September 2016

River Valley Attorneys

Jennifer Gilk, Eileen Wells, Michelle Zendler Fischer, Kezia Smith & Shari Fischer

Taylor Hansen Champion Pool Player

Barber

Laura Bohlmann

P lus!

Back-To-School, Beauty, Fashion & Home

Rivervalleywoman.com

Focused on Success!

tonya Butler Lawyer, educator, author, speaker

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september 2016 • Volume 4 • Issue 4

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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 Ruth Klossner Tami Leuthold Annette Perry Designer Amy Leuthold Cover Photographer Rhonda Milbrett Photography River Valley Woman Magazine New Ulm & Mankato, MN 507.354.6158 For advertising and editorial contact information and a list of newsstand locations visit

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Lather, Rinse, Repeat Editor’s Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tonya Butler: Laser-Focused on Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Eileen Wells: Former City Attorney Helped Mankato Grow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Jennifer Gilk: Work Ethic Serves Well in Opening New Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Shari Fischer: Practice Makes Perfect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Michelle Zehnder Fischer: Where I Had Hoped to Be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Taylor Hansen has Success in the Corner Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Strut Your Stuff Fashion Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Taste of the Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Making Strides Again Breast Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Redwood Area - Take It In! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Beauty Must-Haves from our Readers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Unintentional Barber Loves Her Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Getting the School Year Off to a Healthy Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Garden Gal: Summer, A Swan Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 It’s More Than Just Hair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Meet Me in St. Peter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Money Talks: Suze Orman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Connections Business Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Lori Mathiowetz. What Next: Nothing Is Important . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

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

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

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

Tidy Tightwads: Make School Mornings Less Stressful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

GO. BE. DO. CONNECT.

Antiques Road Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Spaces: 5 Ways to Add Luxury to Your Laundry Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 8 Household Items You May Need to Replace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Good Taste: Apple Tart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Catherine Job: Courage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Tips to Beat Wardrobe Wars While Back to School Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Lots of Life Left in Senior Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Good Reads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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Eileen Madsen Editor

TGIF! In this case the “F” meaning fall. Maybe not officially, but when kids go back to school (ha-HA) and the calendar reads September, to me it’s fall. Those who are subject to my incessant whining about bugs, heat, sun, humidity—and the subsequent humidity hair—know that summer is not my favorite season. I like it for most of June, then I’m over it by the 4th of July...yea, yea summer lovers... so sue me.

Speaking of which, this is our first issue where we turn our focus to those women who take the law into their own hands to defend, prosecute, organize, advise, and otherwise sort through myriad laws, rules and regulations that most people don’t even want to think about. This issue features six river valley attorneys covering a spectrum of practices including real estate, criminal prosecution, child advocacy, farm and more.

Thanks to these women we don’t have to go it alone and potentially mess up our lives, go broke, or end up wearing an orange jumpsuit.

Our dynamic cover lawyer, Tonya Butler, has had a unique and eclectic career starting out as an entertainment attorney, then adding professor, author and motivational speaker to her list of accomplishments. A quick Google search and you’ll find Professor Butler practically everywhere, along with some laugh-out-loud videos that feature some sassy quotes such as “When there’s no one left to blame, maybe it’s you!” and “If your career is in the toilet, your wake-up call has arrived!” Plus her penchant for reinventing her look every so often only adds to her chutzpah.

It seems as if our readers feel pretty strongly about their own chutzpah when it comes to glam. According to our recent Facebook

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

Lather, Rinse, Repeat poll, it seems we ladies have a love affair going with mascara. RVW asked what beauty products you could not live without and apparently batting long and lush lashes came in at number one. I have to admit, that along with being lukewarm on summer, I am not fond of wearing mascara. Not that I don’t like the look, it’s just that I am a klutz at putting it on. And once I do get a few swipes on without poking myself in the eye I can feel it there all day...blink, clump, blink, flake. Thankfully, from all of your cosmetics advice there may be hope. On my shopping list is the “Better Than Sex” mascara recommended by Robin K. Of course, I may have to compare just to make sure that’s the case. See inside for some of our readers’ favorites, or find us on Facebook and peruse them all.

Now, if you are afflicted with the aforementioned humidity hair, barber Laura Bohlmann has a remedy for that. It’s called a scissors and a razor. Laura discovered her true calling when, due to allergies to cosmetology products, she switched her focus from beauty salon to barber shop, purchasing the cool and quaint Roger’s Barber Shop in New Ulm. The small space is a blast from the past with a modern twist in the fact that the barber is a woman.

And guys will have to step aside in the game room now as well to make way for teen pool champ Taylor Hansen. Ranking 13th in the U.S. for women pool players, and the top-rated woman in Minnesota, Taylor is also tops in academics at her high school in Mankato. She’s so good that she can probably apply mascara whilst putting a ball in a corner pocket.

Did I mention back-to-school? (ha-HA). This issue is full of advice on school fashions, stress reduction, and healthy living tips during what can be a hectic time for many.

Personally, I can’t wait for the first day of school. I wake up early, have coffee, watch the school bus drive by my house, knowing I don’t have to get on it.

Knowing I don’t have to study for tests. Not caring if I get asked to the prom.

Why, I can just get dressed in my size nine jeans, that were a size five when I was 18, apply some $40 mature skin lotion instead of that cheapo two buck Noxzema. Go to work, answer 54 emails before 8 a.m., have someone Skype me, message me and call at the same time. Oh and no school lunches for me!

I have a special diet that won’t give me heart burn, provided I can eat it and make deadlines too. And well, when summer comes do I have to put up with those 3 months off in the heat, bugs and humidity? Heck no, uh, I get to go to work again, every day, so I won’t be homeless when I retire. Hmmm...seems every day is a test.

Here comes the bus. Wait for me!

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Tonya Butler

Laser-Focused on

Success S

by Kristin Sjolie Photos by Rhonda Milbrett

Stylish and confident in a vibrant graphic T, professor, attorney, speaker and author Tonya Butler greeted me enthusiastically with a big hug and her trademark contagious smile and energy.

She spoke warmly about her aspirations, family, and love for her students as we met in her office, surrounded by entertainment memorabilia.

Butler is the current Director of Music Industry Studies at Minnesota State University Mankato.

Interested in music and entertainment since she was young, she attended a performing arts high school, a community college theater academy, and was a theater major in college. As a student, she worked at Universal Studios Hollywood.

“The requirement to memorize an entire book of material to entertain guests when tours backed up made being a tour guide one of the hardest jobs I ever had,” said Butler. “I learned to work under pressure, think on my feet and talk my way through anything!”

She also worked as a contestant coordinator for “The Dating Game” and several other shows, finding that the entertainment field fit well with her personality.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

It was at this point that she decided to go to law school. She had business cards made that said “Future Entertainment Attorney,” with her expected graduation date listed. People were skeptical, saying she was narrowing her focus too much.

“To me, successful people are really stubborn people that are more than focused—they’re laser focused. They just can’t see themselves doing anything else,” said Butler.

Butler was laser focused, only wanting to be an entertainment attorney. For her, that equaled the music business. During her second year of law school, she took electives, including a music law class. It fit like a glove. To gain experience, she interned at record companies, often working for free.

“It made me realize how competitive the music industry was. This helped me focus on differentiation: what about me makes me different and better, and what do I have to offer over a 15-year veteran in the music business trying to get into this same job?”

Butler said she made that difference known.

Differentiation helped her land several jobs working as an entertainment attorney and

s

Although she had aspirations of becoming a famous actress, Butler found her true calling behind the scenes. It was when she first saw Johnny Cochran representing rapper Puff Daddy in court that she realized entertainment law existed. Butler says she understood what entertainment clients needed because she had been one of them.

“Entertainers need their lawyer to deal with them in a way that maintains their creativity and individuality, and also gets things done,” she said. “You can’t cater to their ego. You have to tell them the truth.”

“To me, successful people are really stubborn people that are more than focused—they’re laser focused.

T hey just can’t see themselves doing anything else” record label executive, a career spanning more than 14 years.

Butler’s favorite part of the industry is contracts.

“I’m a contract geek!” she said. “I love the written word. People will talk about their intentions all day long, but if it’s not on paper it does not exist.”

Butler loves interpreting contracts, finding loopholes, and formulating the right language.

She says there’s a lot of ignorance in this field, and people pull contracts off the internet that they don’t understand and sign agreements that they’ve never read.

“Some people are willing to sign anything to be a superstar, but they always regret it later.”

B

Butler wrote a book, published in 2015, titled “The Music Business is Corrupt… Or Maybe You Just Can’t Sing?” She said the idea came to her while talking with a friend about different situations involving recording artists and other people they’d worked with. Many of them were talented but were stuck in the same negative patterns and wondered why they were not successful. So she decided her mission was to tell people the truth about themselves.

“I say to their face what other people are saying about them behind their backs.”

Butler’s book was written to help those who wanted to do better, be better and have better careers. “It may be the cold, hard truth but there is caring and love behind every word I say,” she states.

Butler admits that her time in the music industry was filled with drama and excitement, but recalls that so was her entire life.

“My mother referred to me as her ‘riot baby,’” said Butler, who was born in the aftermath of the Watts, California riots. “People were running and looting, and so was my very resourceful teenage mother who was looting for diapers and formula for the baby she was expecting that fall.”

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Butler was raised mostly by her very protective maternal grandmother. “There were no excuses with Grandma. We lived in a housing project and were on welfare, but that was not an excuse to fail. ‘Everybody’s got it bad, so just do what you were called to do and get over it!’ was Grandma’s philosophy,” Butler smiled.

The projects were full of violence, yet Butler’s grandmother taught her that with education there was a life beyond the ghetto. She believed and worked toward this, soaking up books and life like a sponge, especially anything that took her away from the drugs, crime and violence of inner-city Los Angeles.

Theater and acting became her saving graces. Butler’s first grade teacher, Mrs. Jones, was instrumental in introducing her to the entertainment business.

“As a child, I was very shy and withdrawn,” said Butler. Mrs. Jones encouraged Butler’s grandmother to have Butler join theater, so she could get out of her shell and express herself. Her first role was as one of Cinderella’s evil stepsisters.

“I loved being on stage. After that all I wanted to do was to be an actress. I loved doing community theater especially!”

Butler is still a member of Community Actor’s Theater in San Diego, California, although it’s been years since she’s been on stage.

After working as an entertainment attorney and record label executive, Butler decided to teach entertainment law part-time at the American College of Law in Whittier, CA. She said she’s always liked teachers and knew she wanted to teach someday. Butler loved the traditional academic pace, and wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people. She has now been teaching for 12 years.

The opportunity to direct and help build the program at Minnesota State University Mankato was a challenge she could not resist. Butler laughs, telling how she had never even heard of

Getting to know Tonya Butler

Degrees held: • Associate of Arts in Theater from Los Angeles City College, Theater Academy, CA • Bachelor of Science in Law from National University, San Diego, CA • Doctorate in Law from California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA • Masters of Laws in Entertainment and Media from Southwestern University School of Law/Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, England Teaching philosophy: Everything I do is about meeting the academic, career and professional needs of my students.

A personal practice you follow: Constantly building and fostering contacts and relationships. I have always been really good at bringing people together. I do this for myself and also as a resource for my students as they move into the industry.

Best attributes of the river valley area: The quiet, lack of congestion, ease of getting places, everyone is so friendly. This is really a special place!

Greatest challenges of living here: Winter cold, and of course winter driving.

“Man-kah-toe” before finding out about the open position.

“I love the faculty here. They are open to change, not territorial, understanding, and great to work with. They appreciate my business experience.”

Favorite leisure activities: Traveling and visiting family in California; listening to old school funk and 70s/80s hip hop and R&B music; attending live concerts of any genre, karaoke and dancing. I’m thinking of starting a meet-up group in Minneapolis for women in entertainment

W

Butler enjoys and appreciates the students as well. “I ask ‘what can I do to help you get what you need?’—it’s all about them,” she said.

When she’s not teaching, Butler speaks professionally around the country on topics related to academic success, the entertainment business, and her book. In her spare time she enjoys networking, live music and spending time with her dog. She joined the Mankato Toastmasters to meet new people and hone her speaking skills. In December of 2015, she won the District 6 Humorous Speech contest, telling her story of an emergency landing on a flight from Miami to the Bahamas and back again on a 19-seat plane.

“It was not funny at the time I experienced it, but makes a good story now!” she laughs.

So what lies ahead for this multi-talented, energetic, fascinating woman?

Butler plans on challenging herself further in Toastmasters, and entering their International Inspirational Speech contest in the spring. She also wants to do a TED talk. She’ll be scouting the process at the TED event this fall in Minneapolis, and then working on her talk from there. She also wants to continue being the best teacher she can be. RV W

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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Former city attorney Eileen Wells helped Mankato grow

behind the scenes

By Marie Zimmerman

Law school sounded fun. That simple thought sparked a career for Eileen Wells, culminating in more than two decades as Mankato’s city attorney. Wells retired from that post in 2014, after counseling the city through some of its iconic modern developments.

During her junior year of college at Mankato State University, Wells took an interest in the school’s new law enforcement program. Her criminal law professor, also an attorney, encouraged students who enjoyed his class to consider law school.

“I’ve learned over all the years that things get big and then they kind of just resolve.”

“I had done well and I had enjoyed it, and I thought, ‘OK, law school sounds fun,” Wells said. “The operative word is ‘sounds.’”

Before taking the Law School Admission Test, Wells completed her bachelor’s degree in sociology, then worked as a law clerk for a year while prepping for the test.

Not having a pre-law degree didn’t hinder Wells in her pursuits.

She encourages undergrad students to choose a major they enjoy and are good at to help them achieve good grades for law school admission.

Those considering a career in law should also hone their speaking skills and writing skills, Wells advised. And young lawyers would do well to remain cordial in their work, despite the adversarial nature of the profession.

“I think it’s important to understand that you can represent your client and do a good job for your client but you can also be collegial and not attack the other lawyer on a personal level,” Wells said.

As a student at William Mitchell College of Law, Wells worked days at a downtown St. Paul Bank and studied at night. She considered specializing in family law or real estate after graduation.

“I kind of was picking out what I liked. I knew I wasn’t going to be a tax lawyer,” Wells said.

Her first job was with legal aid services in Virginia, Minn., providing free legal advice and representation to low income people. A year later, she moved to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office and spent six years as assistant county attorney before her heart called her back to southern Minnesota. Born in Austin, Wells’ parents moved the family to Mankato when she was in middle school.

“I think you realize wherever your home is, wherever you consider your home, that’s the most comfortable for you. That’s what I felt whenever I’d come back from Virginia,” Wells said.

Mankato was hiring an assistant city attorney at the time, and Wells got the job. In 1987, she applied and was promoted to city attorney.

The city attorney’s office was responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor offenses in the city and some gross misdemeanors; those cases fell mainly to two assistant city attorneys. Wells shouldered the responsibility of advising the council and other members of city staff on legal matters and preparing and reviewing documents.

196 St Andrews Dr #100 | Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 344-8888 knutsoncasey.com

SUCCESSION PLANNING AND REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS n Discounted Installment Sales Historically low interest rates make discounted installment sales a popular planning tool for transferring land to future generations1. These sales are made either directly to heirs or to a trust for the benefit of heirs.

“Other than the prosecution, I saw it as a support person for the other departments and for the city council to kind of make what they wanted to have happen, happen,” Wells said of her work as city attorney.

It was a time of growth and development in Mankato, and there was always something new and different happening.

“It’s always kind of exciting to be involved in something like that. The people who I worked with were marvelous. The other department heads were all bright, just extremely good at their jobs,” Wells said.

One of her first issues was development of River Hills Mall. Now a core part of Mankato, the mall was viewed as a threat by downtown retailers when it was announced.

“There was very little that really the city could do to stop it because it was a private development. As it turned out, people had vision for this downtown area and it became something different than a retail center, but it still is thriving and developing,” Wells said.

After River Hills Mall came the Verizon Civic Center. A vocal section of the public opposed that project as well, concerned the center would operate in the red and drain taxpayers.

“The plan to implement the city sales tax was devised and it’s been very successful,” said Wells, who helped the city through the process of getting permission from the legislature and passing a referendum for the tax.

More recently, the city council designated public spaces and private entities­—like bars, restaurants and stores—as non-smoking. There was a petition to repeal the legislation, which Wells had to help the city address. Now people can’t imagine a time when smoking was allowed in buildings, Wells said.

“I’ve learned over all the years that things get big and then they kind of just resolve.”

While Mankato continued to grow and change around her, Wells’ personal life demanded more of her attention. She retired in 2014 to commit time to family, volunteering and special interests.

“It was a terrific career. I enjoyed it,” said Wells, who is married and lives with her husband on Lake Washington.

