breast cancer,” said Amanda Pilger.

Pilger tells us one of the most helpful programs is a 1-800 hotline, mostly because it connects people to all the different programs they may need. The hotline also helps answer the myriad questions that may come up when one has recently received a diagnosis. Even if they need help sorting out their understandable flood of emotions, the hotline is equipped to deal with it. Another great feature of the hotline is that it links people to another remarkable program called the “Road to Recovery,” which is a service that provides breast cancer patients free transportation to and from treatments.

The ACS also helps provide breast cancer patients a free place to stay via The Hope Lodge. There are two in the state of Minnesota, one in Rochester, and one in the Twin Cities. The Hope Lodge is a home away from home. When a cancer patient is sickened from their chemo treatments or recovering from surgery, and far away from home, they need a nurturing place to stay, free of charge. The Hope Lodge allows breast cancer patients to connect with others going through similar experiences while they focus on one thing: healing.

The ACS provides coping resources for those who are caregivers to breast cancer patients. Many survivors have mentioned they felt their caregivers went through just as much of an ordeal as they did as patients undergoing treatment. It can be devastating to watch and look after a loved one as they go through excruciating pain. The Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk encourages caretakers to attend the walk, as it can be just an empowering experience for them as well.

The ACS reports a decrease in cancer death rates and attributes it to earlier detection and better treatment. Breast cancer is typically easier to treat when caught early, and the ACS provides free screening

s

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RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

continued on page 29

Bringing Culinary Excellence

Together to Help Babies In 1997, March of Dimes Director Martha Robinson had a plan. With her passion and leadership, the first Chef’s Auction was organized and it raised $15,170. By the end of the 10th year – the event had raised a total of $508,557. After the 2015 event, the collective total hit $1,557, 271.

Julie Vetter & Mindy Annis Event co-chairs

2016 Ambassador Family, Jared, Maria, Noah, & Shandy Weimert.

Photo courtesy of Malwitz Photography.

20 Anniversary th

March of DiMes chefs auction september 15, 2016

Minnesota State University – Mankato Centennial Student Union 5:30 – 7:30 Tasting Reception Entertainment by Betty & Ocho 7:30 Program & Live Auction Tickets - $125 Presenting sPonsor

Julie Vetter & Mindy Annis are co-chairs for this year’s event, and they believe there are lots of reasons to celebrate! “Over the years, there have been countless volunteers who have shared their time and talents to support the March of Dimes’ mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and premature births. This event could not be possible without the strong support of the Mankato community – including volunteers, chefs, and sponsors” says Mindy.

“Giving every baby a healthy start is very important to my family” says Julie. “We were blessed with three healthy children. When our first granddaughter arrived, she was very premature. Zariah was so tiny, weighing in at just 1 pound and 4 ounces. To see her now as a thriving 10-year old - is amazing. While Zariah is legally blind, it doesn’t slow her down. She is active and loves school, horses, and wolves. Zariah talks about becoming a veterinarian.”

Since 1999, 26,101 babies have been born at MCHS Mankato. Statistically in Minnesota, 10-11% of babies are born too soon. This would translate to between 2,601 to 2,871 premature births right here in Greater Mankato.

Funds raised at Chef’s Auctions across the nation allow the March of Dimes to continue important research that impacts babies born locally. Since 2004, the March of Dimes has awarded nearly $28 million in Prematurity Research Initiative grants.

Tickets and sponsorships for this year’s event are available by contacting the March of Dimes new director for the Mankato region, Judy Beetch at 507-317-7244 or online at www.marchofdimes.org/minnesota

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Making Strides Against Breast Cancer continued from page 22 reminders. Men get breast cancer too: out of the over 41,000 deaths in 2015, according to cancer.org, one percent were male.

How To Take Further Action The American Cancer Society has a sister organization called the Cancer Action Network (CAN). The Cancer Action Network is essentially another arm of the American Cancer Society. They serve as the ACS’s non-partisan advocacy affiliate, as well as the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization. They work on lobbying and public policy regarding issues surrounding cancer. They work daily to make cancer issues a national priority. CAN holds lawmakers accountable for their words and their actions. Anybody can become a member of the Cancer Action Network and help make cancer a priority for lawmakers. They are a network of grassroots volunteers from across the state and country. They work at the local, state, federal level to make sure that lawmakers know that they can make cancer a priority by investing in research and patient support programs.

Making Strides focuses on fundraising for breast cancer, and CAN focuses on every cancer, every day.

“Cancer doesn’t care what party you belong to”, said Emily White, Minnesota Grassroots Manager for ACS Cancer Action Network.

CAN advocates for all different kinds of policies that help any cancer patient or cancer survivor, and they get their power from their volunteers who sign up online. CAN empowers many volunteers to share their personal stories.

Recovery and Aftercare Often, after undergoing chemo or having a mastectomy, breast cancer survivors talk about the difficulty of returning to normal life.

Some have found relief through the ancient technique of acupuncture during and after treatment. Acupuncture has few side effects, and treats the person as a whole as opposed to individual symptoms.

Other survivors have benefitted from gentle exercise and wellness programs found in the community, geared towards cancer patients in recovery.

More about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer The October 8th event will have something for everyone, even kids!

Businesses, individuals, and organizations in the Greater Mankato community get together to show support and solidarity for breast cancer patients, survivors, caretakers, and their families. Each year a new “Person of Hope” is selected to stand before the others and share her unique and uplifting story.

This is the second of a 4-part series on the event. Part 3 in our September issue will cover the History of Making Strides and further event details. RV W

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Dare to find your Date Online

By Kelly DeVriendt Online dating has to be one of the most daring things a woman can do, especially women over 35. Seriously, after three decades of living and all its highs, heartbreaks and emotional hangovers, what could be more terrifying than presenting yourself to Anonymous asking: Please like me, favorite me, message me, be interested in me based on three pictures and a catchy little write up.

detail. I want someone who is nice and kind.

Someone who is his own person and wants me to be myself. I like yoga. I like doing yoga with or without someone. I don’t need my partner to also like yoga. And please, go fishing, without me. I do not want a Siamese twin.

So, ultimately, I decided to keep it short and sweet and a little witty. A resume of school and career choices along with a few interests.

What do I want to do on a first date? I simply said, “Please, let’s not over think this. Can we just see if we like each other enough to have a second date?”

When crafting my self-description, I looked at others for examples. Sadly, they were all the most interesting people in the world. I, on the other hand, do NOT want to skydive.

I cannot travel around the world. I am not an artist, a musician and eclectic genius or soulsearching adventurer.

Not to mention, that they all seem to know exactly what they want. Looking for a woman who loves to bike, jump on a plane at a moment’s notice and can recite every line of “The Hang Over.” Oh, and loves sports and fishing.

I don’t know what I want to that level of

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RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

I arrive home from work anxious to see what the first full day of being an online dater has delivered to me. I grab my tea and kick my feet up on to the ottoman and go to the website.

Message 1: The time reads 2:00 PM - “HI” Message 2: 2:20 PM - ”Well aren’t you to (yes too was spelled “to”) good for anyone.”

Message 3: 2:30 PM (minutes later) - “Well good luck to you….”

Me: “Um, I’ve been at work…I am sorry you don’t have a life, crazy person.”

After an initial bombardment, things calm down a bit. By day three, I have settled on a few real prospects.

Yet, I did it. I did it because someday my kids are going to leave the house and I will suddenly have oodles of free time and I’m sorry, but I don’t like cats.

your carefully crafted profile. Let’s explore the options.

Before the profile is even clicked to go public, the fear it evokes grows even stronger. I actually have to think about what I have to offer. And that’s followed by the anxiety of time — how am I going to find the time to get to know someone for real? Will I actually have to let someone else into my life? My space? My personal crazy? I am not making this profile public.

I now know that these types of messages happen every few days and I learn to ignore the creepy feeling give me. This, by the way, takes a lot more ignoring than you may think when you receive words of romance such as: “Hello, I would like to lick you.”

And another: “Hey sexie.”

There’s more: “Do you snap chat?” (This I have learned means: Please send naked pictures to me).

And my personal favorite: “Woo me with sum-of-them words you got all festering in that beautiful brain of yers….”

Hide profile.

Unhide profile.

After an initial bombardment, things calm down a bit. By day three, I have settled on a few real prospects. I go on my first date. A quick beverage at a coffee shop. Cute, quiet, respectful. Potential.

On the second date I ask, “Why are you on this site? What are you looking for?” He says, with an obvious tinge of defeat, “I figured it was time I dated people my own age.” I am slightly younger than him. Don’t I feel special.