Now, Wells helps her 90-year-old mother run a bed and breakfast and has time for quilting and knitting. She is president of the Betsy-Tacy Society, secretary of the Le Sueur Pioneer Power Association and a board member for MRCI Auxiliary, which runs the MRCI Thrift Shop benefitting adults with all types of disabilities

Margaret Koberoski Partner + Attorney

Because Real Property conveyances among family members are closely scrutinized, installment sales require careful thought to such factors as: 1) The consideration paid; 2) Cost basis in the property; 3) The grantee’s intended future use of the property; and 4) The interest rate charged by the selling party.

n Life Estate Interests In some cases, lifetime gifts or discounted sales of land are not an option because the property is a primary source of income for the client. While probate avoidance remains important, the client does not want to relinquish control or the use and enjoyment of their property during their lifetime.

Transfer of the property to heirs with a retained life estate interest can accomplish many goals including protecting the individual’s right to ongoing use, enjoyment and income during their lifetime. The grantee of the property holds a remainder interest until the death of the life tenant. At that time, an affidavit of survivorship and certified death certificate are filed with the recording office and the remainder person assumes complete title to the property.

Because this planning gives a remainder party an immediately vested property right and can cause inclusion within the grantor’s estate for estate tax purposes, it may not be ideal for some individuals. Clients considering transfers with retained life estate interests should consult with an attorney to carefully review and weigh the benefits of this planning. n Transfer on Death Deed In 2008, the Minnesota legislature enacted Minn. Stat. 507.071, which allows an individual to name a beneficiary to receive title to property at death. This manner of transferring property is commonly known as the transfer on death deed (TODD). A TODD is modeled after the transfer on death designation (TOD) referenced on bank accounts or stock and investment funds. Use of this planning tool avoids probate and promotes ease of transfer to subsequent heirs.

Unlike a transfer with a retained life estate interest, the TODD does not give the beneficiary any right, title or interest in the property, until the owner passes away, meaning that prior to death, the owner of the property may amend or completely revoke designations made in the TODD. This can provide the level of flexibility clients desire.

Installment Sales, Transfers with Retained Life Estate interests, and Transfer on Death Deeds are just three examples of real estate transfers that can be part of an estate plan. Other options include the transfer of land to an irrevocable trust or a charity to address estate tax and long term care planning issues.

[1] The Applicable Federal Rate (AFR) is a rate published monthly by the Internal Revenue Service and is the commonly used interest rate for transactions among family members. The AFR mid-term rate as of July 1, 2016, was 1.43%.

While happy with retirement, Wells misses her colleagues and being “in the know” about what’s happening in Mankato.

“The only thing that I know now about Mankato is what I read in the paper,” Wells said. RV W

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Prosciutto

Capocolla

Salami

CharCuterie Counter 101

CHARCUTERIE (SAY “SHAHR-KOO-TUH-REE”) ARE GOURMET, NATURALLY CURED MEATS AS DELICIOUS IN EVERYDAY MEALS AS THEY ARE ON A PARTY PLATTER. Salami: A broad term, salami refers to many types of dry-aged ground meat sausages in casings. The flavor ranges from tangy to sweet.

As a category, salami includes pepperoni, salame secchi, saucisson, borsellino, and many more, variously flavored with anything from paprika to garlic. The white mold on salami is harmless but the outer casing is usually not edible and needs to be removed. Thinly sliced, salami is splendid on pizza and pairs well with cornichons, creamy cheeses and fresh fruit.

ProSCiutto: One of Italy’s most beloved culinary creations, this dry-cured, unsmoked ham takes care and patience to produce. It is often aged for several years under climate-controlled conditions.

There are many types, including a spicy version called prosciutto piccante. All types are generally served thinly sliced on party platters, in salads or in sandwiches such as the Italian pressed panini.

Karl Pagel - CharCuterie SPeCialiSt Karl can prepare a custom tray or give you everything you need to make your own. The trick is to provide a variety of flavors and complement several types of charcuterie: cheese, fruit, nuts, cornichons and crackers, plus a sharp mustard to spread and a sweet honey to drizzle. Then guests can fashion their own personalized hors d’oeuvres.

CoPPa and CaPoColla: These cold-cut cousins are pork neck and shoulder roasts that have been pressed into cylinders and cured with red pepper for a bit of spice. Use them just like you would ham. Lomo is very similar to capocolla, but is made from pork tenderloin.

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ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALS There are several estate planning documents that every person over age 18 should have in place: 1. A Will or Trust is necessary to ensure that your assets will be transferred per your wishes upon your passing. A Will must be probated in court in order to distribute your estate and wind up your affairs. A Revocable Trust serves the same purpose as a Will, but does not require a court proceeding and keeps your estate plan private. The manner in which you establish your estate plan can have significant tax implications.

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2. A Financial Power of Attorney enables someone else to make financial decisions if you are unable to do so for yourself. Family members (including spouses) generally are not entitled to manage your finances if something were to happen to you if you do not have a Power of Attorney.

3. A Healthcare Directive enables someone else to make healthcare decisions if you are unable to convey your wishes.

Family members (including spouses and children) do not have the legal authority to make those decisions for you if you do not have a Healthcare Directive. We recommend that everyone execute this document, especially young adults leaving to attend college.

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A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a frequently used corporate structure because it provides members flexibility along with personal liability protection and tax benefits. The laws regarding LLCs recently changed to provide members with even more options concerning the structure and management of the company. LLCs that were formed prior to August 1, 2015, may be voluntarily converted to the new LLC law through January 1, 2018. LLCs that have not voluntarily converted will be automatically converted on January 1, 2018, and be subject to the new laws. An involuntary conversion could create problems and have unintended consequences for the members.

Jennifer Gilk is as comfortable meeting farmers in their place of business as she is with meeting them in her office.

Gilk’s work ethic serves well in opening new law firm

By Ruth Klossner From growing up on a dairy farm through establishing herself as an attorney, Jennifer Gilk has always been a hard worker. It took every bit of that background to prepare her for her latest challenge—opening her own law office eight months ago.

“This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Gilk admitted. “I’m a hard worker. Being from a dairy farm, I’m a draft horse. I’ve always worked hard, but this was the most work I’ve ever done. I’m putting in 75- to 80-hour weeks, getting to the office at 6:15 a.m., working three nights a week, plus one long weekend day just to keep up.”

The effort has been worth it as response to Gilk’s new firm, Gilk Legacy Law PLLC in Redwood Falls, has been, according to Gilk,

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

absolutely overwhelming.

That’s due not only to Gilk’s work and experience, but the fact that legal assistant Jenni Schmidt followed Jennifer from their former firm, Estebo, Frank, Schnobrich & Solie, Ltd. “Many clients asked, ‘Did Jenni come with?’ when I announced my new firm,” Gilk explained. “They understand what a rock star she is. She’s integral to my practice.”

During 22 years as an attorney/partner with her former firm, Gilk transitioned from a generalist to concentrating in estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, trust administration, farm and business succession, and commercial and ag real

estate. Her decision to start her own firm was based on those interests.

“We were at a junction where we had different visions. It was a chance to fulfill my vision, a chance to build my office, to allow me to focus on the things that I thought would serve my clients the way I wanted to,” she said.

Gilk explained that clients’ files belong to them and can be transferred to the attorney they wish to work with. Jennifer was humbled and honored when “99.9 percent” of the clients she had worked with chose to follow her.

But that wasn’t all. What she didn’t anticipate was the number of new clients.

Getting to know Jennifer Gilk Jennifer Gilk grew up on a century dairy farm at Tyler in Lincoln County. Her parents still own the land and buildings where she grew up and her older sister and her husband farm and raise calves from the I-29 Corridor.

Jennifer earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota – Morris. There she met husband Tim who grew up in Eden Prairie.

Jennifer graduated from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa in 1992, then clerked for the Honorable Arthur A McGiverin, Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court, for a year.

Jennifer Gilk is a teacher, student, and collaborator. Reaching back to her undergraduate days when she student taught, Gilk relies on props to illustrate how estate planning works.

“I grew up with what my clients are going through.

I have to understand the business of operating loans, grain marketing, tile easements, income and estate taxes.”

And that’s what has kept her so busy.

“I continue to be dumbfounded by the number of new people on the calendar every week. That’s unusual for a small office in a small town,” she said. “I’m booked out two months at any given time—but I have booked in emergency time. I have a handle on our calendar.”

She added, “The most humbling thing is to realize the faith and trust people put in your abilities.”

Gilk’s emphasis in agriculture plays to the strength of her background as she drove tractor, threw bales, milked cows, fed calves, walked beans, and butchered chickens while growing up on a dairy farm. She watched her parents manage their farm, going through the farm crisis of the 1980s. She always had it in her mind that she wanted to be a lawyer, to follow her dream of staying in agriculture and protecting the rural way of life.

Gilk estimates that 90 to 95 percent of her clients are farmers, with estate planning being a prime topic. There’s a reason for that.

“Nationally, 85 percent of farmers don’t have estate plans. And, of the 15 percent who do, 85 percent are out of date,” she said. “The majority of farmers today are in their late 50s to early 70s.”

Gilk’s work with family business transition often deals with multiple generations who are not always on the same page.

“You have to have hard technical knowledge to figure out what works and you have to understand how the dynamics of the family play out,” she said. “I have to bring it all together—the hard technical things like tax laws, a farm background, and people mediation soft skills. I probably spend more time with farm clients than most attorneys. I want to know who they are, how they handle money, and who they think should be their heirs.”

Tim and Jennifer have three children. Son Carter is studying aviation at South Dakota State University. Son Spencer is a junior at Redwood Valley High School and daughter Abby is a freshman at Redwood Valley.

Tim owns Wood & Conn Corporation, a wholesale distributor of Sukup Grain Bins & Hutchinson-Mayrath Grain Augers. Of that, Jennifer said, “We’re both married to the ag industry—and happily so. I didn’t marry a farmer, but he wears steel-toed Red Wings to work.”

Starting a new law firm

Jennifer Gilk made the decision to open her own firm in mid-October, but didn’t announce it until the end of December. In the meantime, there were many decisions to make. To help, she hired the legal technology firm, Bawden & Laveau Public Relations, to choose technology, design a website, and more.

The firm name, Gilk Legacy Law, was brainstormed by Jennifer and Jenni Schmidt. Of the name, Gilk commented, “Farmers feel very strongly about the legacy of their farms. They’re still on grandpa’s 80 or quarter—farm families feel that legacy aspect very strongly.”

Jennifer’s husband Tim came up with “95 percent” of the tag line that appears on Gilk’s business cards—“Estate & Property Planning for Businesses, Farms & People”—with Bawden & Laveau tweaking it a bit.

s

“I grew up with what my clients are going through. I have a better understanding than most attorneys. I have to understand the business of operating loans, grain marketing, tile easements,

income and estate taxes. I learned a lot of that in family law practice where I had to dig in and learn about farm decisions.”

When it came time to look for a law job at the end of her internship, neither Jennifer nor Tim wanted to go to the metro area—but preferred the southwest or southern part of the state— and wanted to live in a small town. They chose Redwood Falls because of its ag-based economy, and the fact that it’s just about halfway between Eden Prairie and Tyler. She joined Estebo, Frank, Schnobrich & Solie Ltd. in September 1993 and continued there until January 1 of this year.

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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Gilk also realizes that fair doesn’t necessarily mean equal when it comes to the farming child and the non-farming child.

She added, “I think my clients would say that I’m easy to understand, that I speak in plain person language, not legalize.”

“I don’t do cookie-cutter plans. I give my clients choices. I go deeper than a lot of estate planning attorneys. I suspect that might be part of the reason my clients followed me,” she said.

Gilk is also a student. She noted, “What keeps me up at night is what I don’t know. I attend a ridiculous amount of seminars—I want to know what’s coming. I keep a high level of technical proficiency.”

Jennifer has advice for those who have not yet started their estate planning.

“Make the appointment. The hardest thing is to get started, to pick up the phone and make the first appointment.”

The next step after making the appointment is to “do their homework,” working through an estate planning questionnaire that’s on the Gilk Legacy Law website.

Gilk often uses props—such as buckets—to help clients get a basic baseline understanding of estate taxes.

“I’m a teacher. In college, I had to major in something so I majored in English and secondary education. I student taught and earned a teaching certificate—that’s where the buckets come from,” Gilk explained. “Many clients say that this is the first time they understand what their plan does. If they do, they’ll make appropriate decisions.”

She’s also a collaborator, choosing to involve clients’ CPAs, financial planners, bankers, and farm managers at a higher level than most attorneys. She also has farm estate planning consultants she can turn to to provide perspective.

“I had the privilege of growing up on a farm and in a small town. The farm economy is vital to our way of life. I don’t want our farmers to have to go to downtown Minneapolis for their estate planning. I want them to be able to get just as high quality service here as they could get there,” she said. “I don’t mind going for a combine ride or riding in the tractor when a client is planting. I want to do something that helps keep our small towns, economy, schools, and way of life going.”

Several years ago, Gilk took the coursework to be a qualified neutral on the Minnesota State Bar Association roster of alternative dispute resolution neutrals and has served as mediator

in several cases. “It’s a natural fit for my skill set,” she noted.

Gilk depends on her staff’s experience to make her office run smoothly. It all starts with legal assistant Jenni Schmidt who assists clients during every step of the estate planning process, from clarifying what to bring to the first appointment to making sure that all details are handled properly.

Full-time paralegal Nikki Hermanson has a four-year degree and a farm background. Jessica Stoterau came on board to help transfer files after Jennifer opened the firm and has stayed on half time. Margaret Eiler helped with set-up and continues to work one day a week. Jennifer’s mother-in-law Dorothy Gilk also assisted with set-up the first two months.

“I have a tremendous staff—they’re rock stars.

Every person is cut from the same cloth. They’re detail oriented. They’re not procrastinators— we don’t like to be behind in our work. Our philosophy is to get our work done—we’re known for that. We move the work through. If it’s not done, there are reasons beyond our control,” Gilk said. RVW Gilk’s niece, Ryley Maisch, is in graphics design and took the photos used on Gilk’s website and in this article.

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Practice Makes Perfect Fischer fulfills dream of law career

By Kelly DeVriendt

Even those who plan out vacations to the last detail or dutifully set aside for retirement or even map out a week’s worth of meals may struggle with the one thing in life that is truly guaranteed.

Reasons for avoiding estate planning vary, with many opting to deal with it later.

Shari Fischer knows firsthand that later can come a lot sooner than expected.

Merely weeks after she graduated high school, her father was killed in a car accident.

He was 46 years old and left behind a wife and five daughters.

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The loss was devastating. “I grew up in that very instant,” Fischer said. The family was left to pick up the pieces, including the transfer of all assets, most importantly, the family farm.

“Unfortunately, dad had no estate plan in place and I saw how difficult it was for my mother to navigate through the probate process because of that,” Fischer said.

Although Fischer was already writing papers in school about a career path as a paralegal at the age of 14, the death of her father greatly influenced her.

“I don’t share that story with clients, but I know it has made me a better

estate planning attorney,” she said.

Now age 39, Fischer is an attorney who owns her own practice, Fischer Law, PA in New Ulm. She specializes in estate planning and settlement, farm, commercial and residential real estate and business law.

After the experience of losing her father, her career began when she took her first job in a law office nearly 20 years ago. Not long after, she was working as a paralegal. Despite the challenges she witnessed, she came to recognize it as something she was capable of doing.

“A former boss sat me down in my early

20s and told me I would make an excellent attorney.

Nobody had ever told me that before,” Fischer said.

“I’ve had more than one person tell me, you’re too nice to be an attorney.

I can’t decide if it’s a compliment or an insult, but I try to tell myself it’s the former,” Fischer said.

For over three years, Fischer commuted from her home in Hanska to St. Paul to attend law school.

She continued to work at a law firm throughout those years.

“Between work, school, studying and driving, I routinely put in 80-100 hours a week,” Fischer said.

Despite the long hours, she never felt like quitting.

After working for other firms for several years and at the encouragement of her husband, Fischer made the decision to go out on her own.

“I knew it would be hard work starting my own practice, and it was, and still is. But I knew it was the only way to control my own destiny and happiness,” she said.

A big part of controlling our own happiness is who we surround ourselves with. Fischer has taken this concept to heart when building her team.

Laura Dittrich and Lisa Hunter work as paralegals at the firm. Fischer refers to both of them as “rock stars.”

“Paralegals are an integral part of any law firm-they are what keeps this place running and I‘d be lost without them,” she said.

With 42 years combined legal experience, Dittrich and Hunter draft the majority of the legal documents.

Fischer has known both Dittrich and Hunter since 2003. “We respect one another,” she said. With the law at times feeling like drudgery, they make sure to put an emphasis on having fun in the office.

“A positive attitude and a sense of humor go a long way. I’ve always said I spend more waking hours with my coworkers than I do my spouse, so liking and knowing

the ones I work side-by-side with is important to me,” she said.

This glue helps hold them together when things get tough. Cases can get ugly and people lose sight of what is really important. “I remember a divorce case where the custody of the couple’s dog was disputed more than that of their child,” Fischer said.

Another tough element that Fischer has discovered is that gender issues exist more than she believed before. She gave at least one example where a client refused to work with a female attorney.