I will figure out what I have to offer as we move along. The next step is finding someone I am even willing to consider letting into my world.

One afternoon a message comes in that is completely spelled correctly, witty and not at all disrespectful. Click on profile. He actually looks normal, sounds normal and is very attractive. Somehow, this makes me suspicious.

What I have learned in having—or shall I say enduring—a two month long stint on an online dating site is that the daring truly begins when the men do in fact respond to

I agree to a date and we exchange numbers.

The third text reads, “Do I get any pics?” You mean beyond the pictures you have already seen on the site? “Yeah, just something

Click OK.

recent.” They are recent, but here. (Send recent, basic photo). “How tall are you again?” Why, are you pre-digging my grave? I am 5-8. “That’s perfect.” Perfect for what? Am I vetted now? What is this?

Do I dare to go on this date? I haven’t decided yet.

Then, there are the dates that obviously are not a match. I left one recently and cried a little. This was a good-hearted, lonely man. He was interested. I was not. I felt like an ass.

Daring, I tell you. This is very daring.

On The Go!

Hide profile.

Unhide profile.

In the midst of all this, I have actually met someone who I want to keep spending time with. Here, I am learning, is where you get to next level of daring.

Having to ask myself questions like: Where is this going? Does he like me enough? Do I like him enough? Are we in a relationship? How do you talk about that? When can you talk about that? Do I even want that? What if I get hurt?

Call for a

Cool New Toyota!

“I’ll help you get a great deal on your next Toyota.”

Laurie Danberry, Sales & Leasing

Vulnerability may be the most daring thing we do in this life. And for some reason, I do dare to keep moving forward with it all. Maybe it’s because there is a chance of finding someone not only interesting and caring, but OK to be vulnerable around. So, I dare to keep seeing this man. I dare to keep my online profile unhidden. I keep saying yes to the dare of meeting someone new and hopefully someone special.

It’s a roller coaster and sometimes I want to get off. But, who am I kidding? The merry-go-round is boring. RV W

Hot Summer Days

049267

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RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

31

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

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

Your helpful Hy-Vee pharmacists can help you stay on top of your medication therapy, because not taking medication as directed by your doctor can be costly to both you and your health. n Get prescriptions automatically filled ahead of time and ready when you are n Receive a call when your order is ready so you never have to worry about running out again n Ask your Hy-Vee pharmacist about Repeat Refills

Where there’s a helpful smile in your wellness aisle

Foods & Fitness into healthy solutions for the entire family.

Hy-Vee KidsFit™ can be completed in as little as 20 minutes a day.

These free online videos led by our personal trainer, Daira, provide everything you need to help the entire family become more active.

The five-week challenge and other training guides are included to keep fitness fresh.

By Holly ellison, Rd, ld Riverfront Hy-Vee dietitian 507.625.1107 Hellison@hy-vee.com

People shy away from going to the gym for a number of reasons — no time, too tired, and high membership costs being the most common. Hy-Vee KidsFit™ takes these genuine concerns and turns them

Whether you are a fitness junkie or just starting a workout program, you’re going to need a plan for healthy eating and hydration.

Sports nutrition helps fuel exercise and promotes rapid recovery. You need to start hydration and healthy eating 30 minutes to 3 hours prior to exercise. In addition, if your exercise is more than an hour in duration, you need to make sure you are continuing to hydrate. And after exercise, to promote recovery, you will need to continue hydrating and replacing electrolytes and protein.

FoodS to ReFuel youR MuScleS: n Chocolate Milk n Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie n Granola and Yogurt n Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers n Cottage Cheese and Fruit n Peanut Butter Sandwich on Whole-Grain Bread n Apple and Peanut Butter Visit www.hy-veekidsfit.com

Here’s a favorite recovery smoothie recipe. Greek yogurt and nut butter boost protein, and ground flaxseed adds omega-3s in this fresh fruit smoothie recipe. Use ice cubes if you like a frosty smoothie, or opt for water if you don’t want it so cold.

Strawberry-Banana Protein Smoothie Serves 2

All you need: 1 cup fresh or frozen hulled strawberries 1/2 medium banana 1/2 cup fresh or frozen diced mango 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 1 tbsp natural nut butter, such as cashew or almond 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (flaxmeal) 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 4 ice cubes or 1/2 cup water All you do: Combine strawberries, banana, mango, yogurt, nut butter, flaxmeal, vanilla and ice cubes (or water) in a blender. Puree until smooth.

Source: https://www.hy-vee.com/meal-solutions/ recipes/Strawberry-Banana-Protein-Smoothie-R10149.aspx

Nutrition Facts per serving: 176 calories, 7g fat, 1g saturated fat, 3mg cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 23g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 10g protein.

041762

SPACES

Little Garden Oasis on the Prairie

Steve and Mary Jo Morasch’s porch and garden getaway in Sleepy Eye is their own creation from start to finish. Mary Jo did the planning while Steve attended to the construction, from digging the pond to placing the decorative rocks.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I love to cook and bake, bike, and read. I also enjoy antiquing, and keeping up with the latest crafting and decorating trends for indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Moraschs have lived in Sleepy Eye for 42 years. Mary Jo is employed at Lifetime Eyecare in Sleepy Eye, and Steve works for NuTelecom.

Did you plant everything yourself in your garden?

Steve and I planted all the shrubs and flowers ourselves. This was the first time I attempted a “Fairy Garden” for our screen porch.

34

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

When Mary Jo and Steve bought the house they replaced all the wood with cedar on the screen porch and replaced the old screen with new.

Two years ago they replaced the old flooring (which was indoor/outdoor carpet) with a “floating floor” and installed it themselves.

The tall grasses on each side of the pond is prairie grass. Mary Jo said they received cuttings of the purple bushes from their friend and neighbor. The bushes were present when he bought his home and no one knows what they are. The tall plants on each side of the pond are red cannas, and bloom in late summer. The pink and purple flowers in front of the pond are wave petunias, chosen because they keep low to the ground and don’t interfere with the view of the fountain, and birds bathing in the pond. The potted flowers sitting around the pond were chosen by Mary Jo for their color, who chooses a different color scheme each summer.

Family?

We have a daughter in Minneapolis, a son and his family in Arizona, and another daughter and her family in Pequot Lakes. I have two grandchildren, one is 16 and the other is 18 months.

s

What is your favorite way to relax?

We love to relax around our fire-pit with family and friends. I also enjoy relaxing in our screen porch with a good book, and music

This was Mary Jo’s first attempt at a fairy garden. With an old dish pan for the container, she cut fresh moss the shape of the pan and laid it on top of black dirt. Then she planted hen and chicks and fresh herbs. All figurines were purchased at locally.

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

35

playing in the background. When I’m not doing those things, I bike around the lake, and also enjoy watching HGTV’s Fixer Upper and shows similar to that.

What is your favorite summer meal?

I love to grill chicken, beef and shrimp kabobs. I also love fresh walleye on the grill as well. And just about any veggies roasted on the grill too. RV W

36

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

Experience Counts.

Real estate transactions can be stressful, and the paperwork mind-boggling.

It doesn’t have to be.

Howard Haugh

Connie Froehlich

Our staff is professional, knowledgeable and committed to serving you, whether it’s for closing and title services or tax-deferred exchanges. Our dedicated customer service and competitive closing costs allow you to rest easy knowing it’s getting done and getting done right.

n Qualified Intermediary for tax deferred §1031 exchanges n Howard Haugh, Licensed Attorney since 1966 n Connie Froehlich, Licensed Closer and Title Insurance Agent

300 Saint Andrews Drive | Suite 210 | Mankato, MN Located in Community Bank Building

507.385.4459

049178

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

37

If you can’t read it, don’t feed it;

Give birds healthy, natural food

H

ave you ever wondered what’s in one of your favorite packaged foods, grabbed the box from your pantry, read the ingredients list ... and realized you still didn’t know what you were eating? The ingredients in some processed foods can read like a chemist’s shopping list. Now imagine if your backyard birds could read. What would they say about the ingredients in the food you feed them?