“I hear comments of surprise when people find out I bought the building where my practice is located. Would they have been surprised if a man bought the building?

I had another professional tell me that I don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into. I don’t necessarily consider myself a feminist, but I do question whether those comments would have been made to me if I were a man,” Fischer said.

Like all lawyers, regardless of gender, Fischer has also had to deal with assumptions others make of her based on her chosen profession. “It’s frustrating when I see people judge me first because of what I do instead of who I am,” she said.

She feels people, at times, negatively react when they learn she is a lawyer and she has heard her share of lawyer jokes.

Fischer has, in fact, earned herself a reputation of being very relatable and has been told she exudes a warm heart. “I recently had a widow tell me in tears after I settled her husband’s estate that she couldn’t have gotten through it without me. For whatever reason, many clients hug me after our time together.”

That is what Fischer says she loves most about her job, knowing that she has made a difference in people’s lives.

Fischer plans on continuing to impact people’s lives in the years to come. “I started out working in a small firm and see myself staying that way,” she said.

With only eight months before her 40th birthday, Fischer is taking another look at her bucket list. Having “I started out already crossed working in a small off the firm and see myself first thing, which was staying that way,” becoming a solopractice attorney, she is moving on to others.

When Fischer and her husband, who is a farmer, are not working, they love to travel. They have already set foot on four continents—their bucket list includes making it to all seven. “Yes, that does include Antarctica,” she said.

Overall, Fischer’s dreams mirror that of most, “….to look back on my life and be happy with the choices I made.” RVW

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪ County Attorney Michelle Zehnder Fischer:

Where I Had Hoped to Be

by Dana Miller “I am where I had hoped to be.” That is what Nicollet County attorney Michelle Zehnder Fisher says about her life and career in its present-day form. She is a wife and mother of two children who are very active in sports and activities – and she has been the presiding Nicollet County attorney since 2011.

from all involved parties are flushed out ahead of time to make sure the right person is being prosecuted. “The ultimate goal is public safety.”

Less than 5% of all cases go to trial. “It would be hard for our legal system to function if all cases went to trial,” she Michelle not only “The key to any case, whether said. For those supervises four who watch assistant county it is civil or prosecution, television crime attorneys and a is preparation,” or courtroom staff of paralegals dramas, it seems for Nicollet County, quite the opposite, but like a lot of things, life but she is also “hands-on” in prosecuting at the attorney’s office is nothing like what is felony cases. shown on TV. “The key to any case, whether it is civil or The cases handled by the Nicollet County prosecution, is preparation,” said Michelle, attorney’s office encompass everything who believes it is vital that all the nuances

from speeding tickets to homicide; however, Michelle’s work in child advocacy is already becoming her legacy. In the fall of 2011, she began facilitating a group called Stakeholders for Education Success. It is comprised of physicians (pediatricians), probation officers, psychologists, social services, and school representatives. She is trying to bridge communications between these important sectors of area society to identify and research barriers to education.

The group meets six or seven times per year, and depending on availability, there could be anywhere from five to 20 people in attendance, all meeting at 7:30 a.m. before their work days begin. The group has looked at the effects of in utero trauma on brain development, and they have worked to help children with attendance problems due to school anxiety. They have also investigated childhood trauma and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and how they relate to educational success. There is an annual conference in March with an affordable registration price to encourage other stakeholders to come – including those in neighboring counties.

When it comes to child protection, the objective is to provide struggling children with tools they need to reach their potentials.

It is hard, but you have to “separate the emotional response from the appropriate (objective) action or outcome,” says Michelle.

Some situations are sad, and they can’t be made better, and there are times when people are not happy (with the attorney). “I am human, and sometimes it hurts.”

Zehnder Fischer is concerned about prescription drug abuse and its tendency to lean users in the direction of harder drugs.

Some of the leading causes of criminal behavior in Nicollet County are related to chemical use and addictions. It encourages poor decision-making. Unfortunately, those who have suffered abuse or neglect often do enter lives of addiction. People with mental health diagnoses are also prone to chemical abuse.

Michelle knows her office can’t fix it all.

“But we can do something,” she said. And something is miles better than nothing.

The successful attorney has won numerous awards that are testament to the fact that

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪ she still cares, and it still hurts, but she still does her job, and she does it extremely well. How she balances her home life with her work is a mystery. According to her, “Sometimes you succeed, and sometimes you don’t.” The busy attorney doesn’t have much “me time,” but she is happy to relinquish even the idea of it to spend time with her family.

“Michelle has high expectations of us,” says assistant county attorney Kezia Smith. “And she keeps us feeling good about what we do.” Kezia likes the fact that her boss holds everyone, including herself, to high standards. She is part of a staff of attorneys and assistants that work very hard and work well together. Kezia Smith, Jennifer Cooklock, James Dunn, and Mark Thompson are the four assistant county attorneys.

Kezia’s areas of expertise are child support, juvenile prosecution, and forfeitures and expungements – all misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors. She spends a lot of time on cases analysis and research so she is able to choose the right methods to get the desired outcome (justice). She is also invested in knowing how all the associated parties of a crime are impacted. Like Michelle, she wants to gather all the tiny specks of detail and know the faces that go with each of them. Her first priority is

s

Michelle Zehnder Fischer went to school in Truman, Minnesota, and graduated from Sauk Rapids High School. She attended St. Cloud State for her undergraduate work, hoping to become a pediatrician or work in a profession that allowed her to help abused children.

Those passions, and her interest in psychology, finally led her to the William Mitchell College of Law (now called Mitchell Hamline). After college, she worked as a law clerk for a short time in Mower County, and then started her career with Nicollet County, which is where she is today, and where she had hoped to be.

Assistant County Attorney Kezia Smith: Feeling Good About Where I Am

M A SCHKA, RIEDY & RIES L AW FIRM Renee Rubish is an accomplished litigation lawyer.

Renee has extensive experience in handling personal injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice claims. With a background as a registered nurse, Renee is able to effectively advocate for clients who sustain injuries. Renee also has expertise in handling all types of business disputes including shareholder disputes, breach of contract, and collection matters.

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Pictured left to right: Abbie Olson and Renee Rubish

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪✪ the priority of the office she serves: public safety. She knows that her office has a lot of responsibility, and that puts a lot of power into her hands.

“The victim is number one,” said Kezia. But they try to rehabilitate offenders, especially in Kezia’s area of practice, because most of the lawbreakers are juveniles, and the decision she makes determines whether some young adults can get into college or get jobs. If they can’t, they often become repeat offenders.

The Intergovernmental Youth Community Meeting happens monthly in the Mankato area. It is a task force made up of counselors, probation officers, school principals, United Way representatives, law enforcement officers and prosecutors from Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties. The group’s task is to figure out how to engage youth in school and healthy activities. It surveys young adults and analyzes the results, then works to identify sources of funding for programs targeted to the needs of youth in the two counties. Kezia believes that “poor decisions amplified by substances” are often to blame for misdemeanor-level crimes.

As far as television crime dramas go, Kezia says police officers get a bad rap saying, “I have never seen an officer here (in five years) behave unethically. Mistakes can get made, but I have never seen bad intent.”

Growing up in the suburban Twin Cities, Kezia didn’t imagine moving to a town the size of Mankato, but she took the job with Nicollet

1 2 3

More about Michelle Favorite music –She remembers listening to the old guard of country music (i.e. Hank Williams with her parents). Her favorite song might be “Humble and Kind” by Clint Black.

Food – Steak and shrimp Guilty pleasures – dark chocolate Dream vacation – the Caribbean with

her husband and kids. She has learned to scuba dive, and they would all do some snorkeling!

Movies – The Die Hard movies (and she laughs when she says it) Advice – If you get a legal document and can’t read it, try diagramming it. It might help.

Kezia’s Little-Known Facts Secret obsession – living a second life through my daughter. I love her.

Guilt pleasure – laying on the couch and watching Netflix. I like to “veg out.”

Music – 90s rap and R & B Secret pastime – trashy reality TV: The Bachelor, Love at First Kiss, anything on Bravo or TLC

Favorite thing to eat – Indian food County right out of law school at William Mitchell in St. Paul, and she hasn’t looked back.

“I never see myself leaving,” she said. “My daughter is growing up here as one of 100 children instead of one of 1,000. I love knowing my daughter’s friends and their parents.” Kezia and her husband also have an 8-month-old son.

“I make use of every minute at work and every minute at home with my family,” says Smith.

delivers

They love county fairs and parades. They grill or go out to eat as a family or just go for walks in the evening. They can also be seen at Moondogs games. When the adults find time for a getaway, they have a Harley to take them where they need to go.

“It is rewarding to see it going so well (at the Nicollet County attorney’s office), said Kezia.

“I am lucky to be able to deal with such a breadth of cases, and there is a lot I can still learn.” RV W

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ReadeRship: RVW averages 2.5 readers per copy, or based on 9,192 audited gross distribution per month, yields 22,980 readers monthly. puRchasing Response: 62.9% of those surveyed said they frequently purchase products or services 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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Consignment & Bridal Boutique 311 N. RiveRfRoNt DR. MaNkato, MN 507.386.0861 www.eNcoReMaNkato.coM Hours: M-F 10-6isH; sat. 10-4isH; sun. 12-4isH 051498

Taylor Hansen has

Success in the Corner Pocket

By Ruth Klossner She’s not quite 18, but Mankato’s Taylor Hansen is already one of the best female pool players in all of the United States.

Though she still competes as an amateur, Hansen is ranked 40th on the pro tour list. She’s ranked number 13 in the U.S. for women. And, she’s the top rated woman in Minnesota.

Quite an accomplishment for an incoming high school senior. Not only that, but she’s been recruited by the top billiards college in the country—and has been guaranteed an athletic scholarship. Depending on her ACT score, Hansen could also get academic aid.

Getting good grades hasn’t been a problem for the Mankato East student, even though pool tournaments take her away from school for a week in January, two weeks in February, and some Fridays during the rest of the school year. Even with all that, she finished

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

the last school year with a 4.2 GPA. “We work with the school. It doesn’t affect me much—I get my work before I go and do it in the car on the way to tournaments. I find a way to do it. Most of the teachers are supportive,” Hansen said.

Time demands do limit Hansen’s involvement in other school activities, but she does take part in math league and likes to go to sporting events with her friends. She also traveled to Europe on a 12-day school trip for Mankato East Spanish and French students this past summer.

“I played a lot of sports when I was younger,” Taylor added. “I was in gymnastics for eight years, played volleyball for four years, and tried basketball for two years.”

But Hansen found her niche in pool. She started playing in junior leagues when she

was nine years old, and soon moved on to other leagues that were more competitive.

“I enjoy pool because it’s unique. I’m good at other things, but I haven’t stood out. This is my game,” she said.

Taylor’s introduction to pool came at an early age as her father, Troy, played in a league.

The family got a four-foot pool table for Christmas one year, starting Taylor’s love of the game. Soon the family had a poolroom above the garage—with two tables—and Taylor and younger brother, Tristan (now 13) were on their way to competitive play.

The first year, Troy taught the kids. Since then, they’ve been coached by Mike Lowe of Cleveland.

It didn’t take Hansen long to rise to the top.

“It was probably about my third year playing that I got fourth place in the junior nationals.

“I enjoy pool because it’s unique. I’m good at other things, but I haven’t stood out.

This is my game,” she said.

It was the first time I entered. I definitely picked up the game pretty quickly, compared to others,” Hansen explained.

That was only the start as Taylor improved each year. She took second the next year— and first the next four years. She missed the junior nationals this year for the trip to Europe, but Tristan took part, taking first in his division.

With a limited number of junior tournaments, Hansen plays mostly adults—and has traveled the world to do it. A year ago, she was selected to play on the six-member U.S. team for the Atlantic Challenge Cup in Rankweil, Austria. She’s played in Las Vegas the last four summers. She’s been to Florida and Michigan, as well as all the states around Minnesota.

The trips can pile up, like they did this summer. She was in Chicago the second week in July, came home for a day and a half to do laundry and repack, then went to Las Vegas for 12 days.

The July trips were successful. The Chicago event was a world qualifier tournament, with the high finishers invited to play in China.

Taylor isn’t sure if she’ll make the trip because of the cost.

“We may just go to more tournaments around here,” she said. “It’s normally held around Thanksgiving, but the dates haven’t been announced yet. It’s always last minute and it’s during the school year.”

In Vegas, Hansen won two of four events.

She defended her open nine-ball title in the Women’s Platinum Singles and she and Tristan won the Platinum Mixed Scotch Doubles. It was the first time the two had played together in a tournament and they got the win the hard way—coming back to take the title after losing their first match.

The month of August included a trip to the North American Pool Tour’s Stop #2 August 18-21 in Grayslake, Illinois. She earned an invitation and paid entry to that highest-level pro event by winning an earlier tournament.

As she continues to play and improve, Hansen feels that her experience and mental toughness are her strengths.

“I’ve learned more by playing in tournaments and against tough competition, rather than through practice. It’s a mental thing. I play to win and not to lose. I don’t play scared—if I don’t win, I have to deal with it,” Taylor said. “One experience that made me better happened at the junior nationals.

I was up when the eight ball went in. I was at the age where I couldn’t deal with it—I lost everything I played after that. I’ve learned that you can’t let one shot define the rest of the match. Two years later, I was on the loser’s side but came back to double-dip that same girl to win it.”

Pool has opened many doors for the Mankato teen. It’s been a family activity from the start—but Taylor’s dad doesn’t play any more.

“He says he can’t focus on his game. He’s too worried about us. He’d just rather watch,” Taylor explained.

In addition to being able to travel to many places, Taylor noted that the friends she’s

made have been one of the best parts of the experience. Among those friends are a number from around the country who will join her on the pool team at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.

“A lot of the best players come out of Lindenwood. There are quite a few colleges where you can qualify for single events, but this is one of only a few that have a team” Taylor noted. “The coach is the captain for the Mosconi Cup, the U.S. team for pros. He picks five pros to play against team Europe.”

Hansen plans to major in biology at Lindenwood, with hopes of working with kids in the medical field, perhaps in physical therapy.

“I love pool, but it’s not much of a career,” she said with a laugh. “But I also know that I can play pool for the rest of my life—anybody can play. You see people in wheelchairs and those who can’t walk playing pool.” RV W

Modenschau Fashion Show hits the Runway Once Again Local models strut their stuff at Modenschau in New Ulm, September 16 at the New Ulm Event Center Modenschau is a runway Fashion Show highlighting fall and winter fashion from local retailers including Lambrechts, Semblance, Gallery 512 and A to Zinnia.

Entertainment by local student dance group and featuring live music by The Porchlights! This Mankato band plays original music as well as altered cover songs in an acoustic rock and blues style.

This is the second year for Modenschau, with last year’s event drawing an audience of nearly 300 and a portion of the proceeds benefiting CADA (Committee Against Domestic Abuse).

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Pro Kinship for Kids.

This organization provides events and one-on-one mentorship for at-risk youth throughout Brown County. These youth come from various situations, low income, single parent or difficult family situations, at times with emotional and behavioral issues.

Volunteers in the organization provide positive role models for the youth they mentor. Together they work on socialization skills, self-esteem, team work, healthy choices and respect.

River Valley Woman is a proud sponsor of this event. See you at the show!

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New Ulm Area

Wedding t Show t Fall In Love Sunday, October 2, 2016 New Ulm Civic Center, 11AM-2pm Come see the variety of unique reception venues, florists, caterers, bridal shops and more for your one-of-a-kind wedding in Southern Minnesota.

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Sandra is modeling a Tribal jacket, Echo scarf, Hobo purse, Uno de 50 necklace and earrings along with Tribal leggings, M. Rena tank top and Pikolino ankle boots.

Julie is displaying a Marble striped poncho, Slim Sation jeggings paired with Merrell gray shoes.

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A New Way Of ThINkING "2015 was full of challenges in my life. It was time to make positive changes. I needed to build self esteem. I needed to work on my mind and my body."

"The beginning of October I reached out to Gari Jo at Body Concepts. She is amazing, she went over all the benefits of the Biogenie Body Contouring System. She explained to me that the Biogenie is a long-term solution for non-surgical liposuction. I thought 'this is too good to be true, can this really work?' Yes it really works! I am the proof!"

"Gari Jo customized a 3-month plan for me using the Biogenie and the Alpha Spa. I love laying in the heat of the Alpha Spa, relaxing and letting the heat detox my body, which aids in weight loss. Both the

Biogenie and the Alpha spa are also relaxing and comfortable! I usually just fall asleep."

"After one month, I had lost 5 pounds, and best of all, my pants where not tight anymore. I tried to find time to exercise, but just could not find any time. I did eat a little healthier, but I still enjoyed adult beverages, chips and sweets. My self control was lacking but my results were not!"

"I lost a total of 16 inches! 4 of those inches were from around my waist. I can't imagine the results if I would have tried harder."

"Now I have a new outlook on life! It's time to be proud of who I am, what I have accomplished and what I look like!"

Kelly lost 16 inches in 3 months by doing a combination of Biogenie body and face treatments, Alpha Spa Capsule Sessions, and eating a healthy diet.

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CRAfTINg youR eSTATe PLAN: How to get started

It’s been said that if you want to end a dinner party early, mention the words “estate plan.”

Granted, talking about what will happen to your assets when you pass away isn’t the most pleasant of topics, but it’s one you shouldn’t ignore.

There are many tangible and intangible benefits of having an estate plan—from reducing your federal and state estate tax bill to giving you and your family peace of mind. Here are some tips to help you get started: List out your assets and debts Create a list of your assets and debts. For each asset, note how it is titled and include an estimate of its current market value. After you’ve completed your list, consider whom you want to receive assets from your estate, as well as how and when they should receive them. This list can include individuals and/or organizations.

Identify trusted individuals Consider whom you will name as your personal representative or trustee.

A good place to start is to ask yourself: Whom do you trust to honor your wishes and manage your estate? Also, think about whom you want to make health care decisions for you, keeping in mind this could be a different person.

Address your children’s needs If you have minor children, consider who will raise them if you pass away. And if you have a child with special needs, you may want to set up a supplemental needs trust.

Tara Torseth, CPA, MBT Manager

Christine Powers, CPA Partner

Record your questions As you think about your assets, debts, potential trustees, children, etc., write down your questions as they arise. Eventually you will want to review these questions with your attorney, which brings us to the most important part of creating an estate plan…

Meet with an attorney This is by far the most critical step in the process. You’ll need to meet with an attorney to discuss your plan and draw up its legal documents.

If you’ve never worked with an attorney before and need a referral, ask your family, friends and tax preparer for a recommendation.

Talk to your accountant Once you have draft copies of your will and/or trusts, it’s prudent to walk through the tax consequences of your plan with your accountant.

This is also a good way to make sure the plan is exactly what you were looking for.

Revisit your plan regularly It’s also wise to revisit your estate plan with your attorney every couple of years to make sure it still makes sense. If your personal situation or relevant tax laws change, it might be necessary to revise it.

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Breathe a sigh of relief True, creating an estate plan does take some effort (and perhaps a few uncomfortable conversations), but it’s worth it. With a solid plan in place, you can feel confident that your goals and wishes will be honored—now and in the years to come. paid advertisement

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Supporting the Cause!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event October 8 us UPB began sponsoring the event when they first kicked it off in Mankato five years ago. Vermillion says UPB enjoys being an active sponsor, and many of their employees really take hold of the event by creating a team each year.

“We enjoy our partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and their Special Events Community Manager, Amanda Pilger. With it being a fairly new event in the community, it’s been fun to work with them to help to support efforts to build it. We take our sponsorship above and beyond our donation and encourage our employees, partners, clients and other community members to build teams through some additional activities we do here on our end,” Vermillion explained.

Vermillion confirms the Making Strides Walk is a fun day out for team members and they tend to bring along their family members. She agrees fundraising is important but it’s also about the experience of getting together as a community.

“It’s fun to see all the survivors and their families. When you see the teams together, you can tell there’s a lot of passion behind the cause,” Vermillion said.

Part three of four in a series by Annette Perry Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is Saturday, October 8, and will help the American Cancer Society raise funds to find a cure for breast cancer. The event is a 10 am walk and kicks off at 8:30 am at Spring Lake Park in lower North Mankato. The walk is sponsored by many area businesses, such as Mayo Clinic Health System, Hot 96.7 FM KDOG, Minnesota 93 KATO, Mankato Motors, and United Prairie Bank.

In addition to these great local partners, community members also contribute by donating or participating in the non-competitive 3-5 mile walk.

Leslie Vermillion, marketing manager of United Prairie Bank (UPB) tells

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Dale Schmitt, owner of Mankato Motors, said Chevrolet is a national supporter of the ACS’s Making Strides Walk and has been since the event got its start in 2012. Chevy encourages their dealer bodies to become involved with local Making Strides events and sends a pink vehicle to lead the first lap of the walk. This year it will most likely be a pink Equinox.

Mankato Motors is a sponsor, and their employees form a team aptly named ‘Cruisin’ For The Cure.’ Schmitt says he sees a lot of hope at this event, as survivors, caretakers, and their families are interacting with one another, and as others are pitching in for a great cause.

“We all know somebody, a friend or a family member, who has gone through this horrible disease. So many of us have been affected by it one way or another. It’s all about giving back to the community,” said Schmitt. “We want to help this event grow bigger and bigger every year.”

Joe and Bethany Holtmeier, co-owners of Holtmeier Construction, bring a pink dump truck to the event as a symbol of their support. Joe Holtmeier says they were inspired to paint the truck pink and donate to organizations seeking a cure by two high school track athletes whose mother had breast cancer.

“At every meet, these two boys proudly wore pink socks to show support for their mom. They were running with a purpose. We too, are running Holtmeier Construction with a purpose,” Holtmeier explained. “The rest of the worries of the world disappear when the doctor says you have cancer. Those times in peoples’ lives are really when they need to know someone cares about them.”

Each year, Making Strides introduces a new “Person of Hope” to share

her unique story and the next article in this 4 part series will highlight the woman selected. Maureen Scholl, part of the “Trio of Hope” selected in 2013, says the event has something for everyone.

“Survivors and their caregivers are empowered and can take that on for the next year,” she said.

Amanda Pilger tells us walking is optional, and there will be lots of things for people to do, depending on their age and energy level.

There will be a survivors tent and an area for kids’ activities, such as face painting.

The supporters of Making Strides event encourage everyone to participate in this cause that helps fight a disease that touches all of our lives. RV W

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TRUST PRINT MARKETING more than any other advertising method (“Print Marketing Is Still Not Dead,” AllBusiness Networks)

With the boom of digital media it is easy to jump on the bandwagon and abandon print marketing but for the best return on investment use print in conjunction with digital media to maximize your marketing dollars.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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

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

RX: Pet Medications We know that pets are a part of your family, and your Hy-Vee Pharmacy now offers prescription medications for your pet.

With hundreds of generic and brand-name medications available at prices you’ll love, we have just what you need for the furry friends in your life. pharmacists: Mary Kay Megard, R.ph; Brad Borresen, R.ph; Brian Cornelius, pharm.D.

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Where there’s a helpful smile in your wellness aisle

Making Meals, Making Memories Are family meals a lost art?

In our world today, with fast-paced lives, busy work schedules and extracurricular activities, drive-thru meals and takeout food have become the norm. What impact does this have on our kids, our families and ourselves? As the trend moves toward simplicity and convenience, let’s not overlook the fact that preparing and eating meals together stimulates communication, creates memories and establishes healthy eating behaviors that have a long-lasting impact.

Research shows that when families eat meals together on a regular basis, they have greater unity and closer relationships.

Children in families who eat together are better adjusted to the pressures of society.

These children are more comfortable and confident in their own skin. The long-term nutritional benefits for individuals who have grown up eating family meals are clear too.

The percentage of family members who are overweight, or abuse alcohol or drugs, is significantly lower in families who eat meals together on a regular basis than those who don’t.

Historically, traditional family meals were part of an everyday ritual, like brushing

teeth. Homemade meals were prepared from scratch, dinner was served at the same time every night, and family members had assigned seats. Lessons and wisdom were shared over the dinner table. Children grew in their character, learning manners, self-discipline and gratitude.

When schedules are busy, and time is at a premium, there is still hope for the family meal. September is National Family Meals Month, which means it’s the perfect time to start making family meals a normal occurrence in your home. Here are a few tips on how to do it: • Pick one or two days a week for everyone to commit to.

• Pick a recipe and side dishes the family can agree on. Choose foods from all food groups, and foods that vary in color, taste and texture, to increase nutritional benefit.

• Plan for conversation starters. For example, have everyone go around the table and say one thing they are grateful for, or share an interesting story from their day.

• Choose a recipe that allows for convenience. Slow-cooker meals, casseroles

Dinner Conversation Starters • If you could be a cartoon character for one week, who would you be?

• What would you do if school/work was cancelled tomorrow and you could do anything you wanted?

• How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

• If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be?

• If you could be any animal, which would you be?

• If you had to live in a different state, which would you choose?

• If you could start a new family tradition, what would it be?

• If snow could fall in any flavor, what flavor would you choose?

• Would you rather be a great musician, athlete, scientist, artist, politician, or writer?

• What is the sound you love the most? Why?

Dietitian April Graff MS, RD, LD and grilled meats are all good ideas.

Check out all Hy-Vee has to offer for fast, easy and healthy meals.

• Keep everyone in touch by turning the television off and having a “no phones at the dinner table” policy.

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 fund-raisers. Listings will be published as space allows and at the discretion of the editor.

Now thru 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 507-934-2160.

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.

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: 507384-8890 or scott.kudelka@ state.mn.us.

• Swan Lake Paddle, Nicollet Bay Access, 2 mi. W of Nicollet off Hwy 14, 10 am. Nicollet Co. Hist. 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,

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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, Fairfax, 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.

Tues., 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.

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.

Thurs., Sept. 8, 15, 22 & 29 • Bumpers on Belgrade, 200 Block of Belgrade Ave., North Mankato, 5-8 pm. Classic car roll-in, free. Music, vehicles, atmosphere & food specials at local businesses. Info: greatermankatoevents.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.

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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 pre-events; live music follows. Info: arlingtonbullriding.com.

• New Ulm Inaugural Fall CityWide Garage Sale, thru-out New Ulm. Info: nujournal. com/page/category.detail/ nav/5145/Garage-Sales.html, 507-359-2911 ext. 161.

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.

• 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: 507-5082848.

• 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/.

• 2016 Mankato Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Sibley Park, 900 Park Lane, Mankato. 9 am registration, 10 am opening ceremony & walk. 1- or 3-mi. route. Family friendly, snacks & beverages, live music, photos.

Info: alz.org/walk or 507-2893950.

• 7th Annual Grape Stomp, Indian Island Winery, 18018631st Ave., Janesville. Music, vendors, 4 heats of stompers, prizes, best-dressed awards, Info & cost: 507-234-6222 or angie.winter@indianislandwinery.com.

• Mankato Pridefest, Riverfront Park, 309 W. Rock St., Mankato, 12-5 pm. Pride parade, 11:30 am. Music, food, drinks, vendors; free. Info: 507-720-4464 or erikaboyerkern@gmail.com.

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. Info: 507-934-3400, spchamb@hickorytech.net or stpeterchamber.com/.

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. All to assist family of teenager with brain tumor. Info: 507-228-2760452.

• Lion’s Club Fly-In Breakfast, 1617 Hwy 14, New Ulm Municipal Airport, 7 am-12:30 pm.

Free to fly-in pilots. Proceeds support sight/hearing/diabetes impaired. Tickets at Chamber, Hy-Vee or Cashwise.

Info: 507-354-8940, bbschir@ comcast.net or lionsclubofnewulm.org.

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

Info: Facebook.

• Summit Avenue Music Series Inaugural Concert, Chapel of the Christ, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, 3 pm.

Featuring music of Beethoven, Franck & Brahms performed by Wisconsin-based horn, violin & piano trio. Info: summitavenuemusic.com, balgeba@ mlc-wels.edu or hennigga@ mlc-wels.edu.

• St. James Catholic Church Parish Festival, St. James, 10 am-1 pm.

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 507-359-9990.

• Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Class, Riverfront Hy-Vee, Mankato, 4:30-6:30 pm. Free hands-on monthly event for kids; ½ hour sessions. Info: 507-625-1107 or HEllison@hyvee.com; registration limited.

Wed., Sept. 14 • Pie & Sandwich Social, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 700 So. Broadway, New Ulm, 4:306:30 pm. Entertainment by Duane and Karen Bergemann.

Info: beckyb1964@centurytel. net.

• Social Media Rockstar Digital Marketing Conference, Willmar Conference Center, Willmar, 8 am-5 pm. Rockstar after-party 5 pm Tickets available. Info: socialmediarockstarevent.com/.

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.

Fri., Sept. 16 • Modenschau Fashion Show, New Ulm Event Center, 301 20th St. S., New Ulm, 7:30 pm.

An evening of fashion, music & entertainment; doors open 6:30 pm. Portion of proceeds benefit Pro Kinship for Kids.

Info & cost: 888-463-9856 or 507-233-4300.

Fri. & Sat., Sept. 16-17 • Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival, Library Square, 2 Main St. S., Hutchinson. 10 am-6 pm Fri., 9 am-4 pm Sat. Art & handmade crafts; specialty foods at Taste of Hutchinson.

• Dozinky: A Czech Harvest Festival, Main Street, New Prague.

Ethnic food & crafts, parade of farm pride. Int’l, nat’l, regional

s

• Harvest Festival, Church of St. George, 63128 388th Ln., New Ulm. 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 Co. Hist.

Soc. Info: 507-354-8666.

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& local music; classic car cruise, kids’ area. Info: czechheritageclub.com/Dozinky.html.

Fri.-Sun., Sept. 16-18 • Mahkato 44th Annual Traditional Wacipi Honoring the 38 Dakota, Land of Memories Park, 100 Amos Owen Ln., Mankato. Native Americans from several tribes gather. Visitors and participants, native & non-native, welcome. Includes beautiful regalia of the dancers, traditional music, food & crafts. Info: 507-514-5088 or 507-387-3572.

Sat., Sept. 17 • A Night at the Museum, Brown County Historical Society, 2 N. Broadway, New Ulm. 5:30 pm social hour at museum, 7 pm dinner at Lola’s Bistro. Info & cost: 507-233-2616 or officemanager@browncountyhistorymnusa.org.

• Mussel Hike in the Cottonwood River, Flandrau State Park, New Ulm, 10:30 amnoon. Hike in river & help MN DNR survey mussel population in 2-mi. stretch. Meet at beach house, ready to get wet and muddy. Info: 507-384-8890 or scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.

• Nickle Dickle Day, citywide, Waconia, 8 am-5 pm. Craft fair with live music, 5 & 10k fun runs, Nickle Dickle Tickle for 6th grade & under, 3-on-3 basketball, classic car & truck show, mechanical bull ride, shopping deals, library book sale, food. Free. Info: 952-4425812 or destinationwaconia. org.

• Opera House Gala, VFW Club, St. James, 5 pm.

• Eagles 5000 5K Run/Walk & Kids 1K, new New Ulm High School, 1600 Oak St., New Ulm, 9 am. Medals in each age/ gender; ribbons to all finishers.

Info & registration: webscorer. com/register?raceid=74380 or friendsofdistrict88@gmail. com.

Sat. & Sun., Sept. 17-18 • Motorcycle & ATV Flat Track

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Races, Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club, 20153 110th Ave., New Ulm. Sun., Sept. 18 • Harkin Store Program: Snakes of the MN River, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet Co. Hist.

Soc. Info: 507-354-8666.

• Auto Restorers Car Show & Swap Meet, Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 W. Union St., St Peter, 6 am- 3 pm. Info: clubs.hemmings.com/autorestorers/car-show.htm or 507-345-6541.

• Central MN Bridal Show, Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, 10 am-3 pm. Wedding products & services, bridal shows, prizes. Info: http://mankatobridalshow.com.

Tues., Sept. 20 • First Choice Pregnancy Service’s Annual Hero for Life Banquet, New Ulm Event Center, 301 20th Street So., 5 pm social, 6:30 dinner & program featuring twin brothers David & Jason Benham, former professional baseball players & authors. Info & cost: fcps.tlc@ gmail.com or consideryouroptions.org.

Thurs., Sept. 22 • CAST Variety Show – ‘Everything But The Kitchen Sink,’ Community Center Cafeteria, 600 N. German, New Ulm, 7 pm. Free, open to all, local talent with singers, dancers, musicians & actors. Sponsored

by CAST. Free will offering.

Info: newulmseniors.org or castnu@newulmtel.net.

Sat., Sept. 24 • Bier on Belgrade, central business district, No. Mankato, 2-10 pm. Activities, food vendors, live music, bier sampling, games. For 21+. Info: 507-3881062.

• Cemetery Tour, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Cty Road 30, Fairfax, 2 pm. Tour historic part of cemetery where notable people from history are buried, including Joseph

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

LaFramboise, Captain Marsh & American soldiers who died at Redwood Ferry in 1862. Meet at park amphitheater, near cemetery. Info: 507-508-2848.

• Fall Festival, Downtown Redwood Falls, 9 am-3pm. Craft vendors, both local artisans & from other states. Food vendors, kids’ activities, free entertainment. Info: 507-6372828 or redwoodfalls.org.

• Epiphany Lutheran Church Fall Fest, 605 Parkway Ave., Eagle Lake, 9 am-2 pm. Vendors/ crafts/bake sale, car roll-in; dog show 10 am, meal 11 am-2 pm, raffle 2 pm. Bingo at Eagle Lake Legion, 6 pm. Info: 507-257-3156 or epiphanyeaglelake.com.