A growing number of Americans are choosing natural foods for their pets; nearly a third say they prefer natural products, according to PetFoodIndustry.com. People who feed wild birds care about them just as much as their four-legged pets and want to know they’re feeding their backyard birds the most natural and nutritious

n Take note of ingredients you can’t read, often it’s an indication the ingredient is a synthetic or lab engineered. Ingredients like Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex and Thiamine Mononitrate aren’t found in natural food, they’re man-made versions of vitamins. Since wild birds normally get all their vitamins and nutrients from natural sources, adding a synthetic version is questionable at best. The rule of thumb for buying all natural is if you can’t read it, don’t feed it! n Focus on serving feed with an ingredient list you can read and understand. For example, Cole’s Sunflower Meats contains nothing but shelled sunflower seeds. Easy, right? It’s a favorite feed to a wide range of backyard birds, too. n Either get to know the types of birds visiting your feeder and research feed they prefer, or buy feed from a reputable company who has already done that work for you. Cole’s offers select natural seed choices developed and based on factual research about what birds really eat. Feed is specifically formulated to attract certain species of birds as well as the largest number of birds, too. When you know and serve what your backyard birds prefer, you’ll keep them coming back to your feeders. n Feel free to supplement seed and feed with natural food you already have at home.

For example, jays and woodpeckers love raw peanuts, while mockingbirds and orioles love fruit, and chickadees, blue jays and cardinals savor suet. Soak raisins and currants in water overnight, then place them on a table feeder, or purchase blends with a dried fruit and nut mixture, like Nutberry Suet Blend. To attract orioles and tanagers, skewer halved oranges onto a spike near your feeders for a special treat.

options available. It’s hard to feel that confidence when reading the mystifying ingredient list on the feed bag makes you feel like a bird brain.

The wild bird experts at Cole’s Wild Bird Products Co. offer some tips for ensuring you’re feeding your feathered friends a healthy, natural diet that they’ll appreciate: n Avoid seed blends that are full of cheap fillers, like oats and red milo. Fillers not only lack nutritional value, birds will kick them right out of the feeder. Select natural feed comprised of top-of-the-crop seeds and pass by seed coated with chemicals and mineral oil.

38

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

n Don’t forget the importance of the right type of feeder. Dish and bowl feeders are great for serving fruits, while most birds will appreciate a terrific tube feeder for seeds both large and small.

Traditional tube feeders are great all-purpose feeders, and a musthave for backyard bird feeding. n Buy feed from companies who specialize in wild bird food.

Some companies offer bird feed as a side product to their main business of pet products or grass seed. Cole’s exclusively produces and sells products for feeding backyard birds.

To learn more about wild bird feeding and all-natural feed options with ingredient lists even birds could understand, visit www. coleswildbird.com, or your local pet supply store or veterinary center. RV W

024787

North Victory Drive - Mankato 507.388.9391

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Go. Be. Do. Connect!

To have your event listed

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 fundraisers. Listings will be published as space allows and at the discretion of the editor.

Fri. & Sat., Aug. 5-6 • ‘Honk’ Musical Theater Camp performances, New Ulm, Co-sponsored by New Ulm Park & Rec. & State Street Theater Co. Free. 7:30 pm Fri. & 2 pm Sat. Info: statestreetnewulm. org.

Fri.-Sun., Aug. 5-7 • 19th Annual Ribfest, Vetter Stone Amphitheater, Mankato.

5-11 pm Thurs.-Sat., noon-5 Sun. Rib tasting, live bands, kids games. Info: mankatoribfest. com or 507-385-6679.

• Giant Celebration, Legion Park, 155 S. Park Ln., Le Sueur. Daily activities for all ages. 100+ unit parade 1 pm Sun.; corn feed & crowning of Miss Le Sueur follows. Info: 665-2501.

Fri. & Sun., Aug. 5 & 7 • Springfield Community Theatre presents ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,’ Springfield High School Performing Arts Center, Springfield. 8 pm Fri., 2 pm Sun. Info: 507-723-4225.

• Scott-Carver Threshers Harvest Festival, Scott Co. Fairgrounds, 19375 Fairview Ln., Jordan.

Tractors, gas & steam engines & machinery. Pancake breakfast, crafts, food, daily parade, live music, vintage baseball, more.

Info: 952-686-3191 or 952-4922062.

Fri., Aug. 5 & 19 • Classic Car Fridays at Dave’s Place, downtown Lafayette.

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

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Sat., Aug. 6 • Minnesota Brain Injury Force Breakfast Brunch Buffet & Silent Auction, Pub 500, Mankato, 11 am-2 pm. Survivors supporting survivors. Entertainment by Retro Ron. Info: 507-228-8161.

Sun., Aug. 7 • 37th Annual West Newton Day, Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet County Historical Society. Info: 507-3548666.

Mon., Aug. 8 • Music in the Park, Library Square Park, Hutchinson, 6:30 pm. 37th year of free concerts.

Local nonprofit host sells goodies as fundraiser. Info: 320587-5252.

Mon.-Fri., Aug. 8-12 • ‘Our Own Gulliver’s Travels—An Original Version’ Workshop, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Co-sponsored by NU Park & Rec. and State Street Theater Co. Ages 6 to 18. Free performance Aug. 12, 7:30 pm. Info & cost: 507359-6060.

Mon, Aug. 8, 15 & 22 • 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 weather bad.

Tues., Aug. 9 • Alice Lind Play Reading Society, John Lind House, 622 Center Street, New Ulm, 7 pm. Reading ‘All My Sons’ by Arthur Miller.

Info & registration: execdir@ statestreetnewulm.org or 507359-9990.

Tues., Aug. 9, 16, 23 & 30 & Sept. 6 & 13 • Henderson Classic Car Roll In, historic Main Street, Henderson, 5 pm. Food, fun, music & car talk. Rain or shine. Info: facebook.com/hendersonrollin or twitter.com/hendersonrollin.

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

Wed., Aug. 10, 17, 24 & 31 • 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.

Wed., Aug. 10 & 24 • Bike Night Wednesdays at Dave’s Place, downtown Lafayette. Hundreds of bikes; food & drink available. Info: Facebook or 507-228-8910.

Thur., Aug. 11 • Monthly Car Hop & Shop Classic Car Cruise In, Minnesota St. from 1st South to 4th North, New Ulm. All makes and models, classic cars & bikes; shop & grab a bite to eat. Info: cara@ newulm.com.

• Winthrop’s Music in the Park, 7 pm, Winthrop. Music by Wendinger Band; free will offering refreshments. Sponsored

by Winthrop Lions & Chamber of Commerce. Info: winthropminnesota.com/.

Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 11-14 • Eggstravaganza, downtown Gaylord. Pool show, school tours, food, car cruise, dances, softball tourney, 5K run, parade (1 pm Sat.), music, bingo, fire truck & carriage rides, pedal pull, fireworks, worship service.

Info: gaylordmnchamber.com/.

Fri., Aug. 12 • Archery in the Park, Flandrau State Park, New Ulm, 3 pm.

Learn basics of archery, practice skills on target. Info: 507-3848890 or scott.kudelka@state. mn.us.

• Flandrau State Park Story, Flandrau State Park, New Ulm, 7 pm. Flandrau established in 1930s along Cottonwood River to provide water-based recreation area. Federal relief programs built many structures including the beach house & dam on river. Meet at play-

ground near swimming pond.

Info: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Belle Plaine River Fishing Tournament, Minnesota River, Belle Plaine, 8 am-4 pm. Info & cost: 612-232-9834.

• Dine in the Vines, 14848 Hwy. 7 East, Hutchinson, 6-10 pm.

Locally grown foods inspired by sustainable agriculture. Live music, wine & beer in vineyard until sunset, after-party with live music in Great Hall. Info & tickets: 320-587-2922 or crowriverwinery.com/events/ dine-in-the-vines.

Sat., Aug. 13 • Breakfast on the Farm, Guentzel Family Farms, 32172 490th St., Kasota, 7-11:30 am. Hosted

by Le Sueur & Blue Earth Co. Farm Bureaus. Breakfast with free will offering; kids activities.

Info: on Facebook.

• Archery in the Park, Minneopa State Park, 5 m. W of Mankato on Hwys 68 & 169, 1 pm. Learn basics of archery, practice skills on a target. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Digital Nature Photography, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. W of Mankato on Hwys 68 & 169, 4 pm. Digital cameras provided; limit of 20 people (8+ years). Prior reservation at park office required or email scott. kudelka@state.mn.us. Info: 507384-8890.

• Post 108 Sons of the American Legion Fishing Contest, lakes surrounding Marysburg, 7 am-2 pm. Info: 507-317-4377.

• Garlic Festival, McLeod Co. Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson, 10 am-6 pm, rain or shine. Food, celebrity chefs, music, area artisans, goofy games & lots of garlic.

• Mankato Mud Run, Loyola Hill, 145 Good Counsel Drive, Mankato. 5k or 3k courses with

difficult hill climbs, numerous obstacles. Proceeds benefit Team Winter, a charity for cancer research, & Loyola Boosters Club. Professionally timed, trophies, medals, T-shirts & goodie bags. Info: 507-625-2525 or rkanoots@gmail.com.

• St. Gregory the Great Harvest Festival, St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, 440 6th Street, Lafayette. 8:45 am Mass, 10:30 am family style dinner, bingo, raffle, farmers market, entertainment, silent auction. Info: 507-2288298 or stsgg@centurytel.net.

• Vines, Wines, and Good Times in the Vineyard, Indian Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave., Janesville, 12:30 pm. Music afternoon & evening. Info: 507-234-6222.

• Minnesota River Paddle, 13 miles from Mankato to St. Peter, 10 am. Nicollet County Historical Society in partnership with DNR Naturalist Scott Kudelka.

Leave from River View Park for 5+ hr paddle. Bring food, water, sunscreen, rain gear, etc. Info: nchsmn.org or 507-934-2160.

Sat., Aug. 13-Sun., Sept. 25 • Smithsonian Exhibit—Water/ Ways, Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Reveals central nature of water in life, explores water use, effects on life & how Americans protect resource for the future.

Info: nchsmn.org/sites/ or 507934-2160.

Sun., Aug. 14 • Old Time Games Day at Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet County Historical Society. Info: 507-354-8666.

• Czech Heritage Festival, 735th Ave., Bechyn, 10 am-6 pm.

Ethnic foods, music, entertainment, folk dancers, children’s activities & farmers market. Info: 320-826-2451 or 320-826-2385.

• Just Bassn, Washington Lake, Madison Lake, 6:30 am-noon.

Bass fishing tournament. Info: 507-381-7485.

• Threshing Day, Heritage Acres, 507 W. Lake Ave., Fairmont, 1 pm. Antique tractor displays, food stand. Info: heritageacresmn.org or 507-2384645.

Mon., Aug. 15 • New Ulm Medical Center Foundation Golf Tournament, New Ulm Country Club, noon shotgun start. Proceeds benefit Heart of New Ulm Project. Info & cost: allinahealth.org/newulm or sara.schauer@allina.com.

Mon.-Sun., Aug. 15-21 • 1862 US-Dakota War Commemoration, New Ulm. Series of events throughout week, hosted by Brown County Historical Society. Info: 507-233-4300 or newulm.com.

Wed., Aug. 17 • Ridgeview Sibley Medical Foundation Ice Cream Social, Memorial Park, in front of hospital, Arlington, 4:30-7 pm.

Food & entertainment; held in Heritage Building at fairgrounds if weather bad. Info: 507-964-2271.

Thurs., Aug. 18 • Wind Down Family Movie, German Park, New Ulm, 6 pm with movie at 8 pm. Free & open to the public.

Fri., Aug. 19 • Monarch Butterfly Tagging, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. W of Mankato on Hwys 68 & 169, 1 pm. Learn of efforts to restore habitat for monarchs, tag & release for migration tracking.

Meet near office on waterfalls side of park. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

Fri.-Sat., Aug. 19-20 • Buttered Corn Days, Allison Park, 4th Ave. NW, Sleepy Eye. Free buttered sweet corn; live music & craft vendors Fri. 5K run/walk, city-wide garage

s

• North Mankato Triathlon, Hiniker Pond, 300 Butterworth

St., Mankato. Packet pick-up Sat., adult race 8 am Sun., 1/4 mi. swim, 12 mi. bike, 3 mi. run.

Kids’ race 3 pm Sun., no experience necessary. Fee includes t-shirt, swim cap, snacks. Info: 507-664-9438.

Thank You Greater Mankato. Proud to Serve You.

TH A NK

YO U U

www.cbfg.net #CBThanksYou VOTED TOP THREE

TOP PRODUCING BANK

049727

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

43

sales, waffle feed, & evening parade Sat. Info: 507-794-4731.

Fri.-Sun., Aug. 19- 21 • 36th Annual Threshing Show, 4 miles east of Montevideo on Hwy 7. Featuring Massy Harris/ Massy Fergeson. Tractor pulls & parades, slow tractor race, kiddie pedal pull, more. Info: heritagehill.us or 320-8949149.

Sat., Aug. 20 • Brown County Humane Society Annual Dog Walk, 9 am.

Info: 507-359-2312 or bchsnu@ hotmail.com.

• John Labatte and The New Ulm Battery, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Cty Road 30, Fairfax, 1 pm. Educational talk about battle of Fort Ridgely, cannon fire by NU Battery. Info: 507-508-2848.

• MAD Girls Roller Derby. Verizon Wireless Center Arena, 1 Civic Center Arena, Mankato.

5 pm pre-game, 7 pm bout vs. Harbor City Roller Dames.

Info & tickets: 800-745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com.

• Hummingbird Hurrah, Bender Park, 200 North Third Street, Henderson, 9 am-4:30 pm.

Sponsored by MN River Valley Audubon Chapter. Learn about amazing birds, attracting them & more. Licensed hummingbird bander will catch & band birds, see up close. Garden tour, speakers, book signing, kids’ activities, and Hummingbird Mall; free. Info: hendersonhummingbirdhurrah.com.

Sat.-Sun., Aug. 20-21 • Butterfield Steam & Gas Engine Show, Voss Park, Butterfield.

Steam threshing, antique tractors & engines, sawing, pioneer buildings, ethnic foods, bluegrass music, arts and crafts. 4-9 pm Fri., 8:30 am-10 pm Sat., 9 am-5 pm Sun. Info & cost: 507-317-5858 or 507-9562040.

Sun., Aug. 21 • Gemutlichkeit in Goosetown, Riverside Park on Front St., New Ulm, 12-4 pm. Annual family event w/food vendors, children’s games, ZooMobile, more.

• Bees & Honey program, Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet Co. Historical Soc. Info: 507-354-8666.

• Pioneer Cemetery Tour, New Ulm City Cemetery, New Ulm, 2 pm. Free guided walking tour sponsored by Brown Co. Historical Soc., meet at maintenance building. Info: 507-233-2616.

• ‘The Dakota Scouts 1863-1866,’ Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Cty Road 30, Fairfax, 1 pm.

Educational talk by author & historian Curtis Dahlin. Sponsored by Nicollet Co. Historical Soc. Info: 507-508-2848.

Wed., Aug. 24 • CASTLE Lifelong Learning Kickoff Membership Drive, Chef’s Pantry, 209 N Minnesota Street, New Ulm, 4 pm.

Appetizer party, drinks &

Lafayette Area Lions Club

Hog-Corn roast

Lafayette Fire Station Serving 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Concert by Lafayette Band, 6:30 p.m.

Fire Dept. Relief Assn. Street Dance 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. (Cold Blooded Whiskey)

44

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

Fri., Aug. 26 • Archery in the Park, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Cty Road 30, Fairfax, 3 pm. Learn basics of archery, practice skills on target. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Prairie Hike, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Cty Rd 30, Fairfax, 7 pm. Hike through restored prairie to learn about plants & wildlife found in ecosystem.

Meet at Upper Picnic Area.

Info: 507-384-8890 or scott. kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Wellness in the Park, Hiniker Pond, North Mankato, 5-8 pm.

Health & wellness ideas. Free, open to public. Numerous vendors—paddleboarding, free adjustments, chair massage, more.

Fri.-Sun., Aug. 26-28 • Stiftungsfest, Willkommen Park, Norwood Young America. 6-9 pm Fri., 9 am-9 pm Sat. & Sun. Minnesota’s oldest celebration. Old time & German music, arts & crafts Sat., car show Sun. Ethnic food.

• Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Show, 34605 265th Ave., 6 miles east of Le Sueur. See old time farming practices, early MN town living, activities that went with era. Over 40 buildings & 120 acres. Minnesota Cockshutt Collectors tractors featured, also all brands of lawn & garden tractors. Info: oldtractor@gmail.com or 507248-3515.

Sat., Aug. 27 • Lafayette Area Lions Hog & Corn Roast, Fire Hall, downtown Lafayette, 4:30-7:30 pm.

Pork chop & sweet corn meal, concert by Lafayette Band, followed by fire department’s free street dance at 8:30 pm.

Info: 507-240-0048.

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• Summer Sampler, Flandrau State Park, New Ulm, 10 am-

12:30 pm. Activities related to the Cottonwood River, topics include mussels, fish, macroinvertebrates, water quality, invasive species. Co-sponsored

by New Ulm River Ranger program. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Bison Ambassador Open House, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. W of Mankato on Hwys 68 &169, 3 pm. Info session on becoming a Bison Ambassador. Volunteer program is opportunity to help engage visitors about bison & answer questions; hear from those filling role. Meet at Group Campground parking lot. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Kids in the Garden – Harvesting, St. Peter Food Co-op & Deli, 228 Mulberry St., St. Peter, 10 am. Kids ages 6-12 can see how food is harvested. Info & registration: 507-934-3400 or jessicar@stpeterfood.coop.