• Harvest Festival, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. W. of Mankato on Hwy 68 & 169, 5-8 pm.

Meet at picnic shelter. Bonfire, hayride, kids’ activities, apple press, hot chocolate & marshmallows. May bring own meat to grill. Enjoy short hike on candle-lit trail into waterfalls gorge. Dress for hiking & bring flashlight. No charge. Co-sponsored by Friends of Minneopa.

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

• Prairie Seed Collection, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. W. of Mankato on Hwy 68 & 169, 12:30 pm. Help with park’s annual seed collection at waterfalls side. No experience necessary. Wear proper clothes & gloves. Volunteers must contact Harry Meyering Center, Inc., at aness@harrymeyeringcenter.org to take part.

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

• Grape Stomp 2016, Crow River Winery, 14848 Highway 7 East, Hutchinson, 2-11 pm. Live music all day; free. Registration available as space allows. Info: crowriverwinery.com/events/ grape-stomp.

• Welsh Settlements in Blue Earth County Bus Tour, B.E. Co. Hist. Soc. History Center, 424 Warren Street, Mankato, 5-11

am. Narrated bus tour of Welsh Settlements along Minnesota River Valley. Numerous stops, history & lunch. Info & cost: 507-345-5566 or blueearthcountyhistory.com.

• Community Indoor Garage Sales, New Ulm Civic Center, 1212 N. Franklin St., New Ulm, 8 am-2 pm. Info: 507-359-8347.

• Autumn Splendor Fall Décor Seminar, A&W Furniture, 1501 E. Bridge St., Redwood Falls, 11am. Info: 507-644-3535.

• New Ulm Firefighter’s Dance, New Ulm Event Center, 301 20th Street So., New Ulm, 5-11 pm. Wendinger Band & Dam Jammers; Miss New Ulm crowning, 8 pm. Info: 3598225.

Sat.-Sun., Sept. 24-25 • Church of St. Peter Fall Festival, 1801 W. Broadway, St. Peter.

Info: 507-931-1628.

Sun., Sept. 25 • Great Grassroots Gathering, Allison Park, 4th Ave. NW, Sleepy Eye, 11 am-5 pm. Music, food, raffles, flea market with hand-crafted goods. Info: 507794-5053.

• Fall Festival, Church of St. Mary, New Ulm. Family-style meal, 10:30 am-1:30 pm; live music, bingo, kids’ games, country store, bake sale, theme basket/silent auction & raffle. Info: holycrossafc.org/ parish-festivals.html.

• Fitness Fun Day, Vogel Arena Rec. Center, Garden St., New Ulm, 1-5 pm. Co-sponsored

by NU Park & Rec., NU Medical Center & Physicians Group of New Ulm. Center open free of charge to swim, play basketball, gym games, or walk track.

Info on nutrition, healthy snacks & staying active; refreshments. Info: 507-3598344.

• Harkin Store Program: West Newton Post Office, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet Co. Hist.

Soc. Info: 507-354-8666.

• 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/.

Tues.-Wed., Sept. 27-28 • Nobel Conference-In Search of Economic Balance, Lund Arena & Lund Center, 800 West College Avenue, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter.

Info: 507-933-7520.

Thurs.- Sat., Sept. 29-Oct. 1 • The Full Monty, Minnesota State Mankato, 499 Birchwood Street, Mankato, 7:30 pm. Info: 507-389-6661.

Oct. 1 • Cambria Crush Grape Stomp, 23707 478th Ave., New Ulm. Competitive stomps at 1, 2 & 3 pm; pre-registration required.

Performing groups. Info: 507947-3547

• New Ulm Diabetes Walk, New Ulm Civic Center, Fairgrounds, New Ulm, 8-10 am. 1- or 2-mile walk. Raise money as team or individual. Proceeds to Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation. Info: 507-3548940, bbschir@comcast.net or lionsclubofnewulm.org.

• Jones/Magnus 5K Color Run, Lake Crystal Area Rec Center, Lake Crystal, 10 am. Run, walk, cartwheel, or crawl. For all ages, with a splash of color.

Medals for top male & female entrants. Info: 507-726-6730.

• Scenic Byway Half Marathon, Belle Plaine, 8:45 am. Half marathon, relay & 5K kids fun run.

Post-Race Harvest Festival at Court Square Park—craft fair vendors, food, entertainment, kid-friendly activities. Info: 952-873-0855 or belleplainefestivals.org.

• Henderson Heritage Days Fall Fair, Community Square, Henderson, 9 am-3 pm. Historical demonstrations (candle making, butter churning, wood carving, more), live music, carnival games, bingo, baking contest, cribbage tournament. Info: baylyeanderson@ gmail.com, 763-498-4684 or Facebook.

Sun., Oct. 2 • Henderson Heritage Days Outdoor Worship Service, Bender Park, Henderson, 11:15 am. Musical worship service with theme ‘Shall We Gather at the River.”

• New Ulm Area Wedding Show, New Ulm Civic Center, 1212 N. Franklin St., New Ulm, 11 am-2 pm. Fashion show 12:45 pm. Swag bags, prizes. Free.

Reception venues, florists, caterers, bridal shops & more.

Info: newulmweddings.com, 888-463-9856 or 507-233-4300.

• Windsor Pork Chop Dinner, Gaylord American Legion Club,

Gaylord, 11 am-1 pm. Meal, country store & USBorne Books fundraiser for St. John’s Lutheran Church (Mountville). Info: 507-237-2619 or ordellaknish@ hotmail.com.

• Pumpkinfest, 63105 Fort Rd/ CR 5, St. George, 11 am-3 pm.

Kiddie train rides, live music, games, bounce house. Fall produce—pumpkins, gourds, apples & squash. Food available. No admission. Info: 507233-0767 or nuacs.com.

• Harkin Store Program—Horses, Horseshoes, Leather & Rope w/Dan Cochran & Thane French, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet Co. Hist. Soc. Info: 507354-8666.

Thurs.-Sat., Oct. 6-8 • Holiday Decor Reveal Weekend, A&W Furniture, 1501 E. Bridge St., Redwood Falls. Appetizers & warm drinks while shopping. Info: 507-644-3535 or www.awfurniture.com.

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• Children’s Day, Fort Ridgely State Park, 72404 Cty Road

30, Fairfax, 12-3 pm. Historic games & crafts in and around Commissary Building. Info: 507-508-2848.

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Fri. & Sat., Oct. 7-8 & 14-15 • Oktoberfest, Downtown, Schells Brewery & Best Western Plus, New Ulm. Music & more.

Germanic-American Day Parade 11 am Oct. 8. Official keg opening Fri. eve. Food, local beer & wine. Games, horse-drawn trolley rides, stein-holding contest. Schells’ Octoberfest Sept. 15. Info: 507233-4300 or newulm.com.

Sat., Oct. 8 • 41st annual Craft Fair & Garage Sale, Our Lady of Good Counsel Campus, Mankato, 8:30 am-2 pm. Crafts, quilts, soaps, plants, baked goods, jams & jellies, salsa. Food booth, prizes. Shuttle service. Proceeds support mission & ministries of School Sisters of Notre Dame. Info: mlwagner@ssndcp.org, 507-3894231 or ssndcp.org/craftfair.

• Hermann 5K Run/Walk, New Ulm Rec Center, New Ulm, 9 am. Walkers & runners welcome; no strollers. Chip timing.

Prizes in men’s & women’s

divisions; medals for kids. Info & registration: 507-359-8347 or joseph.schugel@ci.new-ulm. mn.us.

Sun., Oct. 9 • Fall in Waconia Craft & Vendor Show, Waconia American Legion, Waconia, 11 am-5 pm.

Shopping & drink specials. Info: Facebook.

• Mankato River Ramble, Land of Memories Park, 100 Amos Owen Ln., Mankato. Choice of 12-, 26, 42- or 50-mi. routes.

Presented by Mankato Clinic & Orthopaedic Fracture Clinic.

Info: Facebook.

• Family Weekend Concert at Christ Chapel, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter, 2 pm. Free, no tickets required. Info: gustavus. edu/calendar/the-2016-family-weekend-concert/49228.

• Harkin Store Program—Sheep, Wool & Quilts, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet Co. Hist. Soc. Info: 507-354-8666.

Tues., Oct. 11 • Alice Lind Play Reading Society, John Lind House, 622 Center Street, New Ulm, 7 pm. Reading ‘The Ice Man Cometh’ by Eugene O’Neill. Info & registration: execdir@statestreetnewulm.org or 507-359-9990.

Thurs., Oct. 13 • CASTLE Sock Hop, New Ulm Country Club, New Ulm, 6-9 pm. 50’s music with local DJ, burger bar & ice cream. Dress for the period. Info: newulmseniors.org/castle.html or castnu@newulmtel.net.

Fri., Oct. 14 • Beer and Wine Tasting, New Ulm Country Club, 6-8 pm.

Proceeds benefit Relay for Life.

Advance tickets at Cashwise Liquor; tickets at door. Must be 21. Info: 354-7930.

Sat., Oct. 15 • Scandinavian Fall Splendor Lutefisk/Swedish Meatball Dinner, Grace Lutheran Church, 320 E. Main St., Mankato. 12, 3 & 6 pm seatings, reserved

tickets encouraged by Oct. 1; walk-ins welcome. Gift items & baked goods available. Info: 507-257-3004, ptkvitek@charter.net or gracemankato.org.

• Schell’s Oktoberfest, 1860 Schell Road, New Ulm. Beer, food, German dancing. Info: 507-354-5528 or schellsbrewery.com.

Sun., Oct. 16 • Harkin Store Program—Preparing for Winter, 66289 Co. Hwy 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Site managed by Nicollet Co. Hist.

Soc. Info: 507-354-8666.

Thurs., Oct. 20 • Southern MN Crisis Nursery Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser, New Ulm Country Club, New Ulm, 6-8 pm. Info: smncrisisnursery.org, smncrisisnursery@gmail.com or 218-2907062. RV W

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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• Farmer's Markets

• Buffalo Lake Farm & Flea Market, city park on Hwy 212.

Garden fresh fruits & vegetables, flowers, crafts, mittens, breads, pies, baked goods. Jun. 11-fall, Sat. 8 am-noon.

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

• Gaylord Farmers Market, downtown, 5th & Main Ave. Vegetables (beans, carrots, cucumbers, onions, peppers, potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes); strawberries, raspberries, melons, apples, pumpkins, squash, gourds; honey, preserves & baked goods. Jun.-Oct., Wed. 4-6 pm, in conjunction with Music on Main.

• Glencoe Area Farmers Market, 1107 11th St., adjacent to historic City Center building.

Fruits & vegetables, flowers,

herbs. Mid-Jun.-Oct., Thurs.

3-6 pm.

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

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

• Mankato Farmers Market, Best Buy parking lot, 1895 Adams St. Fresh local produce, sustainably raised meat, bedding plants, cut flowers, eggs, honey, baked goods, berries, herbs, preserves, soap, lotions, hand-sewn items, woodcrafts.

Early May-end of Oct., Sat. 8 am-noon; Tue. & Thur. 3:30-6 pm.

• Morton Farmers Market, city hall parking lot, Hwy 19 downtown. Garden fresh fruits & vegetables, home baked goods. Mid Jun.-fall; times vary—call 507-697-6912.

• New Prague Farmers Market, Community Baptist Church parking lot, 500 Cty Rd 37.

Fruits, vegetables, baked products, flowers, honey, jelly, herbs, annuals, perennials. Mid May-Oct., Sat. 9 am-noon.

• 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.

& 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.

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• Olivia Farmers Market, city parking lot, 9th St. & Fairview.

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Our son, Noah, 17 years old, was born at 41 weeks, a healthy, 8 lb. 3 oz. Between my children, I endured three unexplainable miscarriages.

Making it through my first trimester was a relief and a blessing I did not take for granted.

The night my water broke, I was 21 weeks pregnant, and learned in an instant the importance of amniotic fluid for a fetus. The OB doctor on call was not optimistic for a good outcome.

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

Photo courtesy of Malwitz Photography.

I was placed on complete bed rest and the health professionals here at Mayo did all they could to get me to week 23 when I would be transferred to the U of M Fairview Riverside.

That beautiful day came, when my pregnancy was considered viable and

20th Anniversary

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I could go to the U of M. Upon arrival, I was given a course of steroid treatments consisting of two injections, 24 hours apart. These steroids helped to develop Maria’s lungs and significantly raised her chance of survival.

Maria was born at 24 weeks gestation, weighing 1 lb. and 9 oz. She was immediately intubated and placed on a ventilator delivering 100% oxygen.

From the moment I met my daughter, I felt in my heart she was going to live. She was here. I could touch her and talk to her and sing to her.

In her 6.5 month stay in the NICU, she had a combination of growth and development along with setbacks and life threatening illnesses.

Maria received surfactant for lung development, along with 27 blood transfusions and several surgeries.

After a lengthy stay in the hospital, she joined her family at home in late summer of 2011.

Maria is now a healthy, 5 year old, looking forward to what kindergarten has in store for her.

Our family has participated in several March of Dimes Walks and we are forever grateful for all the families and babies and medical professionals and charitable donors who have paved the way for micro-preemies like Maria to survive and thrive!

FeATuRed CheFS Absolute Catering Axels Bonfire Best Western Hotel and Restaurant Courtyard by Marriott Decadent Desserts Hy-Vee India Palace University Dining Services, MSU Mankato Pub 500 Red Lobster Weggy’s on Campus Wow Zone BeveRAge TASTingS Beans Coffee Company Chankaska Creek Winery Mankato Brewery 051658

Beauty Must-Haves We asked readers what beauty products they could not live without for a chance to win 4 tickets to the Renaissance Festival.

The hands-down winner? Mascara! Next was foundation.

Some posters were more specific with their favorite go-to’s.

“I love my Better Than Sex mascara by Two Faced...it’s a must have!” - Robin K. “Aloe and Mallow face cream from Not Your Mother’s (online)” -Char R. “Big lash mascara and my Hempz lotion.”

-Leah G. “Liquid foundation from Younique.”

-Amanda S. “Beauticontrol face cream!” -Allissa R. “Charcoal grey eyeliner.” -Mandy M. “Sleep.” -Kathryn B. “Cover Girl liquid foundation. I don’t leave the house without it in my purse.”

-Christina O. “Clinique Moisture Surge!! Can’t live without my moisturizers!” -Alison W. “The Aveda Tourmaline skin care line.”

-Betsy S. “Chapstick....I can’t live without it!” -Sara H. “Any of my Aveeno lotions!” -Charlene N. “Coconut oil! For real.” -Laurie H. “Vaseline, 66 years of smooth skin due to Vaseline ointment.” -Jennie L.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

“Lavender night time facial cloths. Just feels so good!”

-Sadie D. “St. Ives Apricot facial scrub.”

-Kelly Jo A. “Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation!

So light weight!” -Erica S. “Bath & body works lotion and spray.”

-Kim S. “Johnson’s baby lotion. Makes my face super smooth before I add any makeup.”

-Pamela C. “Oil of Olay! Use it every day.” -Roxanne R. “I don’t use make up so just plain soap and water!” -Treacy M. “Mary Kay Mint Bliss Lotion.” -Diana S. “Burt’s Bees Lip Balm.” -Marcie An. “Deodorant!” -Lisa Ann S. “Norwex body cloth. Never use soap on my face, just water.” -Amanda P. “Essential oils! Specifically, Frankincense if I had to choose just one!” -Sierra K. “Bed Head hair spray.” -Lori R.

Unintentional barber loves her job

By Eileen Madsen and Ruth Klossner Photos by Eileen Madsen

L

aura Bohlmann didn’t plan to be a barber but absolutely loves the job that she came to more by necessity than by intention.

After graduating from cosmetology school, Bohlmann started work in the field but reacted to the chemicals used for perms and hair colors. After months of in- and out-patient treatment, Bohlmann realized that she couldn’t continue in the field. That’s when her dad’s advice kicked in.

“Dad wanted me to be a barber. After I was in the hospital, he told me to go talk to his friend Roger Besemer,” Laura recalls.

Laura’s dad, Warren, had served in Vietnam with Besemer and thought that being a barber would allow Laura to use her skills, without having to use the chemicals.

Bohlmann started working with Besemer in July 2002 and bought the business from him in September 2007. The shop, now named Roger’s Barber Shop & Salon, is tucked in next to Mowan’s Bar at 22 N. Minnesota Street in New Ulm.

“I love my job,” Laura exclaimed. “I have a steady stream of customers.

I just do walk-ins, mostly men and kids, but I do have some women clients. I sometimes have six or seven people waiting, other times it’s pretty quiet.”

Being a woman in a formerly men’s occupation can have its moments as Bohlmann related. “Some guys won’t let a woman cut their hair, and it’s not just older men. There are people that come in and walk out.

One day a guy said, ‘Are you going to be the one cutting my hair?’ I said, ‘Do you see anybody else around?’”