Sun., Aug. 28 • Old School Days program, Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet Co. Historical Soc. Info: 507-354-8666.

• Jessenland Irish Festival, Historic Oratory of St. Thomas, 31624 Scenic Byway Rd., Henderson, 10:30 am-5 pm. Mass, chicken dinner, silent auction, raffle, entertainment, food & beer tent. Parish established in the 1850s, current church built in 1870. Info: jessenland.org or jessenlandirish@outlook.com.

• Fall Festival, Church of St. John the Baptist, 18241 First Avenue, Searles. Info: 507-359-4244 or llb@newulmtel.net.

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

• Prairie Ecology & History Hike, Ney Nature Center, 28238

Nature Center Lane, Henderson, 1-3 pm. Join naturalist for hike & examination of prairie ecosystem; on fairly flat, easy terrain. Info & sign-up: http:// neycenter.org/, michellei@neycenter.org or 507-248-3474.

• Motorcycle & ATV Hill Climb, Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club, 20153 110th Ave, New Ulm. Info: 507-354-2306 or flyingdutchmenmotorcycleclub.com.

Sun.-Mon., Aug. 28-29 • Schell’s Bottle Cap Golf Open, 1 Golf Drive, New Ulm. Info: 507-354-8896 Fri., Sept. 2 • Lafayette Car Night Finale at Dave’s Place, downtown Lafayette. Hundreds of cars; food & drink available. Info: Facebook or 507-228-8910.

• Swan Lake Paddle, Nicollet Bay Access, 2 mi. W of Nicollet off Hwy 14, 10 am. Nicollet Co. Historical Soc. in partnership with DNR Naturalist Scott Kudelka.

1.5 hours on the water. Info: nchsmn.org or 507-934-2160.

Sat.-Sun., Sept. 3-4 • New Ulm Toy Show, New Ulm Civic Center, 1212 N Franklin, New Ulm. 9 am-4 pm Sat., 10 am-3 pm Sun. Event for model farming enthusiasts. Info: dcfarmtoys.com/shows.html.

Sun., Sept. 4 • The West Arrives in West Newton program, Harkin Store, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Music by Lonesome Ron, Site managed by Nicollet Co. Historical Soc. Info: 507354-8666.

• Geocaching, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Cty Road 30, Fair-

fax, 2 pm. High tech treasure hunt. GPS units provided. Look for park geocache. Limit of 20 people (8+ years). Reservation required at park office. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

Wed., Sept. 7 • Lafayette Bike Night Finale at Dave’s Place, downtown Lafayette. Hundreds of bikes; food & drink available. Info: Facebook or 507-228-8910.

Thurs., Sept. 8 • Monthly Car Hop & Shop Classic Car Cruise In, Minnesota St. from 1st South to 4th North, New Ulm. All makes and models, classic cars & bikes; shop & eat. Info: cara@newulm.com.

Fri., Sept. 9 • Lind House Pitchfork Fondue Steak Fry, Hermann Heights Park Shelter #1, New Ulm, 5 pm. Sirloin steak dinner or child’s hot dog meal. Info: 507-766-0725 or lindhouse@ newulmtel.net.

Fri.-Sat., Sept. 9-10 • Pro Auto NYA Bull Riding, Sibley County Fairgrounds, Arlington. Benefiting Jared Allen’s Homes 4 Wounded Warriors.

7 pm Fri., 6 pm Sat. with preevents; live music follows. Info: arlingtonbullriding.com.

Fri.-Sun., Sept. 9-11 • Amboy Arts ‘n More Festival, Main St. near Hwy 30 & 169, Amboy. Wide variety of arts & music, brunch, farmers’ market, car show, demonstrations. Info: 507-380-0288 or sidner123@ earthlink.net.

Sat., Sept. 10 • Hermann Fest, 10 Monument St., Hermann Heights Park & Harmon Park, 101 N. Garden & Center/Monument, New Ulm, 11:30 am-midnight. German music all day, German & American food & refreshments.

New Ulm Battery performs.

Fireworks at dusk. Free. Info: 507-359-8347 or hermannmonument.com.

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Sat., Sept. 3 • Digital Nature Photography, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. W of Mankato on Hwys 68 &169, 4 pm. Digital cameras provided.

Limit of 20 people (8+ years).

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

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• Drew’s Crew 5K Colorfest Run, Harman Park, New Ulm, 11 am.

Pay it forward to those in need.

Celebration with food, live auction (2 pm) & music follows at Harman Park. Info: http:// drewscrew.org/ or drewscrewbenefit@gmail.com.

• Fun Fall Trail Run, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Cty Road 30, Fairfax, 10 am. 5K, proceeds to Ft. Ridgely Historic Site & Ft. Ridgely State Park. T-shirt, prizes.

Call or register online at Fort Ridgely Historic Site Facebook page. Info: 507-508-2848.

• St. Mary’s Craft Beer Festival, Winstock Country Music Festival Grounds, Winstock, 2-6 pm.

Sample beer & wine offerings from 25 local & nat’l craft breweries; info on crafting topics, music.

• Goosetown Roller Girls bout, New Ulm Civic Center, New Ulm, 7 pm. Vs. Midwest Maidens of Brookings, SD. Family friendly; kids 12 & under free. Info & advance tickets goosetownrollergirls.com/.

• 7th Annual Grape Stomp, Indian Island Winery, 18018-631st Ave., Janesville. Music, vendors, 4 heats of stompers, prizes, bestdressed awards, Info & cost: 507-234-6222 or angie.winter@ indianislandwinery.com.

• 2016 Mankato Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Sibley Park, 900 Park Lane, Mankato. 9 am registration, 10 am opening ceremony & walk. One or 3-mi. route. Family friendly, snacks & beverages, live music by Family Three, photos by Selfies To Go. Info: alz. org/walk or 507-289-3950.

Sat.-Sun., Sept. 10-11 • Rock Bend Folk Festival, Minnesota Square Park, Hwy 169 S, St. Peter, 12 pm each day. Celebrating southern Minnesota’s folk arts & artists. Original art & crafts, music (blues, bluegrass, jazz), food vendors. Free, donations welcome.

Sun., Sept. 11 • Heather Giefer Benefit, Nicollet Public School, 1 Pine St., Nicollet, 8 am-2 pm. Dad’s Belgian Waffles, ecumenical church

service, silent & live auction, bake sale, more. Assist family of teenager with brain tumor. Info: 507-228-276-0452.

• Lion’s Club Fly-In Breakfast, 1617 Hwy 14, New Ulm Airport, 7 am-noon. Free to fly-in pilots.

Proceeds support sight/hearing/diabetes impaired. Tickets at Chamber, Hy-Vee or Cashwise.

Info: 507-233-4300.

• Southern Minnesota Wedding Expo, Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, 12-4 pm. 70+ exhibitors, 100 styles in wedding show, prizes, free admission.

Info: Facebook.

• Harvest Festival, Church of St. George, 63128 388th Ln., New Ulm (West Newton Twp). Family-style bratwurst & roast beef dinner, 10:30 am-2 pm. Entertainment, raffles, country store, bake shop, kids’ game. Info: stgeorge@newulmtel.net.

• Harkin Store Program: Patriot Day - Re-elect Grant, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet County

Historical Society. Info: 507-3548666.

Mon., Sept. 12 • Paddling the Minnesota River Presentation, Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, 7 pm. DNR Naturalist Scott Kudelka will address paddling on river. Info: nchsmn.org or 507-934-2160.

Tues., Sept. 13 • Alice Lind Play Reading Society, John Lind House, 622 Center Street, New Ulm, 7 pm. Reading ‘Modern Prophet’ by Sam Graber. Info & registration: execdir@ statestreetnewulm.org or 507359-9990.

Thurs., Sept. 15 • Boomers and Beyond Senior Expo, St. Peter Community Center, 600 W. Washington Ave., St. Peter, 2-5 pm. Vendor booths, entertainment, keynote speaker, flu shots, health screenings, refreshments, door prizes. Info: 507-931-0949.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

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• Fairs & Farmer's Markets

Farmers Markets

goods. Jul.-fall, Wed. 3-6 pm.

• 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 JuneSept., Tue. 4 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.

• Lake Crystal Farmers Market, Collis C-store parking lot. Locally grown items. July-October, Fri., 2:30- 5:30 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

• 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 507697-6912.

• New Prague Farmers Market, Community Baptist Church parking lot, 500 Cty Rd 37. Fruits, vegetables, baked products, flowers, honey, jelly, herbs, an-

nuals, perennials. Mid May-Oct., Sat. 9 am-noon; mid May-Jun., Wed. 3-6 pm.

• New Ulm Farmers’ Market, HyVee parking lot, 2015 S. Broadway. Fresh local produce, organic produce, meats, eggs, bedding plants, fresh herbs, honey, preserves, apples, baked goods. Late June-early October.

Sat. 9 am-noon, Thurs. 2:30-5:30 pm.

• Olivia Farmers Market, city parking lot, 9th St. & Fairview. Garden fresh produce, fresh breads, baked goods, canned & pickled items, crafts, jams, jellies, eggs, chickens, flowers. Jul. 14-Oct., Thur. 1:30-5:30 pm.

• 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.

• St. Peter Farmers Market, downtown on Minnesota Ave. Locally grown vegetables, baked goods. Jul.-Oct., Tue. 3-6 pm & Sat. 9 am-noon.

• Waconia Farmers Market, City Square Park downtown. Farm

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Yes, We Can! I want to tell you about the summer of 1951. It was August, a sweltering, miserable month on the prairie-turned-farmland of southwestern Minnesota. My grandma gave birth to her eighth child, right at the start of canning season.

•

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Garden Gal •

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G en d r

arden Gal • G

a

Fast-forward a generation or two, and you’ll find my mom, my aunts, my cousins, and me, a diverse group of women with (at least) one old-fashioned hobby in common: canning. My memories of my mom

•G

But, my grandparents were the children of farmers. They married in 1934 and began having children the following year. Raising and feeding nine children in the wake of the Great Depression was surely a complicated matter. Vegetable gardening was invaluable, and preserving food for the winter was an absolute necessity.

I wasn’t very interested in doing my own canning until a few years ago. My mom bought me a canner, one of those old speckled blue ones that clutter the shelves of antique stores everywhere.

I was hesitant to begin. First of all, I didn’t own any jars. I called my mom to ask if she had any to spare.

The word got out. Soon, I had at least three aunts and one cousin offering me jars. My cousin and her husband arrived at my brother’s football game with three boxes of jars in the trunk of their minivan.

“We heard you needed jars!” my cousin-in-law exclaimed, making no effort to conceal his relief as he handed me the boxes. “Do you want us to bring more next time? We have so many of these damned things.”

al

If you’ve ever canned anything before, you know this is no small feat. Canners can only hold about eight jars at once, and many things take up to an hour to process. Prepping fruits and veggies for canning is time-consuming, strenuous work. I feel suffocated just thinking about my grandma doing all that work in an August kitchen, steam streaming from the stovetop day after day, the air thick with pungent fumes.

l • Gar d e nG

al • Garden

n Ga de ar

Despite her pregnancy, my grandma had a fantastic canning year. In the tiny black notebook where she recorded her progress, the page marked “1951” lists the following: 50 quarts of green beans, 37 quarts of tomatoes, and 136 quarts of tomato juice; 40 quarts of applesauce, 17 quarts of plums, 35 quarts of peaches, and 36 quarts of pie apples. Then, there were the jams and jellies: 28 pints of strawberry and rhubarb.

canning go back as far as any other memories I have. I mostly remember the frantic clicking and hissing sounds of the pressure cooker as it boiled and whirred – and being a little afraid that the whole thing would blast apart in our kitchen. Then, I remember the jars, rows and rows of them lining our countertops, crammed with floating blobs of red tomatoes.

I feel connected to my I had to start turning garden all year round – and down jar offers after that, not because I more importantly, I feel wasn’t interested in connected to my family and canning large quantities to our collective history. of produce, but because I lived in a tiny studio apartment. I had already reorganized my closet to store my existing jars. The new jars from my cousin had to stay in my car for about a month, clanking and rattling in the back seat each time I hit a pothole.

I like to joke about my family members hauling jars back and forth across Minnesota to enable each other’s canning addictions, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Last summer I canned dill pickles, salsa, and tomatoes. This year, I want to do tomato soup and applesauce, too.

I’m hooked!

There’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment I get when I open my cupboards to see rows and rows of preserved veggies. It’s lovely to have homegrown food in the middle of winter. I feel connected to my garden all year round – and more importantly, I feel connected to my family and to our collective history.

Someday, maybe my grandchildren will carry on the tradition, laboring lovingly while telling stories of their greatgreat-grandmother canning on her farmstead.

I think I know where they can get some jars.

RV W Laura Schwarz, a New Ulm native, is a horticulturist and writer in Minneapolis.

Tidy Tightwads

Helping Your Graduate Get Organized for College Where does the time go? I have a new high school graduate preparing for college this fall. Parents can help their graduates prepare by helping them get organized. It’s a huge transition into adulthood, so the more we can help them manage their time, paperwork, and personal items the easier it will be for everyone.

Here are 3 BIG tips to help your graduate get ready for college this fall: Planned Space Method If moving into a dorm room, use the same number/size of boxes to pack items in, compared to the allotted storage space. If they have two eight foot shelves and three two foot drawers in their door room, then that’s all the clothes and personal items that will fit in those sizes of boxes that they’ll have room for besides bedding, desk supplies, and maybe some pictures. It is a huge adjustment to live in a smaller space and share with a roommate, so using the “planned space” method will help.

Seasonal Planning Most students come home several times a year, so have your child focus on fall clothing items first, then winter, then spring. There is no need for heavy winter gear storage in August through November, etc.

Each time your child comes home, have them bring the items that they aren’t using and bring back items they anticipate needing.

Care Package the Rest Once you’ve determined what they have room to take, ease their mind with a pre-planned care package. Have the box ready to send, and let them know it’s a quick phone call to you to add an item he/ she realizes is needed. You can also ease the transition by asking ahead of time what kind of homemade treats or items from home would be nice to receive in the mail.

Don’t wait until a few days before you’re ready to head out to help with the planning and packing process. Talk to other college students; they’re likely to tell you the over packed their freshman year!

RV W

by Cindy Haugland tidytightwads.com

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

51

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What Next?

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Inspired by the whole “women who drive, ride, and fly” theme this month, I got to thinking: “We’ve never been on a family road trip!” The allure of the open road, whimsical exploration, bonding time in the car apart from our busy lives seemed like a rite of passage that had gone disembarked for far too long. Caution: Before you turn the last page of this issue of RVW and let the charm of it all tempt you into getting behind the wheel and driving to that “grass is greener on the other side” destination, let me just go ahead and say it: road trips can suck.

The fantasy of throwing my guitar in the trunk and hitting the road for adventure with my kids died a violent and certain death when lived out in reality. I think my gypsy soul officially grew the hell up. Turns out “the wind in my hair” was more like exhaust in my face. For every cute small town diner or beach rest stop on Lake Michigan, there is 98 miles of boring cornfield to drive through first. Also, let’s be honest, you’re not gonna stop at the cute diner anyway.

In fact, you won’t experience any of the local cuisine. You will eat at McDonald’s, just like you would at home, because you will do anything to shut your kids up and score some free WiFi to answer your work emails.

I’m convinced the whole facade of the road trip expedition is just a marketing ploy drawn up back in the 70s by KOA and Shell Oil.

Now to be fair, I did this 12-hour road trip alone with two children, spent 1½ days at our destination, and then drove 12 hours back. So truthfully, I was doomed for failure based on the criteria that I didn’t have another adult to suffer with. It did allow for many, many, imaginary conversations… with myself… in my head. They weren’t very enjoyable, however. They were interesting, entertaining even, but not very fun.

I’m convinced the whole facade of the road trip expedition is just a marketing ploy drawn up back in the 70s by KOA and Shell Oil. “Isn’t this fun, kids? Sitting still for hours on end!?” Uttering the words, “Look at that! I’ve never seen that before. Isn’t it neat? This is SO fun!” doesn’t help. In fact, probably the only thing that helped us was completely letting go of the pressure to make it fun.

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When I finally gave up and just set the cruise control without the need to make the experience be anything other than an extended sojourn in a sardine can, it got a little easier. Another potty stop? Yeah, OK, whatever. Can you have a treat? Yep. You wanna watch Scooby Doo for the 4th time? Okidoki (insert earbuds and listen to Pandora). At least I can say I learned (again) the valuable life lesson that surrendering to the moment is always the path of least resistance. Even if the moment you’re surrendering to is really uncomfortable. I mean hey, at least you’re not judging it and expecting it to be anything other than it is. It just sucks. It is what it is. At least you can find hope in the knowledge that moments never last forever! They’re just moments.