Laura added, “Most everyone has been pretty awesome—I absolutely love it. The guys are usually talkative—some talk more than women.

Some guys make your day so awesome…and then some come in and are so rude.”

Along with trimming both men’s and women’s hair, Bohlmann also does all ages—from a six-month baby that dad had to hold, to a 102-year-old. Bohlmann is willing to do whatever the customer wants—a checkerboard done by cutting out chunks and leaving squares, some lightning bolts, numbers, a lot of Mohawks, and more.

Knowing that it’s hard for some customers to come to her, Bohlmann closes the shop on Wednesday afternoons so that she can go to them.

“Some are in their 80s. It’s easier for me to go to them in their home or at the nursing home,” Bohlmann said.

Usual shop hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 9:00 a.m. to noon Wednesday; and 8:00 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Although he’s retired, Besemer still comes in Monday and Tuesday mornings for an hour or so for a few clients. He’s the master barber on staff that allows the shop to meet rules and regulations since Bohlmann is officially considered a cosmetologist.

The shop is licensed as both a barbershop and a salon, so state inspectors from both divisions check the shop.

To renew her license, Bohlmann is required to take hours of training each year. Much of the training deals with health regulations, safety, and sanitation. She also attends hair shows with friends to stay current on trends.

When she’s not working, Bohlmann enjoys gardening and working with her animals on a farm site where she and boyfriend Derek Olson live, between Klossner and St. George. They have a big garden, cats, a dog, chickens, and ducks. She especially enjoys raising all kinds of flowers. RV W

Laura Bohlmann feels right at home in the small, quaint “Roger’s Barber Shop & Salon” that still echoes its old fashioned roots. Customers can sit in the original chairs from the 1940s and 50s. The barber pole, which used to be outside across the street at the first location of the shop, was purchased by Bohlmann and now serves as decor inside her shop.

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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Be Well

Getting the school year off to a healthy start

G

Getting ready for a new school year can be exciting for children, but it can also be a hectic time for parents and caregivers. Some “homework” reminders for parents include making appointments, getting kids back in a sleep routine and stocking up on healthy snacks.

Healthy kids learn better, so now is the time to make sure your child is physically ready for school. The start of a new school year is the perfect opportunity to reinforce or create new routines for healthy habits.

Here are a few things you can do now to get the school year off to a healthy start: n Schedule well-child visits. If possible, try to schedule wellchild visits before school starts so your kids aren’t missing out on important learning during the school year. Children should have a yearly checkup, and you should make sure all vaccinations are up to date. Schools often request copies of vaccination records, so if you don’t receive a copy at your appointment, ask for one. n Schedule sports physicals. If you have kids participating in sports, schedule your sports physical now. Please don’t wait until the last minute — these appointments book quickly and your child won’t want to miss the first day of practice! And remember, if you’re in a time crunch, be open to new staff/nurse practitioners — they’re

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

excited to meet new families. n Plan for kids who need medications at school. If your child needs to have medications at school, they usually need to have a form signed by his or her provider. Make sure you communicate with your school and clinic early. n Brush twice a day. To ensure healthy teeth and to help prevent cavities, kids should brush with toothpaste containing fluoride twice a day. It’s also important for your child to see the dentist regularly — your child’s oral health is connected to his or her overall health. n Keep an eye on vision. Getting your children in for a well-child check will determine if they need to see the eye doctor. We check vision yearly at our clinic and will refer if necessary. Also, be in tune to your children telling you if they can’t see the whiteboard or if they are complaining of frequent headaches — those are clues to have their vision checked. n Start the transition to earlier bedtimes. Now is the time to start getting children back in their normal bedtime routine. Make bedtime earlier every couple of nights until it’s back to their school-year bedtime. This also means children should be waking up at the time they would need to for school. n Create a bedtime routine. Sleep is one of the most important things for kids — most children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night. One way to encourage sleep is to have a strict bedtime routine that may consist of quiet time or reading books just prior to bedtime, followed by brushing teeth, using the bathroom and then lights out at the same time every night. n Keep healthy snacks on hand. Stock up on healthy snacks. Some easy, healthy after-school snacks are celery with peanut butter, apples, yogurt, hardboiled eggs or cheese. n Prep for cold and flu season. Teach your children proper hand washing techniques and show them how to sneeze or cough into the crook of their elbow rather than on their hands to help prevent the spread of germs.

Have a healthy school year! RV W Channing Sorensen is a pediatric nurse practitioner with Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. mayoclinichealthsystem.org.

November 2-3, 2016 • Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato Pricing: Early bird: Oct. 5, $149 • Deadline: Oct. 26, $169 • Student Rate: $99 • Scholarships Available

SpeaKerS Keynote SpeaKer elizabeth MCCorMiCK • Shattered the glass ceiling in the military as a decorated U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot • #1 best-selling author and international speaker • Awarded the Congressional Veteran Commendation

dreaMWeaVerS: local women living their dreams • AyAn MUSSE: Somalian refugee who escaped civil war in her country at age 13. She currently serves families from similar backgrounds in the yWCA Walking in Two Worlds program.

• KriSTi SCHUCK: Community leader who shared her dreams of music and entrepreneurship with her husband Wes. After his passing in 2015, she turned her grief into gratitude and started WySiWyG, a cold-pressed juice bar in downtown Mankato.

leadinG edGe CoaCheS Carol GranniS & Cindy Maher • Experiential leadership coaches and consultants who share their message through theater and improvisational comedy • CArol GrAnniS, Ed.D: nationally-recognized speaker and heartfelt storyteller with over 20 years of Hr experience • CinDy MAHEr: charismatic keynote speaker who brings passion, energy, insight and humor to her workshops

renita robinSon • Committed advocate and experienced leader of multiple domestic violence/women’s support organizations • licensed Graduate Social Worker who holds two masters degrees in the areas of education and sociology • over 31 years of administrative, advocacy, teaching, group facilitation, curriculum development and life experience

panel: Greater ManKato WoMen in entrepreneurShip • KiM DAnGEr: Started Mommysavers.com, a nationally-recognized website, which helps moms and their families live well for less.

• HEATHEr FiSHEr: Featured on HGTV’s “Minnesota Salvage” for her store Salvage Sisters in downtown Mankato.

• JEnn MElBy-KEllEy: Women-owned Small Business of the year, Coffee Hag, downtown Mankato.

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Katie GoodMan • Award-winning musical comic, actress, author, creative coach and social activist • Featured blogger for Huffington Post • Creator and headliner of Broad Comedy, an internationally-touring satirical music show presented by

Summer: A Swan Song I’m so glad it’s finally September. Summer is lovely, but August is one of my least favorite months for gardening. This August has been no exception – the humidity has practically wrung every last drop of sweat out of my body during the past few weeks, and new batches of mosquitoes have been hatching much faster than my weary hands can swat them away. Many of my favorite flowers are long past their prime, and there are insect pests and fungal diseases everywhere.

Plus, I’m tired.

l•G

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n Ga e d ar

arden Gal

•G

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

When I rearrange a garden in the fall, I take advantage of the fact that everything is already full grown and evaluate everything’s placement.

If plants in the front are too tall, I move them to the back. If neighboring plants are creeping into each other’s space, I make each clump smaller and create space between them. I also like to dig up large perennials and divide them into several smaller plants, which I then replant throughout the gardens to provide repetition while also filling in the empty spots. Make sure you water your transplants until the ground freezes. In the spring, they’ll emerge happy and healthy.

n

Refresh your annual plantings It might seem wasteful to buy new annual plants a few months before everything get frost bit, but I personally find it depressing to completely clean out my container plantings just because the petunias look crappy.

(I hate petunias.

Sure, they behave and bloom fancily for a few months, but by late summer, they crash and burn in a ghastly mess of straggly yellowing foliage.) Certain annual plants hold up to the heat and inevitable drought stress we subject them to, and certain

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•G

Ga

en G

•

Garden Gal

Gal • Gard e

And so, I’m trying my hardest to appreciate every possible aspect of my gardens before we wrap up another season. If you’re also struggling to stay enthusiastic about the end of this year’s gardening, let’s hold hands in solidarity as I conjure up a few ways to embrace this precious time.

al

Rearrange everything!

The lovely people who work on my gardening crew are very sick of hearing this suggestion from me. I started a new job this spring (with Phillips Garden in Minneapolis), which meant that I inherited a bunch of gardens that needed some revisions – and my crew has subsequently been digging and digging! Fall is the best time to divide and transplant your perennials. The weather is cool enough to minimize stress, and since the season is almost over, it doesn’t really matter that transplanting can make plants look a little ragged.

den ar

I have to keep reminding myself that it’s almost autumn! The days will soon be crisp and refreshing. And in a few more months I’ll be sitting here bemoaning the loss of warmth and green things, kicking myself for not spending more time outdoors in the heat!

You just can’t win in Minnesota.

ones do not. In the fall, I like to replace the struggling ones with plants that are a little more cold-tolerant; this way, my containers are pretty until the last possible moment. Kales and grasses are some of the best options for making your containers last into the late fall. You can also replace ailing annuals with dried goods, such as seed pods or hydrangea flower stems, or with freshly cut twigs from trees and shrubs. Dogwood, birch, and willow branches are excellent.

Plant some fall bulbs This suggestion won’t necessarily lift your overheated spirits right away: there’s some waiting involved. If you ask my ever-so-patientwith-me boyfriend, he’ll make sure you know that patience is far from my strong point… but I don’t mind waiting for plants, for some reason. The most common fall bulbs – tulips, daffodils, alliums, crocuses, hyacinths – should be available from your local garden centers. We can purchase bulbs in their dormant stage, and they need to undergo a cold period underground before blooming the following spring. To plant them, dig a hole roughly two and a half times the height of the bulb itself (the package should tell you precisely how deep that should be). Cover them up and water them well. Bulbs can go in areas of your garden where later-blooming perennials will fill in eventually. They provide early pops of color before our hardier flowers can.

Winter is coming, dear readers! Let’s live it up while we can still get out of our front doors without our boots on. RV W Laura Schwarz, a New Ulm native, is a horticulturist and writer in Minneapolis, MN

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It’s more than just hair Being a beauty operator, hair magician, hairstylist (what ever you may call us) is not a career choice. To me, it is a calling that runs through our veins.

You see many of us in this profession are working late nights, weekends, and holidays. We are pursuing this career because we truly care for the guests who sit in our chair and want to help them take life’s worries and hustle down to a slower pace for an hour or two. Why is every one always in a hurry anyway? At a salon you can allow yourself to just SIT! I have been doing hair for nearly 14 years and while, yes, we make people feel great with a haircut, fabulous blow out or the perfect color placement, there is more. Much more.

Many of my guests request a weekday 5:15pm 45-minute appointment to relax, have a little conversation, a refreshed cut/style and be out the door with enough time to zip home and still make supper for the family.

But in reality, it can be a time for mom to wind down from her 8 to 5 desk job or for dad who has carpool to baseball practice. It’s a time when conversation can be steered to what’s going on in their lives—the good, the bad, or the life altering.

During these 14 years I have seen particular loyal guests monthly, year after year, trend after trend. Jean was one of these guests that I had for nearly my entire career thus far. A 70-year-old feisty pistol and I loved her bold enthusiasm. I loved how she spoke up and gave me solid advice, and the way she would talk to me about her multiple endeavors. At her age, she was someone who loved life and was always challenging herself; I wanted to have a life like that. Jean always had insight on anything I would share with her about my own life. I was a mere 20-something and I received advice on how to be independent, mend a broken heart, and

how regrets are just lessons in life. I would usually see her for a color and cut every 4 weeks for 2 hours. I saw her more than most of my family in a year!

It was during one of our last appointments and she said, “I have cancer.”

I had never encountered someone this close to me saying that awful word and I could feel my heart breaking. I didn’t realize how life-changing this was for me until she was gone.

She fought a courageous battle, but passed away shortly after her diagnosis. It has now been three years since I have heard her rusty harp of a voice and I wonder what she would think of my life now.

What wisdom or insight would she share since I have become a new mom and have taken on an additional business venture?

This is what I mean when I say it’s more than just hair. It’s about relationships. Just this one guest left an impression upon me.

Jean helped me to become independent and strong willed.

My fantastic salon team knows the expectations of the environment I envision in the salon and we continue to learn from our experiences with each other and from our guests.

And it’s our guests who impact us as much as we, in a variety of ways, impact them. That is the true reason of why we do what we do. It’s more than just hair.

Kim Daschner Dascch Salon, Mankato

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Money Talks

by Suze Orman Photo by R. Trachtenberg

Teach Your Children Well-Part 2: Instill the Pleasure of Saving You know your kids are sponges. So let me ask you a question: what lessons about saving are they absorbing from you?

I can’t overstress the importance of instilling an appreciation for saving.

I believe financial freedom is only achievable when you can derive the same pleasure from saving as you do from spending. Actually, saving should give you even more pleasure!

Yet too often saving is seen as some form of punishment, or akin to eating your least favorite vegetable. That not only shortchanges your financial future, it sends horrible messages to your kids. Here are some tips for teaching your kids to embrace savings. It’s up to you to decide when the lessons start; but certainly by age 8 or so any child is ready to learn: Create Three Buckets for Financial Gifts. If your child tends to receive money for birthdays and holidays, you need to create a system that respects the gift, but also imparts some saving discipline. My advice is to divide a gift into three buckets: Spending, Saving, Donating. The spending bucket is just that: your child can use that money for anything they want. And I do mean anything. No judging. The Saving bucket is for an age-appropriate goal. (More on this in the next section.) I also encourage you to make charitable donations a part of a child’s financial upbringing.

Set up Age-Appropriate Savings Goals.Asking a young child to tuck away all of their savings bucket for college can be a stretch: For an eight year old you are asking them to focus on a goal that is more years off than they have been alive. Consider creating two or more savings goal. One should be short-term: maybe tucking away money that they can spend on the next family vacation. This is how you begin to teach the importance of delayed gratification. It may sound crazy, but this learning will make it easier 10 or 15 years down the line for your child to appreciate the value of saving for retirement. It’s all connected by the same mindset.

Live It. Make it a point to show through example how much pleasure you get from saving. If you are at the stage where your kids help you pay the bills, make sure you also share the monthly statement for your emergency savings fund, and how that account makes you feel safe and secure. I also encourage parents of teenagers to discuss in specific terms how they are saving for retirement Explain how you have money automatically deducted from your paycheck—or you are automatically transferring from a bank account-and having deposited into a retirement account.

Offer a Savings Incentive. Consider offering a matching contribution for any savings goal a child is working toward. For example, if your 15-yearold is determined to be able to buy a used car, you might offer to match every dollar she saves with a 25 cent, or 50 cent, or dollar-for-dollar match.

It’s a form of parental encouragement that can help your child develop great savings habits. RVW

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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507-232-3502 Hours: M-F 8:00 - 5:30; Sat. 7:30 - 4:30 www.georgescitymeats.com

249242

600 N. German St. New Ulm

• Round table seating capacity approximately 250 • Wood stage with basic sound and lighting systems For information on bookings, contact:

Cheryl Kormann, Asst. Park & Rec. Dir.

507-359-8340

C

Helping Seniors Relocate!

mplete Relocation

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

Weddings & Banquets

014907

Let us host your function from 15-350 guests.

• Downsizing • Packing/Unpacking • New Home Set-Up

Golfnewulm.com nucc@newulmtel.net

Serving New Ulm and surrounding areas including: Hutchinson, St. Peter, Mankato, and Springfield

Jolene 507-920-8935 Sandy 320-583-6307 039531 www.completerelocationllc.com

507-354-8896

051637

Mayo Clinic care close to home 1-877-412-7575 (toll-free) mayoclinichealthsystem.org

030626

3.75”x2”

Compassionate Health Care Beauty ServiceS:

River Valley Woman Connections Section

(Provided in-studio and on-location)

051396

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

Now accepting new patients

038497

326 S. Minnesota Ave. Jennifer Neumann Suite 2E APRN, CNP, FNP-BC Family56082 Nurse Practitioner St. Peter, MN

pamelahernandezbeauty.com

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

Annette Perry

Advertising Representative 507-382-2287 annette.rvw@gmail.com rivervalleywoman.com

507.327.6312

What Next?

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Nothing is Important

Today, I did something amazing: Nothing. Nothing at all. Well in all fairness I’m writing this column, but besides that, I’ve committed myself to doing nada, zip, zilch.

It’s the most incredible high. So marvelous in fact that I just have to write about it. Which is OK, because I’m not writing about it because I have to. It’s not on a to-do list. I’m doing it because I just plain felt like it in this moment. I’m simply wandering through my day lackadaisically stumbling upon different events and engaging them as they cross my path.

So now that I think about it, as I ponder my day so far, I did stuff. But I didn’t do any of the things I “should” be doing. In fact every time I had the urge to do something that “needed to be done,” I purposely ignored it. When I do things to “get them done” I’m approaching them with the attitude of “getting it over with.” Hell, even enjoyable activities suck when you approach them that way.