As brutal as the Paw Patrol vs. Teen Beach Movie negotiations were, how my own parents did it without DVD players and Apple products, I will never know. Thank you for not killing me, Mom and Dad. And thank you for not taking me on a road trip longer than 7 hours, no matter how much I begged to drive to California. I’d like to take this opportunity to say, “You. Really. Did. Know. Best.”

There. You can die happy now, Mom. RV W

by Lori Mathiowetz

049177

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RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

Money Talks

Davis Wealth Management

by Suze Orman Photo by R. Trachtenberg

Sitting down with your children once a month and having them help you pay the family bills is an incredibly valuable life-lesson opportunity that sadly few families use.

I don’t just think it is “nice” to give a tween or teenager a window into the basics of household cash management. It is vital. If you are serious about giving your child the best possible chance at being a successful adult, teaching them how to handle basic household finances is a very important skill. I have worked with far too many young adults who tell me they had no clue what they were doing, and spent the first few years of their adult life digging out of big financial holes they dug for themselves.

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Davis Wealth Management and NPC are separate and unrelated companies.

Make it an Allowance Task: You know I believe that no child should be given an allowance simply for showing up. It should be tied to completing a task that helps the family. That can be anything from folding the laundry to mowing the lawn. Or, perhaps, helping you stay on top of the basic household bills: utilities, mortgage/rent, credit cards etc.

049554

Teach Your Children Well-Part 1: Bill Pay Together

Dr. Angela Schuck Dr. Keith Flack

Use Online Bill Pay. If you don’t already, this is a perfect opportunity to set up online bill pay through your checking account. Your mortgage should be an automatic payment—you never want to trip up on that. But for all your other bills, consider going manual. For purposes of teaching your kids it is important to receive the bill (e-bills are fine) and then have to go through the process of scheduling an online bill payment. You can fully automate after six months or a year, once your kid has learned all about household cash flow.

Schedule a Monthly Sit-Down. You are to arrange a specific date/ time when you and your child will sit down together to go through the monthly bills. This is an important side lesson: that bill payment should be part of a routine.

You Deserve Comfortable Care Every Time.

Compare Monthly Spending. Many of your bills have stories to tell.

Does your utility bill spike in especially hot/cold months? What did the credit card bill look like after the family vacation? Understanding the variability of some bills is important learning for a child. It is also a great conversation starter on how the family might be able to work to reduce bills. Until you lay it out, a teenager isn’t going to naturally understand that a shorter shower, turning off lights and unplugging all their electronics when not in use, helps save money.

• Sedation - Complete Relaxation with Just a Pill • Invisalign - Clear Alternative to Braces • Lumineers - No Fear Cosmetic Veneers • Implants - Placement and Restoration

Hand Over the Mouse. I think most of us learn best by actually doing something, not just observing. Once you’ve logged onto your account, give the mouse to your child and have them input the payment info.

And be sure to discuss the importance of scheduling a payment at least three business days before a bill is due. Just to make sure you are never susceptible to a late-payment charge. RVW

• Cerec - One Visit Crown Technology • 3D Imaging with Fewer X-Rays • Cosmetic Enhancements • Drill-free Technology • ZOOM Whitening • Emergency Care

1400 Lookout Drive, North Mankato 507-625-CARE(2273) • mankatodentist.com

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RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

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CAN YOU ESCAPE?

Connections . . .

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Providing a link between business owners and thousands of readers each month. Post or pick up virtual business cards here!

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UShEriNg iN A NEw ErA Of iNtErACtivE ENtErtAiNmENt

Offering a combination of natural & conventional healt h care options Lisa VanWatermulen, Family Nurse Practitioner 101 West Robinson St., Lake Crystal, MN

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Many Languages, One Company, One Voice Certified interpreters & translators, licensed interpreter trainer.

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n Qualified Intermediary for tax deferred §1031 exchanges

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507.385.4459

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n Wealth Management n Retirement Planning n College Planning n Multi-Generational Planning Call or email to request your free initial consultation today.

Now accepting new patients

Davis Wealth Management Jo Ellen Krengel, MSW, LISCW Behavioral Health Clinician

049650

Clark W. Diel, Realtor® 507-380-9627 Email: Clark@ActionRealtyMankato.com Website: ClarkActionRealty.com 21 Years Army National Guard 14 Years Licensed Real Estate Agent

049555

507.344.1076 brad.davis@natplan.com derrick.davis@natplan.com

John Lind House

This stately 1887 Victorian home is the perfect venue for weddings, showers, groom’s dinners, graduations, holiday parties, family gatherings & receptions.

622 Center Street, New Ulm

507-354-8802

www.lindhouse.org lindhouse@newulmtel.net

More than 35 years of providing quality products & service!

600close N. German New Ulm Mayo Clinic care to St. home

• Round table seating capacity

approximately 250

• Wood stage with basic sound 1-877-412-7575 (toll-free) and lighting systems

Nicollet, Minnesota

mayoclinichealthsystem.org

For information on bookings, contact:

507-232-3502

Cheryl Kormann, Asst. Park & Rec. Dir.

507-359-8340

Hours: M-F 8:00 - 5:30; Sat. 7:30 - 4:30 www.georgescitymeats.com

cheryl.kormann@ci.new-ulm.mn.us

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River Valley Woman Connections Section

037304

3.75”x2”

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Save Money

at New Ulm Furniture La-z-boy - Flexsteel - Sealy Ashley & more!

Furniture - FLooring WindoW treAtmentS mAttreSSeS

Annette NatashaPerry Weis

16 n German St. Downtown new Ulm 507-354-2716

Advertising Representative Sales & Marketing Manager 507-382-2287 507-227-2545 annette.rvw@gmail.com weisnatasha@gmail.com

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rivervalleywoman.com Over 1000 miles of local Minnesota River Valley news!

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River Valley Woman delivers maximum Hairstyling (no cuts/colors), makeup & hair value for advertising dollarsairbrush by effectively extensions by appt. only. reaching the targeted market.

ReadeRship: RVW averages 2.5 readers per copy, or based on 9,192 audited gross distribution per month, yields 22,980 readers monthly.

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puRchasing Response: 62.9% of those surveyedpamelahernandezbeauty.com said they frequently purchase products or services 507.327.6312 from ads seen in River Valley Woman.

Retention: When asked, 67% said they keep RVW three weeks or longer before discarding it. This affords advertisers multiple opportunities for repeat impressions from a single advertisement.

the survey also indicated that RVW reader demographics exceed average market demographics in every desirable category *Circulation Verification Council (CVC) is an independent, third-party reporting audit company. St. Louis based CVC audits thousands of editions nationwide with a combined circulation of more than 55 million. Audits cover printing, distribution, circulation, websites, digital editions, mobile, email, social media and readership studies to give an accurate picture of a publication’s reach and market penetration. (http://www.cvcaudit.com) The Circulation Verification Council estimates that all the information in this survey has a maximum error margin of +/3.5% at the 95% confidence level. A minimum of 250 completed interviews, or 2.5% of net circulation for publications under 10,000 net circulation is required with no more than one interview per household. To view the CVC audit in its entirety go to the River Valley Woman website at http://www.rivervalleywoman.com.

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Be Well

T

Keep your cool while exercising in the heat

The warm weather is a perfect motivator to get outside, go for a walk and generally get off the couch and move around. For many people, exercising outdoors certainly feels better than being stuck inside due to the bitter cold. But when our summer goes from warm to hot, exercising could be risky — unless you’re prepared.

easier when the mercury rises. Save your goal of setting a personal best for another, cooler day, and don’t think you have to keep up with your running or workout buddies — at least until the temperature cools off a bit.

Staying active, even exercising in hot weather, can be done safely, but you really have to pay attention to the environment and your body to make sure a good thing doesn’t go bad. Here are a few tips:

Dress smart. Clothing for exercise or working out in hot weather should permit evaporation of sweat from your skin. Wear something lightcolored, lightweight and loose-fitting. Clothing can also help protect your skin form the sun — along with plenty of sunscreen.

Know the weather. If you haven’t been exercising in hot weather already this summer, don’t choose a hot day to start. Your body needs to acclimate to the heat, so start with shorter periods of exercise and gradually extend the duration of your workout. High humidity prevents sweat from readily evaporating from this skin, which puts added stress on your body. And pay attention to the forecast — and the sky. Severe weather can develop rather quickly, and there are no extra points for trying to outrun a thunderstorm or a tornado.

Listen to your body. The old adage “no pain, no gain” is false. You should slow down or stop exercising at the first sign of discomfort.

Other warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness and dizziness. Heat stroke, which is more serious, may be indicated by a rapid, weak pulse, confusion and loss of consciousness. If you experience any of these warning signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately, or alert someone to make the call on your behalf.

Stay hydrated. Your body cools itself by sweating, and if you stay hydrated, the body is pretty good at cooling itself. When you become dehydrated, your body starts to store heat inside. Your core temperature begins to increase, and that can put your organs and nervous system at risk. Drink water before, during and after you exercise. Experts also recommend drinking fluids; water is still preferable. Additionally, make sure you have food throughout the day.

Summer fun can include outdoor exercise and workouts; the trick is to be smart about it. By following some simple tips, you’ll get more out of your time outdoors and reduce the risks associated with hot weather. RVW

Slow down. Don’t try to keep up your normal pace and intensity in hot weather. Get comfortable knowing you’ll have to take things a bit

S

For more information, visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org.

Are you sabotaging your sleep?

Sure, that extra cup of coffee during your afternoon break seemed like a good idea at the time, but if you’re lying awake at 3 a.m. unable to sleep, you may soon be regretting that decision.

Research shows that even the most diligent of people who get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night can still wake up feeling groggy and tired. The reason behind the heavy eyelids often comes down to sleep saboteurs.

From caffeine to even negative people, a surprising amount of situations can lead to restless nights. Read on to find out what could be causing you to toss and turn.

Caffeine: Whether it’s in the form of tea, pop or chocolate, caffeine blocks our body’s ability to know if we’re tired. Instead, caffeine tricks our body in to thinking we have more energy, when in reality it’s just suppressing how tired we actually are. To get a deep and restful night sleep, stay away from coffee or pop at least six hours before bed.

Alcohol: It may make us feel drowsy as the night goes on, but the effect of alcohol actually hinders our sleeping. Drinking alcohol may cause you to fall asleep faster but in actuality you have more awake periods and less REM (rapid eye movement) sequences even if you have a glass or two in your system.

Smoking: Many people use smoking as a relaxation tool but nicotine is actually a stimulant that can make insomnia worse, especially if you smoke close to your bedtime. In addition, nicotine withdrawal can cause people who smoke to wake up earlier than normal.

Fatty or spicy food: Not only does having a large meal too close to bedtime

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Chaun Cox, M.D., is a Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato family physician and an avid runner.

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

leave us feeling full or bloated but spicy or fatty foods can cause acid reflux, which gets worse as you lay down. It’s best to eat dinner at least two hours before going to sleep but if you’re used to eating right before bed, stick with simple carbs or a glass of milk.

Turning up the temperature: It changes from person to person, but most people tend to sleep their best between 60-70 degrees. The reason is because the body’s temperature drops during the night and the lower temperature allows for people to cover up with blankets without getting too hot.

Negative people: Toxic friends or negative people who take something out of you cause stress, which leaves your mind staying busy when it should be trying to sleep. The more that you become stressed the harder it is for you to fall asleep. The cycle continues as you become more stressed because of the lack of sleep you’re getting.

Exercise: Exercising releases endorphins, which tell our brain that it’s go time. By exercising later in the evening or before bed, you’re telling your body that it’s time to be active when it’s actually time to rest.

Screen time: Mobile devices emit a blue light which can mess with your body’s natural sleep rhythms. In addition, the artificial light suppresses melatonin, which is the hormone that helps us sleep. Put down devices at least two hours before bed so you don’t interfere with your body’s sleep rhythms. RVW Dr. Lisa Davidson Mankato Clinic Neurologist

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507-345-4646 Brought to you by:

049799

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.

Honor your loved ones with a custom floral or silk arrangement.

A to Zinnia does some of the best tribute work in the area. Stop in and shop our extensive memorial collection of stones and angels.

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

Make a statement!

Stackables are the perfect addition to any outfit for any occasion. Affordable Luxury.

Exclusively Diamonds 1660 Tullamore St, Mankato MN 56001 507-345-1658 ExclusivelyDiamonds.com

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Cool Casual Comfort Bohemian style tops are the perfect backdrop for a funky necklace or two.

There's plenty of summer left to wear these sleeveless with shorts or pair them with super soft moto-jeggings for a style all your own.Shop online! generationsboutiquemn.com Generations Boutique 326 South Minnesota Avenue St. Peter, Minnesota 507.934.7407

Give Your Weight Loss a Little Boost!

Burn Calories, stimulate your metabolism, detox, and relieve pain all while relaxing in the Alpha Fuzion sauna pod. Call us today and start feeling better tomorrow.

Body Concepts 1609 N. Riverfront Dr. Suite 105 Mankato, MN507.381.5467 bodyconceptsmankato.com

Homegrown At Hy-Vee, we understand our customers desire for fresh, local products. That’s why we created the Hy-Vee Homegrown program. When you see the Hy-Vee Homegrown logo, you can have confidence that the produce was grown within 200 miles of that store.

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

NEW PRODUCTS! Building a New Home? Renovating your Current Home? Visit our showroom to see the newest and latest products for your new home or current home. Call us today to schedule an "no obligation" appointment Shown above: wood panels make a stunning accent wall. Available in different colors and designs.

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

Wake up your bedroom with custom designed and hand crafted bedroom ensemble. Whatever your design inspiration, we can create the bedroom of your dreams. Give Blinds & More Interior Design Group a call to schedule your in-person consultation today.

Blinds & More 424 Belgrade Avenue North Mankato, MN 56003 507-380-5019

Time to Ride!

Bicycle enthusiasts will love this Uttermost Spokes Aged Wall clock.

Fun and whimsical bike tire frame and layered spoke clock face. Classic arrow design with traditional numerals for quick and easy readability. Reliable quartz mechanism for accuracy. Makes a great gift, or themed decor piece for home, exercise room or garage.

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

Magnolia Giveaway!

We are giving away 3 one-of-a-kind Magnolia Home furniture pieces! Stop in at our Mankato location to register and see this timeless and charming collection. Best of luck! Pictured Giveaway: Carpe Diem plush chair in Seaglass Rooms and Rest Furniture and Mattress 1760 Madison Ave Mankato, MN 56001 roomsandrest.com

YETI products are among the best insulated coolers on the market today. These coolers are right at home in a campsite, kayak, canoe, ATV or golf cart, and are over-engineered to keep ice for days. No matter where you carry it or how you handle it, Yeti's grizzly proof construction won’t leak or break. Keep everything ice cold with the Monster cooler for big game to the can coozie for the celebration beer afterwards.

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

Joeleen Torvick Independently designed and hand sewn in Duluth, MN, Joeleen Torvick creates pieces that are both modern and refined.

Semblance collaborates with Joeleen each season to produce mini collections of specially made pieces in small runs that you can only find at Semblance stores.

SEMBLANCE 611 N Riverfront Dr . Mankato, MN 204 N Minnesota St . New Ulm, MN 507.304.0377 shopsemblanc.com

Summer Ready!

Celebrate 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

RIVER VALLEY woman | august • 2016

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Speaks for itself!

A colorful reminder each day, this playful piece will brighten up your living room, bedroom or hallway table.

Add a dish for a cheerful spot to drop your keys and change.

Larson’s Home Furnishings Redwood Falls • 800-585-8346 & Marshall • 800-310-6320 larsonfurniture.com

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

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It's in the Bag! Fall is on its way and we've got bags of every size and shape to take you to school and athletic events with organization and style.

Nicklasson Athletic 1217 South Broadway, New Ulm Phone 507-354-8586 Toll Free 800-228-6425 (NICK) nicklassonathletic.com

Family Photo Styling Fall Family Photos are right around the corner! Gallery 512 offers free personal styling consultations and would love to work with you to style your whole family.

To inquire about appointment openings, contact Jessica or Danielle at info@ gallery512boutique.com Gallery 512 Boutique 20 N. Minnesota St. New Ulm 507-354-5120 and 611 N Riverfront Drive, Mankato

Visit River Valley Woman's Facebook Page for details on how you can be entered to win a family 4 pack of tickets to the

2016 Minnesota Renaissance Festival!

Open Weekends August 20 - October 2, 2016 Live Armored Jousting 7 Themed Weekends 16 Stages of Live Entertainment 250 Artisan Booths Food, Drink, Free Parking, And More!

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.

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Make your home sweet with our

Mankato

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Schedule your free interior design consultation today: 507-218-0030