Anyhow, here are some of the incredible “nothing things” I have ambled through today: I woke up. I brushed my teeth. I had coffee. I got hungry.

I ate. I watched my chickens walk around the yard. I noted the length of my grass and resisted the urge to mow (again, because it was a “should be doing” thing), and instead I read a book. I drove to an undisclosed retail location where I didn’t need to buy anything in particular and just

Show Your True Colors This Fall in a Toyota.

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

Laurie Danberry, Sales & Leasing

I have to tell you something: you are SO much more than the things you do. Stop hiding yourself from the world behind a mask of appointments and commitments. walked around. I played a lot of Pokémon Go. So basically, I’m only doing the things that pop up in my head as a “just because I feel like it” activity.

I just had the most exciting idea!

I’m gonna cuddle with my dog Zoe! Sometimes I forget we have a dog….

Doing unimportant things is so liberating. Arguably, based on the fact that this experience is so liberating for me, they are probably actually important things. But I’m going to ignore that reality for just a minute and stake a claim on this new territory I am navigating. Here we go, this is my epiphany: Nothing. Is. Important.

Busyness is like this badge we wear. It validates us to report to our spouses, families, and friends what we have done today. It’s a load of crap. Nothing that any of us do is all that important. If I was gone tomorrow, the world would keep turning without me. I realize that seems a little cruel to say, but coming to terms with that reality really frees up your mind to stop rushing and slogging through your everyday life. The activities you choose to spend your time on need not burden you. The things in my life that I “do to get over with” I should maybe postulate just plain not doing at all.

I have to tell you something: you are SO much more than the things you do. Stop hiding yourself from the world behind a mask of appointments and commitments. We get this one life, this one beautiful life to do… well, NOTHING, if we so choose. Incidentally, I like this sloth-like version of myself so much more than the busy one. I think other people in my life probably would too.

Do nothing. At least every so often. For one thing, it well help you vacation better. Otherwise you’ll just fill your opportunities for relaxation with meaningless activities and sightseeing because you don’t know how to shut off your busy mode. It’s a real discipline, this practice of doing nothing (I’m a little exhausted honestly, I’m probably going to need a nap before day’s end) but after today, I’m thinking it’s a pretty important one.

I’m not going to call it that though, otherwise I’ll turn “do nothing” into a to-do list task.

Also it would be hypocritical, because as previously stated: Nothing. Is. Important.

The dog doesn’t want to cuddle, she’s standing by the door asking to go outside. This is the most stressful thing I’ve had to endure all day, and that’s a pretty awesome thing.

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1234 Raintree Rd., Mankato Call 507-387-0443 lauriedanberry@heintztoyota.com www.heintztoyota.com

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

Come lay down Zoe! I don’t want to get off the couch. I’m busy doing nothing. RVW

by Lori Mathiowetz

Tidy Tightwads

Make School Mornings Less Stressful If the chaos of the morning has you wanting to climb back in bed once the kids are off to school, it’s time you made a few changes that will lead to less hectic and stressful mornings. After all, how you (and your kids) start the day has a direct impact on how the rest of the day will go.

Step 4- Shut off the television in the morning or turn it to “boring news”.

Cartoons and kid shows will not help your mornings go easier. Kids need to focus and you don’t want to be trying to talk over noise or compete for their attention.

There are some really easy things you can do to change the course of school mornings, and they revolve around decluttering, organization, and time management, which is probably no big surprise to you. We know your time and energy is limited and the suggestions presented here are not meant to be complex. If you can’t handle more than one change at a time, then do these steps incrementally.

Step 5- Give yourself a 30 minute head start. Whether you use your time to have a cup of coffee or review the day ahead, giving yourself a half hour before the rest of the house is up will help you stay calm and feel more organized. You’re less likely to pass anxiety along to your kids which will help them move throughout the morning easier and happier.

Step 1- Declutter! If you have 25 pairs of shoes in the closet or on the front rug, it not only takes time to sort through and find the right pair, but it can seem overwhelming to younger children or those who have trouble making decisions. If you can limit to one pair appropriate for the season, great. If not, try two choices. Put the rest away. The same goes for sweatshirts and jackets.

Step 2- Create a dedicated space for backpacks! Nobody, including you, wants to spend time each morning hunting for backpacks and items that need to get out the door. Whether it’s a hook by the back door, a bench, a shelf or a closet, create a consistent space for kids to place their belongings. Help them get into the new habit by consistently placing their backpacks in the new spot for them the first week or so and then use gentle reminders for them to take over.

Step 3- Communication place. Whether you use file bins, a basket, or magnets on the frig, designate a place for papers coming home that kids need parents to read, sign, and send back.

Step 6- Plan breakfast in advance. Ever wonder how kids can ask, “What do we have to eat” every morning, as if it changes that drastically from one day to the next? If your kids need a list, picture chart or special bin in the cupboard or frig for quick reference, then create one weekly. Buy or make easy items that are quick to pull out of the freezer or frig. Pre-made breakfast sandwiches and burritos work well in the freezer, and bagels, cream cheese, fruit, and yogurt are healthy and simple to pull out of the frig. Granola bars, peanut butter, cereal, and oatmeal are good in the cupboard, but don’t make kids hunt for them or have to ask you where to find them. Create a shelf dedicated to “breakfast on the go” in your frig, freezer, and/or cupboard.

Here’s to a wonderful 2016-17 school year! Be sure to watch the Tidy Tightwads Facebook page for more tips throughout the school year aimed at helping you stay organized and stress-free.

RVW

Home H

by Cindy Haugland, tidytightwads.com

SaleS Service PartS

Fresh & Fun Styles for Your Home Service Hours: Mondays 8am-8pm, Tuesday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Hwy 15 South New Ulm, MN 56073 507-233-8810 800-967-3390 Service@JensenMotors.com JensenMotors.com

Featuring : Southern Motion, Ashley, Marshfield & Best Chair Furniture. Shaw, Mohawk & Congoleum Floorcovering. Englander & Corsicana Bedding.

Hayden’s Furniture & Floorcovering We sell quality for less. Just ask your neighbor.

507-723-5415

haydenfurnitureandfloorcovering.com

14 East Central Springfield, MN 56087

Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-3; Evenings by appt.

051592

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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.

Bakery Fresh Cookies are available in 15 different varieties: Chocolate Chip, Monster, M&M, Homestyle Brownie, Homestyle Brownie with M&M, Homestyle Brownie with Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Sugar, Snickerdoodle, English Toffee, and Molasses.

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

Log Cabin Lamps make a unique Christmas gift. Order now to get your lamp by the holidays!

Handcrafted with pride in the USA. Covered Bridge Furniture 500 Raintree Rd., Mankato, MN 507-380-3843 CoveredBridgeFurniture.com

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

Beautifully unique fall blooms are in at A to Zinnia. Give us a call to order a one-of-a-kind autumn arrangement.

Celebrate the season with gorgeous fresh flowers!

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

Multi-Use Fall Scarves A chill in the air calls for a scarf to snuggle. These colorful scarves also make great stadium blankets. Multiuse and so pretty! Shop in store online! generationsboutiquemn.com Generations Boutique 326 South Minnesota Avenue St. Peter, Minnesota 507.934.7407

Be Embraced by Casual Luxury!

18 karat gold diamond bangle bracelets handmade in Italy perfect for day or night.

Luxury you can afford.

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

Set the mood... with flameless LED candles in a variety of colors. Romantic, playful, festive or fallish, you decide, it's all here at your destination location for all things home.

Nordaas Home Furnishings & Decor 10091 State Hwy. 22 Minnesota Lake, MN 56068 800-658-7076 nordaashomes.com

Aisles Online It’s easy to shop for your groceries online.

Pick them up or have them delivered to your home. Shop the way you want to shop.

From anywhere, at any time. www.hy-vee.com/grocery Hy-Vee Hilltop 2010 Adams St., Mankato, MN 507.625.9070 Hy-Vee Riverfront 410 S. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, MN 507.625.1107

PAMPER YOUR SKIN with body lotions and shea butter soap in foaming pumps and deluxe bars. Made in England by Michel Design Works, these beautifully packaged products come in many wonderful fragrances. Honey Almond is featured here.

LAMBRECHTS 119 North Minnesota Street New Ulm, MN 56073 507-233-4350

This isn't your Grandfather's Recliner The rules have changed. Recliners are now streamlined and attractive, not big and frumpy. Choose from a huge LaZBoy selection of styles, materials and colors that allow all the comfort of a recliner while adding to the beautiful aesthetics of your home.

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

Always time for style!

It's high time you added a bit of European flair to your home decor.

Old fashioned style plus modern technology equals 'round the clock on-trend look for your home. Rope hanger adds an unexpected twist.

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

Barrow Jewelry Barrow is a hand-made porcelain jewelry line from Portland, OR. They avoid methods of mass production to ensure subtle changes from piece to piece. The process of making is what inspires their collections.

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

Come and shop our one-of-a-kind quality furniture and accents at Interiors Home Furnishings in Mankato. We carry the latest trends and modern comforts to help furnish your home with elegance and warmth this autumn. Complimentary Interior Design service always available!

Interiors Home Furnishings Mon-Fri: 10am – 8pm Sat: 10am – 6pm Sun: 12pm – 5pm 482 Raintree Road, Mankato Next to Rooms and Rest www.interiorsmn.com

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

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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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

Room of your Dreams Choose from thousands of fabrics from Select Masterpieces™ and we’ll help you create the room of your dreams. Call Blinds & More Interior Design Group to schedule your consultation today.

Blinds & More 424 Belgrade Ave North Mankato, MN 56003 507-380-5019 blinds-more.com

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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

3D Glasses While using our glasses, you feel as if you are looking through a window where the action is taking place on the other side.

This is a definite enhancement of the 3D effect that you cannot achieve without the glasses. Our prices are modest compared to the purchase price of a 3D TV and accompanying glasses.

Arinsco Optics 4524 SE 16th Place, Ste 4 Cape Coral, FL 33904 239-257-2312 www.arinscooptics.com

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call 507.227.2545 or email weisnatasha@gmail.com

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Antiques

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It’s so much fun to discover a new look for your home with something old!Vintage furniture, collectibles, toys, artwork and more await when you take a road trip through the river valley and surrounding areas.

Make a day of it with your friends... you never know what you might find!

4 5 6

3 7 50+ Dealers - Antiques Collectables - Vintage

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122 Main St. Hutchinson, MN Open 7 Days a Week

Antiques 5 Plus

25+ dealers!

kitchenware • glassware • furniture, • breweriana pottery • crockery • linens • lighting, pictures manuals • cookbooks • magazines • toys jewelry & much more at great prices!

28 N. Minnesota St. New Ulm 507.359.1090 antiquesplusnewulm.com

320-587-6305

The Treasure Shed —Antiques—

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1170 A Highway 7 East Hutchinson, MN 55350

Open 7 Days a Week! 320-587-7770

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Blacks Antiques And Things & Used Furniture Warehouse 507-834-6529 Open Mon.-Sat. 8:30-5:00 & Sun. 10:00-5:00

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507.217.1667 Vintage, antique or unique pieces of furniture & home decor & Fusion Paint to inspire your creative projects!

See us in the Mankato Vintage Market,1630 N Riverfront Drive, Mankato, open the 2nd Thrs,Fri & Sat of each month.

Relovefurnituremarket.com

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An occasional retail store specializing in antique, industrial, vintage, and handmade furnishings, accessories, and artwork.

926 1st Ave. Gibbon MN 55335

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

417 1st St. S New Ulm, MN 56073

Broad Street 7 Antiques 1434 Broad St., Mankato 507-291-5528

Open Wed.-Sat. 11am-5pm & Sun. 12-4pm

Nana’s Unforgettable Treasures Vintage, Retro, & antiques as well as 8 re-purposed items.

36 MAIN ST. HUTCHINSON, MN 55350

763.221.3845

Much in Hutch!

Photos provided by members of the Hutchinson Photography Club.

Our neighbor to the north has a small-city vibe with an amazing downtown full of eclectic shops, restaurants, and a river running through it!

Hutchinson boasts many community events in the fall including the City-Wide Garage Sale, Love Your City, Fall Festival Social, various organization’s fall festivals, Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival, Luce Line Lace Up and music and historical events.

Visitors can explore and enjoy this day-trip destination and discover it’s over 30-parks and recreation areas including the Luce Line State Trail that follows the Crow River. Arts and historical experiences also greet you. Walk the Sculpture Stroll, take in a theatre performance or visit a gallery.

Like they say, there is “Much in Hutch!”

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Best Burgers Around!

903 MN 15, Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-0990 www.hammysburgersmn.com

Fashion, handbags & accessories 21 Main St. N. Downtown Hutchinson 320-234-3708 www.lillianshutch.com FB: Lillians of Hutchinson hours: Wed & Thurs 10-6, Fri 10-5, sat 10-3

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Love where you shop!

Hammy’s specializes in high quality hamburgers, fries, “fair style” cheese curds, hot dogs, and great daily specials.

Share our love of quilting & browse our 4000+ bolts of fabric in our beautiful historic building.

Meet Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts!

Wed., Sept. 28 - 6:30 p.m. Cost: $35, includes Bed Turning, music by The Basics & appetizers starting at 5 p.m. Held at the Crow River Golf Club, 915 Colorado St NW, Hutchinson, MN Call Quilt Haven on Main to register.

7 North Main St., Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-8341 or 888-843-8215 051500

quilthavenonmain.com Hours: Mon 10-7pm, Tues-Sat 10-5pm

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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Luxury

5 Ways to Add

to Your Laundry Room Updating your laundry room with a distinctive design and increased functionality can be one of the most exciting ways to refresh your home. Chic decor and elements of personal style can transform a dull, tired space into a luxurious retreat you may find yourself sneaking off to.

Use these five tips to breathe new life into a room that is often forgotten.

Set the tone with color and texture. Start with sleek quartz or concrete countertops and add a trendy, colorful backsplash to break the mold of monotonous counter spaces and blank white walls. Tile backsplashes are always a safe bet, however, consider venturing outside your comfort zone with reflective surfaces or sleek stone materials.

Continue the look with elegant slip-resistant stone or tile flooring and a plush area rug for added comfort and depth.

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

Let there be light. Since laundry rooms of the past often occupied dark, windowless spaces, adding glamorous ceiling lighting is a must. Add a chandelier as the centerpiece and flank it with recessed lighting to brighten the room.

Focus on fabric care. Center your design around appliances that not only deliver on style and technology, but deeply clean and care for your clothes like the Electrolux Washer with SmartBoost and Dryer with Instant Refresh. To ensure your favorite pieces look impeccable wash after wash, SmartBoost technology premixes water and detergent before it even hits your clothes, maximizing the cleaning power of the detergent. Not to mention, the pair has a 15-minute fast wash and a 15-minute fast dry so you can freshen up your outfit for a night out in just half an hour.

Play with patterns. Incorporating on-trend patterns, like chevron or an ombre color fade, into decor and accessories can get the creativity and fashion inspiration flowing.

Consider the juxtaposition of multiple patterns along with a few pops of color to bring life and style to the room’s design.

Beautiful Homes Begin at Wise Furniture.

For more laundry room inspiration and solutions from Electrolux, visit electroluxappliances.com.

AppliAnces - Flooring - Furniture tVs - Accessories & More

Wise Furniture Company 106 Ferry St, Le Sueur, MN 56058 507-665-2238 Hours: MTWF 8-5:30; Thursday 8-7; Saturday 9-4; Sunday Closed

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Reconsider the location. Looking to achieve the laundry space of your dreams? Consider moving the washer and dryer into a walk-in closet. Aside from the stylishness of combining your laundry room and master closet, having the laundry near where you get dressed is also convenient. Just make sure your machines fit in your unconventional space. With reversible doors and the ability to stack the units, Electrolux laundry pairs are designed to fit seamlessly into more spaces in the home. RV W

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

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Kitchen Remodel – noRth manKato, mn cabinetRy and millwoRK – Plato woodwoRK, inc.

051399

Bathrooms Worth Bragging About

219 S Victory Dr | Mankato 507 | 345 | 7009 ipaf@hickorytech.net independentpaintandflooring.com

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RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

Hours: Tue & Wed & Fri | 9 am to 6 pm Mon & Thu | 9 am to 7 pm Saturday | 9 am to 4 pm

037300

8 Household Items You May Need To Replace There are items in your home that you know to replace on a regular basis, such as a toothbrush, air conditioner filter or water heater. There are also things in your home that you may not replace until they are worn out, when in fact, most household items also have a shelf life that should be adhered to for efficiency, safety and health reasons.

Here are eight household items that could need replaced: Refrigerator According to “Good Housekeeping,” there are several signs your fridge is going from running to walking. If it no longer cools to below 40 F or is more than 15 years old, it’s time to check out the appliance aisle. You could consider getting it repaired, but first weigh the cost savings of investing in a new one versus paying for potentially recurring repairs. A general rule of thumb: pay for repairs only if the cost is less than half the price of a new refrigerator.

sucking up dirt and dust, it’s time for a new one.

Microwave Generally, microwaves last 10-12 years, but it varies based on the amount of use. Some internal issues that often arise include longer than normal time to properly cook food or worn out gaskets inside the door. However, some outward ways to tell it might be time for a new one, include the keypad sticking or it sounding like a lawnmower when warming up food.

Toaster

Smoke Detector The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing your hard-wired smoke detectors at least once a month and replacing the batteries yearly. A chirping sound is an indicator that it could be time to replace the unit altogether.

To get the most out of your household essentials, make sure you replace them regularly. RV W Photo courtesy of Getty Images

While any household appliance can be a hazard, toasters are particularly temperamental as they get older. If a toaster isn’t cleaned regularly, leftover crumbs inside have the potential to catch fire . Six to eight years is the recommended maximum amount of time you should wait before replacing your toaster.

Davis Wealth Management

Mattress According to a Mattress Firm and Oklahoma State University study, mattresses more than eight years old contain large amounts of fungus and bacteria, which can increase allergy and asthma symptoms. An old mattress can also contribute to aches and pains in your neck, back and shoulders. While there are some proactive measures you can take, such as using a mattress protector, it is best to replace your mattress every eight years to ensure you’re getting a great night’s sleep.

Washer/Dryer If your washer is more than 10 years old, it may be close to its last spin cycle. Dryers generally follow the same shelf life. These items are often expensive to fix, plus by upgrading to an energy efficient model, you save money in the long run by reducing your energy bills.

Vacuum While the EPA suggests replacing your vacuum cleaner every five to eight years, people tend to replace them more frequently. Replace belts, bags and filters as recommended by the manufacturer to extend the life of your machine, but once it won’t start or is no longer

Providing Solutions To Help You Meet Your Goal!

• Wealth Management • Retirement Planning • College Planning • Multi-Generational Planning

2013-01-09-01.plt 1/10/2013 10:37:14 AM

Scale: 1:4.40 Height: 37.921 Length: 22.007 in

507.344.1076

brad.davis@natplan.com derrick.davis@natplan.com Securities and advisory services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC). Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

Davis Wealth Management and NPC are separate and unrelated companies.

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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Pillows Between makeup, dirt, hair products, dust and sweat, your pillow collects debris – just like your mattress – that can affect your sleep.

While proper care of your pillows, including washing every two weeks, can help keep this problem in check, it is best to replace pillows every 18 months to two years.

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Good TASTE There’s an Apple for That!

If you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle and wondered what apple to select among the many varieties available, you’re not alone. Apple varieties can differ greatly when it comes to taste, texture, cooking and storage properties, making it important to make the right choice to get the best results for your recipe or pairing.

At appleforthat.com, visitors can type in what they plan to cook – from broad categories such as salads, smoothies and snacks, down to specific recipes, such as pink applesauce, fritters, candy-coated snacks and more. The website provides information on the perfect apple to use, plus suggests recipes and further information – like tips, health benefits and insights on storage and cooking – helping make the decision easy, no matter what you’re making.

Using the right apple can make or break your recipe. For example, some of the best baking apples are Granny Smith and Pink Lady because these apples hold up particularly well under high heat, retaining a firmer texture. Using a good baking apple is what brings that delicious, subtle crunch to pie and other pastry delights, versus a mushy filling. The special Pinata apple

by Stemilt Growers is particularly well suited for baking, as it holds up to heat and boasts classic apple flavor with a tropical twist.

For everyday fruit platters, snacks and appetizers featuring fresh, sliced or chopped apples, Honeycrisp is a fantastic option because of its incredible fracturing crunch and a refreshing sweetness similar to fresh apple cider. For whipping up a classic chicken salad, try Fuji or Golden Delicious apples,

which are among the sweetest around – the extra sweetness contrasts with the savory ingredients for a more complex flavor. These apples are also ideal for applesauce due to their soft textures.

For more heart-healthy recipes loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber, such as this easy, two-minute version of a traditional apple tart, which uses Pink Lady apples, visit appleforthat.com. RV W

Two-Minute Apple Tart Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 8 1 refrigerated ready-to-use pie crust 1 pound apples, cored and sliced 2 tablespoons cold butter 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon Heat oven to 425 F. Remove pie crust from refrigerator and warm to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes. Unroll crust and place it on large baking sheet. Arrange sliced apples on crust, leaving about two inches of space around edge.

Chop cold butter into small bits and scatter over apples. Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over apples. Fold two-inch section of open pie crust over apples – this will not cover apples, but contain them inside crust.

Bake 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown and apples are just soft.

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Courage.

Being the director of a mental health center, I observe courage every day when people walk into our clinics willing to share their story and do the work to change their lives and the lives of others around them.

Many health care workers see courage demonstrated by adults and children going into surgery or facing serious medical conditions with a brave face despite their fear. How do they do it?

These observations and the events of the past few weeks, have prompted me to ask myself the question, “what makes some people brave or courageous? How do we define courage?

One of my favorite quotes which I have framed and sitting on my desk is this quote by Mary Anne Radmacher: Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”

Being courageous doesn’t always present itself in big ways, sometimes the events of everyday life require the demonstration of courage. Have you ever had to confront someone you work with about an issue or give a speech or stand up for your beliefs regarding religion or politics? These are all examples of courage and moving forward despite your fear. Courage is being afraid but doing something anyway.

Can we teach ourselves to be more courageous? I think so. Think about or make a list of things that you would like to do but that fear has prevented you from doing. Pick something that you really want to do from your list.

For me, riding a horse is on my list. I have never ridden a horse and have always wanted to, but horses are big, fast, and I fear that I will fall off. But it is still something that I want to do. So maybe I can first find a place that will let me see the horse and pet the horse and become a little more comfortable with the animal. Then maybe I could sit on the horse within an enclosed area so I don’t have to worry that the horse will run away with me. Then I might ride the horse around the corral with someone holding the reins or telling me what to do. Will I still be scared? Yes, most definitely but I might be able to face my fear in small increments at a time.

Most articles in the literature agree that courage can be divided into two major components: physical courage and psychological or moral courage.

Physical Courage is defined as taking some action that may result in physical discomfort, pain, or possibly even death. Police officers, firefighters and other first responders who put their lives on the line for others demonstrate physical courage every time they put on the uniform.

We heard about the individuals who put themselves at greater risk in Orlando during the nightclub shooting by helping their friends and even strangers escape the building. They could have simply run out and saved themselves. What made them help others? Courage.

Psychological courage (moral courage) can be defined as taking action despite what others may think. Standing up for something that you feel is right or for someone else is an example of moral courage.

We see kids in schools standing up to bullies, even if they are the one not being bullied. Their behavior takes great courage.

Often moral courage and physical courage go hand in hand. Civil rights activist Martin Luther King demonstrated courage in the 1950’s and 1960’s despite others’ opinions and physical threats against him.

Soldiers who fight for our country do it to protect our freedom and rights while placing themselves in harm’s way.

Sometimes breaking down an event or activity that we are afraid of into smaller steps helps us face our fear and do it anyway. Another example is giving a speech or presentation. If you are afraid of speaking in public but you have to give a talk to a group. Go to the place you are giving the speech ahead of time, get familiar with the place. Where is the podium and microphone? How large a crowd might fit into the seating area? Ask the sponsor of the event how many people are they expecting to be at the event. Practice your speech ahead of time. Choose words that you are comfortable saying instead of words that don’t sound like you or your message.

For others, just moving ahead quickly is a better approach. Take a deep breath and just jump off the bridge with a bungee cord attached around your waist! If you are skydiving you probably won’t have time to take the activity in increments. But you can mentally prepare ahead of time by imagining the event or activity.

Every individual has the capacity to be brave and demonstrate courage. We can be courageous in our everyday life, during special activities or even when our safety depends on it. We can be courageous in helping friends and families and even strangers. If you open up your mind to the idea and potential for courage, you might find all kinds of opportunities. You might find that you are indeed a courageous person.

Catherine Job MA, MBA, LPC Executive Director Sioux Trails Mental Health Center

RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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Tips to Beat Wardrobe Wars While Back-to-School Shopping It’s no secret that kids have strong opinions when it comes to style and that their tastes are always evolving. With 38 percent of parents spending between $100 to $249 per child on back-to-school clothing, according to statistics from online retailer zulily, parents and kids alike should feel confident in their purchases.

“It’s never a good feeling to buy your child new clothes, only to find a favorite color, pattern or style has changed,” says Shawn Redman, senior buyer and kids’ fashion expert for zulily.com. “This back-to-

create an accurate checklist of needed items. Then, look for the best deals to help you stay within budget. Online retailers like zulily.com can be a go-to destination to discover great deals on back-to-school shopping, including a variety of shoes, apparel, accessories and school supplies. Daily, the site features a new assortment of unique looks at great prices.

To help parents shop for kids, zulily is offering key survey findings from kids ages five to 12, in its inaugural “Kids’ Trend Report.”

• Girls go against gender norms while embracing the combination of comfort and style, with their top look being athletic (40 percent), followed by boho (33 percent). Boys, however, are looking to a more adult-influenced approach for fashion inspiration, preferring city chic (48 percent) and preppy (33 percent) for their back-to-school wardrobe.

• The classic, yet cool, color of blue is the top choice among all kids (26 percent). However, for girls, pink (29 percent) and purple (25 percent) reign supreme. Boys still prefer blue (42 percent), with red (15 percent) and black (12 percent) coming in as second and third choices.

“The back-to-school season is a perfect opportunity to inspire kids to express their individuality and boost their confidence” school season, our ‘Kids’ Trend Report’ uncovered that now, more than ever, it’s important to involve kids in the shopping process to lessen potential power struggles and inspire smiles on the first day of school.”

Redman recommends planning ahead to avoid stress. Start by cleaning out your kids’ closets so you can see what still fits and

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• Sorry Mom, girls say you are not their number one style icon. While many moms use their own style as the main source of inspiration when shopping for their kids (38 percent), girls are more likely to turn to friends (41 percent) first for inspiration, then to Mom (26 percent), followed closely by television (22 percent). Boys continue to go with the flow and frequently turn to parents for style inspiration first (38 percent), followed closely by friends (34 percent), with television being the smallest source of their style inspiration (14 percent).

• Style inspiration isn’t the only thing moms and daughters may not see eye-to-eye on, with 36 percent of moms admitting to disagreeing on clothing choices with their daughters. To beat the wardrobe wars, a majority of moms (58 percent) recommend giving their children choices and letting them ultimately pick their own outfits.

“The back-to-school season is a perfect opportunity to inspire kids to express their individuality and boost their confidence,” says Redman. RV W Source: StatePoint

Lots of life left in senior pets Every day, in shelters all across the country, senior animals are passed over by prospective pet owners. Why? Some people are looking for the energy of a new puppy or feel older dogs offer families too little time.

But the truth is, providing a new home for an older animal may bring you a level of companionship you never imagined.

“Any shelter worker will tell you, puppies and kittens get adopted first and older shelter pets have a higher likelihood of being euthanized,” says Andrea Arden, a dog trainer who’s been featured on Animal Planet and the Today Show, and spokeswoman for Tractor Supply Company’s Pet Appreciation Week. “But if you’re considering adoption, there are great reasons to choose a more mature pet.”

Older animals can be just as cute and lovable as their younger counterparts. In fact, they often come with many wonderful qualities that take years to develop in younger animals.

Here are a few benefits to consider as you’re looking for a forever friend: Saving a life It’s no secret that senior pets are at a disadvantage in shelters. Not only do they have a lower likelihood of adoption, they are also more prone to depression and confusion as a result of their new environment. Consider how they got there; more often than not, a senior animal ends up in a shelter due to owner surrender. It could be an older owner’s declining health, an unforeseen move or a sudden change in financial situation. Still, these are wonderful, loving animals that simply had no place to go. By choosing to adopt a senior pet, you’re providing a second chance at life and, with that, can come a lot of fulfillment.

Say so long to training Lucky for you, the majority of senior animals have already learned the fundamentals - everything from toilet training to various commands to leash walking. Not having to spend weeks and weeks on training can be a valuable perk of adopting a senior pet.

Age is but a number However, should you want to teach an older dog a new trick, you’re in luck. Animals can be trained at any age; in fact, more mature animals may have a longer attention span, so you may actually find it easier to teach your senior pet something new.

What you see is what you get Adopting an older pet means its size and temperament are established, increasing your chance of finding the perfect companion for your household. Have a cat? No problem,

many senior dogs have already lived in a home with felines.

Lots of love, less destruction Senior pets are typically well past the search-and-destroy phase, minimizing the possibility of unwanted accidents and bad behavior.

Something for everyone The mellow disposition of a senior animal makes them a great companion for people of all ages. Their lower energy level is often a perfect fit for the elderly, while their calm presence can be great for families with children.

Wonderful years ahead Arden urges pet parents not to let the shorter lifespan of an older pet keep you from adopting one. Depending on the breed, a dog of 7 or 8 years may have at least as many good years left ahead, and most breeds of domestic cats can easily live to be 15 or older. It’s also important to note that while veterinary attention and medication are needed for animals of all ages, old age doesn’t necessarily mean higher costs.

“You wouldn’t avoid making a human friendship just because the new person in your life is mature,” Arden says. “When you adopt an older animal, you can still have plenty of time to enjoy their companionship.

Because they’re older, you’ll be inspired to make every moment with them as loving and rewarding as possible.”

Preparing for senior pets Good nutrition and regular veterinary checkups are important for all pets, especially seniors. Look for a specialized food, such as 4health Premium Pet Food, to ensure your pet is receiving the vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy. You can also find walk-in PetVet Clinics at Tractor Supply stores where you can save as much as 70 percent off the cost of yearly vaccinations, microchipping and other preventative treatment options.

Supporting the cause Finding a senior pet that’s right for your family is easier than you might think. During the week of Sept. 14-18, many of Tractor Supply’s 1,500 stores across the country will host Pet Appreciation Week where they will feature on-site pet adoption events with community shelters and rescues, some offering senior pets. The main event on Saturday, Sept. 17, will also feature prizes, giveaways and demonstrations on pet nutrition. Check with your local Tractor Supply store to get more details on the Pet Appreciation Week events happening near you. RV W RIVER VALLEY woman | september • 2016

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Good Reads

Rebels at the Bar: The Fascinating, Forgotten Stories of America’s First Women Lawyers

by Jill Norgren In Rebels at the Bar, prize-winning legal historian Jill Norgren recounts the life stories of a small group of nineteenth century women who were among the first female attorneys in the United States.

Beginning in the late 1860s, these determined rebels pursued the radical ambition of entering the then all-male profession of law. They were motivated by a love of learning. They believed in fair play and equal opportunity. They desired recognition as professionals and the ability to earn a good living.

Through a biographical approach, Norgren presents the common struggles of eight women, first to train and to qualify as attorneys, then to practice their hard-won professional privilege. Their story is one of nerve, frustration, and courage. This first generation practiced civil and criminal law, solo and in partnership. The women wrote extensively and lobbied on the major issues of the day, but the professional opportunities open to them had limits. They never had the opportunity to wear the black robes of a judge. They were refused entry into the lucrative practices of corporate and railroad law.

Although male lawyers filled legislatures and the Foreign Service, presidents refused to appoint these early women lawyers to diplomatic offices and the public refused to elect them to legislatures. Rebels at the Bar expands our understanding of both women’s rights and the history of the legal profession in the nineteenth century.

It focuses on the female renegades who trained in law and then, like men, fought considerable odds to create successful professional lives. In this engaging and beautifully written book, Norgren shares her subjects’ faith in the art of the possible. In so doing, she ensures their place in history.

It’s Harder in Heels: Essays about Women Lawyers Achieving Work-Life Balance

by Jacquelyn H. Slotkin It’s Harder in Heels contains essays by and about women lawyers: stories about women practicing (or choosing not to practice) law, about hitting the glass ceiling, about amazing lawyer-mentors, about professional achievements, about personal and professional hardships, about the stress of juggling multiple roles, about meeting the demands of work and family, about being Superwoman, and about hitting the maternal wall. The essays describe women’s satisfactions and their struggles.

While it may be “harder in heels,” the essays are inspiring, observant, introspective, insightful, and wise. Even though the stories revolve around women trained to be lawyers, their stories are relevant to life outside the legal profession and will be lessons for all women professionals. RVW Source: Barnes & Noble

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Does your child need specialized care?

When certain health issues arise, a medical specialist is often the best option to help manage your child’s care. That’s why Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato offers an array of pediatric and adolescent specialty services, including: • Allergy

• Gastroenterology

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Health

• Cardiology

• General Surgery

• Neurology

• Clinical Nutrition

• Infectious Diseases

• Urology

• Ear, Nose and Throat

• Orthopedics

Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato 1025 Marsh St. | mayoclinichealthsystem.org

Call 1-877-412-7575 (toll-free) to schedule an appointment.

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